Monday, April 7, 2008

Microsoft Sync is Making Fords Interactive


Ford Motor Company is now offering the Microsoft Sync information/entertainment system of several of his models. The system, which Ford and Microsoft showed off initially at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, is being widely promoted by both companies and is a powerful partnership that will compete against other systems offered in other vehicles, such as GM’s OnStar system or Chrysler’s MyGig system.

The execs at Ford feel that the system is helping to revolutionize the automotive industry and will offer a robust system that is compatible with personal devices such as cell phones and mp3 players, while also providing entertainment and other valuable information to drivers. The MS Sync lets Ford buyers hook up personal devices via bluetooth or USB and features 256 MB of flash based memory which impressed potential Ford buyers at Cleveland Ford. The system allows users to play virtually any music format, not just limiting drivers to mp3s like other systems. So, whether the music is on an iPod or Zune, regardless of format the music can be played.

In addition, Ford buyers will be able to sync their cell phones to the Sync as well via bluetooth. This setup will not only allow drivers to stream mp3s, but it will also enable Internet radio to be streamed as well through Windows Media Player. Best of all, users will enjoy the Sync’s voice recognition system which enables drivers to play songs by simply speaking either the artist name, album, or song title.

Ford has already made Sync available on several models across the Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury lineups at Ford Dealers Minneapolis and other dealerships across the country. From the family Taurus or the popular Edge, Ford drivers will enjoy the benefits of having a communication, information, and entertainment device seamlessly integrated into their car or truck.

Both Ford and Microsoft have also announced that the Sync will have exciting new features coming in the Fall of 2008 that will make the system even more useful, furthering its appeal over the comparable OnStar system.

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Knight Rider a Go in a Ford Mustang


Although the Ford Mustang is a different KITT than featured in the original television series, the new movie version was a hit with viewers as the show is now set to become a weekly series. Starring a black Ford Mustang, which is far different than the Pontiac which was used back in the 1980s, the new series has been ok’d on the heels of a two-hour movie that aired in February.
Although the black Ford Mustang raced across the small screen in front of a huge number of views, it was a disappoint critically as the acting and writing suffered. But, at the ending of the movie special it set up the audience for the potential of an on going story. And with impressive ratings, despite the poor story, the executive at NBC have given the green light for a weekly series to be aired this Fall.

The big winner in this new series is Ford and its Mustang, which is practically the main attraction to the show which is pleasing to dealers like Athens Ford Dealers who love having something to entice potential car buyers. Time will tell whether the show can revamp itself and improve on its shortcomings once the series gets underway.

KITT in the series is played by A Ford Shelby GT500KR Mustang. With slowing sales due to rising gas prices and greater interest in smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles as noted by a Georgia Ford Dealer, dealers will likely welcome the show’s potential to give a nudge to consumers considering a Mustang purchase. Fortunately for Ford, Pontiac no longer produces the car that was the foundation of the original series, and the Mustang is the only real American muscle car available to consumers..for now.

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Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Ford Developing Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles and Furthering the Nation’s Infrastrcture

Ford Motor Company has announced an agreement with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop plug-in hybrid technology with the goal of integrating plug-in capabilities within the nation’s infrastructure. Currently, a lack of widespread electric plug-in facilities is one of the main hindrances to widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

Through this collaboration, Ford is testing the Ford Escape PHEVs, and will also include actual customers in testing. Ford currently has been working with Southern California Edison and has explored regional issues involving the effect of PHEVs to the electric grid system. Through this relationship, Ford is the first manufacturer to partner with the utility industry to help research and advance electric vehicle technology, which is important as more interest in alternative fuels is rampant among Ford's customers, as noted by Ford Salem Ohio. This is truly a sign of Ford’s interest and commitment to making hybrid and electric technology a top priority.

By combining its efforts with the utility sector, Ford hopes to accelerate adoption and development of electric fueling centers and to help better prepare the nation for these vehicles. Ford dealers across the country are excited about the prospects of having more fuel efficient offerings such Ford Riverside to address increasing consumer interest in greener cars from Ford. The testing will include 20 specially built Ford Escape PHEVs that will be used in the Los Angeles region.

Plug-in electric technology shows great promise to reduce fuel consumption and curb inflating costs for consumers. Although providing the infrastructure and resources to support such vehicles remains in its infancy, the development of such vehicles will provide benefits to consumers and the environment.

The technical information that Ford hopes to achieve from these studies should give a jump start to both utility companies and manufactures that hope these vehicles become a reality sooner rather than later to help get electric powered cars to customers at Ford Salina Kansas and other dealers across the country. Lowering fuel costs to the consumer and providing a lower cost alternative fuel are attractive for the electricity sector, automakers, and for consumers alike.

With Ford, the EPRI, and SCE teaming up to address a serious speed bump in the way of plug-in electric technology, serious progress can finally be made to make the widespread adoption of this technology a reality, causing us to see more Ford Escape PHEVs and other electric-powered vehicles on the road in the near future.

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Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Stylish Angle for the Ford Flex

The Flex is Ford’s newest crossover vehicle, which will be available this summer. Although the Ford Flex offers the styling and flexibility that potential minivan owners will be attracted to, Ford plans to position the Flex in a slightly different way to attract more buyers.

The minivan market has been on a consistent decline in recent years, making Ford and General Motors alike abandon the segment entirely. Coupled with the overwhelming popularity of the crossover SUV segment, which offers the styling and utility of a traditional SUV with the versatility of a minivan, Ford is hoping that the Flex will compete strongly in this overwhelmingly competitive niche.

Rather than positioning the vehicle as the ideal crossover to transport the whole family, the Ford Flex will be positioned as a hip vehicle that offers added style and emotion for trendsetting buyers, which is an appealing for dealers such as Roush Mustang Dealers which know the advantage of having exciting and chic models in their inventory to lure in consumers. For some buyers however, the styling of the Flex could be a little too reminiscent of a minivan, but that won’t stop Ford from helping buyers see another side of the Flex, especially on the heels of the company’s popular Edge crossover which has been a strong seller at.

The Ford Flex will share many components with The Edge, one of Ford Dealer San Francisco's most popular sellers, including the same 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 265 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard on the Flex with all-wheel drive available as an optional. In addition to sharing the same running gear as the Edge, the Flex will also shares many components with the Ford Freestyle, which has recently been renamed the Taurus X.

Buyers will be attracted at an abundant array of unique features available with the 2009 Flex. Such features include a two-toned roof, grooved door panels, HID headlights, 19" aluminum wheels, rear view camera, and a large multi-panel Vista Roof, all of which excite dealers like Ford Orange County. The funky Ford Flex will also be at home as a family hauler despite the chic branding and positioning thanks to its ample interior room, various safety features, and seating for up to seven passengers.

Buyers will be able to see the all-new Ford Flex in dealer showrooms this June.

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