The U.S. government's new corporate average fuel economy target has spurred automakers to launch a campaign to slash the weight of their vehicles.
There appears to be a growing consensus that vehicle weight must be reduced 10 to 15 percent to achieve the government's 54.5 mpg fuel economy standard, effective by the 2025 model year.
This month, research firm Ducker Worldwide of suburban Detroit issued a report that forecast vehicle weight reductions of 10 to 12 percent by 2025. Meanwhile, the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., predicted vehicles would be up to 15 percent lighter.
A typical vehicle weighs about 3,625 pounds, which means automakers will seek to eliminate 360 to 540 pounds, if industry estimates are correct.
At least one automaker, Ford Motor Co., has publicly vowed to reduce the weight of new models introduced through 2020 by 250 to 750 pounds per vehicle.
Most likely, automakers will achieve this by relying heavily on lighter materials -- such as aluminum, magnesium, composites and carbon fiber -- along with advanced high-strength steel.
Given the high cost of carbon fiber, automakers generally will make greatest use of aluminum and advanced high-strength steel, said Richard Schultz, a Ducker managing director.
"The real loser will be 'mild' steel, but so what?" Schultz said. "The steel mills see this conversion happening, so they are replacing their equipment."
This conversion to lighter materials will occur step by step, as automakers redesign hundreds of parts.
Most companies prefer an incremental approach rather than clean-sheet experiments such as Jaguar's primarily aluminum XJ sedan or the Audi A8's aluminum spaceframe, said CAR President Jay Baron.
Automakers are "risk averse, because making a mistake is so costly," Baron said.
But some ambitious experiments have been launched. The U.S. Department of Energy has funded a $10 million effort by Chrysler Groupto design a seven-passenger minivan that weighs half as much as a typical people mover.
Chrysler declined to discuss the project, but industry sources say the designers will make use of magnesium, aluminum and composite components.
In 2009, Ford said it would reduce the weight of each new model over the next decade by 250 to 750 pounds, depending on vehicle size.
Its new models are starting to show the results of that strategy. The new Explorer, for example, features an aluminum hood that is 17 pounds lighter than a steel one. And a magnesium seat frame for the Explorer's third row saved 10 pounds.
Another example: the Lincoln MKT crossover has a liftgate made with a magnesium inner panel plus an aluminum outer panel. The magnesium-aluminum liftgate weighs 87.5 pounds, vs. 109.5 pounds for a standard steel one.
The liftgate, developed jointly by Ford and Meridian Lightweight Technologies Inc. of Strathroy, Ontario, won a 2010 Automotive News PACE award.
Consumer resistance
Weight reductions such as these arguably are invisible to the motorist, who may not care whether his hood is aluminum or steel. But other efforts to cut weight may encounter consumer resistance.
For example, Magna International Inc., of Aurora, Ontario, developed a front seat called Futureform, a 39-pound product that weighs 20 percent less than a conventional unit.
Its thin seat back saves weight, and thinner contours allow rear-seat passengers more legroom. To hold costs down, Magna used high-strength steel -- twice as strong as conventional steel -- in the frame rather than pricier materials such as carbon fiber or magnesium.
But Magna doesn't have any contracts yet. Why not? Consumers perceive the seat to be less comfortable, admits Jim Rudberg, a seating engineer for Magna.
Uncomfortable looks
The supplier's own tests conclude that the new seat is just as comfortable. But participants in Magna's customer clinics insisted that the seats didn't look comfortable.
This problem first popped up a few years ago, when Magna developed the fold-down seats for Chrysler's minivans with Stow 'n Go seating. Consumers thought the fold-down seats looked too skinny -- hence uncomfortable -- so Magna had to fatten them up.
What will it cost?
While 10-year cost projections necessarily involve guesswork, industry analysts aren't that far apart. The Ducker report puts the cost of a 10 percent weight reduction at $500 per vehicle.
The CAR study estimates that a 15 percent weight reduction would cost $1,156 per vehicle.
Incremental vs. innovative
Such estimates assume that automakers will gradually switch to new materials rather than make a one-time change to slash weight.
But some major innovations are in the works, too. At the Frankfurt auto show, BMW AG is unveiling the i3 electric car, an innovative vehicle made largely of carbon fiber.
In addition, Audi AG is unveiling a redesigned A2 with an aluminum body and spaceframe.
The Detroit 3 may be willing to experiment, too. Schultz of Ducker Worldwide hints that an American automaker plans to develop an aluminum-body vehicle in the next five to 10 years.
Carbon fiber sports car
Likewise, rumors are circulating that an American automaker may develop a sports car with a carbon fiber monocoque, or unibody.
If successful, these projects could speed the pace of innovation. But automakers are unlikely to adopt exotic materials for mass market models regardless of cost.
If the price of a new part is more than 5 to 10 percent higher than the old part, said Magna's Rudberg: "We won't even bother."
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ford. Show all posts
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Ford to launch MyKey safety feature in Europe
Ford Motor Co. will launch its MyKey feature in Europe next year, alongside the Ford Sync voice-control system.
MyKey allows an "administrator," most likely a parent, to give younger drivers a designated key with a unique computer chip that among other things limits a car's top speed to 140kph (around 87.5 mph) in Europe.
In North America, MyKey debuted as a standard feature on the 2010 Ford Focus and is now a no-cost feature on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models. In Europe, the Ford Fiesta will be the first model to get MyKey next year, followed by the all-new Ford Focus, before spreading to the rest of the lineup.
In North America, MyKey imposes a standard top speed of 80 mph, but parents can opt for a top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.
Ford decided not to give the option of choosing different top speeds for European markets, said Pim van der Jagt, executive director, Ford Advanced Research and Engineering Center in Aachen, Germany.
"Speed limits are different in different markets, and in Germany there are highways with no limits, so we decided not to (provide lower limits), because for instance in an emergency you might need to accelerate," he said Thursday following a press conference at the 2011 IFA consumer electronics show here.
Additional safety features
In Europe, MyKey can be programmed to sound a warning as the car passes speeds of 70, 90 or 100kph, similar to the North American version. Most MyKey features are almost identical in Europe and in North America.
For instance, MyKey makes it impossible to turn off certain safety systems, such as blind-spot detection, electronic stability control, lane departure warning and traction control. MyKey also limits the audio volume to 44 percent of total volume, and mutes the audio until front seat belts are fastened.
MyKey also turns on the "low fuel" warning at a remaining range of 120 km instead of 80km, van der Jagt said. One difference is that Ford announced in North America in December 2010 that it would allow parents to lock out satellite radio programming with explicit language. That won't be available in Europe at launch.
"Satellite radio really isn't all that popular in Europe, so we won't have that," van der Jagt added.
MyKey allows an "administrator," most likely a parent, to give younger drivers a designated key with a unique computer chip that among other things limits a car's top speed to 140kph (around 87.5 mph) in Europe.
In North America, MyKey debuted as a standard feature on the 2010 Ford Focus and is now a no-cost feature on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models. In Europe, the Ford Fiesta will be the first model to get MyKey next year, followed by the all-new Ford Focus, before spreading to the rest of the lineup.
In North America, MyKey imposes a standard top speed of 80 mph, but parents can opt for a top speed of 65, 70, 75 or 80 mph.
Ford decided not to give the option of choosing different top speeds for European markets, said Pim van der Jagt, executive director, Ford Advanced Research and Engineering Center in Aachen, Germany.
"Speed limits are different in different markets, and in Germany there are highways with no limits, so we decided not to (provide lower limits), because for instance in an emergency you might need to accelerate," he said Thursday following a press conference at the 2011 IFA consumer electronics show here.
Additional safety features
In Europe, MyKey can be programmed to sound a warning as the car passes speeds of 70, 90 or 100kph, similar to the North American version. Most MyKey features are almost identical in Europe and in North America.
For instance, MyKey makes it impossible to turn off certain safety systems, such as blind-spot detection, electronic stability control, lane departure warning and traction control. MyKey also limits the audio volume to 44 percent of total volume, and mutes the audio until front seat belts are fastened.
MyKey also turns on the "low fuel" warning at a remaining range of 120 km instead of 80km, van der Jagt said. One difference is that Ford announced in North America in December 2010 that it would allow parents to lock out satellite radio programming with explicit language. That won't be available in Europe at launch.
"Satellite radio really isn't all that popular in Europe, so we won't have that," van der Jagt added.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Noise from left front wheel, and ABS light on
Subject: Noise from left front wheel, and ABS light on
Vehicles Involved: Ford Escape 2009, Mercury Mariner 2009
Condition: A clicking or rubbing noise from the left front wheel, and the ABS light may be on.
Repair: The ABS wheel speed sensor may be making contact with the reluctor wheel. This is caused by a defective knuckle, which miss-aligns the sensor and reluctor.
Remove the wheel and measure the air gap between the sensor and reluctor. If the air gap is less than .020 in. or inspection indicates the sensor has been making contact with the reluctor, the steering knuckle must be replaced. The installation of a new design knuckle from Ford should correct this problem.
TSB No. BPI 11-07
Vehicles Involved: Ford Escape 2009, Mercury Mariner 2009
Condition: A clicking or rubbing noise from the left front wheel, and the ABS light may be on.
Repair: The ABS wheel speed sensor may be making contact with the reluctor wheel. This is caused by a defective knuckle, which miss-aligns the sensor and reluctor.
Remove the wheel and measure the air gap between the sensor and reluctor. If the air gap is less than .020 in. or inspection indicates the sensor has been making contact with the reluctor, the steering knuckle must be replaced. The installation of a new design knuckle from Ford should correct this problem.
TSB No. BPI 11-07
Monday, August 22, 2011
Ford, Toyota to jointly develop hybrids for light trucks
Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp., by partnering to build a hybrid system for light trucks, hope to cross one of the auto industry’s biggest hurdles – significantly boosting the fuel economy of large pickups and SUVs.
The two automakers plan to jointly develop hybrid technology for light trucks as U.S. regulators finalize plans to toughen fuel economy requirements for pickups later this decade.
Ford sells the nation’s best-selling large pickup – the F series. Toyota is the world’s biggest marketer of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles for front-wheel based light vehicles, with sales of 3.3 million since introducing the Prius in 1997.
"We expect to create exciting and socially beneficial technologies with Ford, and we can do so because our two companies have enough experience to create a synergy effect in hybrid technology," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, a Toyota executive vice president.
The new hybrid system will be introduced in Ford and Toyota rear-wheel drive SUVs and light trucks later this decade.
It's the first time the automakers have collaborated on product development.
The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding and expect a formal agreement to be signed next year.
By that time, it should be clear how the Obama administration will formalize a proposal to hike corporate average fuel-economy standards to 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year -- doubling the current requirement.
The new standard requires a 5 percent annual increase in fuel economy for cars starting with the 2017 model year through the 2025 model year. Under current law, automakers’ fleets must improve to 35.5 mpg in the 2016 model year, up from 27.3 mpg now.
Pickups exempt
The plan for 5 percent annual increases could be changed if a midcourse review, planned to begin in 2018, determines that it would adversely affect industry costs and vehicle sales.
The Obama administration's current CAFE proposal, details of which still must be worked out, will exclude full-sized pickups from any increases from the 2017 model year through the 2019 model year.
Beyond 2019, annual increases would begin at a rate still to be determined, until they reach an annual rate of 5 percent a year in the 2022-2025 model years.
Light trucks other than full-sized pickups would have to achieve 3.5 percent annual increases in mileage standards in the 2017-21 model years and 5 percent increases in the 2022-25 model years.
The sharp hike in fleet mpg will force automakers to make vehicles smaller and lighter, offer more hybrids and enhance powertrains to include such technologies as turbochargers and direct injection.
Detroit automakers dominate the full-sized pickup market, with the F series and General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado ranking as the top-selling vehicles in the nation.
Some Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan models also might be considered full-sized pickups under federal criteria to be determined.
Credits for hybrids
Under the current White House plan, which is to be proposed formally in September and become final in July 2012, Detroit automakers would receive credits for meeting CAFE targets by increasing the use of hybrid technology in pickups.
The exemption for full-sized pickups was opposed by some overseas automakers -- notably Volkswagen AG and Daimler AG -- that make SUVs and crossovers that are classified as light trucks but would not be treated the same.
Administration official say one reason for the special treatment of full-sized pickups is that they were "significantly challenged" to meet the 2012-16 mileage targets.
Because of the wide choice of engines, transmissions, drivetrains, bed sizes and towing capacity available, automakers have struggled to meet higher fuel-economy requirements for large pickups without sacrificing consumer preferences.
That challenge is the primary reason Ford and Toyota have decided to pair up, analysts say.
GM has marketed mild-hybrid full-sized pickups and SUVs for several years under a technology partnership with BMW and Chrysler, but sales have been lackluster because of higher sticker prices and reduced performance, such as limited towing capacity.
“To some extent, this agreement allows Ford to cost-effectively catch up and potentially surpass GM, who arguably has a head start on light-truck hybrids and mild hybrids,” Barclays Capital analyst Brian Johnson said in a report today.
Global challenges
Ford and Toyota expect the partnership to reduce costs and bring hybrid technology to the marketplace sooner and at a lower price. The companies plan to develop components as equal partners but integrate the new hybrid system in future trucks and SUVs separately.
"By working together we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy," Ford CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement. "This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability."
The two automakers also agreed to work together on developing next-generation telematics and other in-vehicle Internet-based services.
"This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice president of product development.
The companies did not release financial details or identify which vehicles will be involved.
But investors seemed to welcome the news, pushing Ford shares higher in New York Stock Exchange trading today while shares in other automakers slumped. Ford shares closed up 1 cent at 10.01. GM shares fell 44 cents, or 2 percent, to close at $21.72.
The Ford and Toyota product development teams first met in April, Kuzak said.
The next step of the project is a feasibility study, which will begin soon, to determine the scope of the collaboration, he said.
Uchiyamada, speaking through a translator, said both companies are eager to start. While they "would like to know the timing now," they must take the appropriate steps before full development can begin.
They play to begin development work next year.
Ford and Toyota previously collaborated in 2004 when the two companies agreed to a patent-sharing deal where Toyota licensed some of its hybrid technology to Ford.
Ford used the licensed technology in the Escape Hybrid and the now-defunct Mercury Mariner Hybrid. In return, Toyota obtained the use of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology.
The two automakers plan to jointly develop hybrid technology for light trucks as U.S. regulators finalize plans to toughen fuel economy requirements for pickups later this decade.
Ford sells the nation’s best-selling large pickup – the F series. Toyota is the world’s biggest marketer of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles for front-wheel based light vehicles, with sales of 3.3 million since introducing the Prius in 1997.
"We expect to create exciting and socially beneficial technologies with Ford, and we can do so because our two companies have enough experience to create a synergy effect in hybrid technology," said Takeshi Uchiyamada, a Toyota executive vice president.
The new hybrid system will be introduced in Ford and Toyota rear-wheel drive SUVs and light trucks later this decade.
It's the first time the automakers have collaborated on product development.
The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding and expect a formal agreement to be signed next year.
By that time, it should be clear how the Obama administration will formalize a proposal to hike corporate average fuel-economy standards to 54.5 mpg by the 2025 model year -- doubling the current requirement.
The new standard requires a 5 percent annual increase in fuel economy for cars starting with the 2017 model year through the 2025 model year. Under current law, automakers’ fleets must improve to 35.5 mpg in the 2016 model year, up from 27.3 mpg now.
Pickups exempt
The plan for 5 percent annual increases could be changed if a midcourse review, planned to begin in 2018, determines that it would adversely affect industry costs and vehicle sales.
The Obama administration's current CAFE proposal, details of which still must be worked out, will exclude full-sized pickups from any increases from the 2017 model year through the 2019 model year.
Beyond 2019, annual increases would begin at a rate still to be determined, until they reach an annual rate of 5 percent a year in the 2022-2025 model years.
Light trucks other than full-sized pickups would have to achieve 3.5 percent annual increases in mileage standards in the 2017-21 model years and 5 percent increases in the 2022-25 model years.
The sharp hike in fleet mpg will force automakers to make vehicles smaller and lighter, offer more hybrids and enhance powertrains to include such technologies as turbochargers and direct injection.
Detroit automakers dominate the full-sized pickup market, with the F series and General Motors' Chevrolet Silverado ranking as the top-selling vehicles in the nation.
Some Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan models also might be considered full-sized pickups under federal criteria to be determined.
Credits for hybrids
Under the current White House plan, which is to be proposed formally in September and become final in July 2012, Detroit automakers would receive credits for meeting CAFE targets by increasing the use of hybrid technology in pickups.
The exemption for full-sized pickups was opposed by some overseas automakers -- notably Volkswagen AG and Daimler AG -- that make SUVs and crossovers that are classified as light trucks but would not be treated the same.
Administration official say one reason for the special treatment of full-sized pickups is that they were "significantly challenged" to meet the 2012-16 mileage targets.
Because of the wide choice of engines, transmissions, drivetrains, bed sizes and towing capacity available, automakers have struggled to meet higher fuel-economy requirements for large pickups without sacrificing consumer preferences.
That challenge is the primary reason Ford and Toyota have decided to pair up, analysts say.
GM has marketed mild-hybrid full-sized pickups and SUVs for several years under a technology partnership with BMW and Chrysler, but sales have been lackluster because of higher sticker prices and reduced performance, such as limited towing capacity.
“To some extent, this agreement allows Ford to cost-effectively catch up and potentially surpass GM, who arguably has a head start on light-truck hybrids and mild hybrids,” Barclays Capital analyst Brian Johnson said in a report today.
Global challenges
Ford and Toyota expect the partnership to reduce costs and bring hybrid technology to the marketplace sooner and at a lower price. The companies plan to develop components as equal partners but integrate the new hybrid system in future trucks and SUVs separately.
"By working together we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy," Ford CEO Alan Mulally said in a statement. "This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability."
The two automakers also agreed to work together on developing next-generation telematics and other in-vehicle Internet-based services.
"This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's vice president of product development.
The companies did not release financial details or identify which vehicles will be involved.
But investors seemed to welcome the news, pushing Ford shares higher in New York Stock Exchange trading today while shares in other automakers slumped. Ford shares closed up 1 cent at 10.01. GM shares fell 44 cents, or 2 percent, to close at $21.72.
The Ford and Toyota product development teams first met in April, Kuzak said.
The next step of the project is a feasibility study, which will begin soon, to determine the scope of the collaboration, he said.
Uchiyamada, speaking through a translator, said both companies are eager to start. While they "would like to know the timing now," they must take the appropriate steps before full development can begin.
They play to begin development work next year.
Ford and Toyota previously collaborated in 2004 when the two companies agreed to a patent-sharing deal where Toyota licensed some of its hybrid technology to Ford.
Ford used the licensed technology in the Escape Hybrid and the now-defunct Mercury Mariner Hybrid. In return, Toyota obtained the use of Ford's diesel and direct-injection engine technology.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Ford F150 Heritage problems with lighting system.
We just purchased a used Ford F150 pickup for our nephew. The lights were all working and then all of a sudden the blinkers and brake lights quit. My husband bought a manual and it suggested changing out some little plug located under steering column on the right side. I can’t remember what they are called but it was 2 square plug ins.
Replaced these, lights worked perfect and then went out again on the way to school. Please help. What would you suggest we try?
Replaced these, lights worked perfect and then went out again on the way to school. Please help. What would you suggest we try?
Monday, August 1, 2011
Ford to recall 1.1M pickup for gas tank problem
Ford to recall 1.1M pickup trucks with gas tanks that can fall off and cause fires
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday on its website that the metal straps holding the tanks can rust, allowing them to fall, rupture and catch fire.
The defect has been blamed for eight fires, three of which spread to the rest of the truck. One person was injured, suffering first- and second-degree burns, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said.
The recall affects certain 1997 through 2004 Ford F-150 models, as well as some 1997 through 1999 model year F-250 pickups. Also affected are Lincoln Blackwood pickups from the 2002 and 2003 model years. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. The salt corroded straps holding the tanks and they broke, NHTSA said.
The trucks were originally sold or are now registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Sherwood said the company will notify owners in September to bring their trucks to dealers who will replace the straps with new ones that are coated to resist corrosion. Parts to fix the problem, he said, won't be widely available until then.
People with questions should contact their dealer, who can install a cable to hold the tanks in place until the replacement straps arrive, Sherwood said.
Ford Motor Co. is recalling 1.1 million pickup trucks because the gas tanks can fall off and cause fires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday on its website that the metal straps holding the tanks can rust, allowing them to fall, rupture and catch fire.
The defect has been blamed for eight fires, three of which spread to the rest of the truck. One person was injured, suffering first- and second-degree burns, Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said.
The recall affects certain 1997 through 2004 Ford F-150 models, as well as some 1997 through 1999 model year F-250 pickups. Also affected are Lincoln Blackwood pickups from the 2002 and 2003 model years. They were sold in cold-weather states where salt is used to clear roads. The salt corroded straps holding the tanks and they broke, NHTSA said.
The trucks were originally sold or are now registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
Sherwood said the company will notify owners in September to bring their trucks to dealers who will replace the straps with new ones that are coated to resist corrosion. Parts to fix the problem, he said, won't be widely available until then.
People with questions should contact their dealer, who can install a cable to hold the tanks in place until the replacement straps arrive, Sherwood said.
Friday, June 24, 2011
04 Explorer a/c burnt?
I have a good one for you! I knew sooner or later this would happen.It could have easily burned and totalled the vehicle.
My son's 04 Explorer which was having earlier problems with the a/c compressor not powering on, now it is a bigger problem. Previously he was jumpering directly from the a/c clutch wire connector to the battery, to engage the a/c compressor clutch.
Well,he decided to hook up a toggle switch to the suv interior. After doing that, it wasn't long before the a/c clutch two wire connector shorted together and caused melted black electrical tape and the toggle switch to burn up, taking out the battery in the process.
He had to replace the battery and now when he tries jumpering directly to the battery again,it just causes sparking.
My question is the a/c compressor clutch coil
possibly shorted out or could it be the old original wire connector itself causing the arcing? How can you test the a/c clutch coil?
I am presently trying to locate and buy a new a/c clutch wiring connector pigtail. It is a two spade/two wire connector. I called A/Z and Oreilly's and they either don't have it or unsure which connector is the proper one.
I may have to call a local Ford dealership.
I do understand all of this is a bone head way of powering the a/c compressor and shouldn't have been done.
Does anyone know a part or oem # that would help to find the correct replacement wire connector.
That is the first priority right now and then get it repaired properly at a mechanic shop.
This 2004 Ford Explorer is a 4 wd, 4.0L V-6, with Vin K
I just need to replace the wiring pigtail to eliminate a possibly burnt out/grounded out connector and hope that he didn't burn out the a/c clutch coil. I would appreciate your help with this very stupid problem.
Response:
1).. reminds me of putting the penny behind the fuse... or in modern times, tin foil around the fuse;-)
2)The A/C clutch coil is an electro magnet. Knowing that I suspect that the Compressor itself is probably bad causing excessive heat by dragging on the clutch surfaces. And I have seen the compressors start fires.
UPDATE
The 04 Explorer meltdown was when the vehicle wasn't running. It shorted out with the a/c clutch wire connector (where hot wired)the two wires touched. So I don't really think it was the compressor itself involved. It was operating well when jumpered due to inability to energize thru the OEM control system via the clutch cycling switch.
Can I check the a/c clutch coil with a multimeter for continuity and/or Ohms? I read that continuity would confirm a good complete circuit. I just want to get the car back to the point of a/c compressor able to engage properly and then get it repaired properly at a local mechanic shop.
I did call a Ford dealership and found a new a/c clutch wire connector pigtail.
Thanks guys for your assistance, will update you later.
My son's 04 Explorer which was having earlier problems with the a/c compressor not powering on, now it is a bigger problem. Previously he was jumpering directly from the a/c clutch wire connector to the battery, to engage the a/c compressor clutch.
Well,he decided to hook up a toggle switch to the suv interior. After doing that, it wasn't long before the a/c clutch two wire connector shorted together and caused melted black electrical tape and the toggle switch to burn up, taking out the battery in the process.
He had to replace the battery and now when he tries jumpering directly to the battery again,it just causes sparking.
My question is the a/c compressor clutch coil
possibly shorted out or could it be the old original wire connector itself causing the arcing? How can you test the a/c clutch coil?
I am presently trying to locate and buy a new a/c clutch wiring connector pigtail. It is a two spade/two wire connector. I called A/Z and Oreilly's and they either don't have it or unsure which connector is the proper one.
I may have to call a local Ford dealership.
I do understand all of this is a bone head way of powering the a/c compressor and shouldn't have been done.
Does anyone know a part or oem # that would help to find the correct replacement wire connector.
That is the first priority right now and then get it repaired properly at a mechanic shop.
This 2004 Ford Explorer is a 4 wd, 4.0L V-6, with Vin K
I just need to replace the wiring pigtail to eliminate a possibly burnt out/grounded out connector and hope that he didn't burn out the a/c clutch coil. I would appreciate your help with this very stupid problem.
Response:
1).. reminds me of putting the penny behind the fuse... or in modern times, tin foil around the fuse;-)
2)The A/C clutch coil is an electro magnet. Knowing that I suspect that the Compressor itself is probably bad causing excessive heat by dragging on the clutch surfaces. And I have seen the compressors start fires.
UPDATE
The 04 Explorer meltdown was when the vehicle wasn't running. It shorted out with the a/c clutch wire connector (where hot wired)the two wires touched. So I don't really think it was the compressor itself involved. It was operating well when jumpered due to inability to energize thru the OEM control system via the clutch cycling switch.
Can I check the a/c clutch coil with a multimeter for continuity and/or Ohms? I read that continuity would confirm a good complete circuit. I just want to get the car back to the point of a/c compressor able to engage properly and then get it repaired properly at a local mechanic shop.
I did call a Ford dealership and found a new a/c clutch wire connector pigtail.
Thanks guys for your assistance, will update you later.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Ford plans hybrid-only models
Ford, like Toyota, aims to create a family of hybrid-only vehicles. But Ford and its dealers have to decide who will sell them.
Ford Motor Co. plans to offer the C-Max vehicles in hybrid-only versions, with no gasoline-powered version. The two vehicles -- the C-Max hybrid five-seat hatchback and the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid -- will join the Transit Connect Electric commercial van, Focus electric and an unidentified fifth vehicle that will arrive in 2012.
Ford now sells hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Escape and the Lincoln MKZ.
Speaking last week about the C-Max models, Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing chief, said, "I am convinced that customers will appreciate that Ford now offers a dedicated body style for electric vehicle choices."
He announced that Ford had cancelled plans to sell the European-engineered seven-seat gasoline-powered C-Max in the United States.
The C-Max plan appears to mimic Toyota Motor Corp.'s plan for a family of Prius hybrid vehicles. The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are the only hybrids that are not derivatives of gasoline-powered models.
Ford plans to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 units by 2013.
While all Ford brand dealers are expected to sell the C-Max hatchback hybrid, dealers can choose not to sell the C-Max Energi. They will have to decide by the end of this summer whether to commit to investing in service-department training and meeting other requirements to get the Energi.
Both vehicles will go on sale in 2012, but Farley would not say whether they will go on sale nationwide or whether Ford will launch them in a few markets, as was true for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and the Nissan Leaf electric car.
"Dealers will have to do different things, in terms of financing, arranging for the installation of the plug-in at the customer's house" and handling service, Farley said.
Best Buy will install the charging stations, he said.
Ford Motor Co. plans to offer the C-Max vehicles in hybrid-only versions, with no gasoline-powered version. The two vehicles -- the C-Max hybrid five-seat hatchback and the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid -- will join the Transit Connect Electric commercial van, Focus electric and an unidentified fifth vehicle that will arrive in 2012.
Ford now sells hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Escape and the Lincoln MKZ.
Speaking last week about the C-Max models, Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing chief, said, "I am convinced that customers will appreciate that Ford now offers a dedicated body style for electric vehicle choices."
He announced that Ford had cancelled plans to sell the European-engineered seven-seat gasoline-powered C-Max in the United States.
The C-Max plan appears to mimic Toyota Motor Corp.'s plan for a family of Prius hybrid vehicles. The Toyota Prius and Honda Insight are the only hybrids that are not derivatives of gasoline-powered models.
Ford plans to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 units by 2013.
While all Ford brand dealers are expected to sell the C-Max hatchback hybrid, dealers can choose not to sell the C-Max Energi. They will have to decide by the end of this summer whether to commit to investing in service-department training and meeting other requirements to get the Energi.
Both vehicles will go on sale in 2012, but Farley would not say whether they will go on sale nationwide or whether Ford will launch them in a few markets, as was true for the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and the Nissan Leaf electric car.
"Dealers will have to do different things, in terms of financing, arranging for the installation of the plug-in at the customer's house" and handling service, Farley said.
Best Buy will install the charging stations, he said.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Ford C-Max minivan to be offered only as a hybrid
Automaker will triple electrified vehicle production to 100,000 a year
Ford says the upcoming C-Max compact minivan will be a dedicated hybrid when U.S. sales begin next year.
Ford Motor Co., in a move to compete with hybrid and electric vehicles produced by Toyota, GM, and Nissan, said today that its upcoming C-Max compact minivan will be a dedicated hybrid when U.S. sales begin next year.
And Ford has cancelled plans to offer a version of the C-Max with a four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Ford said it has been able to reduce the cost of hybrid technology, which will make the vehicle more attractive to buyers. Ford announced this year that a plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi also is planned.
Today's move will put the C-Max in competition with Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid, General Motors' Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan Motor Co.'s all-electric Leaf.
The C-Max is a five-passenger minivan based on the Ford Focus platform.
Ford executives, during an event today in Sterling Heights, Mich., said they plan to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 models by 2013 as they work to make a quarter of their vehicles run at least partly on electricity.
Ford is investing $135 million and adding 220 jobs at three Michigan plants to produce five "electrified" models. Besides the C-Max and C-Max Energi, the automaker is building an electric version of its Transit Connect van and will start making a battery-powered Focus compact this year. Ford has not yet announced the fifth vehicle.
Automakers are developing models powered at least partly by electricity as U.S. fuel-economy standards rise. The company said it currently sells about 35,000 electrified vehicles a year, which includes the Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid.
Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president of marketing, sales and service, said in a statement: "Whether people want a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or full battery electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles."
Cost down
Ford said this year that it expects the cost of hybrid systems it begins offering next year will be 30 percent less expensive than the system that was introduced on the 2010 Ford Fusion.
Ford said it will be able to keep C-Max prices down because much of the hybrid system has been designed and engineered by Ford. The company also will assemble the system.
For example, an upcoming hybrid transmission was designed and engineered by Ford and will be assembled beginning in the first quarter of 2012 in a suburban Detroit Ford plant.
The hybrid transmission in its 2011 Ford Fusion and 2011 Escape and the 2011 Lincoln MKZ are supplied by Japan's Aisin Seiki Co.
The new Ford transmission will be used globally and sourced from Michigan.
Hybrid loyalty rates 'very high'
In an April nterview, Sherif Marakby, Ford's director of electrification programs and engineering, said, "When we first launched a hybrid six years ago, many customers were concerned" about the battery. Customers asked: "'How long would the battery last?' 'How much does it cost to replace it?'" he said.
But batteries have proven to be long-lasting, Marakby said. It's now imperative to lower the cost of its hybrid system, he said, so Ford can cut hybrid prices and boost sales.
"We're seeing that the loyalty rate on hybrids is very high," he said in April. "We just need people to get used to the technology, bring the cost down and the price down for consumers, and we believe it's only going to go up in terms of sales volume."
Ford has been cutting costs by bringing many technologies in-house, such as the hybrid transmission, Marakby said in April.
"By developing the hybrid system's design in-house and sourcing individual components to suppliers, Ford can use less people and less time to get the job done in an efficient manner," he said.
Additionally, Ford has developed in-house a battery system that will be manufactured at a suburban Detroit Ford plant next year.
Marakby's goal is to cut the cost of the next-generation Ford hybrid system another 30 percent.
Ford says the upcoming C-Max compact minivan will be a dedicated hybrid when U.S. sales begin next year.
Ford Motor Co., in a move to compete with hybrid and electric vehicles produced by Toyota, GM, and Nissan, said today that its upcoming C-Max compact minivan will be a dedicated hybrid when U.S. sales begin next year.
And Ford has cancelled plans to offer a version of the C-Max with a four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Ford said it has been able to reduce the cost of hybrid technology, which will make the vehicle more attractive to buyers. Ford announced this year that a plug-in hybrid C-Max Energi also is planned.
Today's move will put the C-Max in competition with Toyota Motor Corp.'s Prius hybrid, General Motors' Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and Nissan Motor Co.'s all-electric Leaf.
The C-Max is a five-passenger minivan based on the Ford Focus platform.
Ford executives, during an event today in Sterling Heights, Mich., said they plan to triple North American production of electric vehicles and hybrids to more than 100,000 models by 2013 as they work to make a quarter of their vehicles run at least partly on electricity.
Ford is investing $135 million and adding 220 jobs at three Michigan plants to produce five "electrified" models. Besides the C-Max and C-Max Energi, the automaker is building an electric version of its Transit Connect van and will start making a battery-powered Focus compact this year. Ford has not yet announced the fifth vehicle.
Automakers are developing models powered at least partly by electricity as U.S. fuel-economy standards rise. The company said it currently sells about 35,000 electrified vehicles a year, which includes the Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid.
Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president of marketing, sales and service, said in a statement: "Whether people want a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid or full battery electric vehicle, we have a family of vehicles for them to consider, providing a range of options to best meet their needs and support their driving habits and lifestyles."
Cost down
Ford said this year that it expects the cost of hybrid systems it begins offering next year will be 30 percent less expensive than the system that was introduced on the 2010 Ford Fusion.
Ford said it will be able to keep C-Max prices down because much of the hybrid system has been designed and engineered by Ford. The company also will assemble the system.
For example, an upcoming hybrid transmission was designed and engineered by Ford and will be assembled beginning in the first quarter of 2012 in a suburban Detroit Ford plant.
The hybrid transmission in its 2011 Ford Fusion and 2011 Escape and the 2011 Lincoln MKZ are supplied by Japan's Aisin Seiki Co.
The new Ford transmission will be used globally and sourced from Michigan.
Hybrid loyalty rates 'very high'
In an April nterview, Sherif Marakby, Ford's director of electrification programs and engineering, said, "When we first launched a hybrid six years ago, many customers were concerned" about the battery. Customers asked: "'How long would the battery last?' 'How much does it cost to replace it?'" he said.
But batteries have proven to be long-lasting, Marakby said. It's now imperative to lower the cost of its hybrid system, he said, so Ford can cut hybrid prices and boost sales.
"We're seeing that the loyalty rate on hybrids is very high," he said in April. "We just need people to get used to the technology, bring the cost down and the price down for consumers, and we believe it's only going to go up in terms of sales volume."
Ford has been cutting costs by bringing many technologies in-house, such as the hybrid transmission, Marakby said in April.
"By developing the hybrid system's design in-house and sourcing individual components to suppliers, Ford can use less people and less time to get the job done in an efficient manner," he said.
Additionally, Ford has developed in-house a battery system that will be manufactured at a suburban Detroit Ford plant next year.
Marakby's goal is to cut the cost of the next-generation Ford hybrid system another 30 percent.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
04 Mustang engine flutter?
My son's 04 Mustang 3.8L V-6 is making a fairly loud fluttering noise comparable to an exhaust leak, which I had thought it was.
Upon starting cold, it really makes some noise, I checked the exhaust system and when the engine was started, I followed the noise to the engine itself, up to somewhere around the a/c compressor (was energized/clutch locked on)then as the engine ran the noise got progressively quieter to the point of very little/none. Could it be something with the air emissions equipment. I don't think there is an air pump on this late model car but that is what I would think it was other than the exhaust leak that I was hunting.
One other oddity is there is a section of black fuel/gas hose near the automatic trans. dipstick that is deteriorating badly, very chalky(black residue), the hose goes into the fuel throttle body right behind the what looks like a TPS or other sensor on the air intake body. The hose is marked fuel/gas hose, I would like to replace it soon due to the deterioration. If it carries gasoline it could split/rupture. Also, I see the bad hose section connects to another hose section with a plastic type coupling/union. Can somebody explain what hose this is, could it be a fuel return line? And can it be replaced easily?
Thanks guys, always needing your great assistance,
Response:
check your Cat for a tube coming off the side, follow that tube if not capped off at the cat, to a diaphram valve assy. where it connects to a rubber hose. I think you'll see the problem.
Now the fuel line could be either pressure or return and they are braided which is why there's a union. There are 2 types, 1 uses a special tool like A/C unions. The other has a plastic clip that usually breaks and cost $.15 from most Parts Outlets. But they generally run up the frame rails away from the trans.
Upon starting cold, it really makes some noise, I checked the exhaust system and when the engine was started, I followed the noise to the engine itself, up to somewhere around the a/c compressor (was energized/clutch locked on)then as the engine ran the noise got progressively quieter to the point of very little/none. Could it be something with the air emissions equipment. I don't think there is an air pump on this late model car but that is what I would think it was other than the exhaust leak that I was hunting.
One other oddity is there is a section of black fuel/gas hose near the automatic trans. dipstick that is deteriorating badly, very chalky(black residue), the hose goes into the fuel throttle body right behind the what looks like a TPS or other sensor on the air intake body. The hose is marked fuel/gas hose, I would like to replace it soon due to the deterioration. If it carries gasoline it could split/rupture. Also, I see the bad hose section connects to another hose section with a plastic type coupling/union. Can somebody explain what hose this is, could it be a fuel return line? And can it be replaced easily?
Thanks guys, always needing your great assistance,
Response:
check your Cat for a tube coming off the side, follow that tube if not capped off at the cat, to a diaphram valve assy. where it connects to a rubber hose. I think you'll see the problem.
Now the fuel line could be either pressure or return and they are braided which is why there's a union. There are 2 types, 1 uses a special tool like A/C unions. The other has a plastic clip that usually breaks and cost $.15 from most Parts Outlets. But they generally run up the frame rails away from the trans.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Ford to offer 'mayhem' performance package to Mustang option list
The social networks have spoken: The Ford Mustang V6 performance package will now be known as the Mayhem Mustang package.
Ford put out a call to its 1.4 million Facebook fans with the question, "What should we call the Mustang V-6 performance package?"
More than 3,000 submissions were made via Ford's Facebook page, and almost 6,700 users installed the "You Name It" app. The winning submission came from a fan in North Carolina, who won a three-year lease on the 2012 Ford Mustang V-6.
The five names that received the most votes were selected, but Ford made the final decision. Each finalist was run through trademark, copyright and brand approvals to make sure the no toes were stepped on. The Mayhem name will be used on all of Ford's marketing and communication materials.
The package combines the base 305-hp engine with a 3.31 performance rear axle and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking parts. The Mayhem Mustang gets unique 19-inch wheels and Pirelli performance tires. Other highlights of the package include:
Mustang GT front and rear stabilizer bars
Mustang GT500 rear lower control arm
Strut tower brace for increased body rigidity
Unique electronic stability-control calibration with sport mode for performance driving
Unique badging
The 2012 Ford Mustang V-6 stickers for $22,995 with transportation. The Mustang Mayhem package adds $1,995.
Ford put out a call to its 1.4 million Facebook fans with the question, "What should we call the Mustang V-6 performance package?"
More than 3,000 submissions were made via Ford's Facebook page, and almost 6,700 users installed the "You Name It" app. The winning submission came from a fan in North Carolina, who won a three-year lease on the 2012 Ford Mustang V-6.
The five names that received the most votes were selected, but Ford made the final decision. Each finalist was run through trademark, copyright and brand approvals to make sure the no toes were stepped on. The Mayhem name will be used on all of Ford's marketing and communication materials.
The package combines the base 305-hp engine with a 3.31 performance rear axle and Mustang GT-based suspension and braking parts. The Mayhem Mustang gets unique 19-inch wheels and Pirelli performance tires. Other highlights of the package include:
Mustang GT front and rear stabilizer bars
Mustang GT500 rear lower control arm
Strut tower brace for increased body rigidity
Unique electronic stability-control calibration with sport mode for performance driving
Unique badging
The 2012 Ford Mustang V-6 stickers for $22,995 with transportation. The Mustang Mayhem package adds $1,995.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Ford: Optional EcoBoost V-6 engine proves popular with F-150 buyers
DETROIT -- Sales of Ford F-150 pickups with the optional EcoBoost 3.5-liter V-6 engine have surpassed company estimates, with some dealers reporting robust demand as gasoline prices rise.
"We had a sales forecast but it has jumped up a little faster than we thought," said Marc Lapine, consumer marketing manager for Ford Motor Co.
Credit the increase to rising fuel prices. The EcoBoost V-6 is one of Ford's newest engines, offering horsepower and torque comparable to a V-8 and the fuel economy of a V-6.
The price of the optional EcoBoost engine ranges from $750 to $1,750 depending on the F-150 model. Production began in January. So far this month, F-150s with the engine option account for 36 percent of F-150 sales and 40 percent of the pickup's orders, Lapine said.
There is a 13-day supply of F-150s with the option, he said.
Not staying put
"We thought there would be a little more time between the early adopters and the other people who said, 'Hey, now I am ready to buy it,' " Lapine said. "It is not staying put very long."
The EcoBoost engine increases fuel economy up to 20 percent and cuts carbon dioxide emissions up to 15 percent compared with comparable V-8s, the automaker said.
With average U.S. gasoline prices near $4 a gallon, consumers are looking at smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Wayne Seidel, general manager of Hiller Ford in Franklin, Wis., said the response to the EcoBoost F-150 has been "awesome."
"As soon as this fuel thing started, probably two months ago, all of a sudden people are coming in, asking, 'Do you have an EcoBoost?' I've sold every one that I can get my hands on," Seidel said.
Beyond expectations
Ford told dealers that demand for the EcoBoost V-6 would evolve slowly because owners of V-8-powered pickups would be reluctant to buy trucks with smaller engines.
"The reception of the truck has been beyond our expectations," Seidel said.
Ford touts the EcoBoost V-6 as having the power and torque of a V-8. In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, EcoBoost technology includes variable valve timing. The engine produces 365 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque. It is rated at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway. With EcoBoost, the pickup can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
By comparison, Ford's base two-wheel-drive F-150 has a 302-hp 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 278 pounds-feet of torque. The pickup is rated at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and it can tow up to 6,100 pounds.
Additionally, Ford offers a 360-hp 5.0-liter V-8 with 380 pounds-feet of torque, rated at 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Ford's 411-hp 6.2-liter V-8 produces 434 pounds-feet of torque and is rated at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway. It can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
During a telephone interview, Mitchell Dale,dealer principal of McRee Ford in Dickinson, Texas, said the response to the V-6 EcoBoost option has been "terrific."
Dale has delivered about 27 F-150s with the option.
"People are amazed at the power," Dale said. He said several customers traded in diesel-powered Super Duty pickups -- used mainly for transportation instead of towing -- for the F-150 EcoBoost. They are pleased with the fuel economy and the power, he said.
Marketing push
Last September Ford dealers received demonstration vehicles to familiarize owners of V-8-powered pickups with the new V-6 technology.
Additionally, Ford has used Facebook and other social media to tout the technology.
"We did a good job getting the word out and helping core customers understand EcoBoost technology and how it can be a durable, reliable alternative to a V-8," Lapine said.
Meanwhile, Jim Scott, co-owner of Jarrett Scott Ford in Plant City, Fla., said sales of F-150s with EcoBoost V-6s "are not humongous."
Scott blamed higher fuel prices for an overall decrease in his pickup sales.
But he added: "It's an awesome engine."
"We had a sales forecast but it has jumped up a little faster than we thought," said Marc Lapine, consumer marketing manager for Ford Motor Co.
Credit the increase to rising fuel prices. The EcoBoost V-6 is one of Ford's newest engines, offering horsepower and torque comparable to a V-8 and the fuel economy of a V-6.
The price of the optional EcoBoost engine ranges from $750 to $1,750 depending on the F-150 model. Production began in January. So far this month, F-150s with the engine option account for 36 percent of F-150 sales and 40 percent of the pickup's orders, Lapine said.
There is a 13-day supply of F-150s with the option, he said.
Not staying put
"We thought there would be a little more time between the early adopters and the other people who said, 'Hey, now I am ready to buy it,' " Lapine said. "It is not staying put very long."
The EcoBoost engine increases fuel economy up to 20 percent and cuts carbon dioxide emissions up to 15 percent compared with comparable V-8s, the automaker said.
With average U.S. gasoline prices near $4 a gallon, consumers are looking at smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Wayne Seidel, general manager of Hiller Ford in Franklin, Wis., said the response to the EcoBoost F-150 has been "awesome."
"As soon as this fuel thing started, probably two months ago, all of a sudden people are coming in, asking, 'Do you have an EcoBoost?' I've sold every one that I can get my hands on," Seidel said.
Beyond expectations
Ford told dealers that demand for the EcoBoost V-6 would evolve slowly because owners of V-8-powered pickups would be reluctant to buy trucks with smaller engines.
"The reception of the truck has been beyond our expectations," Seidel said.
Ford touts the EcoBoost V-6 as having the power and torque of a V-8. In addition to turbocharging with direct injection, EcoBoost technology includes variable valve timing. The engine produces 365 hp and 420 pounds-feet of torque. It is rated at 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway. With EcoBoost, the pickup can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
By comparison, Ford's base two-wheel-drive F-150 has a 302-hp 3.7-liter V-6 that produces 278 pounds-feet of torque. The pickup is rated at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway and it can tow up to 6,100 pounds.
Additionally, Ford offers a 360-hp 5.0-liter V-8 with 380 pounds-feet of torque, rated at 15 mpg city/21 mpg highway. It can tow up to 10,000 pounds.
Ford's 411-hp 6.2-liter V-8 produces 434 pounds-feet of torque and is rated at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway. It can tow up to 11,300 pounds.
During a telephone interview, Mitchell Dale,dealer principal of McRee Ford in Dickinson, Texas, said the response to the V-6 EcoBoost option has been "terrific."
Dale has delivered about 27 F-150s with the option.
"People are amazed at the power," Dale said. He said several customers traded in diesel-powered Super Duty pickups -- used mainly for transportation instead of towing -- for the F-150 EcoBoost. They are pleased with the fuel economy and the power, he said.
Marketing push
Last September Ford dealers received demonstration vehicles to familiarize owners of V-8-powered pickups with the new V-6 technology.
Additionally, Ford has used Facebook and other social media to tout the technology.
"We did a good job getting the word out and helping core customers understand EcoBoost technology and how it can be a durable, reliable alternative to a V-8," Lapine said.
Meanwhile, Jim Scott, co-owner of Jarrett Scott Ford in Plant City, Fla., said sales of F-150s with EcoBoost V-6s "are not humongous."
Scott blamed higher fuel prices for an overall decrease in his pickup sales.
But he added: "It's an awesome engine."
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Redesigned Civic battles some tough new rivals
Nine vehicle generations. One in four people who buy a Honda buys a Civic.
The Civic's grip on the compact segment has been strong and steady. But now, as a redesigned car goes on sale, it faces a far tougher array of competitors.
The reworked 2012 Civic, which goes on sale this month, is critical for another reason: It is the first of Honda's three core vehicles receiving a redesign during the next 18 months. The CR-V compact crossover is scheduled for September, and a reworked Accord comes in summer 2012.
With every redesign, the Civic has grown substantially -- to the point that a current Civic is nearly as large as a 1994 Accord.
But just before r&d work for the redesigned 2012 Civic was ready for sign-off, the global economy collapsed. Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito ordered a quick rethinking of the Civic's mission.
The Civic was to have become larger and have more upscale features. But Ito felt that such a car would struggle in the conservative shopping climate and would stray from the Civic's message of economy.
"This is a carefully packaged car," John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, said at the press preview here. "It's about understanding the needs of the segment."
At 39 mpg, the base Civic just misses the new magic mark of 40 mpg in highway driving -- something the Hyundai Elantra achieves across all trim levels -- although some Civic models do exceed that number.
Vicki Poponi, Honda assistant vice president of product planning, says fuel economy is just one piece of the puzzle. "One mile per gallon isn't going to make a difference," Poponi said. "The customer doesn't care about it that much. It's not as single-dimensional as that."
But merely building a better Civic may not be enough. The compact segment is awash in new interpretations of value, technology and styling.
"When Civic last launched [in fall 2005], the competitive set was much weaker," said Lincoln Merrihew, managing director of Compete Automotive in Boston.
"Today, Civic faces a truly brand-new Ford Focus, which has a technology and hipness factor," he said. "The Hyundai Elantra has 'wow' styling, the VW Jetta is bigger and less expensive, and the Kia Forte is 'mini muscle.' High mpg is obviously no longer just Honda's domain."
Compete's examination of consumer shopping behavior in the compact segment shows interest in the Civic tailing off toward the end of this model cycle, as would be expected. But interest in the Elantra, Focus and Chevrolet Cruze have surged to attract shoppers and threaten the Civic, Merrihew noted.
Honda dealer Forrest McConnell III of Montgomery, Ala., calls the Civic "our mainstay. If you buy a Civic, it's a sure bet."
Still, McConnell's dealership is in the shadow of the Hyundai manufacturing plant, and he admits to seeing more Korean sheet metal around town.
The Civic will have "the most comprehensive and integrated campaign in Honda's history," said American Honda's chief marketing officer, Steve Center, declining to assign a dollar value to the advertising budget.
Using the tag line "To Each His Own," Honda is going to push the message of efficiency alongside its longtime serenade of quality, reliability and value, Center said.
Honda also will be active online on Facebook, YouTube and MSN.com. There will be a nationwide scavenger hunt with prize money going to charities. The Civic will be connected with the "Austin City Limits" live music TV show.
Honda also will conduct a contest in which people can submit songs online about why they desire a Civic, with first prize being a new Civic.
With new-car sales still in recovery mode, Honda estimates it will sell about 260,000 Civics a year. But should the market rebound, and fuel prices continue rising, the 2008 high of 339,289 Civics should be attainable, Mendel said.
"I think it can hit those numbers again," he said. "We are seeing small cars coming back, and we don't have to offset full-sized pickup sales. We can concentrate on Civic."
The Civic's grip on the compact segment has been strong and steady. But now, as a redesigned car goes on sale, it faces a far tougher array of competitors.
The reworked 2012 Civic, which goes on sale this month, is critical for another reason: It is the first of Honda's three core vehicles receiving a redesign during the next 18 months. The CR-V compact crossover is scheduled for September, and a reworked Accord comes in summer 2012.
With every redesign, the Civic has grown substantially -- to the point that a current Civic is nearly as large as a 1994 Accord.
But just before r&d work for the redesigned 2012 Civic was ready for sign-off, the global economy collapsed. Honda Motor CEO Takanobu Ito ordered a quick rethinking of the Civic's mission.
The Civic was to have become larger and have more upscale features. But Ito felt that such a car would struggle in the conservative shopping climate and would stray from the Civic's message of economy.
"This is a carefully packaged car," John Mendel, American Honda executive vice president, said at the press preview here. "It's about understanding the needs of the segment."
At 39 mpg, the base Civic just misses the new magic mark of 40 mpg in highway driving -- something the Hyundai Elantra achieves across all trim levels -- although some Civic models do exceed that number.
Vicki Poponi, Honda assistant vice president of product planning, says fuel economy is just one piece of the puzzle. "One mile per gallon isn't going to make a difference," Poponi said. "The customer doesn't care about it that much. It's not as single-dimensional as that."
But merely building a better Civic may not be enough. The compact segment is awash in new interpretations of value, technology and styling.
"When Civic last launched [in fall 2005], the competitive set was much weaker," said Lincoln Merrihew, managing director of Compete Automotive in Boston.
"Today, Civic faces a truly brand-new Ford Focus, which has a technology and hipness factor," he said. "The Hyundai Elantra has 'wow' styling, the VW Jetta is bigger and less expensive, and the Kia Forte is 'mini muscle.' High mpg is obviously no longer just Honda's domain."
Compete's examination of consumer shopping behavior in the compact segment shows interest in the Civic tailing off toward the end of this model cycle, as would be expected. But interest in the Elantra, Focus and Chevrolet Cruze have surged to attract shoppers and threaten the Civic, Merrihew noted.
Honda dealer Forrest McConnell III of Montgomery, Ala., calls the Civic "our mainstay. If you buy a Civic, it's a sure bet."
Still, McConnell's dealership is in the shadow of the Hyundai manufacturing plant, and he admits to seeing more Korean sheet metal around town.
The Civic will have "the most comprehensive and integrated campaign in Honda's history," said American Honda's chief marketing officer, Steve Center, declining to assign a dollar value to the advertising budget.
Using the tag line "To Each His Own," Honda is going to push the message of efficiency alongside its longtime serenade of quality, reliability and value, Center said.
Honda also will be active online on Facebook, YouTube and MSN.com. There will be a nationwide scavenger hunt with prize money going to charities. The Civic will be connected with the "Austin City Limits" live music TV show.
Honda also will conduct a contest in which people can submit songs online about why they desire a Civic, with first prize being a new Civic.
With new-car sales still in recovery mode, Honda estimates it will sell about 260,000 Civics a year. But should the market rebound, and fuel prices continue rising, the 2008 high of 339,289 Civics should be attainable, Mendel said.
"I think it can hit those numbers again," he said. "We are seeing small cars coming back, and we don't have to offset full-sized pickup sales. We can concentrate on Civic."
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Ford missing market-share goal adds pressure to boost discounts
DETROIT (Bloomberg) -- Ford Motor Co., after increasing its share of the U.S. light-vehicle market for the last two years, is falling short of its retail goal this year, which may put pressure on the automaker to offer larger discounts.
Ford in the first quarter had 13.6 percent of the U.S. retail auto market, which excludes sales to fleet buyers, according to researcher Edmunds.com. That trailed the 14.1 percent target Ford's board set for executives to match or exceed this year, according to the automaker's government filings.
Ford's share slipped as General Motors Co. increased sales incentives 11 percent in the first three months of the year, according to Autodata Corp. Ford, which reduced discounts by 9.1 percent in the first quarter, saw its total U.S. market share fall to 16.2 percent from 16.8 percent a year earlier, Autodata said.
"We believe Ford's management could be forced to become more aggressive with incentives to avoid additional market share loss," Joseph Amaturo, an analyst with the Buckingham Research Group who rates Ford "neutral," said in an April 12 research note. "We are increasingly concerned about net-price erosion."
CEO Alan Mulally, who has emphasized profits over market share, said Ford will maintain pricing discipline.
"The most important thing about our plan is profitable growth, so that leads us to tremendous discipline on everything about the business," Mulally told reporters April 13 in Detroit. "The No. 1 thing is to match the production capacity to the real demand."
Americas share
Ford, which earned $6.56 billion last year, failed to achieve its market share targets globally and in the Americas, according to its proxy statement filed this month. Ford achieved 44 percent of its corporate market-share goal and 58 percent of its target for the Americas, the proxy said.
Ford has said its market share in Europe fell to 7.6 percent last year from 8.9 percent in 2009 as it resisted matching competitors' discounts. The automaker said its retail market share in the U.S. last year was 14.1 percent, trailing the board's 14.2 percent target.
Mulally said Ford will continue to avoid the heavy, profit- eroding discounts that U.S. automakers used in the past to keep factories running.
"We will always be very disciplined about our production and our pricing and have the pricing reflect the real demand and inherent value of the product," he said.
Retail target
Ford hasn't met its retail market-share target in any month since October, when it sold 14.5 percent of the cars and trucks purchased by individual consumers, according to automotive researcher R.L. Polk & Co. Ford's retail share fell to 13.2 percent in February, the most recent month Polk has analyzed.
In March, Ford raised incentives and surpassed GM in monthly U.S. sales for the second time in the last 13 years, said Michelle Krebs, an analyst for Edmunds.
"GM's retail share was higher than Ford's in March, despite Ford beating GM in total," Krebs said. "Not good if Ford resorts to incentives as well as high fleet percentages again -- old habits."
Ford should continue to put a priority on profits over market share, said Brian Johnson, an analyst for Barclays Capital.
Incentives 'crutch'
"Anyone would like to improve market share; the question is how do you go about doing that without resting on the easy crutch of incentives," said Johnson. "They were well ahead of plan on profit, cash flow, pricing and cost reduction, even if market share was a bit low."
Ford's total U.S. market share rose to 16.7 percent last year from 14.4 percent in 2008, according to Autodata, as new models such as the Fusion sedan and Fiesta subcompact attracted buyers. Ford's share gains in 2009 and 2010 represented the first consecutive annual improvements since 1992 to 1993, the company said.
Ford also gained consideration from car buyers when it avoided the bankruptcies and government bailouts that beset the predecessors of GM and Chrysler Group LLC in 2009.
Ford's board used market-share targets for 8.33 percent of its formula for determining cash bonus and performance stock grants for top executives. The board's compensation committee said U.S. retail share is "the best measurement" of consumer acceptance.
Compensation formula
Global profits before taxes accounted for 30 percent and automotive operating cash flow accounted for another 30 percent, according to the proxy. Business unit profit before taxes accounted for 15 percent of the formula, while cost performance and quality each represented 8.33 percent.
Ford executives' performance exceeded every target except market share, according to the filing.
Compensation for Ford's five top-paid executives rose 64 percent to $75.9 million last year from $46.4 million in 2009, according to the proxy. That included incentive bonus awards paid at 180 percent of the target on the corporate level and 181 percent for the Americas region.
The board's compensation committee wrote that it "considered our outstanding 2010 performance-to-metrics and our execution of our One Ford Plan as the primary reasons for paying out the award to the full extent that they were earned."
Mulally pay
Mulally's 2010 compensation rose 48 percent to $26.5 million, including salary, bonus, stock, option awards and other pay. Ford last month also gave Mulally $56.5 million in stock for the turnaround since he joined the automaker from Boeing Co. in 2006.
He halted three years of losses and led Ford to $9.28 billion in net income in the last two years.
"I am very pleased that we continue to align the compensation with the business performance of Ford," Mulally said April 13 when asked about criticism of his pay package by the UAW. "This is the way it should be."
Ford in the first quarter had 13.6 percent of the U.S. retail auto market, which excludes sales to fleet buyers, according to researcher Edmunds.com. That trailed the 14.1 percent target Ford's board set for executives to match or exceed this year, according to the automaker's government filings.
Ford's share slipped as General Motors Co. increased sales incentives 11 percent in the first three months of the year, according to Autodata Corp. Ford, which reduced discounts by 9.1 percent in the first quarter, saw its total U.S. market share fall to 16.2 percent from 16.8 percent a year earlier, Autodata said.
"We believe Ford's management could be forced to become more aggressive with incentives to avoid additional market share loss," Joseph Amaturo, an analyst with the Buckingham Research Group who rates Ford "neutral," said in an April 12 research note. "We are increasingly concerned about net-price erosion."
CEO Alan Mulally, who has emphasized profits over market share, said Ford will maintain pricing discipline.
"The most important thing about our plan is profitable growth, so that leads us to tremendous discipline on everything about the business," Mulally told reporters April 13 in Detroit. "The No. 1 thing is to match the production capacity to the real demand."
Americas share
Ford, which earned $6.56 billion last year, failed to achieve its market share targets globally and in the Americas, according to its proxy statement filed this month. Ford achieved 44 percent of its corporate market-share goal and 58 percent of its target for the Americas, the proxy said.
Ford has said its market share in Europe fell to 7.6 percent last year from 8.9 percent in 2009 as it resisted matching competitors' discounts. The automaker said its retail market share in the U.S. last year was 14.1 percent, trailing the board's 14.2 percent target.
Mulally said Ford will continue to avoid the heavy, profit- eroding discounts that U.S. automakers used in the past to keep factories running.
"We will always be very disciplined about our production and our pricing and have the pricing reflect the real demand and inherent value of the product," he said.
Retail target
Ford hasn't met its retail market-share target in any month since October, when it sold 14.5 percent of the cars and trucks purchased by individual consumers, according to automotive researcher R.L. Polk & Co. Ford's retail share fell to 13.2 percent in February, the most recent month Polk has analyzed.
In March, Ford raised incentives and surpassed GM in monthly U.S. sales for the second time in the last 13 years, said Michelle Krebs, an analyst for Edmunds.
"GM's retail share was higher than Ford's in March, despite Ford beating GM in total," Krebs said. "Not good if Ford resorts to incentives as well as high fleet percentages again -- old habits."
Ford should continue to put a priority on profits over market share, said Brian Johnson, an analyst for Barclays Capital.
Incentives 'crutch'
"Anyone would like to improve market share; the question is how do you go about doing that without resting on the easy crutch of incentives," said Johnson. "They were well ahead of plan on profit, cash flow, pricing and cost reduction, even if market share was a bit low."
Ford's total U.S. market share rose to 16.7 percent last year from 14.4 percent in 2008, according to Autodata, as new models such as the Fusion sedan and Fiesta subcompact attracted buyers. Ford's share gains in 2009 and 2010 represented the first consecutive annual improvements since 1992 to 1993, the company said.
Ford also gained consideration from car buyers when it avoided the bankruptcies and government bailouts that beset the predecessors of GM and Chrysler Group LLC in 2009.
Ford's board used market-share targets for 8.33 percent of its formula for determining cash bonus and performance stock grants for top executives. The board's compensation committee said U.S. retail share is "the best measurement" of consumer acceptance.
Compensation formula
Global profits before taxes accounted for 30 percent and automotive operating cash flow accounted for another 30 percent, according to the proxy. Business unit profit before taxes accounted for 15 percent of the formula, while cost performance and quality each represented 8.33 percent.
Ford executives' performance exceeded every target except market share, according to the filing.
Compensation for Ford's five top-paid executives rose 64 percent to $75.9 million last year from $46.4 million in 2009, according to the proxy. That included incentive bonus awards paid at 180 percent of the target on the corporate level and 181 percent for the Americas region.
The board's compensation committee wrote that it "considered our outstanding 2010 performance-to-metrics and our execution of our One Ford Plan as the primary reasons for paying out the award to the full extent that they were earned."
Mulally pay
Mulally's 2010 compensation rose 48 percent to $26.5 million, including salary, bonus, stock, option awards and other pay. Ford last month also gave Mulally $56.5 million in stock for the turnaround since he joined the automaker from Boeing Co. in 2006.
He halted three years of losses and led Ford to $9.28 billion in net income in the last two years.
"I am very pleased that we continue to align the compensation with the business performance of Ford," Mulally said April 13 when asked about criticism of his pay package by the UAW. "This is the way it should be."
Friday, April 15, 2011
12004 Ford Mustang Electrical Problem with Dash Cluster
mustang with 3.8L V-6 engine has a dash cluster electrical problem that is happening randomly. The cluster loses power at times off/on while the engine is running. The instrument cluster gauges all go to the off positions, including the speedometer as well. Previously only the battery light was flashing on/off randomly and thought it was just faulty. Now this problem has arose. We don't know if the engine light ever came on during the instrument dash gauge power loss. Do you think there may now be a stored computer code to help identify this gremlin? Otherwise is there a relay or circuit breaker that may be the cause? How do you track this down to repair and will it damage anything if it continues? So far the engine is starting and running normally.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Ford Focus-ed on reducing CO2
You've got to hand it to today's automotive engineers. They are absolute magicians at getting new models to emit less CO2. One of the newest -- and coolest -- developments is on the third-generation Ford Focus.
The compact car's Active Grille Shutter, which is standard in Europe, improves aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.
If the car needs air to cool the engine, the vents are automatically opened. If no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, which reduces aerodynamic drag and in turn cuts CO2 emissions by 2 percent, Ford says, or about a gram of CO2 per kilometer depending on the powertrain.
Ford says it is discussing whether to make the Active Grille Shutter standard in Russia and China.
Its development shows the lengths automakers are going to save every single gram of CO2 possible.
The compact car's Active Grille Shutter, which is standard in Europe, improves aerodynamics by using vents to control airflow through the grille to the cooling system and engine compartment.
If the car needs air to cool the engine, the vents are automatically opened. If no airflow is needed, the vents are shut, which reduces aerodynamic drag and in turn cuts CO2 emissions by 2 percent, Ford says, or about a gram of CO2 per kilometer depending on the powertrain.
Ford says it is discussing whether to make the Active Grille Shutter standard in Russia and China.
Its development shows the lengths automakers are going to save every single gram of CO2 possible.
Monday, March 28, 2011
1999 Ford Tarus Cylinder #3 misfire detected
Customer Complaint:
Check engine light on and flashing. Dead miss when engine running.
Shop Diagnosis:
Computer diagnostics showed code p0303 cylinder #3 Misfire detected.
Tested for spark and fuel injection pulse and both were found.
Performed compression test and found it to be low at only 20psi.
Coolant levels were good and engine oil appeared to be ok.
No white smoke from tail pipe.
Still suspected a blown head gasket as these engine are not prone to cracked heads.
Further Engine Diagnostics:
After removing the head, found the #3 cylinder combustion chamber in the head to be wet looking. After further checking( turn upside down and fill chamber with water) found the exhaust valve not sealing.
Repair:
Removed exhaust valve($15.00) and found it to be bent.
Replaced with new valve.
Reassembled and tested operation... No more misfire and customer is happy.
Check engine light on and flashing. Dead miss when engine running.
Shop Diagnosis:
Computer diagnostics showed code p0303 cylinder #3 Misfire detected.
Tested for spark and fuel injection pulse and both were found.
Performed compression test and found it to be low at only 20psi.
Coolant levels were good and engine oil appeared to be ok.
No white smoke from tail pipe.
Still suspected a blown head gasket as these engine are not prone to cracked heads.
Further Engine Diagnostics:
After removing the head, found the #3 cylinder combustion chamber in the head to be wet looking. After further checking( turn upside down and fill chamber with water) found the exhaust valve not sealing.
Repair:
Removed exhaust valve($15.00) and found it to be bent.
Replaced with new valve.
Reassembled and tested operation... No more misfire and customer is happy.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Mazda recalls 52,000 vehicles for spider web concerns
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Mazda Motor Corp. is recalling 52,000 Mazda6 vehicles from the 2009-2010 model years over concerns that spider webs in the emissions system could lead to fuel tank cracks and possible leaks.
The vehicles were manufactured from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010. The Auto Alliance joint venture plant between Mazda and Ford Motor Co. in Flat Rock, Mich., makes the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary of the problem that a certain type of spider may weave a web that restricts a vent line.
This could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank, leading to cracks and potential fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Mazda said it would install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line, NHTSA said.
The vehicles were manufactured from April 8, 2008 through Feb. 8, 2010. The Auto Alliance joint venture plant between Mazda and Ford Motor Co. in Flat Rock, Mich., makes the vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary of the problem that a certain type of spider may weave a web that restricts a vent line.
This could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank, leading to cracks and potential fuel leaks and an increased risk of fire.
Mazda said it would install a spring to prevent this type of spider from entering the vent line, NHTSA said.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My 2002 Ford Expedition Air Bag Light is on and Flashing Code 42
I have a 2002 Ford Expedition with the Air Bag Light on flashing 4 times then 2 times over and over. I tried turning off my car and restarting it but the light keeps coming back on and keeps flashing. I keep thinking my airbag is going to go off and it scares me. What should I do?
Response:
First off, anytime the airbag light is on the airbag system is turned off and will not deploy the airbag even if you get in a crash. You will need to have a mechanic scan the system and diagnose the problem and have it fixed. The most common issue on this particular vehicle is the the drivers side front airbag sensor becoming corroded. Cleaning the connections and or replacing the sensor is usually needed.
Response:
First off, anytime the airbag light is on the airbag system is turned off and will not deploy the airbag even if you get in a crash. You will need to have a mechanic scan the system and diagnose the problem and have it fixed. The most common issue on this particular vehicle is the the drivers side front airbag sensor becoming corroded. Cleaning the connections and or replacing the sensor is usually needed.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Ford Focus is rated at 40 mpg, tying it with the Fiesta
DETROIT — The redesigned 2012 Ford Focus compact has been certified by the EPA at 40 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in city driving, Ford Motor Co. said today. Those numbers are roughly the same as those for Ford's smaller Fiesta car, setting up a potential marketing problem for the automaker.
The Focus' fuel economy ratings are for the version with the Super Fuel Economy package and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Focus SE with that package carries a sticker price of $19,655, including destination.
The Ford Fiesta subcompact with the same package is rated at 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city. The Fiesta SE sedan starts at $14,995, including transportation. The SFE Super Fuel Economy package adds $695 to the price tag, a Ford spokesman said.
Excluding the package, the Fiesta is rated at 38 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.
Higher gasoline prices ahead
The new Focus is debuting just as the Department of Energy is predicting higher gasoline prices at the pumps in the months ahead in part because of political unrest in Libya, a major oil exporter.
Gasoline prices could rise to $3.50 a gallon, and some pundits have predicted $5 a gallon. The current national average price for gasoline is $3.31 a gallon, according to nationalgasaverage.com.
The Focus joins a slew of new or redesigned small cars from Chevrolet, Hyundai and Honda that all promise higher fuel economy than their predecessors.
Last week, Honda said that this spring it will introduce a redesigned Civic HF model with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that is expected to get 41 mpg in highway driving.
'Fortunate' timing
Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing chief, said the automaker is "fortunate" to be bringing out a redesigned compact car in the midst of rising gasoline prices.
"In 2008, when the fuel prices escalated, we were launching the F series. And many reporters asked me, 'Hey, Jim what's it like launching the F series in the face of $4 a gallon gas?" Farley laughingly said at an event in New York yesterday. "The segment that grew the most the last time gas prices escalated in the U.S. was the compact segment."
Farley said the Focus' competitive fuel economy -- when compared directly with the Fiesta -- won't usurp Fiesta sales.
He said it's "pretty typical" for subcompacts to trail compacts in fuel economy despite being smaller vehicles.
"There is more engine technology in (compact) cars than in the (subcompacts)," Farley said. "But the Fiesta is still the top fuel economy leader in its segment, and the Focus will be at the top of its segment."
Different buyers
Ford said the vehicles target two different buyers. The Fiesta tends to skew toward buyers in their 20s, and the Focus attracts an older set.
The 2012 Focus is expected to go on sale next month. It will come in two body styles: a four-door sedan that starts at $16,995 and a five-door hatchback that starts at $18,790. Both prices include shipping.
The fuel economy ranking of the Focus with the Super Fuel Economy package puts it neck-and-neck with its main competitor, the Hyundai Elantra, which is rated at 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.
The Focus is Ford's fourth vehicle with an EPA-certified rating of 40 mpg or more.
"Our customers tell us that fuel economy is the top reason for purchasing a Focus," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development, in a statement.
Ford's other models to achieve at least 40 mpg are the 2011 Fiesta SE with the fuel economy package, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Both hybrids earn 41 mpg in the city.
The Focus' fuel economy ratings are for the version with the Super Fuel Economy package and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Focus SE with that package carries a sticker price of $19,655, including destination.
The Ford Fiesta subcompact with the same package is rated at 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city. The Fiesta SE sedan starts at $14,995, including transportation. The SFE Super Fuel Economy package adds $695 to the price tag, a Ford spokesman said.
Excluding the package, the Fiesta is rated at 38 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.
Higher gasoline prices ahead
The new Focus is debuting just as the Department of Energy is predicting higher gasoline prices at the pumps in the months ahead in part because of political unrest in Libya, a major oil exporter.
Gasoline prices could rise to $3.50 a gallon, and some pundits have predicted $5 a gallon. The current national average price for gasoline is $3.31 a gallon, according to nationalgasaverage.com.
The Focus joins a slew of new or redesigned small cars from Chevrolet, Hyundai and Honda that all promise higher fuel economy than their predecessors.
Last week, Honda said that this spring it will introduce a redesigned Civic HF model with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that is expected to get 41 mpg in highway driving.
'Fortunate' timing
Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing chief, said the automaker is "fortunate" to be bringing out a redesigned compact car in the midst of rising gasoline prices.
"In 2008, when the fuel prices escalated, we were launching the F series. And many reporters asked me, 'Hey, Jim what's it like launching the F series in the face of $4 a gallon gas?" Farley laughingly said at an event in New York yesterday. "The segment that grew the most the last time gas prices escalated in the U.S. was the compact segment."
Farley said the Focus' competitive fuel economy -- when compared directly with the Fiesta -- won't usurp Fiesta sales.
He said it's "pretty typical" for subcompacts to trail compacts in fuel economy despite being smaller vehicles.
"There is more engine technology in (compact) cars than in the (subcompacts)," Farley said. "But the Fiesta is still the top fuel economy leader in its segment, and the Focus will be at the top of its segment."
Different buyers
Ford said the vehicles target two different buyers. The Fiesta tends to skew toward buyers in their 20s, and the Focus attracts an older set.
The 2012 Focus is expected to go on sale next month. It will come in two body styles: a four-door sedan that starts at $16,995 and a five-door hatchback that starts at $18,790. Both prices include shipping.
The fuel economy ranking of the Focus with the Super Fuel Economy package puts it neck-and-neck with its main competitor, the Hyundai Elantra, which is rated at 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.
The Focus is Ford's fourth vehicle with an EPA-certified rating of 40 mpg or more.
"Our customers tell us that fuel economy is the top reason for purchasing a Focus," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development, in a statement.
Ford's other models to achieve at least 40 mpg are the 2011 Fiesta SE with the fuel economy package, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Both hybrids earn 41 mpg in the city.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
