- Filed under: Car Buying, Green, Ford, Earnings/Financials
It's tough to be in the auto selling business these days, as evidenced by all of the big deals that automakers are offering to move their metal before the end of the year. Ford has already announced that it would be offering an "Employee Pricing Plus" incentive, and now details of the plan have come to light. Not only can you get the price employees pay, but Ford is also offering additional cash back on many of its models. Or you can get bonus zero-percent financing for 36 months plus the employee price instead of cash back if you choose one of Ford's nine most fuel efficient models in their class. Even the new 2009 F-150, which gets up to 21 mpg when equipped with the SFE package, joins in the zero-percent financing deal. Other models with the financing deal are the Focus, Flex, Fusion/Mercury Milan, Escape/Mercury Mariner (minus the hybrids, naturally) and even the MKS and MKZ from Lincoln. Sure, it's a gimmick that's meant to help sales, but it's tough to complain about a good deal on a new car, right?
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford offering employee pricing plus bonus incentive on fuel efficient vehicles
Ford offering employee pricing plus bonus incentive on fuel efficient vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Ford, Mercury
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.
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 - Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials
So here's a breakdown of what's going on in Congress concerning federal aid for U.S. automakers. A Senate bill expected to be voted on this Thursday would expedite funds for Ford, GM and Chrysler so that they could actually get the cash they need within 22 days after the bill becomes law -- should the bill become law. The $25 billion loan, paid back at an initial rate of 5-percent, would come out of the $700 billion bailout fund for financial institutions. The Senate's stipulations would be that the government receives "stock warrants or senior debt instruments to the government," similar to actions taken with banks that accessed the $700 billion. As well, top executives get no big payouts and stockholders get no dividends.
The rumblings on the track indicate that unless the folks in favor can change a lot of minds before Thursday, the Senate bill has little hope of passing. That makes it even more unlikely that a House version of the bill would pass, since it has even stricter requirements. The House bill would also get money for the automakers quickly, but would establish a Financial Stability Oversight Board that would have veto power over any auto company action that would cost more than $25 million. Who would be on that board and how would they be chosen? Who knows.
Latest word is also that the White House doesn't want to take money from the $700 billion bank bailout and use it for the auto industry. It would rather speed up disbursement of the $25 billion in low interest loans that was already approved for research into more fuel efficient vehicles and let the automakers use that for their current cash needs. The White House also wants, and the Senate bill requests, that Ford, GM and Chrysler give the Treasury "a detailed plan on how the government funds requested will be utilized to ensure the long-term financial posture of the company." Cue the dramatic music, some maniacal laughter and the late Vincent Price intoning: the plot thickens.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]The Skinny: Automaker aid from the Feds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Economy, Sedans/Saloons, Ford, Misc. Auto Shows
Click above for more high-res live shots of the Ford Fiesta sedan
Ford's latest Fiesta subcompact is finally coming to America, which is definitely cause for celebration. To get it ready for U.S. consumption, the Blue Oval brand has grafted a trunk onto the ex-hatch's hind end, as we Americans inexplicably nearly always choose a sedan over a more functional hatchback. At least Ford has managed to keep the Fiesta's Kinetic design language intact, and the freshly unveiled Fiesta sedan bears a striking resemblance to the Verve sedan concept from the last Detroit Auto Show. For the record, the sedan body style will not be available in Europe, though we expect Ford to also offer the two- and four-door hatchback version in the U.S.
Ford officially took the wraps off the Fiesta sedan at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China where the new car will soon go on sale. When the Fiesta makes its long-awaited American debut as a 2010 model, it will be built in Mexico and reportedly cost around $15,000. The team from Autoblog China (did you know there's now also an Autoblog UK, Autoblog Germany and Autoblog France, all with teams of local bloggers producing them?) on the floor in Guangzhou managed to snap some live shots of the Fiesta sedan for your viewing enjoyment, so check out the galleries below. Enjoy!
[Source: Autoblog China, Ford]Continue reading Ford reveals US-bound Fiesta Sedan in China
Ford reveals US-bound Fiesta Sedan in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Videos, Ford
The 2010 Mustang is finally out in the open (check out our Officially, Official: 2010 Ford Mustang post), and so far we like what we see. Ford has given its iconic pony car a very thorough makeover inside and out, with sexier, more modern sheet metal and interior materials that are far superior to the current model. The Mustang's basic powertrains carry over with a modest power boost for the V8 model, and Blue Oval brass ensure us that the Mustang's ride and handling will be greatly improved, as well.
We were able to get the Mustang's head exterior and interior designers, as well as the pony car's head engineer to give us as many 2010 Mustang details as possible. The video above is five minutes in length and worth every second watching, and we covered the talking heads with plenty of footage of Ford's newest Mustang to keep things interesting. Enjoy.
VIDEO: Autoblog goes in-depth with 2010 Ford Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Ford, Mazda, By the Numbers
Well, we have to say we saw this coming. Ford has officially sold off approximately 20% of its stake in Mazda. The sale reduces Ford's share from a controlling 33.4% interest to just over 13% and puts about $540 million into the Dearborn coffers, based on a sale price figured at Mazda's closing value Tuesday. The cash infusion will certainly help Ford's bottom line in these rough economic times, and the fact that the shares are being sold back to Mazda (7 percent) and to about 20 of its strategic partners means that Ford's remaining stake will still give it significant leverage in their partnership. Even with just 13%, Ford will remain Mazda's largest shareholder and will keep its seat on the Mazda Board of Directors. The two companies say that this will not effect Mazda's operations and that Ford and Mazda will continue their nearly 30-year history of cooperation. According to the official statement, which can be found in its entirety after the jump, Ford and Mazda will continue their ongoing joint ventures and will continue to share platforms and powertrains.
[Source: Ford]Continue reading Ford sells 20% of its stake in Mazda
Ford sells 20% of its stake in Mazda originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford
Click above for high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford Mustang
When the 2005 Ford Mustang debuted, it thoroughly reinvigorated the pony car segment that it created four decades earlier. After 25 years of being assembled on the archaic rear-wheel-drive Fox platform, the Mustang finally had an all-new platform and styling that hearkened back to the late 1960s. Known as the S197, this Mustang appeared at a time when it was in fact the only surviving member of the muscle car class. The Camaro and Firebird had been cancelled two years earlier and Chrysler had been out of the rear-wheel-drive sport coupe market since the 1970s. The Mustang's enormous success inspired Chevrolet and Dodge to create their own retro-styled muscle cars in the form of the new Camaro and Challenger. Fortunately for Mustang fans, Ford has not been sitting idle, and even while it was creating all those special edition Mustangs over the past few years, it was also working on thoroughly revamping its core pony. For the 2010 Mustang, Ford has taken the best parts of the S197 and fixed most of what was broken. Read on to learn what's new.
Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang!
Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Ford
UPDATE: The cat's out of the bag, so click here for our full post on the 2010 Ford Mustang with analysis of the new pony car and lots of high-res images.
Click above for high-res pics of the 2010 Ford Mustang (plus the official order form)
var g_revealed_early_on_Ford_s_own_website'; Everyone here at Autoblog has been patiently counting down the seconds until 12:01AM EST tonight when Ford's embargo lifts on the 2010 Mustang. At that time we can tell you all about the new 'Stang as well as share our official high-res images and live shots that we took when invited to see it behind closed doors last week. Well, thanks to Ford itself we don't have to wait that long to give you a full featured sneak peek. The Blue Oval has already updated its official micro-site for the 2010 Mustang with a few wallpaper images (see gallery below), a CG video and the pony car's official order form that gives up the entire goods on each model, their standard features and optional equipment. You can try out the car in different colors.
We're still going to wait until 12:01AM EST to release our mother load of Mustang content (at least for now), so come back at midnight to read all about the changes to America's favorite muscle car and view our high-res galleries. Thanks for the tip, Jason!
Continue reading 2010 Ford Mustang revealed early on Ford's own website!
2010 Ford Mustang revealed early on Ford's own website! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM, Earnings/Financials
"Thick and fast." That's the phrase that describes the opinions, pleas, advice, denunciations, and WTF? going on around the U.S. auto industry right now. Enter Congress, which is trying to figure out how to give Detroit automakers the $25 billion they were promised a few months ago. Congressmen are sounding off almost daily on what kinds of stipulations they want to attach to the loan/bailout/whatever you want to call it -- and that's just the ones who would vote for it at all.
Next up is Senator Bill Nelson, a Florida democrat, who wants U.S. automakers to achieve a fleet average of 50 mpg by 2020. Right now, the CAFE target is 35 mpg by 2020 -- a goal agreed upon only after a huge amount of jockeying in and out of Congress. Nelson asked, "Why should we be pouring taxpayer money into an automobile industry that has continued to resist higher miles per gallon, which has led us in part to the problems we're in?"
While that might sound like a great idea to some, it would cost a terrific sum of money to achieve. The Detroit Three need the money they're asking for just to get to Q2 of 2009, not to create a range of cars that would represent magnificent advances -- based on where we are right now -- in 11 years. There's a good chance nothing will be decided until the president-elect takes office, and by then, who knows what other requests Congress will have.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Senator calls for 50-mpg mandate for Detroit to receive aid originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertibles, Coupes, Ford
Click above for a high-res gallery of 2010 Ford Mustang teasers
We're less than a day away from hearing all the official details on the new 2010 Mustang and bits of information are still dribbling out on the interwebs. The latest is that we now have some purported pricing and option information on at least the Mustang GT Premium package. If accurate, the price of the GT Premium will climb by about $935 to $30,095, a jump of 3.2%. Looking at the equipment list though, it appears some new features are included in that price like 18-inch wheels that were previously optional and SYNC. Other standard equipment includes automatic headlamps, LED tail-lights and body-colored mirrors. If this information is accurate, one other annoyance of the 2005-2009 Mustangs has been addressed with an interior trunk release, something that was previously missing. Ford will be revealing everything very soon, so stay tuned.
[Source: MustangBlog]2010 Ford Mustang GT pricing and options leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Government/Legal, Chrysler, LLC., Ford, GM
Today's lame-duck Congressional meeting is going to be an important one for Detroit automakers, with House Democrats working on a $25 billion bailout proposal. Passion is high on both sides of the bailout argument, and Democrats are looking to toughen up a bill to help gain crucial votes needed for passage. Among the items being discussed is a taxpayer stake in any assisted automaker, additional restructuring and stiff restrictions on executive pay.
House Republican Richard Shelby is one of many leaders likely to vote against the bill no matter what stipulations are added. The Alabama Republican called Detroit Automakers "dinosaurs" that need to start over. He also called for management to go, but he stated that he wouldn't support a bill even if they did. Michigan Democrat Senator Carl Levin suggested that if GM CEO Rick Wagoner had to step down to guarantee aid, he should consider it. GM is pleading for a bridge loan both in Washington and on YouTube, where the automaker released a four-minute video explaining the importance of its industry.
President-Elect Barak Obama also chimed in on the automaker bailout situation on 60 Minutes Sunday, stating that the loss of Detroit Automakers would be a disaster for the country. Obama also insisted that any loan can't be a "blank check," and that industry leaders, labor, suppliers, lenders, and stakeholders needed to agree on a long term solution that shows that loans aren't merely delaying the domestic industry's demise.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]Continue reading Congressional Democrats looking to toughen up bailout proposal
Congressional Democrats looking to toughen up bailout proposal originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota
With the domestic auto industry hurting like never before, most analysts expect budgets for motorsports activities to drop dramatically in the coming few months. This slowdown of funds will surely impact NASCAR, which sees participation from each of the Detroit 3 along with Toyota. Despite being one of the most visible racing organizations in the United States, it's also one of the most expensive for teams to operate, with some estimates pegging a single day's worth of track testing at over $100,000 per car. Large teams can expect to save a few million bucks per year in expenses due to the new policy.
Just a few months back, however, NASCAR teams were pushing for more testing sessions at more tracks, and officials had proposed a new plan that would have increased testing sessions to 24 per year. That tactic would have increased the amount of money that teams and sponsors would need to spend by a substantial figure. Although we're not big NASCAR watchers, we tend to think that the change could actually benefit the series, since it could level the playing field and make for better racing. We'll see if we're right in just a few months.
[Source: NASCAR]NASCAR to implement a no-testing policy for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Car Buying, Ford, Earnings/Financials
Employee pricing, that tricky sales tactic that helped GM post better sales figures than its competitors back in August and September, are about to work their magic for the Blue Oval. According to reports, Ford is planning to launch an employee pricing promotion on November 19 and is expected to keep it active until January 5th. Throughout that period, General Motors will be running its annual year-end Red Tag Sales Event, so the two biggest domestic automakers will be battling it out for lowest profits sales supremacy. In addition to paying the same as a Ford worker, buyers may also get an extra dollop of cash on some models to help move the last of the '08s, though the brand-new 2009 F-150 pickup truck will not be part of the promotion. Now, go find yourself a deal.
[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]Ford may launch employee pricing as soon as next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: LA Auto Show, Marketing/Advertising, Ford
Click above for a high-res gallery of 2010 Mustang teasers
Can't make it out to the L.A. Auto Show to see Ford's new pony car? No worries! The Blue Oval and SPEED TV have teamed up to provide live coverage of the 2010 Mustang's unveiling next week. The cameras will be rolling next Tuesday at 11:00 p.m. EST, so either put it on your schedule or set your DVR. Of course, we'll also be there with cameras in hand, so be sure to check back here for plenty of photos and all the latest news on the Mustang and the rest of the LA Auto Show.
[Source: SpeedTV.com via MustangBlog.com]
Ford to unveil 2010 Mustang live on SPEED TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Trucks/Pickups, Ford
Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor
The recently-introduced Ford F-150 SVT Raptor seems to elicit emotional responses that range from "What's the point?" to "I need one NOW!" Opinions aside, the fact is that the SVT Raptor is one highly capable truck. We were able to get a ride in the passenger seat of one in the Nevada desert outside Las Vegas, and can attest to its ability to handle everything thrown at it. The beefy suspension upgrades and BFGoodrich All-Terrain TA/KO tires make the Raptor the best off-roading production truck ever built. Period. The guys at SVT weren't shy about exploiting this, and seemed to especially love kicking up as much dirt as possible (we're still cleaning all the dust out of our cameras). Ford recently posted some beautiful new photos of the Raptor doing just that, which we've added to the high-res gallery below. Enjoy!
[Source: Ford]
Pics Aplenty: SVT Raptor gettin' down and dirty originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'FORD' Category
Wednesday, August 15th, 2007
Filed under: Garage, Trucks/Pickups, Commercial Trucks, Ford
The first time we laid eyes on Ford’s new F-450, we knew that we wanted to run one through the ringer. Intended to satisfy those customers who find traditional “one ton” dually trucks to be a bit too limiting, this massive vehicle pegged our more-is-better meter. The F-450 is, in fact, so big as to make the title of this post a complete misnomer, as it takes something more like a barn to house this much truck.
Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford F-450 Lariat King Ranch
Posted in World Cars, Cargo cars, Automotive News, FORD, Trucks, Pickups | No Comments »
Friday, September 23rd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Ford Grand Marquis (Ford - Venezuela)
Sales Company:
Available version:
4.6 V8 aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Limousine 4d
Assembly Plants:
Ford (Canada)
Info:
What used to be known simply as a car preferred by cabbies, cops, and older family fogies alike has evolved into an aggressive, handsome, and powerful full-size sedan. Available as an LX Sport, the Crown Victoria can be made sinister with monochromatic paint schemes, leather, bucket seats, console-mounted gear selector, tuned suspension, and performance differential. The Crown Victoria has earned a Five-Star crash rating, ranking it as among one of the safest cars in the world. Available ABS makes the safe even safer, and optional all-speed traction control help to keep the Crown Vic secured to the asphalt. The Ford Crown Victoria, already a favorite of customers, taxi drivers and police officers who appreciate the advantages of a full-size rear-wheel-drive car, receives a new frame and major upgrades in ride, handling, comfort and safety for 2003.
Donors:
Posted in FORD | No Comments »
Friday, September 23rd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Ford Econoline 150/250/350
Ford Econoline Passenger Wagon 150/350
Ford Econoline 250/350 Ext.
Ford Econoline Passenger Wagon 350 Ext.
Ford Econoline Cutaway - 350 LWB
Ford Econoline Cutaway - 350 MWB
Ford Econoline Cutaway - 350 SWB
Sales Company:
Available version:
4.2 V8 aut.
4.6 V8 aut.
5.4 V8 aut.
5.4 V8 NGV aut.
6.0 TD V8 aut.
6.8 V10 aut.
7.3 TD V8 aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Van
(150/250/350)
Van
(250/350 Ext.)
Van Minibus
(Passenger Wagon 150/350)
Van Minibus
(Passenger Wagon 350 Ext.)
Van Chassis
(Cutaway - 350 LWB)
Van Chassis
(Cutaway - 350 MWB)
Van Chassis
(Cutaway - 350 SWB)
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in FORD | No Comments »
Thursday, September 22nd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Escape (Ford - Vietnam)
Maverick ()
Maverick (Ford - People\’s Republic of China)
Ford Escape SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
2.0 16v 4wd
2.3 16v 4wd
2.3 16v 4wd aut.
2.3 16v aut.
2.3 16v
3.0 V6 24v 4wd
3.0 V6 24v 4wd aut.
Hybrid
Hybrid 4wd
Previous version:
Variation:
Assembly Plants:
Ford (Philippines)
Previous Assembly Plants:
Ford (Malaysia)
Ford (Vietnam)
Info:
Available in two guises, XLS and XLT, the Escape offers people SUV style, ruggedness, and room without the parking and fuel hassles. A plethora of interior configurations assures maximum cargo capacity, while not sacrificing comfort levels. The standard stereo features tape and CD players, while the XLT features an in dash 6-disc changer. Front fenders are reinforced for impacts, directing impact energy through the upper and lower doorsills. An energy-absorbing steering column and knee bolsters assist passengers in severe accidents, while pretension-designed seat belts help hold passengers securely in place. New for 2003 is the XLT Appearance Package, which includes glossy Dark Shadow Gray bumper fascias and side cladding, machined bright aluminum 16-inch wheels and Dark Shadow Gray step bars.
Donors:
Posted in FORD | No Comments »
Thursday, September 22nd, 2005
Details info: Alternative names:
Ford Excursion SUV 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
5.4 V8 4×2 aut.
5.4 V8 4×4 aut.
6.0 V8 DI TD 4×2 aut.
6.0 V8 DI TD 4×4 aut.
6.8 V10 4×2 aut.
6.8 V10 4×4 aut.
7.3 V8 DI TD 4×2 aut.
7.3 V8 DI TD 4×4 aut.
Previous version:
Variation:
Ford Excursion SUV 5d
Assembly Plants:
Donors:
Posted in FORD | No Comments »
