Autoblog

Ford to save $1.2M/year just by turning off its computers at night

Eric Loveday — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

When a corporation as large as Ford decides to do something as simple as shutting down its computers at night, the savings can be astronomical. In the case of Ford, powering down computers can save the company $1.2 million each year.

The new program, called PC Power Management, utilizes energy saving settings provided by Microsoft Windows. The energy settings will be used on company laptops and desktops to reduce energy waste. A managed shutdown will occur each night and during the weekend period. Additionally, computers will be awake to receive updates during pre-selected non-business hours, freeing up time previously used for updates throughout the working day.

According to Ford, an estimated 60 percent of the company's computer remained on after business hours resulting in wasted energy. The new managed shutdown will eliminate waste to the tune of over a million dollars in savings for the company and reduce its carbon footprint by an estimated 16,000-25,000 metric tons per year. Hit the jump for the full details on the program.

Continue reading Ford to save $1.2M/year just by turning off its computers at night

Ford to save $1.2M/year just by turning off its computers at night originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Geely may need to come up with $1.4B to fix damaged Volvo after purchase

Chris Shunk — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Volvo, UAW/Unions, Geely

It's going to cost up to $2 billion for Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. to take ownership of Volvo, but according to a new report out of BusinessWeek, that lofty figure is just the cost of entry. Volvo union members and the board have apparently told the Chinese automaker that it will need at least $1.4 billion to repair the storied Swedish automaker.

Union head Glenn Magnusson reportedly says the money will be needed for the next year's product development, marketing, production and distribution. Magnusson tells BW that Geely has yet to demonstrate that it has the financials to sustain Volvo, adding "we haven't seen anything yet and we're not satisfied."

Further, Volvo board member Magnus Sundemo feels $1.4 billion may be a little low, adding that Geely will need to invest "at least as much as they're paying to buy us." One reason Volvo insiders feel the company will need plenty of cash is to satisfy Geely's desire to build up Volvo in China, with the goal of assembling 200,000 vehicles per year in The Land of the Great Wall.

Ford Motor Company and Geely, who have been in talks seemingly forever, are looking to get a deal done by the end of March. Regulatory filings are expected to draw out the process of officially handing over ownership of the Swedish automaker to June 30 at the earliest.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Report: Geely may need to come up with $1.4B to fix damaged Volvo after purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Japan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, South Korea

While it may come as no surprise that Asian car companies are constantly gaining market share in the U.S. market, the actual numbers are quite amazing. Ten years ago, companies like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai and the rest accounted for a little more than one-quarter of total light-vehicle sales in the States. By 2005, that figure stood at 36.6 percent. By 2007? 41.9 percent. In 2009, Asian automakers sold a full 47.9 percent of the cars and light trucks we Americans bought.

These numbers come from the latest report by Ward's Auto. Perhaps predictably, that same dispatch tells us that American automakers were hurt the most by those Asian gains. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler were once part of an American auto industry that accounted for nearly 70 percent of sales in 1999. The Detroit Three had just a 44.8 percent market share a decade later. The European automakers have also gained a bit in the U.S. over the past decade. Still, they only account for 7.3 percent of the market right now.

If the Japanese and Korean manufacturers post gains for 2010 that are similar to the 2009 increases, they will pass the 50 percent mark for the first time in history. Individually, companies like Toyota have fared the best, nearly doubling their slice of the American pie, going from 8.7 to 17 percent since 1999. While Ford shared the biggest gain last year compared to 2008, they were also one of the decade's biggest losers, dropping 8.3 percent. Maybe last year's gain is a sign of recovery for the domestic automakers, but the troubles at GM and Chrysler don't bode well for the group. Check out the full breakdown by clicking the Ward's source link below.

[Source: Ward's Automotive]

Report: Asian automakers closing in on 50% share of U.S. auto sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Ford and Mazda clarify future relationship, still strong

Michael Harley — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Ford, Mazda

Click either image above for a high-res gallery

While Ford sold most of its controlling stake in Mazda last November, the two automakers will remain close partners as the companies work together to develop new automotive systems and technologies -- refuting previous reports that the two companies may be drifting apart. The announcement comes from top executives at both Ford and Mazda, which have been meeting recently to discuss further collaborations within the industry.

A strong relationship benefits both automakers. Ford needs Mazda for its insight into manufacturing, product development and its window into the Japanese auto industry. Mazda still relies on Ford for its powertrains (which Ford will continue to provide). The recently launched Ford Fiesta and Mazda2, built on a shared platform, are another example of how the two automakers can work together. The cars were originally engineered for other markets and not intended for sale in the States. When Ford's product strategy changed while they were under development, the two companies met and solved the critical design elements together, making each viable for the domestic market. Problems solved, the Fiesta and Mazda2 debuted at the LA Auto Show earlier this month and are going on sale next year.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Fiesta Hatchback

Gallery: 2011 Mazda2

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford and Mazda clarify future relationship, still strong originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST

Filed under: China, Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Just about a month ago, news hit the interwebs that Chinese automaker Geely officially became Ford's preferred bidder for Volvo once concerns over intellectual property were sorted out. Today, though, we're hearing that Crown, a consortium led by former Ford director Michael Dingman, former Ford and Chrysler LLC executive Shamel Rushwin and ex-Volvo CEO Roger Holtback, is gaining momentum in its bid for the Swedish automaker after submitting a revised proposal.

If reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters are accurate, Crown's new bid is "on par" with Geely's $1.8 billion offer and is backed by both Swedish and Chinese investors and banks. Not surprisingly, Ford has yet to comment on the speculation, though it has said that talks with Geely are already at an advanced stage. Stay tuned.

[Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Reuters]

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geely denies interest in Volvo and Saab, but you can still bet on who will buy the 'Born From Jets' brand

Chris Paukert — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: China, Saab, Volvo, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

According to the Chinese auto newshounds over at Gasgoo, Geely has denied it has any interest in buying Volvo or Saab. The Swedish patients, being shopped by Ford Motor Company and General Motors, respectively, are still up for sale, however.

As the story goes, Geely chairman Li Shufu has been cited as remarking that too much money is being asked for the two marques. According to a press release detailed by Gasgoo, the automaker has stated that it "has not submitted, and has no plans to submit, any bids concerning the takeovers of 'Volvo' or 'Saab' as stated in recent press articles."

In related news, someone might want to tell the bookies at a certain UK gambling website, Ladbrokes, that they may want to adjust their odds. According to Autocar, the sports betting site that allows customers to wager on everything from darts to Italian volleyball even has a pool going for who will win the right to purchase Saab. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

[Sources: Gasgoo; Autocar | Image: Joe Raedle/Getty]

Geely denies interest in Volvo and Saab, but you can still bet on who will buy the 'Born From Jets' brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost to start at $47,760*

Chris Paukert — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, Lincoln

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

We hope to have our very first driving impressions of Ford's new EcoBoost powertrain technology for you later today, but in the meantime, the Blue Oval has just announced that the first vehicle to rely on EcoBoost motivation, the 2010 MKS, now has a price tag: $47,760 (*excluding destination and delivery charges).

In the case of the MKS, the 3.5-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V6 generates 355 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque - the latter delivered in billiard table-smooth fashion from 1,500 rpm to 5,250 rpm. Paired with a six-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, the force-fed MKS promises lots of gumption to go along with the MKS' already impressive interior tech offerings.

Ford says that the EcoBoost MKS will arrive carrying 19-inch alloys, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive HID headlamps with automatic high-beams, an ambient lighting array, and a power rear sunshade. For those looking for more visual differentiation, however, you'll have to wait a bit for the "late availability" MKS Appearance Package (pricing TBD) which includes visual go-faster bits including 20-inch alloys, a different grille, revised aero pieces, and different badging. Inside, the frosting amounts to package-specific seating (sienna with charcoal black seams, black stitching and logo'd headrests), a leather-wrapped wheel, and dual-color backlit sill plates. We'll relay the complete pricing information and options list as it becomes available, but for now, check out the high-res galleries below and the official press release after the jump.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Gallery: 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost

Live Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Ford]

Continue reading New 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost to start at $47,760*

New 2010 Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost to start at $47,760* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 May 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Wall Street rallies around better-than-expected Ford results

Chris Paukert — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Ford, Earnings/Financials

On the surface, at least, news that a company lost $1.4 billion wouldn't normally be greeted as good news by Wall Street. However, the Ford Motor company's just-published quarterly earning reports have done just that, with the stock trading 15% ahead of yesterday and the entire Dow Jones stock market perking up at the news.

Why the positive reaction? The Blue Oval has fared markedly better than most analysts' estimates, and the size of the loss indicates that Ford is at least stemming its hemorrhaging. In further news that perked up trading, Lewis Booth, Ford's CFO reiterated that Ford expects to make it through the rest of the year without seeking any government monies, and the company notes that it expects to actually exceed the $4 billion cost-cutting goals it set for itself this year.

Of course, all is not rosy, although things are better than expected. For the first three months this year, Ford's sales dropped 43%, with accompanying revenue of $24.8 billion - a drop of almost 37 percent year-over-year versus 2008's $39.2 billion intake.

Perhaps the best news of all? Dearborn officials reinforced that the company is looking good to break even in 2011, noting that it could even post a profit before taxes. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: The Associated Press | Image: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Wall Street rallies around better-than-expected Ford results originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept

Dan Roth — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Auctions, Lincoln

1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept - Click above for image gallery

Looking like a 1961 Continental reimagined thirty years on, the Lincoln Sentinel concept caused quite a stir on the show circuit back in the mid-'90s.

Eventually, the not-quite-a-runner sedan somehow wound up in Hardeeville, South Carolina, where a dealer is now looking to unload it for $80,000. O.C. Welch Ford Lincoln-Mercury has apparently held the vehicle in its private collection, and while it's nothing more than a non-functional showpiece, there are possibilities. It would at least be a conversation piece, but one also pictures the bodywork picked up and laid atop a Panther chassis to make the best looking Town Car in ages. $80k is kind of steep for something that even lacks functioning doors (it has a half-interior beneath the smoked glass), but this was a fairly significant showcar at the time, and even now, it arguably has far more presence than anything in the Ford Motor Company's premium portfolio. Thanks for the tip, Clint!

Gallery: Sentinel Auction

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mulally on Ford: "We are competitive now."

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials

If we were cynics, we could say that Ford just happened to get stuck in deep doo-doo when America's credit markets were still reasonably flexible. When Ford leveraged all of its assets, right down to its logo, the most difficult part was probably not getting the money, it was probably swallowing its Blue Oval pride. Yet cynics or not, a CEO has to know what to do with said money, and Alan Mulally feels he and his company have done well enough to proclaim "We are competitive now" in a new interview with The Detroit News.

For starters, Ford managed to get the UAW to concede more ground and rework agreements. Unlike GM's present situation, Ford's bondholders didn't keep shaking their heads when Ford needed to exchange debt for equity, permitting Dearborn to reduce its debt liability by nearly 33%. Ford (finally!) began showering its European design flair and cars on an American public thirsting for beautiful domestic offerings. And Ford has cut production to match demand. The result: there are 32% fewer cars on dealer lots than a year ago.

Mulally says that Ford has prepared well enough that it won't need to take taxpayer money unless things get decidedly worse, but he doesn't believe that will happen. Although he believes that Ford can't turn itself fully around until the economy does, he did say, "The downturn is a temporary thing. We just have to make it through it."

[Source: Detroit News]

Mulally on Ford: "We are competitive now." originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford CEO Mulally gets 37% pay cut; Gephardt, Earley appointed to board

Chris Paukert — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Earnings/Financials

Ford's CEO Alan Mulally took hope a tidy $13.57 million compensation package for his work in 2008, While that's a handsome sum, it represents a 37 percent cut of the $21.67 million he took home in 2007 - and that's before the ex-Boeing exec takes an additional 30 percent haircut for 2009. By comparison, General Motors' CEO Rick Wagoner and Chrysler's Bob Nardelli are slated to have salaries of $1 each, although both automakers have already received $17.4 billion in federal loans.

In addition, Automotive News reports that the company will abolish merit raises for salaried workers in the U.S. (and in most of its global ops), kill off a worldwide incentive compensation program for 2008 and newer employees, and give no compensation to board members for 2009.

In related news that's causing a bit of consternation, AN is reporting that Mulally and executive chairman Bill Ford will continue to use corporate jets for business and private travel. The flights will be chartered planes, as Ford put its own fleet of private aircraft up for sale some time ago after being chided by politicians during the bailout hearings on Capitol Hill.

Speaking of which, Ford also has some news on that front, as well. The Wall Street Journal reports that House Majority Leader Richard "Dick" Gephardt has now found a seat on the Blue Oval's board, as has Anthony Earley, chairman and CEO of DTE Energy Co. The two bigwigs replace seats vacated by members who reportedly no longer have the necessary time to serve.

[Sources: Automotive News - subs. req.; Wall Street Journal | Image: AFP/Getty]

Ford CEO Mulally gets 37% pay cut; Gephardt, Earley appointed to board originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

Click above for a high-res image gallery of the Ford Escape Hybrid

Today, Ford celebrates a new milestone in the life of its hybrid SUV platform as the 100,000th vehicle rolls down the assembly line at the Blue Oval's Assembly Plant in Kansas City. This production total includes all Ford Escape Hybrids, Mercury Mariner Hybrids and Mazda Tribute Hybrids produced since 2004, the year that Ford launched its first-ever fuel-saving gas/electric model.

Perhaps now would be a good time to remind our readers that Ford hit the 60,000 hybrid mark in the 4th quarter of 2008, meaning that the automaker's federal hybrid tax credit will be cut in half beginning in April of this year. Buyers wanting to capitalize on the full rebate will need to make their purchase before the end of this month.

Despite being on the market now for the last five years or so, Ford's hybrid SUVs continue to be the most fuel efficient 'utes on the market with an EPA estimated rating of 34 city, 31 highway. Feel like reminiscing? Click past the break for Ford's teary-eyed tribute to the Escape Hybrid.

Gallery: ABG Garage: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV

Ford celebrates production of 100,000th hybrid SUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford, UAW reach tentative retiree health care trust fund deal

Chris Paukert — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford, UAW/Unions

Ford Motor Company says it has reached a tentative deal with the UAW regarding modifications to the Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEGA) pact, the union's retiree health care trust. While specifics are not yet being divulged, the Blue Oval says that it has agreed to make up to half of its future payments into the fund with Ford common stock, although it may continue to use cash depending on the automaker's needs.

Before this and other changes can take effect, the UAW will review the agreement later this week, and any alterations must be signed off on by UAW-represented Blue Oval workers as well as the court system. Ford says that the VEBA agreement, combined with the labor deal reached on February 15, will help the automaker be more competitive during the economic recession without federal loans. Be sure to check out Ford's press release after the jump.

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

Continue reading Ford, UAW reach tentative retiree health care trust fund deal

Ford, UAW reach tentative retiree health care trust fund deal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM, Ford job cuts closing in on 50% in U.S. - Chrysler not far behind

Chris Shunk — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chrysler, Ford, GM

In 2002, General Motors had 177,000 employees in North America. By the end of 2008, that number had shrunk to 93,000, or 49% fewer employees than it had just six years earlier. GM plans to further cut its white collar workforce by 3,400 by May of this year, and the General is looking to cut 10,000 white-collar posts globally by the end of 2009. That will make nearly 100,000 GM jobs lost; enough people to fill the University of Michigan football stadium.

Ford and Chrysler have also resorted to heavy cuts in the face of shrinking market share and an industry-wide slowdown. Ford has seen its US workforce shrink to about 65,000 workers; 44% fewer than the Blue Oval employed five years earlier. Chrysler was leaner than Ford and GM were five years ago, yet they've still shed 32,000 jobs during that time. Chrysler now employs 56,600 employees, and the Pentastar has a package out to all of its hourly workers.

It's amazing to think that by June of this year, Detroit automakers will have shed nearly 200,000 jobs in under six years. As crazy as that number sounds, we don't think anyone will be surprised if a lot more workers lose their jobs before this year is over.

[Source: bnet]

GM, Ford job cuts closing in on 50% in U.S. - Chrysler not far behind originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford moving to three-year redesigns to keep things fresh

Chris Shunk — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Ford, Lincoln, Mercury

Back when it was virtually guaranteed 20% US market share, Ford would redesign its vehicles every five or more years. The Ford Ranger, Focus, and Crown Victoria changed even slower, with mostly only new lights and grilles. When competitive pressures started to put the Blue Oval into an anaconda death grip, that once guaranteed share began to shrink. To battle those competitive forces, Ford is looking to do a major redesign on its vehicles every three years from now on. Ford design director Peter Horbury told Automotive News that minor styling changes just aren't effective, and that future redesigns will include changes to everything but the doors, roof, and glass. That leaves bumpers, hoods, trunks, lights, quarter panels and front and rear facias as some of the items that can be refreshed in a much more timely fashion.

Horbury claims the Dearborn, MI automaker listened to the press with regard to styling changes, which emboldens us to ask for more. We'd like a twin-turbo four-pot Mustang, a plug-in euro Focus, a 40 mpg F-150, a seat on the board, and free Mondeos for all.

[Source: Auto News (subs req'd)]

Ford moving to three-year redesigns to keep things fresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Suicide At Ford's Marketing Headquarters

Chris Shunk — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:51:00 EST

Filed under: Ford

Tragedy struck the Ford Motor Company on Saturday when a man jumped to his death from the 10th floor of the automaker's Regent Court Building in Dearborn. In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, company spokeswoman Sara Tatchio confirmed that an employee committed suicide and stated, "It was not work-related and he was not an executive of any kind." Police didn't release any information regarding to the identity of the individual, nor did they specify whether a suicide note was found.

Over at Renault there have been three suicides since last October due in part to high stress at work. Hopefully we're not seeing a new trend in the highly competitive automotive landscape.

[Source: Freep]

Suicide At Ford's Marketing Headquarters originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Explosion at Ford plant sends workers to hospital

Chris Paukert — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:48:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Safety, Technology, Ford

Ford Motor Company's Research and Innovation Center in Detroit was rocked by a chemical incident early Thursday afternoon that sent a number of workers to the hospital. We're hearing conflicting reports of exactly what went down and how many workers were injured, but that number appears to be between 3 and 5.

Early reports had an explosion at the facility, while other stories now say that a worker dropped a glass container full of ethanol, causing chemical burns to several employees.

The building was evacuated after the incident, but the facility has since been declared safe, and injuries to the workers have been declared non-life threatening.

[Sources: The Detroit News; ClickOnDetroit.com]

Explosion at Ford plant sends workers to hospital originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 00:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zephyr appealing to younger-than-average buyers for Lincoln

Erin Mays — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Sedan, Lincoln

Could the Lincoln Zephyr, soon to be known as the MKZ, be bringing the average age of Lincoln drivers down a notch or two? Automotive News reports that while the average age of a Lincoln owner is 60 (and the Town Car's drivers are 70 ), the Zephyr's average buyer during the first three weeks of March was 56.

Arguably even more important is the fact that 40 percent of new Zephyr buyers are trading in cars other than Fords, Mercurys or Lincolns (better known in the auto industry as "conquest sales"). Automotive News identifies the Honda Accord, Acura TL, BMW 3 Series, Buick Lucerne, Toyota Avalon and Infiniti G35 as the cars buyers are passing over for the Zephyr.

Sales are coming at a price, however -- the average incentives package for the vehicle in February was $4,293, compared to an average of about $1,700 in the segment.

[Source: Automotive News]

Zephyr appealing to younger-than-average buyers for Lincoln originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Apr 2006 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's Oakville assembly plant to go wireless, eh?

Chris Paukert — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, Crossover, Ford

Ford Motor Company is cutting the cord at its Oakville assembly plant. No, the site isn't the latest casualty of The Way Forward-- quite the opposite. As part of a $1 billion dollar investment, the automaker is taking the 486,000 square-meter site wireless.

The facility will feature a transponder lane for trucks called 'Fast Gate,' that will automatically open the main gate and record the time/location/cargo of vehicles entering the site. The entire factory, which is set to produce the new Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers will have wireless internet access, thanks to 65 antennas placed throughout the complex.

The technology infusion will reportedly help the plant's 'just in time' production methods, as well as increase flexibility and efficiency.

[Source: The Canadian Press via CanadianBusiness.com]

Ford's Oakville assembly plant to go wireless, eh? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Apr 2006 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lincoln's Build-your-own MKX website goes live

Chris Paukert — Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Lincoln

Lincoln has opened the virtual book on its MKX crossover utility. The automaker is offering the chance to 'pre-design' their latest offering via their website, Lincoln.com. For Autoblog regulars, you know the drill: All prices, packages and options are survey-only estimates. In fact, savvy Windows shoppers who refresh the site will notice that the pricing actually changes visit-to-visit, but that doesn't mean that the prices and specifications don't provide a reasonable ballpark.

If the 'configurator' is to be believed, MKX will base at around $34,000-$35,000, with AWD variants coming in around $1,500-$2,000 higher. From the looks of it, roll-stability control, 18" wheels and leather seating surfaces will be standard issue. Options include heated/cooled front seats, rear seat entertainment, THX II surround sound and a panoramic sunroof.

Refresh your MKX impressions with a look back at its NAIAS introduction here.

[Source: Lincoln]

(Top tip, R R)

Lincoln's Build-your-own MKX website goes live originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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