Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 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[New features from Ford: Remote start and heated steering wheel]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/new-features-from-ford-remote-start-and-heated-steering-wheel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/new-features-from-ford-remote-start-and-heated-steering-wheel/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/new-features-from-ford-remote-start-and-heated-steering-wheel/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Good news, Ford fans: The Blue Oval will be adding remote start and heated steering wheels to its line of cars and trucks. The remote start option will make its first appearance on the 2011 F-Series Super Duty pickup truck while the heated tiller will initially be fitted to the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

Following those two launches, the automaker promises that both items will infiltrate the rest of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineups in a jiffy. While it's been possible to have an aftermarket remote start system installed on any new car or truck for quite some time (including a dealer-installed option from Ford), JD Power reports that 90 percent of all purchasers would prefer a factory option, which makes perfect sense to us, particularly since Ford's system will be integrated with the heating and cooling systems to bring the cabin to a comfortable temperature regardless of the weather outside.

Ford predicts that the remote start system will help the vehicle's exhaust catalyst heat up more quickly, thereby reducing hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 75 percent. Further, the automaker suggests that a heated steering wheel will increase dexterity in the fingers and hands and reduce the need to wear gloves while driving in the winter. Want to know more? Use those nice and toasty digits to hit the jump for the press release.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading New features from Ford: Remote start and heated steering wheel

New features from Ford: Remote start and heated steering wheel originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordford heated steering wheelford remote startFordHeatedSteeringWheelFordRemoteStartheated steering wheelHeatedSteeringWheellincolnlincoln heated steering wheellincoln remote startLincolnHeatedSteeringWheelLincolnRemoteStartmercurymercury heated steering wheelmercury remote startMercuryHeatedSteeringWheelMercuryRemoteStartremote startRemoteStart Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:57:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealers being scaled out of existence]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/report-stand-alone-lincoln-mercury-dealers-dying-off/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



In 2006, Ford began to shrink its dealership network in order to more efficiently align its distribution network. Three years later, it appears that the hardest hit are the company's stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships. While there were 619 Lincoln-Mercury dealerships nationwide just a few years ago, the number had dwindled down to just 357 at the beginning of 2009.

Automotive News recently spoke with Ford CEO Alan Mulally about the future of the Lincoln brand and its stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury stores. While Ford's current strategy is pushing combo Ford-Lincoln-Mercury retailers, Mulally would not confirm that eliminating the stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealerships was the desired end result. When pushed on the question, Mulally reiterated that Ford was focusing on building a distribution network which allowed sales volume, product breadth, and profitability... qualities that are apparently better served by the Ford-Lincoln-Mercury store.

Mulally added that although these combo dealerships will be selling the Lincoln MKS on the same lot as the Ford Taurus (both vehicles share platforms and mechanicals), retailers will learn how to deliver the sales experience that fits the vehicle and differentiates the brand. Whether this concept works or whether car salesmen simply take the easy route and sell the less expensive Ford remains to be seen.

Either way, it has to be asked - is peeling away at the automaker's stand-alone LM dealers part of a larger plan to do away with Mercury altogether? Inquiring minds want to know...

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Stephen Brashear/Getty]

REPORT: Stand-alone Lincoln-Mercury dealers being scaled out of existence originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alan mulallyAlanMulallycar dealercar dealerscar showroomCarDealerCarDealersCarShowroomCombinationConsolidationDealershipsDualFordFord dealershipsford mercuryFord-Lincoln-MercuryFordDealershipsFordMercurylincolnLincoln-Mercurlincoln-mercuryMercurymulallyMullallyshowroom Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Monterey 2009: Nick Alexander Woodie Collection nets $7 million]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/monterey-2009-nick-alexander-woodie-collection-nets-7-mil/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/monterey-2009-nick-alexander-woodie-collection-nets-7-mil/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/14/monterey-2009-nick-alexander-woodie-collection-nets-7-mil/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Nick Alexander Woodie Collection - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looks like the economy might be doing okay after all. The massive Nick Alexander Woodie Collection brought a combined $7 million to kick off the week's auctions in Monterey. One of the most extensive collections of Ford and Mercury Woodies in the world, Alexander's collection was auctioned off by RM Auctions on Thursday night in Monterey. Top seller was a gorgeous 1946 Mercury Sportsman Convertible (above) that went across the block and sold at $368,500.

Other highlights included a super rare 1948 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible that went for "just" $275,000, and an awesome, all-wheel-drive 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Station Wagon that brought $247,500. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be going to support the Midland School in Santa Barbara, California. There's a full press release after the jump and full results at the RM website.


Gallery: Nick Alexander Woodie Collection


[Source: RM Auctions]

Continue reading Monterey 2009: Nick Alexander Woodie Collection nets $7 million

Monterey 2009: Nick Alexander Woodie Collection nets $7 million originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> montereymonterey 2009Monterey2009Nick Alexandernick alexander woodie collectionNickAlexanderNickAlexanderWoodieCollectionpebblepebble beachpebble beach 2009PebbleBeachPebbleBeach2009rm auctionrm auctionsRmAuctionRmAuctionswoodiewoodies Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[The Streak Is Broken! Ford posts first sales gain in 19 months]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/the-streak-is-broken-ford-posts-first-sales-gain-in-19-months/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/the-streak-is-broken-ford-posts-first-sales-gain-in-19-months/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/03/the-streak-is-broken-ford-posts-first-sales-gain-in-19-months/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



We'll publish our By the Numbers feature detailing sales results for every brand and automaker in the U.S. later today, but we just had to tell you the news: Ford Motor Company has just reported a 2.3% sales gain for July 2009 versus the same month last year. Why is that a big deal? For one, FoMoCo, General Motors and Chrysler LLC have been on a streak of monthly sales losses going all the way back to January 2008 when GM posted a 2.1% gain. The last time Chrysler reported positive numbers was December 2007 with a meager 1.0% improvement. Ford has gone the longest - 19 months - without reporting a sales gain, its last one being razor thin at 0.4% all the way back in November 2007.

And to what can we attribute Ford's positive performance in July 2009? A number of things, including a fresh lineup of vehicles, new hybrids, positive press and, of course, a little bit of help from the Cash for Clunkers program. Not all can be credited to CFC just yet, though, as dealers only actively started accepting trade-ins at the end of the month. Nevertheless, Ford's entire portfolio of brands reported gains except for Lincoln, which was down 24.3%. The Ford brand was up 2.9%, Mercury gained 6.6% and even Volvo erupted with a 25.7% sales gain.

Of individual models, the 2010 Escape made the biggest sales gain selling 20,241 units, a 94.2% improvement versus July 2008. The new 2010 Fusion also did well, selling 17,610 units for a 66.0% jump in sales. Even the Focus improved selling 21,830 units for a 43.6% gain.

Click here (PDF download) to view Ford Motor Company's complete sales performance for July 2009, and keep your eyes open for our industry-wide By the Numbers report later today.

[Source: Ford | Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images]

Continue reading The Streak Is Broken! Ford posts first sales gain in 19 months

The Streak Is Broken! Ford posts first sales gain in 19 months originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingfordford july 2009ford july salesford sales gainFordJuly2009FordJulySalesFordSalesGainjuly 2009 salesjuly salesJuly2009SalesJulySales Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #138]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/autoblog-podcast-138/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/autoblog-podcast-138/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/29/autoblog-podcast-138/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #138 of the Autoblog Podcast is here. Chris, Sam, and Dan take the 'cast meta for a moment and discuss the freshly-minted Autoblog 4.0, as well as the arrival of ace scribe Jonny Lieberman to the Autoblog Team. Once we're done navel-gazing, we talk over the Wiedeking departure from Porsche, the new role for Bob Lutz, and what it might mean for General Motors' marketing, the speculation about a Lexus competitor for the A3/1-Series, an excuse for Mercury's continued existance, and the rumors of a Prius Coupe. It wraps up with a question and a comment, and that's it, nice and tidy. Thanks for all the response so far to our survey, and iTunes users can submit reviews of our work at the Autoblog Podcast iTunes page, too. We're always reachable at Podcast at Autoblog Dot Com, too. See you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #138

Autoblog Podcast #138 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> autoblog 4.0autoblog podcastAutoblog4.0AutoblogPodcastbob lutz gm marketingbob lutz marketingBobLutzGmMarketingBobLutzMarketingford mercuryFordMercuryjonny liebermanJonnyLiebermanlexus 1 serieslexus a3lexus frankfurtLexus1SeriesLexusA3LexusFrankfurtlincoln mercuryLincolnMercurylutz marketingLutzMarketingmercurypodcast 138Podcast138porsche wiedekingPorscheWiedekingprius coupePriusCoupe Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:45:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #138Autoblog.com67:00autoblog podcast, lutz, gm marketing, porsche, wiedeking, lexus a3, lexus, mercury, prius coupe, prius, lexus, autoblog 4.0, jonny lieberman, lieberman, autoblog podcast 138, autoblog, podcast <![CDATA[REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/report-lincoln-and-mercurys-new-direction-involves-downsizing/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Lincoln Concept C - Click above for high-res image gallery

If The Blue Oval boys intend to keep buyers filing into Lincoln and Mercury showrooms over the next few years, each brand's product portfolios are going to need a bit more than a simple nick-and-tuck to compete with the best from around the world. To that end, expect Lincoln to continue making the switch from large, rear-wheel drive SUVs and old-tech luxury barges to smaller, more nimble premium models akin to the next-gen Focus-based compact Concept C that was introduced earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show. Around the same time, the very last Lincoln Town Car will roll ingloriously down the assembly line, replaced as it's already been in most buyer's minds by the newer MKS.

Don't expect to see a replacement for the aging Lincoln Navigator SUV any time soon, but joining the MKX and MKT mid-size crossovers may well be a new compact 'ute based on the underpinnings of the next-gen Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and Ford Kuga (for Europe, at least). Speaking of Ford's interplanetary brand, it's reportedly finally confirmed Mercury has a future products in the pipeline. Starting small - which seems to be a definite theme for Mercury and Lincoln - Mercury should get its own version of the next Focus, probably as a 2012 model.

A year later in 2013, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ are all scheduled to get a new front-drive mid-size platform that will thankfully share its guts with the European Ford Mondeo. The Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape twins along with the expected Lincoln crossover should show up late in 2011. Finally, the body-on-frame Grand Marquis and Mountaineer will make the long, cold walk to the automotive graveyard within the next few years. Somehow, we doubt many will miss their absence.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln C Concept Live


Gallery: Lincoln Concept C


[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Lincoln and Mercury's new direction involves downsizing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 lincoln mks2010 lincoln mkt2010 lincoln mkx2010 lincoln mkz2010LincolnMks2010LincolnMkt2010LincolnMkx2010LincolnMkzlincoln clincoln compactlincoln concept clincoln mkslincoln mktlincoln mkxlincoln mkzLincolnCLincolnCompactLincolnConceptCLincolnMksLincolnMktLincolnMkxLincolnMkzmercury compactmercury marinermercury milanMercuryCompactMercuryMarinerMercuryMilan Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/top-search-on-fords-cash-for-clunkers-site-is-the-mercury-mi/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res gallery

On June 25, Ford launched its "Recycle Your Ride" website. The site is an easy guide to determine if your vehicle is eligible for Cash-for-Clunkers, and which Ford family vehicles are a good fit as a replacement. So far, Ford says it's had over 250,000 potential customers fill out the short form, and surprisingly, the modest-selling Mercury Milan is in a statistical dead heat with the Ford Fusion for the top replacement vehicle chosen.

To test out the site, we chose a 1997 Ford F-150 with a 4.6-liter V8 engine. Ford's site brought up 16 vehicles eligible for the $4,500 incentive, including the Focus, Escape, Mariner, Taurus, Fusion and Milan. The picking-up-sales-steam Fusion and the underrated Milan currently account for 30% of overall selections, and Ford tells us that the public is split right down the middle on which vehicle they prefer.

While it's quite surprising that the Milan is garnering as much attention as the more popular Fusion, the real proof is in the sales data. We're guessing that the Milan won't outperform the Fusion's 19,000 June sales any time soon.

[Source: Ford]

Top search on Ford's Cash-for-Clunkers site is... the Mercury Milan? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car buyingCarBuyingcash for clunkersCashForClunkersford fusionFordFusionmercury milanMercuryMilanrecycle my rideRecycleMyRidesalvagetrade intrade instrade-intrade-insTradeInTradeIns Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Mercury Sable reaching the end of the line Thursday]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/mercury-sable-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-thursday/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/mercury-sable-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-thursday/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/18/mercury-sable-reaches-the-end-of-the-line-thursday/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2008 Mercury Sable - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mercury's born-again Sable sedan is dead again - or, more accurately, it will be come so on Thursday. According to The Detroit News, Ford's gussied-up Taurus (itself a gussied-up Five Hundred) will expire later this week, leaving Mercury with just four models: the Milan, Mariner, Mountaineer, and Grand Marquis.

And while the Taurus is getting a brand-spanking new replacement model for 2010, a Sable stablemate is apparently not in the cards, in large measure because Ford reportedly chose to spend more money on developing and marketing its Taurus replacement.

Ford's middle-tier brand is expected to lose both the Mountaineer and Grand Marquis within the next couple of model years, and the only new product mooted for the waterfall-grille brand is a new small car that has yet-to-be confirmed.

Eerily, the Blue Oval recently tested the small car waters for its Lincoln luxury brand with its Concept C showcar that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January. The presence of the tidy Euro-look hatchback once again set tongues wagging that Ford may be pondering whether or not to axe the Mercury marque altogether. For its part, Blue Oval officials dismiss such plans, but there is no denying that Mercury's stable is getting smaller, and at the moment, little product appears to be in the replacement pipeline.

According to the DetNews, Ford sold just 1,158 Sables in April, a drop of nearly 40% year-over-year versus 2008.


Gallery: 2008 Mercury Sable


[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Mercury Sable reaching the end of the line Thursday originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Blue OvalBlueOvalDetroit NewsDetroitNewsFordFord TaurusFordTaurusLincolnLincoln MercuryLincoln-MercuryLincolnMercuryMercury sableMercurySableNAIASTaurus Mon, 18 May 2009 10:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: NHTSA investigating if 2002-05 Ford Explorers/Mercury Mountaineers can slip out of park ]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-nhtsa-investigating-if-2002-05-ford-explorers-mercury-mo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-nhtsa-investigating-if-2002-05-ford-explorers-mercury-mo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/30/report-nhtsa-investigating-if-2002-05-ford-explorers-mercury-mo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun looking at Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers from the 2002-2005 model years. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, out of some 1.4 million SUVs produced, more than 200 complaints have been filed with the government agency regarding transmission issues: 11 owners have said that the vehicle will go from park to reverse on its own, and 61 have said that the gearshift mechanism has failed when trying to get the SUV into or out of park.

NHTSA's action isn't a full-on investigation, and there is no recall - it is a "preliminary evaluation... to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences of the alleged defect and any relationship of the alleged gearshift lever mechanism failures to the alleged vehicle rollaway incidents." For its part, a Ford spokesman has said, "We do not see a safety risk and we will be fully cooperating with the government with the investigation."

[Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

REPORT: NHTSA investigating if 2002-05 Ford Explorers/Mercury Mountaineers can slip out of park originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> explorerfordford explorerFordExplorermercurymercury mountaineerMercuryMountaineermountaineernhtsarecallsafetySUVtsb Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:30:00 EST <![CDATA[NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ny-mets-choose-lincoln-mercury-as-official-vehicle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ny-mets-choose-lincoln-mercury-as-official-vehicle/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/29/ny-mets-choose-lincoln-mercury-as-official-vehicle/#comments Filed under: , ,

"Take me out to the ball game / take me out to the crowd / buy me a... Lincoln and Mercury?" The premium end of Ford's domestic portfolio may not have rewritten the song (yet), but it has brokered a new deal to remain the official vehicle of the New York Mets.

Like the deal that placed Ford with the Yankees (but unlike Audi's partnership with the same team), the contract wasn't brokered by corporate headquarters but by the association of Tri-State Lincoln Mercury dealers, and amounts to about as much fun as you can shake a Louisville Slugger at. All it boils down to is that they'll be parking display vehicles outside the Mets' new home at Polo Grounds Shea Stadium Citi Field, so the next time they hit a home run it's more likely to go through the windshield of a Lincoln or Mercury. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle

NY Mets choose Lincoln-Mercury as Official Vehicle originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford Advantage Plan guarantees job loss protection for new vehicle loans]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-advantage-plan-guarantees-job-loss-protection-for-new-vehic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-advantage-plan-guarantees-job-loss-protection-for-new-vehic/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/31/ford-advantage-plan-guarantees-job-loss-protection-for-new-vehic/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



It isn't even noon yet here in Detroit, but already it's been a busy day thick with bailout fallout and new consumer loan guarantee programs introduced by General Motors and the Ford Motor Company.

The Blue Oval has just unveiled its new Ford Advantage Plan, which can be thought of as a riff on Hyundai's much talked about Assurance Program. Ford's new initiative will cover payments of up to $700/month for up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln, or Mercury vehicle if the loan holder loses his or her job.

We hope to learn more specifics about the program soon (conditions/exclusions, etc.), but for now, the program takes effect immediately and runs through June 1. Buyers will be able to take advantage of the program as well as a new round of zero percent financing offers through Ford Motor Credit.

As part of the announcement, Ford is also preparing a new dealership-level assistance program "to assist local charities impacted by the economic downturn," the details of which will be announced in April. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford Motor Company | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Continue reading Ford Advantage Plan guarantees job loss protection for new vehicle loans

Ford Advantage Plan guarantees job loss protection for new vehicle loans originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Tue, 31 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA["Marquis DeSoto" wins NY Times' Collectible Car of the Year award]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/marquis-desoto-wins-ny-times-collectible-car-of-the-year-awar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/marquis-desoto-wins-ny-times-collectible-car-of-the-year-awar/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/24/marquis-desoto-wins-ny-times-collectible-car-of-the-year-awar/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Marquis DeSoto

It is neither a Mercury Grand Marquis nor a DeSoto, but perhaps it could be considered a kind of royalty. Furniture maker Steve Heller wanted to build a car of his own design, and possessed of a love of Fifties car details, he swiped the things he liked and built what he calls the "Marquis de Soto." It can also be called the New York Times Collectible Car of the Year.

The Marquis is based on a 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis. The Marquis' wings have been poached from the rear of a 1957 DeSoto, along with 1959 Cadillac taillights, the front fenders and lights from a 1958 Lincoln, 1955 Cadillac bumpers, a 1965 Buick Skylark hood, chrome from a 1957 Buick, and a grille glommed built from two 1957 Corvette pieces.

Heller spent 20 years collecting all the parts - he makes furniture using vintage car doodads - and spent four months building the car in back of his furniture shop. We dig it... but we dig it even more when it was just wearing primer. It has The Riddler written all over it. For more on the Marquis DeSoto, you can watch a great Heller-narrated slideshow or check out the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Avinash

Gallery: Marquis deSoto


[Source: New York Times]

"Marquis DeSoto" wins NY Times' Collectible Car of the Year award originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> awardscustomcustom carsCustomCarsetclimited editionLimitedEditionnew york timesNewYorkTimesvintagevintage carsVintageCars Tue, 24 Feb 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/18/ford-will-shut-down-10-n-a-plants-in-early-january/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



A bitingly cold wind is sweeping through the Motor City this day, but the bigger chill continues to be the rapidly increasing number of idle plants from Detroit's automakers. As part of a previously-announced bid to trim first-quarter output by nearly 38%, Ford now says it will shut down ten North American factories the week of January 5. Unlike Chrysler's planned one month downtime (where they eerily won't commit to start dates), the Blue Oval has confirmed plans to re-light the fires in eight of those plants beginning the week of January 12.

That means that during the week of January 5, Ford's only active North American plants will be in Dearborn (F-150), and Kansas City (F-150, Escape/Mercury Mariner). The week of January 12 will see all facilities up save Hermosillo, Mexico (Fusion, Milan, Lincoln MKZ) and Oakville, Ontario, where the Flex, Edge, and MKX are built.

Ford is angling to cut down its quarterly output to just 430,000 vehicles, and shutdowns at staggered intervals are expected to continue throughout early next year.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Photo: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Ford will shut down 10 N.A. plants in early January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Assembly plantAssemblyPlantBlue OvalBlueOvalCutbacksDearbornEdgeF SeriesF-150F-SeriesFlexFSeriesHermosilloKansas CityKansasCityManufacturingMKXOakvilleshutdown Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Mercury Sable dies along with Taurus X ]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mercury-sable-dies-along-with-taurus-x/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mercury-sable-dies-along-with-taurus-x/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/05/mercury-sable-dies-along-with-taurus-x/#comments Filed under: ,



Next month Ford is expected to unveil the all new 2010 Ford Taurus at the Detroit Auto Show, but don't expect the large sedan to be accompanied by a new Mercury Sable. Ford spokesman Mark Schirmer told Automotive News that the spacious sedan will take a dirt nap in April, one month after the Taurus X drives off into the sunset. The Sable never did make inroads with customers despite of its unoffensive sheet metal, smooth ride, and spotless safety ratings, and sales are down 20% for the year through November. Schirmer stated that part of the reason for the Sable's departure was that Ford was readying itself for lower industry volume levels, which makes multiple nameplates more difficult to justify. Dealers will need to order their last Sables by March 6th, and production comes to a halt on April 30. In a letter to dealers, Ford stated that it was discontinuing the Sable to "have a laser sharp focus on delivering the products that consumers want the most." Fair enough.

We never quite understood why the Sable performed as poorly as it did. The Sable was no standard bearer, mind you, but even the Grand Marquis regularly kicked the Sable's arse on the sales charts. And it's been around since Jimmy Carter was president.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Mercury Sable dies along with Taurus X originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fordmercurysabletaurustaurus xTaurusX Fri, 05 Dec 2008 09:02:00 EST <![CDATA[Mercury Cougar transformed into convincing Audi R8]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/mercury-cougar-transformed-into-convincing-audi-r8/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/mercury-cougar-transformed-into-convincing-audi-r8/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/24/mercury-cougar-transformed-into-convincing-audi-r8/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Click above for more shots of the Mercury Cougar-based Audi R8 replica

The seventh-generation of the Mercury Cougar broke with tradition, switching from Detroit's classic front-engine, rear-wheel drive architecture to the more common front-engine, front-wheel drive design. Its styling was also considered pretty radical for the times, with swoopy curves replacing its predecessor's formal roof lines. We'd wager that the last Cougar's designers would never have believed that their humble compact would someday be the basis for an Audi R8 replica. We've examined the various shapes of the ReplicaAudiR8, as its designer refers to it - we prefer CougaR8 ourselves - and we've concluded it's not too shabby in the least. Take a look at our galleries below to judge for yourselves. Note our comparison shots of the CougaR8 and Audi's version in profile, front, rear and in three-quarter view (again, front and rear), which we've also pasted after the break all together. As we see it, the rear-view is the least successful in mimicking its four-ringed inspiration.

Of course, even if the styling of the replicar is decent, there's just no disguising that Cougar interior, despite the addition of a lone R8 badge on the steering wheel and the fact that these two cars share similar dash shapes. Even the interior, however, pales in comparison to the lack of power from Ford's 2.5L Duratec V6 engine, which at 170 horsepower is down by more than half to the Audi's burbling V8. Lastly, while the brakes and suspension components are fine for an entry-level coupe, they aren't quite up to snuff for a real-deal R8. In any case. Nevertheless, those who are more concerned with appearances than performance can get their own CougaR8 for about $50K - less than half what it would run to drive home in the real thing. Thanks for the tip, everyone!

Gallery: CougaR8 and Audi R8 side-by-side


Gallery: Cougar-based Audi R8 replica


[Source: New Cougar Forums, via Jalopnik]

Continue reading Mercury Cougar transformed into convincing Audi R8

Mercury Cougar transformed into convincing Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> audi r8audi r8 replicaAudiR8AudiR8Replicamercury cougarMercuryCougarr8 replicaR8Replicareplica carreplica carsReplicaCarReplicaCarsreplicar Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:55:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-mercury-milan-stays-out-of-the-fray/#comments Filed under: ,


Click above for high-res image gallery of the Mercury Milan

It's almost hard to believe that a few months ago Mercury was headed for the River Styx. Now it's slated to live, although life is only slowly returning. The Mercury Milan sat up on its plinth at the LA Auto Show today and didn't do much - not even turn - but it didn't look too bad. The revamped model has a new grille, fenders, hood, front and rear fascias, and a cleaner underbody for aerodynamic reasons. Inside gets more leather - embossed skins on the Premier Edition - and backlighting for the gauges.The 3.0L V6 gets an extra 19 hp to touch 240, and you'll get up to 5 mpg more than those other, previous-gen Milan owners. Sorry, no 3.5L V6 for the Milan though, as that larger, more powerful engine is exclusive to the new Fusion Sport. But the Milan has also been filled with more electronic doodads than the CES convention. Check them all out after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan


Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid


Live photos copyright (C)2008 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.






Continue reading LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray

LA 2008: 2010 Mercury Milan stays out of the fray originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowmercurymercury milanMercuryMilanmilan Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:31:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-2010-ford-fusion-redesign-revealed/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Ford Fusion

At the preview for the 2010 Ford Fusion, Frank Davis, Executive Director of North American Product Programs described Ford's goal as combingin best-in-class fuel economy with a much bolder appearance. The mid-size C/D segment in which the Fusion competes is the second largest in the U.S. market, accounting for 2.1 million vehicles last year including the best-selling Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, and Ford wants a bigger piece of it. The updated 2010 Fusion is technically a mid-cycle refresh, but it's much more than your typical face-lift. Three years after the Fusion and its Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ siblings debuted, Ford has given them a major stylistic overhaul fore and aft of the doors and inside the cabin. Its powertrains have also gone through a modernization program, which we already told you about a couple of weeks ago, so we'll skip over that here except to remind you that the 2010 Fusion can be had with a new hybrid drivetrain and a 3.5L V6 Sport model. Find out about the rest of what's new after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


Gallery: 2010 Ford Fusion Sport

Continue reading LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion

LA 2008: Redesigned 2010 Ford Fusion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingford fusionFordFusionla auto showla auto show 2008la autoshowLaAutoShowLaAutoShow2008mercury milanmercury milan hybridMercuryMilanMercuryMilanHybrid Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:01:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-mercury-debuts-2010-milan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-mercury-debuts-2010-milan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/19/la-2008-mercury-debuts-2010-milan/#comments Filed under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Mercury Milan

We'll spare you from going over the laundry list of changes for the new 2010 Mercury Milan since you've already read about them in the post above on the 2010 Ford Fusion. Both cars share a lot in common, so instead we'll tell you what's different between them. The 2010 Milan gets its own redesign that includes new front and rear fascias, which we see as big improvements over the current model that further separates, at least visually, the Mercury from its Blue Oval brother. The Milan also only gets two gas engine options compared to the Fusion's three. Buyers can order up the new 2.5L four-cylinder that produces 175 hp or the upgraded 3.0L V6 that makes 240 horsepower. Unfortunately, Ford's 3.5L V6 producing 265 horsepower is reserved exclusively for the Fusion Sport. There's also the new Milan Hybrid, which again is identical to the Fusion Hybrid in all but its looks and can drive up to 47 mph on all-electric power. Follow the jump for Mercury's official press release and peruse the gallery of high-res images in the gallery below. If you want our deeper analysis of the changes, check out our full post on the new Fusion.

Gallery: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid

Continue reading LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan

LA 2008: Mercury debuts 2010 Milan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanlala 2008la auto showLa2008LaAutoShowmercury milanmercury milan hybridMercuryMilanMercuryMilanHybridmilan hybridMilanHybrid Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid completely uncovered]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-completely-uncovered/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-completely-uncovered/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/spy-shots-2010-mercury-milan-hybrid-completely-uncovered/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ford's world debuts at the LA Auto Show will include the new Mustang, Fusion, MKZ, and Milan. Of all the vehicles scheduled for a debut, the Milan will likely garner the least amount of press, because the Mustang is an icon, the Fusion carries the bulk of Ford's mid-size volume, and the MKZ competes in the hotly contested entry luxury market. After looking at a completely uncovered spy photo from Automobile of a Milan Hybrid testing in Michigan, though, we'd say any attention the new Milan receives will be well-deserved.

Past Ford refreshes like the Taurus or Taurus X have been little more than reworked fenders, lights, and grilles, but the Milan goes farther. The roofline and side panels return largely untouched, but the front fascia has undergone a most extensive overhaul. The most noticeable revision is to the waterfall grille, which is far larger and carries a prominent upper brow that meets the updated hood. The bonnet now has a pronounced power dome with accents all the way around that grille, giving the Milan a much more 'look at me' presence. Headlights are equipped with LEDs and more vertical than the current model, stretching up above the hood line. The lower fascia and bumper now appears to be at one with the rest of the front end, as apposed to three separate pieces of the current model. The overall look of the front and rear are more rounded than the angular Milan available now, giving the revamped Mercury a more contemporary appearance.

We've always favored the Milan's rump over that of its blue collar Ford sibling, and it looks even better for 2010. Changes are far more subtle than the front end with the main change being LED tail lamps that appear larger than the existing lights. The rear is also more rounded at the edges, and the trunk has a bit of convex-ness to it as well. We're looking forward to seeing the Milan and it's Ford and Lincoln siblings when we hit LA later in November, and we'll pass the pics and info to you as soon as we get them.

[Source: Automobile]

Spy Shots: 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 mercury milan2010MercuryMilanford fusionFordFusionhybridLA 2008 Mercury Milan HybridLa2008MercuryMilanHybrid Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/ford-smart-gauge-collects-green-leaves-for-good-behavior/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/ford-smart-gauge-collects-green-leaves-for-good-behavior/ http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/ford-smart-gauge-collects-green-leaves-for-good-behavior/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



You drive like crap and you know it. Stop the burnouts, late braking and 100-mph freeway sprint and you just might make a tank of gas last longer than a day. Sure, automakers like Ford could spend a few million on lectures to teach car buyers a thing or two about better driving. But if you didn't get it in Driver's Ed, you're not likely to get it now. Instead, Ford's new Smart Gauge will teach better driving through rewards. Do a better job controlling your right foot, and Smart Guage adds a green leaf to a display next to the speedo. The better you do, the more leaves you get. Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of hybrid-vehicle programs, tells The Wall Street Journal, "You don't have to count the leaves. But if you're in a forest of leaves, you'll know you're doing well."

You can also grow your Virtual Dash Tree[TM] for a chance to defeat the boss monster on the final level and, if successful, Smart Gauge will reward drivers with Fordelicious Fruit[TM], which you can trade for Microsoft Points that can be used to pay for your Sync subscription. No. Not really.

Ford is expected to announce the Smart Gauge today and it will initially be available on the hybrid versions of 2010 Mercury Milans and Ford Fusions. There is a video from Ford after the jump.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Continue reading Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO

Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fusion hybridFusionHybridgreenhybridhypermilingmilan hybridMilanHybridsmart gaugeSmartGauge Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST