Detroit 2011: Ford Unveils Vertrek Concept SUV
Ford has debuted its new Vertrek Concept Sport Utility Vehicle at the NAIAS – the 4 seater design shows the direction the company is looking to take as it works to move forward from the Escape and Ford Kuga and offer a stylish, compact Sport Utility Vehicle it can place into the global market. It is a slightly bigger offering than the two existing vehicles – the Ford Vertrek is longer, wider and has a longer wheelbase than the Escape and Kuga. Design-wise, the kinetic design shape contains elements such as a rather imposing lower trapezoidal grille, a panoramic roof that runs centrally from front to back glass surfaces, slim headlamps and taillamps as well as a muscular-looking hood and rising beltline that lends the shape more agression.
Inside, premium materials dominate, as does a swooping centre console and prominent centre stack that flows down a central bridge through the vehicle, and the seats, finished in tanned, velour leather feature neon red-orange highlights. The concept in Detroit features a 1600cc Ford EcoBoost turbocharged direct injection engine, and last Ford’s Auto Start-Stop system as well. For the US market, potential engine choices are the abovementioned pot – available in 180 hp and 150 hp form, the latter for the European market – as well as a 2200cc EcoBoost and a 2500cc 4 cylinder block, all paired with a 6 speed transmission, while outside the American market a 2.0 Duratorq TDCi turbodiesel is a candidate to join the 1.6 litre EcoBoost unit.
Aimed at city dwellers, not just in the American and European market but also those in China, the Vertrek plays it big on cargo-carrying ability consumers are looking for, but without forsaking levels of craftsmanship and quality often lost in compact Sport Utility Vehicles. Inside the sleek, modern shell is a generous cargo volume more than rivalling that of the Escape, at 828 litres for the boot area and 1,879 litres from the 1st row back, and against the European Kuga, it offers 20 percent more space at the rear and 15 percent more space from behind the 1st row on. There is plenty of tech on call with this one – a wide suite of consumer-focused Ford technologies including SYNC, active park assist, Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and Intelligent Access with push-button start are featured in the Vertrek concept.
Ford Figo bags 4 Awards at the Bloomberg UTV Autocar Awards
After the Ford Figo (read road test) won the ICOTY (India Car of the Year) Award in December 2010 (read post here), the hatch continued Fords success story by winning four Bloomberg UTV Autocar Awards. The Ford Figo was awarded ‘Car of the Year Award 2011′, ‘Value for Money Car 2011′ and ‘Premium Compact Car’. Beside these it also won the ‘Viewers Choice – Car of the Year 2011′.
The Figo has been in the limelight this year and this is clearly visible in the kind of sales figures the company has seen. Ford India has already sold 60,000 units of the Figo since its launch in March 2010. In addition to recognizing the Figo’s virtues, Ford India has been named “Manufacturer of the Year 2011″ for its innovative practices in manufacturing and engineering excellence. Ford also came out with the 4×2 Endeavour this year (read first drive) which gives us an idea of the companies stratergy to woo the customers looking for an SUV. Ford had already announced that it will be introducing 8 new cars in India in the next five years and with them bagging these awards, the expectations of the Indian customer have increased ten folds. All eyes will be on the bait that Ford India throws out to its customers.
Ford Sales Growth 172 per cent in December 2010
Ford India has registered an remarkable annual sales increase of 184 percent this year. From January 2010 to December 2010, Ford India has sold a total of 83, 887 units as compared to the 29,488 cars sold in 2009. Ford India’s year-on-year December sales were up 172 per cent compared to December 2009. On December 4th, Ford India started a ‘Midnight Sale’, which brought record bookings on a single day. During the industry-first Midnight Sale event, Ford dealerships remained open till late into midnight and made it easier for people to purchase the car. 2010 has become a evidence year for Ford in India; annual sales volumes nearly tripled compared to same period last year. Ford Figo has won several industry awards including like ICOTY 2011 and ET ZigWheels Car of the Year 2010. Ford India was ecstatic when Figo was selected the Indian Car of the Year 2011 by a leading jury of automobile journalists after comprehensive testing.
In the same week, Economic Times ZigWheels selected the Ford Figo for the twin honours of ‘Best Premium Hatch’ and ET ZigWheels Car of the Year 2010. “This has been an exceptional year for Ford in India with nearly triple digit growth rates. It is also extremely heartening to see the Figo sweep many prestigious industry awards and it is gratifying to see so many Figos on India’s roads,” said Boneham. Along with strong sales number from Figo, Ford also saw a very good month across nameplates with the Fiesta, Ikon and the Ford Endeavour faring well in their relevant segments. The company's dealer network has increased to more than 170 across over 100 cities in India.
Third-gen Ford Focus will get torque vectoring VSC
To go on sale in the US early this year, the third generation Ford Focus will be available with a brand new vehicle constancy control (VSC) system that will use torque vectoring to develop handling. Apparently, inspiration came from downhill skiing and snowboarding techniques! “The new Focus is the first North American Ford vehicle to offer torque vectoring control. This is a skill that has been offered on high-end sports cars, yet Ford is making it standard on their new small car,” said Rick Bolt, program manager for the Focus.
He added that torque vectoring will be included across the range. “Torque vectoring control elevates the dynamic capability of the entire Focus model range, from an S series sedan through a Titanium Sport Package hatchback.” The principle is simple. The system will apply minor braking on the inside wheel when the Ford Focus takes a bend; this prevents slippage as it then travels a shorter distance while doing the same speed as the outer wheel. It’s not very different from what a mechanical limited-slip differential does, but this is a cheaper solution. Another inexpensive new car that has torque vectoring is the Nissan Juke with All-Mode 4X4-i.
Ford India sales up by 184%
Capping up a momentous year in which the Figo won `the Indian car of the Year award (ICOTY 2011),’ Ford recorded an impressive annual sales increase of 184 percent this year. From January to December 2010, the Company sold 83, 887 units and nearly tripled it sales volume against a total of 29,488 cars sold in 2009. Ford India's year-on-year December sales were up 172 per cent compared to December 2009.
With the innovative ‘Midnight Sale’ promotion on December 4, Ford India took record bookings on a single day. During the industry-first ‘Midnight Sale’ event, Ford showrooms remained opened till late into midnight and made the purchase convenient for customers. Ford Figo was selected the `Indian Car of the Year 2011′ by a leading jury of automobile journalists after comprehensive testing. The same week, ET ZigWheels selected the Ford Figo for the twin honours of `Best Premium Hatch’ and `ET ZigWheels Car of the Year 2010.” Sales of the Ford Figo continued to be strong with more than 60,000 units sold in India since its launch in March this year.
Ford to soon introduce auto start stop technology in US
Ford, the US auto giant regaining its momentum in the auto market, recently declared that Ford cars will be affixed with fuel saving technology which is being utilized in the other US gas-electric hybrid vehicles. As per the media reports, the new technology which will come in Ford cars is also attached in other hybrid cars by other auto manufacturers. Ford reported that the new technique will automatically stop the car at the traffic light. The hybrid engine will be turned off which will save on fuel and cut emissions. By the beginning of 2012, Ford Motors plans to suffix the Auto Start-Stop technology in an array of cars rolled out in the North American auto market.
From Ford's stable it was reported that the new technique will give better fuel efficiency up to 4 per cent coming without a manual system as it will help in drivers comfort of not turning the engine off. As the engine is turned off while the car is stationary a dashboard light will appear but it will not affect the other applications such as air conditioning or heating. Ford plans to being the technology in its cars rolled out in other global auto market.
Ford's Indian arm is doing considerable well, in the beginning of the year the company introduced hatchback Ford Figo in the Indian auto market and as many as 58,000 Ford Figo has already been rolled out. The credit for the market winner lies in its advanced technology, stunning looks and most importantly the price of Ford Figo. However, with the increasing demand for the hatchback it is being difficult for the maker to fulfil the demand. Ford Figo is facing supply constraints in the third shift in Fords Chennai manufacturing unit. Apart from Ford Figo, the US auto manufacturer rules the Indian auto market with few other cars Ford Endeavour, Ford Fiesta and Ford New Ikon. By next year, the company will increase its existing portfolio by adding Ford Mondeo by April with a price tag of Rs 13 to 17 lakh.
Ford To Expand Start-Stop Technology From Hybrids To Conventional Models
Ford’s start-stop fuel-saving technology that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop – a feature found today on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and some Ford cars in Europe – will soon be added to conventional cars, crossovers and Sport Utility Vechiles in North America. Ford’s patented new Auto Start-Stop system for gasoline engines can deliver fuel economy savings of as much as 10%. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stop light. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.
Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all consumers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, double-clutch PowerShift 6 speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company’s commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment. Ford’s global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver’s behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle’s accessories function normally.
“For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. “And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater, and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort.” The global rollout of Auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe. The system, designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is launching now on Ford Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all of Ford’s global markets.
{Source: Globalmotors}
Ford Sync AppLink Available Now For 2011 Fiesta Owners
If you drive a 2011 Ford Fiesta and use an Android smartphone, you need to grab a new update for the Ford Sync system that is now available. The new update allows you to control apps on your Android smartphone using your voice. To download the app you need to log in at Syncmyride and get the new update from the Update and customize section. If you have never updated Sync before there may be more than one update you need to add before you get the new AppLink feature. Once downloaded the install is made using a flash drive and the USB port in the car.
The first of the Sync-enabled apps for the new update include Pandora and Stitcher (landing in 2011). The apps need Android 1.5.3 or higher to operate with AppLink. Once the update is installed, the user can hit the voice button in the car, say “mobile applications” and then the name of the app to launch. In Pandora, for instance, the user can then use voice commands to play tracks like “Play station classic rock radio” and the driver can bookmark songs and rate them using their voice as well.
{Source: Androidcommunity}
Ford To Offer Tattoo options For New Focus
Tattoos are not just body art anymore; customers will soon be able to express themselves with vehicle tattoos for the all-new 2012 Ford Focus. Ford Custom Graphics will offer more than two hundered unique vinyl wrap tattoos in an array of different colors for the new Focus at fordcustomgraphics.com. Available in a variety of designs – from geometric patterns and racing stripes to whimsical imagery like splashes and swirls – the Custom Graphics offer the look of custom paint with an affordable price.
“Millennials have a very personalized, artistic side to their lifestyle, and their vehicle is a very important part of that,” said KC Dallia, Focus brand manager. “With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the Focus provides the perfect canvas for customization.” According to the Pew Research Institute, nearly four in 10 Millennials have at least one tattoo, and Gen Xers are not far behind at 32%. Ford Custom Graphics developed for the new Ford Focus will range in price from $120 to $470 and can be easily removed, providing younger consumers with an economical way to “grow with their car,” says Connelly. “People are holding on to their vehicles longer, and the way we identify ourselves today may not be the way we want to express ourselves tomorrow,” she said. “Customers can easily change the tattoos as their life situation and style evolves.”
{Source: Globalmotors}
Goodyear India Awards Ford Figo to Lucky Consumer
Goodyear India culminated its “Goodyear Wheels Of Fortune” customer promotion. The grand prize, a Ford Figo, was awarded to Kailash Negi from Sri Nagar, a small town close to Dehradun. Over the past 2 months customers who purchased Goodyear’s newly launched DuraPlus and Assurance tires got instant prizes of branded sunglasses plus a chance to win the Ford Figo grand prize in the lucky nationwide draw. Apart from the grand prize winner, Goodyear awarded 29 other lucky consumers with a wide range of prizes including Blackberry phones, GPS navigation devices, and LCD screens. The lucky draw was conducted using automated computer software ensuring complete transparency and unbiased selection of winners. DP Singh, Vice President for Consumer Tires said ”In fact, all our participants were already winners from the moment they chose our latest product innovations because they can now drive with more confidence with Assurance’s superior grip, and enjoy more savings with DuraPlus - Goodyear’s best high mileage tire in the market today”.