Autoblog

Blue Oval no longer in hock as Ford credit rating upgraded

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST

Moody's upgraded Ford's credit rating to investment grade today, the final step for the company to be able to reclaim its Blue Oval. Ford had offered its globally recognized trademark as part of a 2006 loan package. According to the Detroit Free Press, the collateralized logo and the rest of Fod's assets and intellectual property would not return to the automaker until it achieved an investment-grade credit rating with at least two of the three major agencies. Last month, Ford's credit was upgraded by Fitch.

At the time the loan was issued, the move was viewed as bold and risky, as Ford literally bet the farm that it could pay back the $23.5 billion. But as it turned out, the automaker's head start on restructuring allowed it to weather the financial crisis and resultant industry downturn in 2008 without declaring bankruptcy and needing government intervention like its cross-town rivals.

The upgrade from Moody's is said to potentially help Ford by lowering its borrowing costs, and certainly having its assets back should allow everyone in Dearborn to sleep peacefully tonight.

Scroll down to read Ford's official statement.

Continue reading Blue Oval no longer in hock as Ford credit rating upgraded

Blue Oval no longer in hock as Ford credit rating upgraded originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford projecting 50% sales growth by 2015

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, China, Ford, India

Alan Mulally has done a lot of good for the Blue Oval brand, but the Ford CEO still has big plans for the automaker. In fact, Mulally's goal is to see a 50 percent increase in global sales by the year 2015. An ambitious target, which would see Ford selling nearly eight million vehicles around the world.

How does Mulally expect to achieve this substantial growth? According to USA Today, Ford plans to increase its footprint in the growing markets in Africa and Asia, with a specific focus on the Chinese car-buying public. Small cars will be the key to increased sales in those markets. Ford hopes to make make money on these lower-margin vehicles through sheer volume thanks to the growth potential of these still-emerging markets.

Ford projecting 50% sales growth by 2015 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to outsell GM in March?

Chris Shunk — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:35:00 EST

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

March sales don't end until Thursday evening, but an Edmunds sales forecast suggests that Ford could beat General Motors in sales for the first time since February, 2010. The Blue Oval is projected to sell 210,000 vehicles for the month, up 34 percent from February figures. Edmunds sees GM having a solid month as well, but the crystal ball sees 208,000 sales for The General, up less than one percent from February sales.

One reason for GM's sales slump is a reduction in incentives from February levels, as the Detroit, MI-based automaker slashed incentives by an average of $700 per vehicle. That sounds like a massive drop in rebates, but keep in mind that GM was the industry leader in incentive spending for the first two months of the year. Meanwhile, Ford bumped up spending by a reported $84 per vehicle, mostly due to an effort to clear last-generation Focus sales as the 2012 models begin heading into dealerships.

Edmunds also sees a big March for the rest of the industry, with Toyota expected to move 181,000 units, followed by 135,000 vehicles for Honda, 117,000 for Nissan and 112,000 for Chrysler. Don't forget that these are merely projections for March numbers, and anything can happen between now and Friday.

Edmunds also mentions that sales dropped off as March wore on, as the Japan disaster, international conflicts and high gas prices began to wear on sales. Stay tuned to Autoblog for our official By The Numbers post as the figures roll in.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Ford to outsell GM in March? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Alan Mullaly, Bill Ford Jr. get huge bonuses from Blue Oval *Update

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ford, Earnings/Financials

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Jr. and Chief Executive Alan Mulally have reportedly been given big-time bonuses by the Blue Oval for keeping things moving when General Motors and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy. Mulally received $56.5 million worth of Ford stock before taxes and Ford got stock worth $42.4 million.

Ford, Jr. hired Mulally from Boeing in 2006, before they went around to different banks to secure restructuring loans to stay solvent through the lending crisis and economic recession. In 2010, Ford saw its best year since 1999, clearing $6.6 billion in profits.

To add to their enormous bonuses, ~~the Los Angeles Times says that Ford, Jr. and Mulally opted to purchase Ford stock at $14.76 a share~~. *Update: Ford tells us that Ford, Jr. and Mulally do indeed have stock options but have not cashed them in at this time. Market value of Ford stock rose three percent today to $14.46 a share.

[Source: Los Angeles Times | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Report: Alan Mullaly, Bill Ford Jr. get huge bonuses from Blue Oval *Update originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to add 7,000 workers to U.S. manufacturing in next two years

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford

Ford has announced plans to start a hiring onslaught and over the course of the next two years the automaker will add more than 7,000 employees to its ranks. Hiring both salaried and hourly employees, Ford is looking for a few good men and women in the States. In 2011, it plans to hire around 4,000 folks to fill positions at a number of plants including 1,800 positions opening up at the Louisville Assembly plant.

The Blue Oval is also on the hunt for a range of engineers to help further development of electric vehicles. Ford is looking for experts with a specialized knowledge of the various components required to make electric cars go. Those positions aren't Detroit-centric either, as Ford has openings in cities like Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati and San Jose.

Check out the full press-release after the jump for more information.

[Source: Ford]e

Continue reading Ford to add 7,000 workers to U.S. manufacturing in next two years

Ford to add 7,000 workers to U.S. manufacturing in next two years originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Jan 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford's Big Goal in 2011: Get out of junk status, lower loan rates

Chris Shunk — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials

2010 was a banner year for Ford Motor Company. Market share and profits were as good as they've been in years, and there is genuine buzz surrounding the Blue Oval's cars and trucks. Heck, even Ford's stock has been a monumental success. But not all that glitters is gold, as Ford is still mired in junk bond status, which in turn makes it more expensive to borrow money. That makes it more pricey for Ford to offer incentives to customers, and lease terms are less attractive than they would otherwise be.

K.R. Kent, Ford's new executive director of investor relations, is charged with getting Ford out of Junk status. Automotive News reports that Ford has been in junk status since 2005 and is currently four grades below junk status after being upgraded by two levels back in August. Ford CFO Lewis Booth admits that the company still has "a lot of steps to go before we get to investment grade." Making the matter more urgent for Ford is the fact that Ally Financial, the finance arm for General Motors and Chrysler, became a bank holding company in the second quarter of 2009. Since that time, AN says that it has been cheaper for Ally to secure loans than Ford Credit.

We're thinking that Ford has a big job in the year ahead, and getting out of junk status will likely take improved auto sales and continued quarterly profits. Booth says Ford will reach its junk-free goal by showing the investment community "authoritative and highly credible insight into our automotive business and Ford Credit."

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ford's Big Goal in 2011: Get out of junk status, lower loan rates originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford looking to divest nearly all of remaining Mazda stake

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Mazda, Earnings/Financials

2011 Mazda BT-50 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Any casual observer of the automotive industry today could tell you that American automakers have been shedding entangled divisions like a dog in the springtime. While Chrysler teamed up with Fiat, General Motors got rid of Hummer, Saab, Saturn and Pontiac, and over the past few years, Ford has all but entirely eliminated its overseas properties, selling Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin and Volvo to the highest bidders. So what's next? According to emerging reports, Mazda looks to be up on the butcher block in Dearborn.

As it is, Ford's current stake in Mazda is not anywhere as big as it was in JLR, AML or Volvo. But even its modest 11 percent interest in the Japanese automaker is set to drop to just a few lingering shares according to Reuters.

Word of the impending split has sent Mazda shares falling, but the outlook for the Zoom-Zoom carmaker could be a lot better going forward. Although Mazda may need a new partner at some point in the future in order to remain competitive in a rapidly centralizing industry, the Japanese automaker could wait it out for a while as an independent, capitalizing on its own technologies while fending off takeover bids from overseas.

From a product lineup standpoint, models developed using Ford components and technologies - like just-introduced Ford Ranger-based BT-50 compact pickup truck pictured above - will likely continue until they've outlived their life-cycles (if not long thereafter), but the future looks to be wide-open for new vehicles after that.

[Source: Reuters]

Report: Ford looking to divest nearly all of remaining Mazda stake originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Ford, Design/Style

Galpin Auto Sports Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery of Ford customs to debut at SEMA

SEMA 2010 is just around the corner and Ford has supplied a number of vehicles to various aftermarket tuning companies ahead of the festivities. The 2011 Ford Explorer is just one of the vehicles receiving the tuner treatment, but it's getting a lot of attention. Ford has supplied three of them to different companies, to create three different styles: Urban, Luxury and Adventure.

The Urban style was handled by Funkmaster Flex and the Team Baurtwell shop. The crew from GAS, or Galpin Auto Sports, turned its Explorer into a high-end machine for Luxury. CGS Motorsports handled Adventure and added lifestyle touches to the 'ute while still providing an upscale, custom feel.

Other vehicles wearing a Blue Oval at SEMA include;

2011 Lincoln MKX by ID Agency
2011 Ford Taurus SHO by Rick Bottom Designs
2011 Ford Taurus SHO by H&R Springs
2011 Ford Edge by K-Daddy Kustomz
2011 Ford Fusion Sport by Steeda Autosports

You can view each vehicle in the gallery below, and a full press release is available after the jump.

Gallery: Ford's lineup for SEMA 2010

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox

Ford unhinges rest of its Explorer-filled, SEMA-bound toybox originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford settles $131m Explorer rollover case

Dan Roth — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Government/Legal, Safety, Ford

Ford's second-generation Explorer has just cost the company $131 million. Despite the popularity of the seminal SUV, it's had more than its fair share of legal scrapes regarding its rollover resistance. And while the Explorer/Firestone tire kerfuffle has long since exited the headlines, the Blue Oval continues to get its pocketbook dinged by the SUV. According to Autoblog sister site AOL Autos, this week, a jury in Jackson, Mississippi was to decide on possible punitive damages in the lawsuit over the death of Brian Cole, a promising baseball player headed for the New York Mets. Ford settled with the family over the matter of the 2001 rollover accident after a jury awarded $131 million in damages. Punitive damages were the next decision the jury was to consider before Ford settled.

Ford apparently disagrees with the blame placed on its vehicle, saying that the 22-year-old Cole was speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. Cole died from injuries sustained after being ejected from his Explorer during a rollover accident on a Florida highway. His cousin, Ryan Cole, survived the accident, which Ford attributes to the use of a seatbelt and the Explorer's crash performance. While a settlement can be taken as a de facto acknowledgement of the Cole family's claims that the Explorer is inherently unstable and its safety belts can fail in rollovers, the automaker maintains that it didn't receive a fair trial, and settled to bring closure to the issue.

[Source: AOL Autos]

Ford settles $131m Explorer rollover case originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES promises the democratization of fun

Chris Paukert — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Ford, New Car Reviews

2011 Ford Fiesta SES - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember when economy cars offered few concessions beyond roll-your-own windows, rear window defrosters and AM radios? It was only a handful of years ago that features on our 2011 Ford Fiesta SES tester would've qualified it for premium car status - if indeed items like Bluetooth, SYNC, a capless fuel fill and knee airbags were even available.

There's no denying the steady trickledown of luxury goods into workaday iron, and the Fiesta is rolling proof.

As you might also recall, back about 10 years ago, Ford executives and those charged with its British outpost, Jaguar, worked themselves into a froth over the possibilities offered by 'The Democratization of Luxury' - boldly and conveniently overlooking that when a premium feature becomes affordable to everyone, it ceases to be a luxury at all. And while this sort of marketing doublespeak was the undoing of the ill-conceived Jaguar X-Type - and perhaps the undoing of Ford's ownership of Coventry's favorite feline altogether - there's no denying the steady trickledown of luxury goods into workaday iron, and the Fiesta is rolling proof.

Of course, any automaker can lash a bunch of features onto a car and call it a day, but it's not a real value unless all of those baubles and braze-ons are bungeed to a platform and drivetrain whose creators have that whole engineering 'special sauce' thing figured out. In other words, the democratization of luxury is one thing - but does the Fiesta deliver the democratization of fun? Click through to the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES

Continue reading Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES promises the democratization of fun

Review: 2011 Ford Fiesta SES promises the democratization of fun originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works

Chris Shunk — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.

The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.

So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the KROQ website to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!

Gallery: Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Ford Fiesta

[Source: KROQ]

Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [UPDATED]*

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Work, Ford

Alan Mulally on CNBC - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times now, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there's been talk of a more entry-level F-150 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new 2011 Explorer on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning, Ford's president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America. While discussing the whole lineup of Stateside Ford products, Mulally specifically says "new Ranger," which leads us to believe that all of these test mules we've seen might not just be for our overseas friends (something that we've been wondering about anyhow, as we've seen more Stateside evaluations of this 'overseas' truck than any other foreign market vehicle in recent memory). No, Mulally doesn't come right out and say that an all-new Ranger is headed our way, but we've continued to hear scuttlebutt about just such a truck from our sources, and given that his remarks were otherwise confined to North American products, we're beginning to think that a new Ranger is all but confirmed.

To see what we're on about, follow the jump to watch the CNBC interview, and pay close attention beginning around the five-minute mark for Mulally's Ranger remark. A big ol' tip of the cap to Dan!

*UPDATE: Ford continues to tell Autoblog that the new global Ranger is not planned for North America. As we've previously reported, the new F-150 will receive an EcoBoost powertrain that should deliver similar economy figures to the Ranger while providing improved size and capability, thereby negating the need for bringing a smaller pickup in this market.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Ford T6 Ranger

[Source: CNBC]

Continue reading Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED]

Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market? [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford: Aftermarket replacement parts can be inferior, possible safety hazards

Chris Shunk — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Safety, Ford

Today's autos are chock-full of safety equipment that vastly improves your chances of survival in the event of a crash. And if an automaker wants to achieve the best crash test scores, it has to ensure that parts like bumper beams, air bag sensors and radiator supports perform properly during a collision. But while automakers are concerned about their safety record, in some cases, aftermarket parts makers are more concerned with keeping costs down.

USA Today reports that Ford has called out some some aftermarket parts inferior, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker's internal testing has shown that some non-OEM parts are made of cheaper materials that may not perform adequately in the event of an accident. Parts marketing manager Mike Warwood says the company was "surprised at the gap between original manufacturer equipment and aftermarket parts," adding that the gap was larger than anticipated. The easy way to avoid this issue is to demand OEM parts when your vehicle is in the shop for repairs, but unfortunately, some insurance companies insist that cheaper aftermarket replacement parts are used.

It makes sense for Ford push its factory-made parts, as the company makes lots of money selling in excess of 24,000 different replacement components. Ford insists that it is merely looking for aftermarket parts standardization to ensure the safety of its customers, along with stickers warning consumers that non-standard parts are being used. Insurance companies and aftermarket shops likely wouldn't be too happy if a standardization process is initiated, but it's hard to argue with oversight in the name of safety. After all, automakers test and build parts like bumpers for optimal safety, and consumers purchase those vehicles in part because of the safety ratings those vehicles earn.

[Source: USA Today]

Ford: Aftermarket replacement parts can be inferior, possible safety hazards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take rate on Brembo package for 2011 Ford Mustang higher than expected

Drew Phillips — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

As a general rule, the things that us car journalists typically enjoy - things like manual transmissions, no-frills interiors and wagon variants - don't necessarily sell well. The same can be said for expensive non-powertrain performance options, which is why we were surprised to learn that the Brembo brake package for the 2011 Ford Mustang has been selling quite well.

According to Automobile Magazine, Ford says that the take rate for the option has "exceeded our expectations" and sales are "running substantially above last year's Track Pack." Perhaps we should give Mustang buyers, ostensibly only interested with drag racing, more credit than we initially thought.

Priced at $1,695, the Brembo brake package includes a set of 14-inch front discs with four-piston calipers, rear 11.8-inch discs with four-piston calipers, special 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, and unique tuning for the suspension, stability control and steering.

Part of the reason for the high take rate might be that choosing the option is actually much cheaper than buying the same parts in the aftermarket. The 14-inch brake kit in the Ford Racing parts catalog will run you $1,489, which doesn't include the rear brake upgrade, and you still have to buy new wheels and tires. For aftermarket-obsessed Mustang owners, checking the option box to get it straight from the factory just makes more sense.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Take rate on Brembo package for 2011 Ford Mustang higher than expected originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2011 Ford F-150 to get 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L Ecoboost V6

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Ford

Ford F-150 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When the 2011 Ford F-150 arrives this Fall, it will reportedly get an all-new powertrain lineup. Ford already officially confirmed several months ago that the light-duty pickups would be getting the first rear-wheel drive application of the 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. The transaxles in the current Ecoboost applications are torque-limited, so when the twin turbocharged and direct injected V6 lands in the truck, it could produce as much as 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque.

The current 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter are also expected to be supplanted by the newer, more powerful and efficient engines that debuted in the 2011 Mustang earlier this year. The F-150's new base engine will reportedly be the 3.7-liter V6 with 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, while the top engine will be the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8. The 5.0-liter will likely be re-tuned from the Mustang's 412 hp and 390 lb-ft to give it more torque and further elevate the model's 11,000+ pound towing capacity. The V6-powered trucks could be the first light-duty full-size trucks to hit 25 mpg on the highway, a figure that's even better than General Motors' hybrid trucks.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Ford F-150

Photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: 2011 Ford F-150 to get 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8 and 3.5L Ecoboost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Explorer teasers keep coming, model to debut July 26 in NYC

Zach Bowman — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Ford, Celebrities

2011 Ford Explorer teaser images - Click above for high-res image gallery

The agonizing 2011 Ford Explorer striptease continues, made somewhat less painful by the fact that we now have what appears to be a solid unveil date and location. While the company has rolled out two new detail shots of the reworked SUV-turned-crossover - including a look at the rear hatch and roof rails (oooh!) - the Blue Oval has also graced the world with news that "a new Ford vehicle" will get a complete unveil in New York City's Herald Square on Monday, July 26. Less we've missed our mark by a wide berth, odds are that the vehicle is the 2011 Explorer.

According to Ford, the whole gang will be in attendance for the event, including CEO Alan Mulally and spokesperson Mike Rowe. Who knows exactly what kind of high jinks the company has planned for the 26th, but given the substantial buzz Ford has tried to build for the new Expy, we would be surprised if it were just a stage and a silk sheet. Stay tuned.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Teasers

[Source: Ford]

Ford Explorer teasers keep coming, model to debut July 26 in NYC originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford to limit 2011 Shelby GT500 production to 5,500 units

Chris Paukert — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Shelby GT500 - click above for high-res image gallery

We've just gotten off the horn with Ford's SVT performance division, and we've learned that the Blue Oval's hot-rod arm is going to limit production of the 2011 Shelby GT500 to 5,500 units for this model year. According to Ford spokesman Henry Platts, the move is not the result of slow sales, but rather a desire to maintain exclusivity. In fact, sales of Ford's king of the Mustang range have "exceeded expectations," with in excess of 3,300 orders already placed.

The 550-horsepower GT500 has not only been performing surprisingly well in a down economy, it's been going out the door loaded-to-the sills with options. According to Platts, there have been three times as many GT500 coupes ordered with the $1995 glass roof option as compared to the regular Mustang. In the "News That Makes Us Happy" category comes word that a full 68 percent have been spec'd out with the $3,495 performance package (includes 19- and 20-inch painted forged alloys, 3.73 limited-slip, tuned suspension, Gurney flap rear spoiler, etc.), and additionally, 70 percent of all GT500s have been ordered with the $2,340 electronics package (navi, dual-zone HVAC and Sirius/HD radio). With the GT500 starting at an out-the-door price of $49,495 before options, we're guessing that the GT500 is more than carrying its weight for Dearborn's bottom line.

While Ford is limiting total output of the GT500 to 5,500 units for 2011, Platts says the automaker has no plans to dictate how that shakes out in the coupe/convertible bodystyle mix. That said, if you've been fence-sitting on whether to pick up a GT500 of your very own this year, might we suggest that you make up your mind... quickly.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 with SVT Performance Package

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford to limit 2011 Shelby GT500 production to 5,500 units

Ford to limit 2011 Shelby GT500 production to 5,500 units originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercury production to cease in late September?

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Mercury, Rumormill

If Automotive News is correct - and they usually are - it looks like Mercury won't make it to Thanksgiving this year. Heck, they won't even make it through Halloween according to a new report. AN is saying that three dealers have come with forward with news of the automaker's plans. What they're saying is that the 71-year-old brand will start winding down production at the end of September. The ancient Grand Marquis gets the axe on Sept. 30, the Mountaineer on Oct. 1, the Milan on Oct. 2, and the Mariner on Oct. 3.

Since announcing the closure of the Mercury division on June 2, Ford hasn't given any firm dates on when any action would be taken. Dealers did submit their final factory orders last month and those orders will be filled and delivered to dealerships in about 30 days. After that, it's all dealer trades if a particular establishment needs more cars or SUVs. All 1,712 Mercury dealerships carry at least one other brand, so it doesn't necessarily mean that they will close, but some are certainly going to get out of the game. We'll be sure to hasten any message we get from Ford to you as more news becomes available.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Mercury production to cease in late September? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Ford shows off 2011 Explorer air leak and panel gap tests

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Plants/Manufacturing, Videos, Ford, Design/Style

2011 Ford Explorer goes through air leak testing - Click above to watch video after the jump

Today's vehicles are quieter than ever, and while that's partially thanks to new computer modeling techniques, it also has plenty to do with repeated testing of each and every vehicle seal. For every door, hatch and window, some engineer has slaved tirelessly to make sure everything fits together just as it should. Ford has been kind enough to roll out a couple of videos showing that exact process on its forthcoming 2011 Explorer. The company uses some pretty high-tech equipment to take accurate measurements on panel gaps and detect potential air leak issues before the vehicle even goes through paint.

Watching the engineers play with their toys is entertaining and all, but we were most interested in what engineer Matt Machala had to say about just how much more stringent Ford's standards have grown over the past three years. It may mean boatloads of extra work for the company's employees, but from what we've seen of their product of late, there's no denying the impact those hours have had on the company's finished product. Hit the jump to see the videos for yourself. Hot tip, Sam!

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Teasers

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Video: Ford shows off 2011 Explorer air leak and panel gap tests

Video: Ford shows off 2011 Explorer air leak and panel gap tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Ford Explorer teasing continues - My, what big pillars you have

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer Facebook teaser shots - Click above for image gallery

The slow burn of Ford Explorer Facebook teasers continues today as the Blue Oval has seen fit to update its online photo gallery with three new images showing off various bits of its new 2011 unibody-based sport ute. This time, we're teased with a view of an open rear cargo hatch (above), a gearshift lever conspicuously absent of PRNDL markings and a power liftgate button. Sure, they may not be the three most interesting photos you lay your eyes upon today, but there are useful bits of info to glean with a closer look.

For instance, just how thick are those D-pillars? Judging by the size of the suitably active outdoorsey family being focused on, it would appear that the rearmost pillars could swallow an entire fleet of subcompacts in the rearview mirror. Also, unless there are some super tricky optical-illusions going on due to an awkward camera angle or there's some sort of dual opening rear hatch arrangement, it sure looks like the cargo opening is a wee bit compromised for the sake of style and/or structural integrity (the last thing Ford execs want is more Explorer rollover headaches).

In any case, we should be privy to a full web debut sometime in July. At that time, all our questions will be answered, but in the meantime, check out all the teaser images in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Teasers

[Source: Ford Explorer Facebook]

2011 Ford Explorer teasing continues - My, what big pillars you have originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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