There’s a New Flex in Town: Meet the Ford Flex Titanium

Since its introduction in 2008, the boxy Ford Flex crossover, which

may be best described as part SUV, part wagon, and part minivan, has not been a sales success. That said, Ford clearly remains committed to the Flex, and evidence of that is in the all-new Flex Titanium model.

The Flex Titanium will serve as the top-of-the-line model, and will feature four exterior color choices including red, white, black and silver. Herscher Ford notes that all of these exterior colors will be matched with a black two-tone roof.

“Flex customers are attracted to the vehicle as one that reflects their personality and allows them to stand out from the crowd,” Flex Marketing Manager Kate Pearce said in a statement. “With the Flex Titanium, we are responding to our customers with a vehicle that reflects the unique positioning of Flex in the marketplace.”

Pricing for this new special edition Flex has not yet been released.

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Ford Perceived Quality Improves

Toyota and Honda are both synonymous with quality and reliability, but new quality surveys show that Ford is not too far behind their lofty standards. According to the Automotive Leasing Guide, their Perceived Quality Study has shown Ford to impress consumers with improved quality.

Perceived quality is an excellent indicator of just how satisfied consumers are with a brand’s products according to Ithaca Auto Finance. However, there is certainly a distinction between perceived quality and actual quality, as seen by Volkswagen products that offer good looks and impeccable road manners, but fall short in many overall quality studies.

Japanese automakers have typically done well in these types of studies compared with their domestic and even European competitors. Honda, for example, has long focused on engines and engineering. While this focus has not produced the most stellar looking cars, it has yielded reliable and long-lasting vehicles that consumers know will provide long-term value. Regular lifecycle management at Honda and Toyota has led to new products and updates on a regular basis, helping to keep aging products out of showrooms.

Perceived quality at Chrysler and General Motors has not improved, but Ford Service San Antonio remains proud that perceived Ford quality conversely has surged. This trend has plenty to do with the success of recent new products, such as the Ford F-150, Flex, and Taurus. Even the Ford Fiesta, which Kansas Ford dealers say won’t be available until late next year, has generated substantial anticipation.

Hyundai is also going strong after successful sales during Cash for Clunkers and the demand for the Genesis lineup. Ultimately these studies may not play a role in the buying decisions and most consumers, but they are important for assessing residual and resale value.

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Mercury Lineup to Feature Smaller Cars Only

Ford has been struggling to differentiate its remaining core brands, particularly Mercury and Lincoln which are both intended for an up-market clientele but struggle to make an impasse in their respective categories. In an attempt to differentiate the Mercury lineup, Ford is planning to remove larger vehicles and sell only small cars.

Mercury vehicles like the full size Grand Marquis sedan and the Mountaineer sport utility vehicle will soon be eliminated from the lineup according to Used Trucks St Louis. Ford’s goal is to make the Mercury brand synonymous with only smaller, fuel efficient cars. Ultimately, this move should aid Ford in its cost cutting efforts, says Ford Newark New Jersey, and it should provide an easy transition for Ford as it strives to disseminate its new global platforms.

According to St Paul used Ford dealers, the aging Mercury Grand Marquis should see its demise in 2011 and the life of the Mountaineer should end in 2010. With those vehicles gone, Ford can turn the brand into a haven for compact cars, particularly with the upcoming compact based on the Ford Focus which should reach showrooms by spring of 2011.

In addition to a new compact based on the Focus, Mercury will also receive a new Milan in 2013, which will ride on an all-new mid-size platform that will underpin the Fusion, Mondeo, and Lincoln MKZ. With such rampant platform sharing, it’s likely that Ford will save plenty of cash as it strives to turn its operations around.

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Read more about Mercury cars right here.

Ford Fiesta to Debut at the LA Auto Show

North American buyers will finally be able to get their hands on the 2011 Ford Fiesta next year, but the compact hatchback has already been in the hands of select American drivers as part of the automaker’s Fiesta Movement campaign. With next year’s official release date closing in Ford will be using the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show to officially launch this exciting new product.

When the Ford Fiesta is launched, Ford will be highlighting two components says Chicago Auto Financing; fuel economy and the car’s versatility. Since Ford has long held a reputation for producing massive trucks and SUVs, the Fiesta will be an important product that will change those perceptions.

According to one Ford dealer specializing in used cars Ft Collins, the Ford Fiesta will not differ significantly from the Fiesta model that’s currently sold in Europe. As Ford streamlines its sales and manufacturing operations, Ford Financing Philadelphia suggests that Ford will be introducing a single global lineup, which is one of the factors contributing to the sale of the Fiesta in the US.

Tens of thousands of inquiries have already been submitted to Ford from those who wish to buy the sporty compact when it goes on sale. It’s likely that the Ford Fiesta will feature four-cylinder engines, and a choice between a hatchback and sedan.

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As always you can find Ford auto show coverage here.

Ford Edge Offers More Than Good Looks

The Ford Edge is perhaps one of the first vehicles spawned from a new generation of Ford design. For example, the Ford Five Hundred and Ford Fairlane were both lackluster designs that sold poorly and eventually found their demise. The Edge however featured a design that was fresh, coupled with high quality and attractive amenities.

With the Sport trim, the Ford Edge can also be sporty and sleek. This is helped by huge 22 inch wheels, dual exhaust pipes, and dark glass. Inside, there is plenty of room for passengers plus any cargo they may be bringing along says Macon Ford Auto Repair. Thanks to a large hatch in the rear, cargo is easily accessible.

Although the Ford Edge certainly looks sporty, power is adequate at best according to customers at used Ford dealers Los Angeles. The aesthetically pleasing 22 inch wheels and low profile tires unfortunately deliver a bit of a harsh ride. That being said, the Edge handles well, even around town and in confined parking lots. Fuel economy is also respectable, especially considering its hefty weight.

Most buyers will no doubt enjoy the interior of the Ford Edge the best, thanks to good design, solid quality, and especially the useable technology. Features such as the Ford Synch provide seamless integration of cell phones, stereo, and navigation with voice active commands.

As a top safety pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Boise Used Cars suggests the Ford Edge should certainly be on the list for families considering a crossover vehicle. Priced from $26,635, the Edge’s base price places it right in the center of its considerable competition.

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Ford Remains Dedicated to Hybrid Vehicles

American automakers have not seen success with their hybrid products - or at least not to the extent that their Japanese counterparts have experienced. But that hasn’t stopped Ford from producing attractive hybrid options, including the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid. Ford also produces the Escape Hybrid, which is the most fuel efficient SUV available.

While Ford offers hybrids that are competitive, albeit not top sellers, Ford has made it clear that they will continue to grow their hybrid offerings. Chevrolet has recently announced that their Malibu Hybrid will soon be discontinued, and sales of their Saturn Vue hybrid SUV have become stagnate. Despite issues among competing American hybrids, Kansas City used car dealers admire Ford's determination to push forward in the volatile hybrid market.

For 2010, Ford hybrid vehicles features 2.5-liter four cylinder engines that produce 155 horsepower and 136 lb ft of torque. These engines are mated to an electronically controlled CVT and feature Intake Variable Cam Timing  - a system that Salinas Auto Body Shop says makes the transition between gasoline power and electric power seamless.

The recent Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid also feature electronic throttle control to reduce excess fuel consumption when the vehicle is started. Washington DC Ford repair specialists point out that the 2010 hybrid models also feature smaller and more efficient batteries.

While American automakers are struggling to break the stigma that they aren’t capable of producing fuel efficient cars, Ford is clearly working harder to provide what consumers demand - small cars that get strong mpg.

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Ford to Introduce New Engines in Mustang

Ford has been busy developing the much anticipated EcoBoost V6 engine which will be featured throughout the lineup. This engine has been hyped for its ability to deliver V8-like power but V6 fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, the engine has yet to make its way into the all-new 2010 Mustang. Luckily, Mustang fans have the 2011 model year to look forward to as the new V6 will replace the current 4.0-liter V6 engine.

Despite a full redesign for the 2010 model year, the latest Mustang did not receive any substantial update to the powertrain, to the dismay of Aurora CO Ford Service. Soon the Duratec 3.7-liter V6 engine will replace the 4.0-liter unit, which remains incredibly underpowered, particularly compared to new muscle car rivals such as the new Chevy Camaro. The 2010 Lincoln MKS says Quick Lane Bourbonnais is one example in the Ford lineup where the 3.7-liter V6 is already in use.

With 273 horsepower, Classic Cars Nashville say the latest engine should prove to be a vast improvement over the current engine. Thanks to direct injection technology, the new engine could be quite powerful, while also delivering competitive fuel efficiency.

There has also been talk about the Ford Mustang receiving a 400 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 next year as well. While a new, powerful V6 engine is desperately needed according to some customers at a St Louis Ford dealer, a new V8 will also likely be welcomed by Mustang enthusiasts. Rumors of this new engine have been fueled by comments made by Bill Ford, Jr. as well.

Since the 2010 Ford Mustang is still a fresh offering, don’t expect concrete details on either engine until the beginning of next year at the earliest.

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New developments surrounding the 2011 Ford Mustang can be found here.