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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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.

Ford’s Bobcat V8 to Compliment EcoBoost V6

Ford has been working hard to bring the new EcoBoost V6 engine to nearly its entire lineup. Balancing efficiency and power, the EcoBoost engine will be heavily relied upon to help lower Ford’s fleet-wide fuel economy, while also giving their lineup the power that consumers desire. The Ford EcoBoost is aided by direct injection and turbo-charging technology. But the latest engine under development at Ford also includes an ethanol injection system.

An ethanol V8 is said to be currently in the works at Ford. Reportedly codenamed Bobcat, the engine injects ethanol directly into the cylinder chamber prior to combustion with gasoline. St Paul MN used cars dealers expects this simple process not only increases power, but also makes the engine more fuel efficient.

Enabling the engine to operate at a high compression while detonation is also decreased, the Bobcat V8 engine can run on gasoline while maintaining the fuel economy of a diesel engine. The downside according to Kansas City Used Cars, is that the car requires a separate tank for ethanol fuel. However, the engine would consumer such a sparse amount of ethanol that the driver wouldn’t need to add ethanol regularly.

Ford is collaborating with Ethanol Boosting Systems to develop this new Bobcat engine. The system, which will be named Direct Injection Octane Boost, is said to increase the octane of gasoline, helping one of these V8s produce upwards of 500 horsepower. The engine is still in early stages of development and the release date is not yet available but Commercial Trucks Richmond believes it will make its way into a F-Series test mule soon.

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Learn about the new generation of Ford engines on this blog.

Ford to Change its Focus

As the auto industry recession deepens, Ford is planning to pull farther away from the production of trucks and SUVs. Ford recently announced that it will be spending $550 million to convert a truck plant into an eco-friendly manufacturing complex that will build small fuel-efficient vehicles and even electric cars.

Despite years of success in the large truck and SUV segments, Ford has been doing an aggressive restructuring, which has included new compact vehicles such as the Ford Focus and upcoming Ford Fiesta. This strategy has also included the development of new eco-friendly technology which Mercury New Jersey says will eventually result in an electric version of the Focus in 2011.

Ford’s main goal these days according to Used Lincoln Mercury is to provide consumers with a far more balanced lineup. Of course the automaker will continue to build trucks and SUVs, but it certainly won’t remain the focus. Small cars, hybrids, and all-electric vehicles are all important products in Ford's ever-changing lineup. Over the next few years, Long Beach Auto Financing recommend keeping an eye on Ford as the automaker is likely to be retooling its manufacturing operations to fuel a renewed lineup for North American customers.

Throughout the 1990s, Ford sales were strong thanks to the demand to its large trucks, such as the Ford Expedition and F-150. But as auto sales fell more recently, so too did the demand for large, gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs. Dealers like Richmond Ford continue to offer quality Ford trucks and commercial vehicle, but have since diversified, becoming the leading location for a Richmond VA oil change and other services. Ford responded to changing consumer demand by introducing new crossovers such as the Edge and the Flex which have seen stronger demand observes Los Angeles Ford Loans. Ford also offered the Ford Escape Hybrid, which became one of the most fuel efficiency SUVs on the market.

Ford has made aggressive changes in recently months should prove to give consumers what they want. By selling off assets such as Aston Martin, Jaguar, and Land Rover, Ford has focused on its core. This focus seems likely to pay off even as its Detroit neighbors continue to suffer.

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For new Ford compact reviews and news, check out this Ford blog.

Ford Slows Cash Burn

Ford appears to be on a roll, as the automaker has successfully slowed its cash burn. Despite suffering losses, the first quarter of the year ended with Ford having $21.3 billion in cash reserves on hand. This is up from $13.4 billion at the close of 2008. Although a fourth straight quarterly loss is still bad news, it shows that even without government help, the automaker is surviving in the harshest of environments.

The financial standing of the Detroit automaker is by no means in good shape. However, Ford has impressed analysts and Ford Salinas alike in recent months as they’ve shown more resilience to the current economic hardship and declined new car demand when compared with their Detroit neighbors. Unfortunately, with auto sales reaching a 27 year low, Ford is far from out of the woods.

Ford still is hoping to avoid any government intervention. Already, Chrysler and General Motors have received $17.4 billion in federal aid yet their financial situation remain dire. The reduced cash burn at Ford is the result of structural cost cutting that New Jersey Lincoln Mercury see as a necessary component to turning operations around. As the automaker expects the economy to improve in the second half of this year, it is also expected that Ford will also slow its cash burn even more.

As a GM or Chrysler bankruptcy may pose an additional hurdle for Ford. The effect of a large automaker going under will create an industry-wide ripple effect that will disrupt the supply of parts and other materials, warns one body shop Richmond VA. With this is mind, Ford is also working on contingency plans to help prepare such for this scenario. Meanwhile, Ford is also looking for a buyer for its Volvo brand which should help give Ford additional cash.

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A Quick Look at the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford has just updated the Fusion for 2010. With sleeker lines and a slew of new features, the latest Ford Fusion promises to be a substantial improvement over the outgoing model. Perhaps what will make the latest generation a standout for buyers is the all-new Hybrid variant which claims to be more efficient that the class leading Toyota Camry hybrid.

The new Ford Fusion Hybrid is ultra quiet, and features an all-new exterior that’s far more handsome than the outgoing model. Inside, the Fusion is roomier as well which has pleased families at Used Cars San Diego whose inventory also includes new Ford models. The dash is not quite as elegant as the new exterior, but fit and finish is commendable.

As for the operation of the hybrid system in the new Ford Fusion, it’s able to switch between electric and gas power seamlessly, without shudder or other disturbances. Despite the dominance of the Japanese hybrid technology, Minneapolis Ford dealers say that Ford has successfully improved upon the technology to provide seamless operation.

For environmentally conscious drivers, the new Ford Fusion Hybrid comes at a cost of about $3,200. With the added price, buyers will get 41 miles per gallon in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. Ford says those numbers make not only more efficient than the Camry hybrid, but the numbers also make it about fifty percent more efficient than the gasoline-powered Fusion, which St Paul Ford says is what makes the Fusion Hybrid an incredible value.

Hybrid buyers now have more choices when it comes to the midsize segment. With attractive offerings from Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, domestic car enthusiasts can now consider the Ford Fusion Hybrid as well.

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It appears as though the hybrid sales war will continue to heat up with the introduction of the Fusion Hybrid from Ford. 

Details of the 2012 Ford Fusion Emerge

For the 2010 model year, Ford’s midsize vehicle offerings, the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and the Lincoln MKZ, have all been updated. Despite the all-new updates and strong demand at Denver Ford and locations across the U.S., details on the next-generation models are already surfacing.

The current 2010 Ford Fusion and its variations ride on the same platform that underpins the all-new Mazda6 midsize sedan. For 2012, the next generation midsize sedans will instead ride on the European Ford Mondeo platform, which had been exclusively designed for the Mondeo and the European market.  Despite existing influences from Europe and Japan, Newark Ford dealers are excited that this new global platform will be updated for U.S. consumers exclusively by engineers based in North America.

While development of the next generation midsize sedan involves global teams, the development of the next generation midsize sedan is being headed up by Ford’s engineering center in Detroit. Teams will include engineers from Europe, Asian, and China, which will enable this global car to be easily modified for sales worldwide. Ultimately, Nashville Ford dealers believe that this approach will result in a more well-rounded and higher-quality product.

Among the many reasons contributing to Ford’s new reversal of using the Mazda6 platform is the loosening of ties between Ford and Mazda. Last year Ford sold most of its stake in the Japanese automaker in order to free up cash. Additionally, Used Cars Richmond assert that the new platform is more versatile than the one that underpins the latest Ford Fusion, as it can easily accommodate all-wheel drive and a range of different engine sizes, from four cylinders and six cylinders.

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Stay updated on future Ford vehicles on this blog.

New Ford F-150 Enters Changing Market

With the rising gas prices came new challenges for the most recent Ford F-150. With car buyers staying clear of trucks, and Ford’s cash flow hitting new lows, the development team for the new F-150 was very careful to produce the right vehicle for the right environment.

Back in May, for the first time in nearly two decades, the Ford F-150 ceased to be the monthly sales leader, thanks to rising sales of the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic, and other offerings that were more gentle on consumers' wallets. With changing times, the new F-150 would have to deliver a successful formula to keep it competitive amid rising concerns of car buyers. Simply put, says Los Angeles Ford dealers, that building a truck that was not larger, but rather lighter and smarter was crucial.

Building a new F-150 that was lighter was challenging, as the F-150 still had to be tough and offer competitive towing and payload capabilities for customers such as those around Cheyenne auto dealers. But the Ford engineers were able to pull it off, with lighter wheels, suspension, and even a shorter wheelbase. The body on frame design also helped reduce costs.

Ford’s new F-150 though faced delays when it came time to launch to the dismay of Ford Greeley and many potential truck buyers. During this time, some in the product development team pushed for higher capacities, more power, and thus more weight. Despite delays and changes, the new Ford F-150 has received plenty of accolades. While potential truck buyers had to wait longer for the latest generation, many have found the new truck was worth the wait. But with the economy still creeping along, the F-150 seems to have a long road ahead of it.

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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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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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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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