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Thanks, Ford Ingy

[Via http://cazmosquad.wordpress.com]

2005 Ford Excursion Sport Utility 4D in Redding, CA

VEHICLE INFORMATION

2005 Ford Excursion Sport Utility 4D

Stock #: 19378

VIN: 1FMSU43P45ED41002

Engine: V8 6.0L Turbo Diesel

Transmission: Automatic

Mileage: 88801

VEHICLE FEATURES

ABS (4-Wheel)

Air Conditioning

Alloy Wheels

AM/FM Stereo

Cruise Control

Dual Front Air Bags

DVD System

Leather

Limited

Multi Compact Disc

Parking Sensors

Power Door Locks

Power Steering

Power Windows

Premium Sound

Privacy Glass

Rear Air

Roof Rack

Running Boards

Third Seat

Tilt Wheel

Towing Pkg

Wide Tires

CONTACT:

Call Greg McDaniel 1-800-483-5196

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle may be subject to prior sale. To all prices must be added taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document charge and any emission testing charge.

Other Nearby Northern California Auto Dealers Include:

1. Corning Ford/Mercury: (visit online | get directions)


2. Redding Kia: (Visit Online | Get Directions)


3. Corning Chevrolet Buick: (Visit Online | Get Directions)


4. Susanville Auto Center: (visit online | get directions)


5. Oroville Ford: (visit online | get directions)


6. Budget Auto Center: (Visit Online | Get Directions)


7. Downtown Motors in Redding: (Visit Online | Get Directions)


8. Capital Ford


9. Chico Volkswagen


10. Chuck Patterson Toyota Dodge Mazda


11. Crown Motors


12. Don McCullough Dodge Chrysler


13. Geweke Ford


14. Gridley Country Ford


15. Helser Chevrolet Cadillac


16. Hoblit Motors


17. Jones West Ford


18. Lithia Chevrolet


19. Lithia Toyota


20. Miller Auto Center


21. Red Bluff Ford


22. Red Bluff Chrysler Dodge Jeep


23. SJ Denham


24. Shasta Nissan


25. Taylor Motors


26. Wittmeier Chevrolet


27. Wittmeier Ford


28. Wittmeier Honda

[Via http://dealerwebconcepts.wordpress.com]

Ford workers weigh buyout in Windsor, Ont.

An offer by Ford Motor Co. to buy out its 6,200 Canadian workers could find takers in Windsor, Ont., according to the president of an auto workers’ union there.

Ken Lewenza, the president of the Canadian Auto Workers, said Ford is trying to ‘get rid of as many … existing employees’ as possible.(CBC)

There are about 1,000 Ford employees on layoff in Windsor. They’ll be joined by 400 to 500 more when Ford drops a shift at its Windsor engine plant in 2010, but could go back to work when Ford adds 250 jobs to its Essex engine plant at roughly the same time.

Those cuts leave workers “with much to think about,” said Mike Vince, president of Canadian Auto Workers Local 200, which represents Ford workers.

“Some people have made up their mind that they’re going to stay on the seniority list and not take it,” Vince said. “Hopefully, in a few years, they may be recalled.

“Others … have told us now that they want to take [the buyout package] and move on,” he said.

Ford trying to ‘get rid of’ workers: CAW

Ford is the healthiest of the Detroit Three automakers. Unlike Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors, it avoided government aid and bankruptcy protection earlier in the year.

But it says it still has more workers than it needs to produce cars and trucks at current sales levels.

On Monday, Ford offered buyouts, or retirement incentive packages, to its 41,000 hourly workers in the United States. It followed that on Tuesday with a similar offer to its Canadian workers.

“Their vision is to try to get rid of as many of the existing employees as they possibly can,” said Ken Lewenza, president of the CAW. It’s also a way to minimize the pain of the laid-off workers in Windsor, he said, by letting them “get on their with their lives.”

More buyout offers are expected when Ford closes its assembly plant in St. Thomas, Ont. More than 1,500 workers are expected to lose their jobs when that happens, in September 2011.

[Via http://businessnewss.wordpress.com]

Car Sick Kids? Read This

If your children suffer from car sicknesses, don’t worry you’re not alone. One of the main reasons for child carsickness is that they can’t see out of the car, which can lead to them concentrating on hand-held computer games and DVDs. If your child does suffer with sickness when driving, and you’re looking to buy a new car, consider going for an SUV, like a Ford Kuga with opera-style seating, where the rear seats are higher than the front seats and head restraints don’t impede the view forward.

Here are some tips that can help limit the effects of car sickness:

- Encourage your child to focus on a distant point outside the car. Playing games like “I-Spy” can help with this.

- Audio books can also help your child relax whilst looking out of the window

- Limit how much time your child spends on hand held consoles or reading where the eyes stay focused within the car

- If your child has a car seat, position it so that they can see outside.

- Fresh air can help, so consider opening the windows slightly

One old wives tale is that if you sit your child on a piece of paper, this will prevent car sickness. I have no idea if this works, but feel free to give it a go!

[Via http://carsforgirls.wordpress.com]

Road Trip!

So a buddy from Ohio is in Arizona for a week visiting relatives, and he makes the mistake of saying “you should come to Arizona!”  I gave him several chances to withdraw the invitation, he refused, so here I am, in Yuma!

Dinner tonight was a good old fashioned hamburger, fries, and a Coke, at a 50’s style diner.  Right down to the chrome barstools, and 50’s music on the jukebox.

Tonight at the Wingate Hotel, tomorrow wasting time with Roman, tomorrow night in the hotel, then home in time for Christmas Eve.  (It doesn’t start till sundown, technically, and I’ll roll in sometime after dark, but close enough!)

456 miles.  8 hours, 20 minutes on the road.  31 MPG.  In a 2005 Taurus!  Not too shabby.

The weirdest thing so far?  Fine dust blowing across the road like fog.  Big windstorms starting in Palm Springs,  well, windstorms all over, but raising dust like crazy starting at PS.  Dust snaking across the road in front of me,  going almost as fast as I was!  I’ll have to get a new air filter for the car when I get home, it’s going to be full of fine dust.

Second weirdest thing?  Wal-Mart parking lot in Blythe.  (Taco Bell.  I didn’t go into Wallyworld) They need to ban plastic bags there, too.  The fence along the street was a 3 ft chain link…  it was solid plastic bags pinned solid to the mesh of the fencing.  Wind was picking them all up and plastering them to the fences up and down the roads.  Looked really bad.  Plastic bags have got to go.

Also saw a tumble weed on the Grapevine commit suicide by jumping in front of a speeding mini-van.  Pretty much exploded.  Saw another one racing the cars, rolling along the center divider shoulder, and doing a pretty good job of keeping up!

Snow on the ground going over the pass, but fortunately the roads were clear by the time I got there.  CHP had been escorting cars earlier, and they had completely closed it at one point last night.  Lucky me, didn’t have to detour, or wait.

[Via http://queervisalia.com]

2010 Ford Taurus vs 2010 Honda Accord

2010 Ford Taurus vs 2010 Honda Accord

Sedans (Update)

www.autorivals.net

Ford has completely redesigned its once pinnacle Taurus (in the 1980s) and finally has a real contender. The Accord on the other hand, has long reigned as one of the top segment leaders.

[Via http://autorivals.wordpress.com]

New Holland 74CSR 3 point Snowblower 74"

For Sale:   New leftover New Holland 74CSR 3 point rear mounted snowblower.  74″ wide.  Two stage.  Serial # R04ZK063.

Contact George or Scott at (717) 896-3414 or swebros@aol.com

Go to the http://sweigardbros.wordpress.com main page

New Holland 74CSR

New Holland 74CSR

[Via http://sweigardbros.wordpress.com]

It's (Alfa) Romeo & Juliet

Just like the star-crossed lovers who tragically died, I read a story today about a woman who was so obsessed with her L-Reg Ford Mondeo, that she actually changed her surname to Ford.  Unluckily for her, her beloved car was also the cause of her death. Or rather the alcohol she consumed prior to getting in the car was…

One wonders, if Leah ‘Ford’ loved the car so much, why she would ever consider drink driving? But hey, in my opinion anyone who drink-drives has no-one to blame but themselves. Unfortunately this wasn’t so for the driver of the other car, mum-of-two Julia Ann Cannon, 56 who also died in the high-speed crash.

To be honest, I doubt she was ‘all there’ if she decided she would rather have a surname of an American mass produced car manufacturer rather than the name she was given at birth. And all for an L-Reg Mondeo? Really? And come on, it’s not like Ford is a particularly ‘exotic’ name – maybe something like Leah Maserati or Leah Lamborghini would have been better, but then she probably couldn’t have afforded one of them.

And what happened to the L-Reg Mondeo? It probably died of heartache.

[Via http://carsforgirls.wordpress.com]

2010 Ford Taurus Sho Press İmage 001 C 1280X850

2010 ford taurus sho press image 001 c 1280×850 wallpaper image of 2010 ford taurus sho press image 001 c 1280×850
to view full size click 2010 Ford Taurus Sho Press İmage 001 C 1280X850 wallpaper ( 2010 Ford Taurus Sho Press İmage 001 C 1280X850 wallpaper )

[Via http://carpictures2.wordpress.com]

2009-Ford-Flex-1200X800 C 1200X800

2009-Ford-Flex-1200×800 c 1200×800 image wallpaper of 2009-Ford-Flex-1200×800 c 1200×800
to view full size click 2009-Ford-Flex-1200X800 C 1200X800 image ( 2009-Ford-Flex-1200X800 C 1200X800 image )

[Via http://carpictures2.wordpress.com]

Minicar on the Way from Opel

General Motors has declared that Opel/Vauxhall is in need of a minicar, something to compete with the Ford Ka and Peugeot 107.

Opel released a minicar concept called the Trixx five years ago, but it never made it to production. Many, many manfucaturers are in the minicar market, with more to come, so a move like this was expected eventually.

General Motors also mentioned that they were considering a battery powered electric car. There were reports a couple of months ago that they were considering teaming with Reva (Makers of the awful G-Wiz) to make an electric Chevy Spark, so that might be what they’re talking about.

Source: Autoblog

[Via http://theblogofcars.wordpress.com]

Memulai Countdown Menuju Peluncuran Fiesta

Jakarta, 11 December 2009 – Ford Motor Indonesia telah memulai countdown menuju peluncuran all-new Ford Fiesta, mobil city car populer yang telah terjual lebih dari setengah juta unit dalam tahun pertamanya di Eropa.

Ford Fiesta akan dijual di Indonesia dalam waktu beberapa bulan kedepan dan akan diproduksi di AutoAlliance Thailand, yang merupakan pabrik perakitan mobil kecil yang di bangun dengan investasi US$500 juta. Pabrik ini juga menjadi pusat ekspor Ford Fiesta ke seluruh kawasan ASEAN serta Australia, Selandia Baru dan Afrika Selatan.

Fiesta dikembangkan oleh Ford dengan menggunakan pengalamannya yang intensive dalam perakitan mobil kecil. Sejak perkenalannya, Fiesta telah menjadi sebuah bukti untuk mobil kecil yang memiliki efisiensi bahan bakar yang baik, pengendalian yang luar biasa dan dinamika kendaraan yang luar biasa.

Bentuk Ford Fiesta dengan aerodinamis yang baru mampu meminimalisir gangguan suara, getaran mobil, dan meningkatkan efisiensi bahan bakar. Ford Fiesta juga memiliki desain yang disebut Kinetic Design yang terpancar dari bentuk gril yang sporty yang merefleksikan kehadiran keluarga mobil Ford, lampu utama yang berbentuk wrap-around, wheel arches yang tegas, garis body yang keras, diperjelas dengan trim berwarna chrome, dan akan tersedia dalam keberagaman warna yang unik.

Seperti eksteriornya, bentuk berani yang memancarkan sifat individualistik dan perbedaan yang jelas juga tertera pada interiornya. Bentuk yang memikat serta warna yang kontras di dalam kabin terkesan hangat dan sangat mengundang. Interior yang ekspresif didesain untuk konsumen yang lebih muda, sementara konsumen yang lebih berpengalaman akan tetap dimanja dengan paket yang menyatukan sesuatu yang modern dengan kemewahan yang berarti tanpa mengorbankan bentuk serta fungsi mobil.

Intrumen mobil sangat mudah dibaca, panel control sangat menyenangkan untuk digunakan serta konsol tengah dengan tombol radio/CD, ventilasi pemanas dan pendingin di bikin secara ergonomis sehingga mudah dioperasikan serta memberikan kesan yang sangat berkualitas.

“Peluncuran di Indonesia pada tahun 2010 nanti akan menorehkan kembali cerita kesuksesan Ford Fiesta secara global, dan menegaskan kepemimpinan Ford sebagai produsen dan designer mobil kecil,” ujar Will Angove, Presiden Direktur Ford Motor Indonesia. “Masyarakat Indonesia yang stylish dan konsumen lainnya akan menghargai keunikan dan daya tarik Ford Fiesta yang mampu mengekspresikan style serta gaya hidup modern mereka.”

Ford Fiesta yang sudah menjadi favorit di pasaran benua Eropa telah memperoleh beberapa penghargaan dari majalah – majalah otomotif, termasuk Top Gear, Car, Car & Driver dan 4 Wheels. Baru – baru ini, Fiesta juga telah dianugerahi penghargaan Car of The Year 2009 dari Auto Express, What Car? dan Sun Motors.

[Via http://rajufebrian.wordpress.com]

2009 Social Media Case Studies & Lessons

The New Year is quickly approaching and it seems fitting to take some time to look at a few of the key learnings from the past year. What better way to do that than to highlight some of the key take aways from some of 2009’s most successful social media marketing efforts. While we all may have different definitions of what “success” is, my look back on 2009 will focus on those social media campaigns that opened our eyes to the opportunities in social media or taught us new things about marketing.

Microsoft – I’m a PC:

After taking a beating from Apple, Microsoft finally responded with an innovative TV and multi-channel participatory marketing program that ended with two simple words – “Upload Yourself.” The campaign demonstrates that all media can be social/participatory and the importance of involving customers or the community in defining and defending your brand.

Ford – Fiesta Movement:

Ford invites 100 Gen Y’s to drive a Ford Fiesta (not available in the U.S. until next year) for six months and report their experience on various social media sites and blogs. The program demonstrates how social media and “Buzz” is the fifth ”P” –People– in the classic four “P”s of marketing (Product, Price, Promotion, Place). It also demonstrates the continued acceleration of product launch cycles and that “pre-launch” is the new product launch with today’s social web. Special congratulations to Courtney Force who was recently awarded the Favorite Fiesta Agent title.

Nike – What Do You Play For?:

Nike calls on teens to share their sports stories. Participants are encouraged to upload photos of them playing the sport they love and to share their inspirational stories. Visitors then voted on their favorites and winners received prizes. While Nike is a brand that was built on showcasing the talents of unattainable superstars like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods (who are not without their faults), this effort demonstrates the company’s evolution by leveraging the power of participation and real people to inspire other. . In today’s social web, advertising and promotion needs to be relevant, personal, identifiable, authentic and trusted. I believe this is the start of a major shift in advertising – bottom line: celebrities are out – real people like you and I are In.

Starbucks – I’m In:

Starbucks encourages vistors to Starbucks.com and over 11,000 Starbucks locations to pledge 5 hours of community service. In exchange Starbucks is giving those that pledge a free cup of coffee. Participants also receive a pledge card and an “I’m In” badge that can be embedded on their websites to help spread the word. What’s so great about the Starbucks program is how it demonstrates the power of participation, and how organizations can be a catalyst for doing good. The program has recieved national recognition and over 2.3 million hours have been donated between consumers and Starbucks employees. Just goes to show you how marketers who think out of the box and add a little participation sweetener to their marketing efforts can not only build their brand and sales, but change the world.

1-800-Flowers.com Mother’s Day:

Using an innovative outreach program, 1-800-Flowers targeted 24 “Mommy Bloggers” filling eight archetypes (On-the-Go, etc.) of motherhood to help spur Mother’s Day sales. Chosen bloggers received a bouquet of flowers and discount codes to share with their readers. Additionally, they were recognized by 1-800-Flowers’s blogger, encouraged to write their own blogs and attended a cocktail party in their honor with CEO Jim McCann. The program was significant for several reasons – first it highlights the importance of transparency and trust on the social web. In October, the FTC published its final guidelines requiring bloggers to disclose freebies or payments. Next, the innovative program incorporated unique tracking codes allowing 1-800-Flowers to measure success of the program including redemptions by blogger/site. For the 53% of you still struggling with measuring the ROI of your social media efforts this is a start.

Westin – Want to go for a Run:

Westin’s want to go for a run is an innovative participatory marketing and social program. Within minutes of checking into my room I received a voicemail from Westin’s running concierge inviting me to join him and fellow guests to refresh my mind and body with a 3 mile running tour of the city. Not only did the program reinforce Westin’s brand positioning and messaging (relax, renew, refresh), but the program showcases the fact that the best participatory marketing programs involve your employees and are operationalized to create unique differentiated experiences.

American Express – Shine A Light:

At a time when we could all use a little inspiration, Amex hit a home run with a program that shines a light on small business and serves as a powerful and positive reminder that the American Dream is still alive and well. While the program, which invited the public to nominate, “spotlight”, and vote on the small business that most inspired them, leveraged social media the real story is in the success of the small businesses themselves. More specifically the story is about what they teach us about the importance of customer relationships management (CRM). While social media may be in the spotlight right now, we all need to remember the importance of understanding our customer’s needs and interests and mastering the marketing basics like building great products and providing exceptional service and value before we jump on the social media bandwagon.

Lots of great lessons and congratulations to all the brands who pushed the envelope and built innovative marketing programs that got us all thinking – you’ve made us all better marketers for it. For more case studies visit our case study page. Looking forward to showcasing more great stories in 2010.

‘Til Next Time.

[Via http://participatorymarketing.wordpress.com]

Shelby Mustang GT500 joystick

Love this. Too bad the rest of the car leaves us sort of cold.

Which isn’t to say we hate on all things ‘murican- we think the latest Mustang (Shelby or otherwise) is probably a Roush Trak Pak or so away from being a serious driver. And it’s the one we’d buy, over the Challenger and the Camaro (although the Challenger is arguably the most sinister-looking of the three).

Dollar for dollar, few things probably have a better rumble note than a Mustang’s V8.

Photo credit: Ian Eveleigh

- Gyro

[Via http://bulgogibrothers.wordpress.com]

North American Ford Fiesta Unveiled

Ford has brought its Fiesta stateside, and here are the first pictures and details.

It will only be available with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine putting out 119hp and 109lb-ft of torque, though this may change later. You can choose between a five-speed manual transmission or the new PowerShift six-speed dual clutch automatic. This transmission is brand new, the Fiesta is the first car it will be fitted to. The PowerShift runs with sealed internal lubrication, meaning it shouldn’t need maintenance over the car’s expected 10-year, 150,000 mile lifespan.

The car is capable of 30mpg in the city and an enormous 40mpg on the highway.

The biggest change between the European version and the North American version is the sedan option.

This has been created due to the fact that most North Americans prefer sedans to hatchbacks. I think its worse than the hatchback, but at least they didn’t get rid of the hatch altogether and replace it with the sedan.

I like the Ford Fiesta, and I welcome it to North America. I just hope some more powerful versions are available in the future.

Want more details? Here’s the full press release:

PRESS RELEASE

2011 ford FIESTA: Fuel-Efficient, progressive design OFFERS versAtIlITY, PERSONALITY

The all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations

Fiesta offers 15 class-exclusive technologies, adding luxury and convenience usually found in vehicles at significantly higher price points

Fiesta is projected to deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, with a responsive 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine, advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission and Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS)

Designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice- activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics

PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2009 – Ford’s hot-selling new Ford Fiesta will deliver more than just great looks and top fuel economy of any vehicle in its segment when it goes on sale in North America next year. The 2011 Fiesta – available in four- and five-door body styles – also will set a new small car benchmark for safety, connectivity and powertrain technology.

In fact, Fiesta will offer North American buyers a stylish new choice of 15 class-exclusive technologies and projected highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, besting the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and Toyota Yaris and Corolla.

“Customers are savvy. They want expressive cars that deliver not just great fuel economy but also high quality, new technologies and a fun driving experience,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We plan to answer the call with Fiesta; an all-new vehicle in North America we hope will set a new standard for small cars.”

Fiesta is the next milestone under the ONE Ford plan to design and develop vehicles that meet the differing needs, wants and expectations of customers around the world. More than 500,000 Fiestas have already sold to customers in Europe and Asia.

When developing the new Fiesta, Ford conducted extensive global customer research. Findings clearly indicated the need for style topped the list of customer desires everywhere in the world. In Europe, across North America and in the Asia Pacific region, customers are looking for a distinctively designed small car that offers world-class quality, convenience, comfort and connectivity.

“Fiesta was developed with customers, not just for them,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for global product development. “Fuel economy, spirited performance and efficient use of space are universal desires, across global markets – and Fiesta delivers.”

The anticipated new Ford Fiesta arrives in North America with strong consumer awareness, thanks to the Fiesta Movement program. With 100 social media mavens chronicling their experiences of driving European market Fiestas on American roads, Fiesta has generated more than 675,000 Flickr views and more than 5.5 million YouTube video views.

Kinetics and aesthetics

Kinetic design imparts a sense of movement – even while standing still – harmonizing character elements to reflect global Ford identity, enabling Fiesta to project its own air of confidence, style and individuality. Fiesta targets a youthful “design progressive” mind-set, a consumer group that values style and diversity as worthy assets.

“These influential, prospective Fiesta customers relate to the design philosophy of ‘energy in motion’ because it reflects their personal outlook and lifestyle,” said Kevin George, Fiesta design manager.

Up front, Fiesta sports the global Ford face, centering the Blue Oval badge on the grille over the signature inverted trapezoid lower grille opening. These subtle cues engender familiarity across the portfolio, providing aesthetic linkage between the distinctive new Taurus, the fuel-efficient midsize Fusion and the bold Fiesta.

Adding eyes to the Fiesta face are sweeping, elongated headlamps that frame and connect the hood to muscular, sculpted front fenders. Available in sporty five-door hatchback or four-door sedan body styles, Fiesta provides ample space for occupants and their gear.

At the rear of the car, many design elements merge, including the chamfered rear liftgate glass, the low roofline sweeping into a spoiler and dramatic taillamps with honeycomb detailing mounted high in the five-door’s corners. Muscular rear quarter panels, wrapped tightly, draw the eye to the wheels and Fiesta’s confident stance.

The Fiesta design is further enhanced with a choice of nine vivid new colors. From Bright Magenta through Lime Squeeze to Blue Flame, Fiesta’s broad color palette – more available colors than any other segment competitors – instills vibrant individuality.

Inside Fiesta

Fiesta is as dramatic on the inside as it is on the outside. Boldly sculpted surfaces, contrasting colors and comfortable, supportive materials make the interior as individual as the driver. The instrument panel centerstack – focal point of the new Fiesta interior – was designed to feel as useful and familiar as the keypad on a mobile phone.

The North American Fiesta features first-row bucket seats with a 60/40 split second-row seat. Cloth or leather seating surfaces vary by trim level offering comfort, style and individuality. High series Fiestas also offer leather with sporty contrast accent color piping. Soft, sculptured surfaces and the centerstack layout provide the Fiesta with a sense of harmony. Intuitive switchgear placement, comfort zone seating and available ambient lighting allow a driver to maximize the mood with seven complementary colors – switchable among three levels of intensity – for interior accent lighting.

And Fiesta keeps it green; 25 percent of volume series SE seat fabric inserts are comprised of recycled content.

Fun, with fuel efficiency

Fiesta’s flowing sculpted hood covers a 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine with an estimated 119 horsepower and 109 ft.-lbs. of torque. Spirited performance and fuel-efficient economy are signature attributes with the Fiesta expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy at 40 mpg.

Fiesta’s advanced 1.6-liter engine features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) allowing the engine to be downsized for fuel economy while continuously optimizing camshaft phasing for throttle response, performance and flexibility.

Big results from a small package are possible with several new technologies in this new global engine, including an advanced new front end accessory drive (FEAD) belt with stretchy dynamics to improve the engine’s thermal dynamics. The elasticity in this new drive belt eliminates the need for a belt tensioner and contributes to overall fuel economy.

Fiesta features a standard five-speed manual transaxle with gear ratios selected to offer spirited off-the-line performance and exceptional fuel economy for drivers who desire three pedals and a stick shift to maximize driving experience.

Specially tuned front struts, bushings, dampers, stabilizer bars and a rear twist-beam axle keep Fiesta sure-footed and firmly planted. Sporty, European driving dynamics prevail.

Automatically game-changing

An available all-new North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual transmission with the convenience of a traditional automatic in one advanced, dual dry-clutch package.

“Fuel economy leaders have traditionally been manual shift models,” said Pierro Aversa, team leader for transmissions. “Fiesta changes the game by offering an advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic that delivers maximum fuel economy.”

Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, always optimizing for maximum responsiveness or fuel efficiency, depending on input received from the driver’s foot on the accelerator pedal.

This “dry” transmission operates with sealed internal lubrication, reducing internal friction and adding to Fiesta fuel economy. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces under-hood complexity, saves weight and also contributes to fuel efficiency.

PowerShift has been proven in Ford’s European market and will redefine North American small car segment expectations for responsive shifting and fuel efficiency.

Power steering conserves fuel

For confidence-inspiring on-road dynamics, Fiesta features Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS) which reduces complexity while saving weight and fuel. This advanced system is speed-sensitive – providing optimized assist based on speed, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration.

Ford is aggressively moving to EPAS across its product lineup. The system already is available in several Ford, Lincoln and Mercury nameplates, and by 2013 nearly 90 percent of Ford’s lineup will offer this fuel saving technology.

EPAS also includes Pull-Drift Compensation to help Fiesta track true regardless of road crown or side wind conditions. In addition, active nibble control helps detect and compensate for tire balance irregularity. Both features – enabled by EPAS – are class-exclusives.

Strength, safety, quality and quiet

More than 50 percent of Fiesta’s welded body structure is made from high-strength steel, with ultra-strong boron steel used in several critical areas. This rigid body shell contributes to Fiesta’s confident road-holding, best-in-class occupant safety and quiet composure.

Fiesta safety is enhanced by an array of features including dual-stage first-row air bags, a class-exclusive driver’s knee air bag, side air bags and side curtain air bags. AdvanceTrac® with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is standard on Fiesta, along with seat belt pretensioners, rear door child safety locks and a Safety Canopy® system with rollover sensors.

Tested and proven on virtually every continent where you can drive a car, Fiesta arrives with proven quality and customer readiness.

“For North America, the global Fiesta was tweaked, not re-designed or re-developed.” said Steve Pintar, chief engineer. “We built on the success of the European Fiesta and are really proud of how little has changed.”

Fiesta NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) control is taken to a new level of quiet for this segment, helped in part by a specially laminated, class-exclusive windshield that was chosen to help absorb and contain noise. Engine noise is subdued by a hood blanket, with enhanced door seals keeping wind noise minimized.

Special padding behind the instrument panel and foam baffles mounted inside the pillars keeps Fiesta quiet. Even the headliner material was specified for its sound-deadening qualities.

Much of Fiesta’s sound-absorbent materials are comprised of recycled content, helping to conserve resources as it preserves peace and quiet. In addition, Fiesta aerodynamics contributes to both NVH control and fuel efficiency.

Features and functionality

From class-exclusive automatic climate control to a standard aux input, Fiesta offers customers a number of standard and available features that increase convenience and add connectivity. Among them is Ford SYNC®, integrating a driver’s mobile phone with Fiesta’s onboard, voice- activated communications and entertainment system.

Fiesta also offers keyless entry and push button start, a feature unique within the segment. Drivers of all sizes can adjust the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel to suit their individual preferences. Reflecting Fiesta’s versatility and adaptability, adjustable cup holders can accommodate Red Bull cans and Big Gulps along with every container size in between.

Fiesta also features Ford’s EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler System, a North American industry- exclusive, as standard equipment.

Fiesta sales success

Fiesta is continuing its sales momentum as Europe’s No. 2-selling car and Ford of Europe’s top-selling vehicle, helping increase Ford’s share in Europe’s main 19 markets. More than 500,000 Fiestas have been sold since the car was launched last autumn. In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding drive quality, design and value. It’s winning enthusiastic media reviews in Asia. Now, the all-new Fiesta offers North American consumers a stylish, fuel-efficient alternative.

PRESS RELEASE:

The all-new Ford Fiesta arrives with a responsive 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine, featuring Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) to deliver the optimum balance of power and fuel efficiency

Fiesta offers buyers a choice between an advanced PowerShift six-speed automatic or traditional five-speed manual transmission

Fiesta brings European road holding and sharp handling characteristics to redefine North American small car driver expectations

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2009 – Ford Fiesta arrives with a sophisticated drivetrain – striking a balance between responsive and responsible – delivering both European driving dynamics and projected 40 mpg highway fuel economy to challenge the North American small car status quo.

“The Fiesta powertrain redefines performance, fuel economy and flexibility for the small car segment,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president of Ford global powertrain engineering. “The Fiesta delivers a fun-to-drive experience that will set it apart from the competition.”

Power to the people

The Ford Fiesta’s 1.6-liter DOHC I-4 engine delivers an estimated 119 horsepower and

109 ft.-lb. of torque, giving customers responsive performance. Big results from a small package are possible with several new technologies in this new, global engine.

Fiesta features Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) which allows the engine to be downsized for fuel economy while continuously optimizing camshaft phasing for throttle response, performance and flexibility.

Ti-VCT gives variable – yet precise – control of valve overlap or the duration of time in which both intake and exhaust valves are simultaneously open. Valve overlap management by sophisticated controller mechanisms is critical to eliminating intake and exhaust flow compromises.

This technology also optimizes phasing on both intake and exhaust camshafts by spinning them ever so slightly to advance or retard valve timing, resulting in improved throttle response at initial throttle tip-in, reduced emissions at part throttle and enhanced efficiency at higher rpm. The outcome is more power, responsiveness and fuel efficiency from less overall cylinder displacement.

During development of this global engine measures were taken to keep overall powertrain weight as low as possible.

The block, cylinder head and oil pan – traditionally the heaviest engine components – are aluminum castings. To increase rigidity, these elements are ribbed for additional strength and durability. Pistons are cast aluminum, as well, with the light weight helping to reduce reciprocating mass and adding to fuel efficiency.

Composite material is employed to keep intake manifold weight to an absolute minimum while allowing for induction routing to increase thermal efficiency and improve low-end torque characteristics.

Another Fiesta powertrain innovation is the new Front End Accessory Drive (FEAD) belt with stretchy dynamics, to improve the engine’s thermal properties. The elasticity in this new drive belt eliminates the need for a tensioning device. This decreases under-hood complexity and weight, helps increase fuel economy, and eases belt replacement at specified mileage intervals.

Transformational transmission

Fiesta launches with an all-new, North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission combining the responsive performance of a manual shift with the convenience of a traditional automatic.

Fiesta’s PowerShift transmission gives better fuel efficiency than a traditional torque convertor automatic or manual shift transmission.

“PowerShift is a transmission that changes the game,” said Samardzich. “Our fuel economy leader is now a PowerShift automatic. Traditionally, a small car driver needed a stick shift and a clutch pedal to enjoy the greatest fuel efficiency.”

Twin internal clutches keep the PowerShift in constant mesh, continuously optimizing for maximum responsiveness and fuel efficiency, depending on engine speed, vehicle speed and input from the driver’s foot on the accelerator pedal.

PowerShift is a dual dry clutch transmission, operating with sealed internal lubrication, reducing friction and adding to Fiesta’s fuel economy. The lack of pumps and hoses reduces complexity, saves weight and contributes to fuel efficiency.

Simpler, more responsive and more fuel efficient than a conventional four-speed automatic transaxle, PowerShift represents an innovative small car breakthrough.

Do-it-yourself alternative

For some small car drivers, the experience isn’t complete without being given the choice of shift points.

Fiesta offers customers a standard five-speed manual transaxle with the ideal combination of gearing to provide swift acceleration from rest, responsive power at mid-range speeds and relaxed highway cruising in the overdrive fifth gear.

Hydraulic actuation makes for smooth engagement with an easy-to-modulate clutch pedal, reduces the potential for slip and helps fuel economy.

Fuel-efficient power steering, with benefits

Fiesta features Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), which decreases complexity, saves weight and improves fuel economy by significantly reducing parasitic drag on the engine in comparison to traditional hydraulic power-assisted steering. EPAS is speed-sensitive, providing optimized assist based on vehicle speed, steering wheel angle, cornering forces and acceleration or deceleration.

For the Fiesta application, EPAS is tuned to provide an engaging driver experience.

EPAS enables Pull-Drift Compensation to help Fiesta track true. This software-based technology detects road conditions – such as a crowned road surface or blustery crosswinds – and adjusts the EPAS system to help the driver compensate for the pulling and drifting these conditions can cause. Pull-Drift Compensation is designed to be imperceptible to the Fiesta driver.

In addition, EPAS enables Active Nibble Cancellation. This technology senses for irregularity in wheel balance and the related steering wheel vibration – or “shimmy” – it can cause. Like Pull-Drift Compensation, Active Nibble Cancellation is designed and integrated to be seamless and unnoticeable to the driver while sensing and compensating for rotational oscillations due to wheel balance issues or uneven brake rotor wear.

Euro dynamics

The front-wheel-drive Ford Fiesta features MacPherson Strut front suspension. Tuned front shock absorbers – combined with a 22-mm front stabilizer bar – work in harmony with the EPAS system to preserve Fiesta’s European road holding and handling dynamics.

In addition, Fiesta features a twist-beam rear axle that provides the optimum combination of responsive handling, smooth ride and excellent space utilization. Specially tuned rear shock absorbers complete the package.

Like its European and Asian counterparts, the North American Ford Fiesta features front disc and rear drum brakes with ABS functionality.

Depending on series level, Fiesta offers 15- and 16-inch wheel options, fitted with grippy, all-season tires. A 17-inch Ford Racing wheel package is offered as well.

Fiesta’s powertrain and driving dynamics combine to provide the ideal balance between exceptional fuel economy – up to a projected 40 mpg highway – and responsive performance with world-class handling and responsiveness.

PRESS RELEASE

The all-new Ford Fiesta employs kinetic design to impart driving dynamics; sporty Euro-style five-door and four-door models offer vibrant colors and looks, generous space

Fiesta’s bold design delivers a smooth aerodynamic shape that increases fuel efficiency while minimizing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)

Fiesta keeps it green, with recycled seating inserts and sound-absorbent content

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2009 – The 2011 Ford Fiesta arrives in North America, delivering a design that builds on Ford’s global kinetic design theme. True to its heritage, the new Fiesta for North America retains many of the expressive design characteristics that have earned the car accolades around the world.

“We’re staying true to Fiesta’s Euro-centric ‘kinetic’ design the world over,” said Moray Callum, executive director for Design, The Americas. “This is a new direction for Ford in North America, building on the bold designs that set apart Ford’s full lineup of vehicles. Fiesta sets the stage for more to come.”

Kinetic design language was introduced with the Iosis concept vehicle, representing an expansion of Ford’s design portfolio. Fiesta brings this fresh, emotionally-compelling aesthetic to the North American small car market.

“That’s good news for customers,” said Kevin George, Fiesta design manager. “Across international Fiesta markets, customers tell us they want a car that speaks to them,” he said. “The Fiesta was designed to elicit an emotional response from the customer by creating a design that succinctly interprets the dynamic act of driving.”

As a ONE Ford product developed for and sold in various markets worldwide, Fiesta brought global design teams together.

“The global team spent considerable time developing sculptural surfaces, giving Fiesta a unique identity, added Callum. “The design is a reflection of today’s Blue Oval, while confidently pointing to the future.”

Sweeping, multi-element headlamps gracefully reach toward Fiesta’s A-pillar, giving the car a confident – yet instantly recognizable – expression. The diagonal flowing headlamp shape signifies motion and the dynamic act of driving even when parked. Prominent wheel arches reflect muscularity, athleticism and confident handling.

“The five-door hatchback says ’sporty’ in a distinctly European way,” George said. “The four-door sedan uses kinetic design language to bring a forward-looking aesthetic to a more traditional profile.”

The five-door Fiesta retains the global grille opening, while the four-door employs Ford’s North American signature three-bar look. Continuity is reinforced by the familiar Ford logo centered in each variation along with the shared trapezoid opening of the lower grille, connecting Fiesta to other products in the Ford portfolio.

Aero hero

A standard spoiler sweeps rearward from the top of the five-door Fiesta’s liftgate, while the four-door offers an available spoiler at the trailing edge of the trunk lid. Both spoilers provide aesthetic and aerodynamic benefits.

Further benefits from aerodynamic tuning include a front chin spoiler with a smooth lower air deflector, directing airflow underneath and around Fiesta to reduce drag. Body-mounted, as opposed to sail-mounted sideview mirrors, reduce drag and wind noise. Fiesta represents an emotionally compelling yet aerodynamic form with a coefficient of drag as low as 0.33.

Vibrant hues

Fiesta comes to North America in a wide palette of colors that express its kinetic design language and driving dynamics. Yellow Blaze metallic tri-coat and Red Candy metallic tinted clearcoat are premium paint options beyond a standard array of hues that include Lime Squeeze metallic, Bright Magenta, Blue Flame metallic, Monterey Gray metallic, Tuxedo Black metallic, Ingot Silver metallic and Oxford White.

Interior kinetics

The Fiesta interior also delivers aesthetically on the promise of its exterior looks. Just as the exterior imparts motion, the interior is place where the dynamic act of driving is performed.

Designed to invoke the same familiarity and usefulness as a cell phone’s interface, the car’s centerstack represents the focal point of the car, and houses switches, audio and HVAC controls.

Cloth and leather seating surface alternatives harmonize with contrasting environment colors to make Fiesta’s interior a modern home. Series-level variations offer accents including contrast piping for leather arrays. Rich blacks, cashmeres and plum interior hues subtly remind drivers that small and fuel efficient does not have to mean a compromise of style and good looks.

For additional interior color accents, available ambient lighting allows mood shifts among seven color choices. Fiesta interior fabric inserts include 25 percent recycled material allowing green sensibility to prevail regardless of exterior color.

“Fiesta is going to be a game-changing product for North America,” said George. “Fiesta will be a dynamic, premium small car that elicits an emotional response from both observer and driver.”

PRESS RELEASE

Ford Fiesta arrives in North America designed to advance small car safety with high-strength boron steel and the most standard air bags in the segment, including a class-exclusive driver’s knee air bag

Fiesta features technologies designed to help prevent and mitigate crashes, including standard AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control, Belt-Minder® reminders to fasten seat belts and smart sensors to optimize deployment of its class-leading array of air bags

Ford’s SYNC® communications and entertainment system is available for Fiesta, enabling drivers to operate their mobile phone, car stereo and other technology without taking their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel

Ford’s global safety engineers worked together to prepare the Fiesta to meet stringent U.S. crash protection requirements by leveraging 2010 Taurus development, Ford of Europe’s small car expertise and virtual, actual and hydraulic servo sled-simulated crash testing

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2009 – Ford leveraged the global engineering tools and processes used in the redesign of its top safety-rated flagship – the 2010 Taurus – to raise the bar on small car safety with the new Fiesta. Incorporating the Trinity front crash structure, Side Protection And Cabin Enhancement (SPACE) Architecture® and advanced air bag technologies, Fiesta brings world class safety in a small platform package, while kicking off the global roll-out of the Taurus crash safety approach.

The new Fiesta’s expressive body is rigidly crafted with high-strength steels that form an advanced crash structure. The Fiesta also features the most standard air bags in the segment and standard stability control.

“Fiesta is proof that a small car can deliver big safety,” said Steve Kozak, chief safety engineer. “The North American Fiesta combines rigidity, more air bags – smartly deployed – than the small car competition as well as standard stability control.”

Healthy bones

Beneath Fiesta’s stylish exterior is a robust structure, crafted from high-strength steels engineered to preserve quality and enhance driver and passenger safety. Working together with SPACE Architecture® side-impact protection, these elements form a protective safety cage to help protect Fiesta occupants in a crash situation.

Fiesta uses significant cold- and hot-formed high-strength steel in the body structure. These components add rigidity and save weight, increasing structural efficiency while also helping Fiesta deliver high fuel efficiency.

More than 50 percent of Fiesta’s body structure uses these high-strength or ultra-high-strength steels in the floor structure, front rails, beams and in the ultra-rigid, integrated body reinforcement ring designed to help better protect occupants in side impacts.

The Fiesta A- and B-pillars are fashioned from ultra-high-strength aluminized boron steel, adding robustness while allowing for slim width and rake to honor Fiesta’s distinctive design. Rocker panels – with welded baffles to absorb impact – also are crafted from very high-strength, dual-phase steels, known for their energy-absorption qualities. The side roof arch employs dual-phase steel construction.

Fiesta’s under-floor support beams – so-called sled runners – and lateral floor reinforcements also use high-strength, dual-phase steel.

These light but strong metals in the Fiesta’s robust body shell help enhance crash protection by adding strength, rigidity and durability.

More standard air bags, smartly deployed

The Fiesta body shell is well-equipped with safety features to help protect its occupants in the event of a collision, including the most standard air bags in the small car segment.

Fiesta offers a segment-exclusive driver’s knee air bag, developed to help reduce lower leg injuries in the event of a frontal collision and to work together with other safety features. The knee air bag joins a suite of Fiesta safety features including dual-stage first-row air bags, side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags.

A knee air bag won’t be found in Honda Fit, Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris. Move up to Civic, Sentra and Corolla and you still won’t find a driver’s knee air bag.

“Smart” Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) sensors determine occupant weight and safety belt status to optimize deployment force. Smart sensors include the class-exclusive side impact sensor that uses pressure to react up to 30 percent faster than previous sensor offerings.

Also available on the Fiesta is Ford’s AdvanceTrac with ESC® (Electronic Stability Control), which uses sensors to detect and measure yaw, or side-to-side skidding conditions, by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle. When AdvanceTrac senses wheel slip, engine torque is reduced and braking is applied, where needed, to help the driver keep the car tracking on its intended path.

Additional features include rear door child safety locks, height-adjustable retractable seat belts with pretensioners and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The power of the voice

Early indicators suggest that Fiesta will attract tech-savvy young drivers. Ford encourages drivers of all ages to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road by using Ford’s SYNC® hands-free, voice-activated communications and entertainment system which is optional on the Fiesta.

Ford research shows that SYNC significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations used in hand-held cell phones and music players.

Leveraging global safety expertise

Ford’s global safety engineers worked together to prepare the Fiesta to meet stringent U.S. crash protection requirements by leveraging Ford of Europe’s small car expertise as well as an array of virtual, actual and hydraulic sled-simulated crash tests.

“Ford has been sharing safety processes and technology around the world since the 1990s,” said Kozak. “This has laid the groundwork for us to quickly manage complex regulatory and crash-testing differences between Europe and the U.S. as we accelerate the introduction of exciting, fuel-efficient products such as the new Fiesta and next-generation Focus in the U.S.”
PRESS RELEASE:

Fiesta will deliver class-leading craftsmanship and quality in the small car segment

Fiesta incorporates several unique components to deliver superior interior quietness – by ten percent – in the small car segment

Well-proven with more than half a million Fiestas in customer hands around the world, Fiesta Movement agents validated the expressive new car by socially documenting their experiences

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 2, 2009 – Ford Fiesta arrives in North America with a globally proven platform and package ready to change customer expectations about small car quality and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control.

“Fiesta is all about design, performance and fuel economy benefits,” said Steve Pintar, chief nameplate engineer. “Fiesta doesn’t ask a customer to compromise quality or refinement.”

Smartened-up, not dumbed-down

Ford accelerates its global product development strategy with Fiesta, where vehicles are developed from the outset to appeal to customers in all markets where Ford competes. Fiesta is yet another ONE Ford vehicle and foreshadows the next global Focus.

Fiesta arrives with kinetic design, a successful global platform crafted from high-strength steels and minor detail improvements. Its rigid body structure was adapted to meet unique North American safety standards while honoring the global design language. Engineers then tweaked it to be even quieter.

“The performance and driving dynamics of the European model have been preserved,” said Pintar. “We added the revolutionary new PowerShift transmission to reach 40 miles per gallon and made the car quieter. The North American Fiesta represents the best of our global efforts.”

Great package gets quieter

North American Fiestas include NVH control enhancements that improve on global market versions with additional sound baffles and the relocating of the antennae to the rear of the roof panel for wind noise reduction.

Fiesta’s biggest single North America-specific NVH control feature is the acoustic laminate windshield, designed to reduce interior noise levels. This class-exclusive feature is unexpected in the Fiesta competitive set. In addition, the North American Fiesta offers the hood blanket developed for the European-market diesel version, offering an additional noise buffer.

Specific door seals were developed for North America, providing tighter closures and contributing to reduced wind noise. These seals have been integrated into the global Fiesta.

Fiesta noise also is reduced by a downward-facing hidden-tip exhaust tailpipe and a headliner developed to absorb and mitigate potentially intrusive sounds.

Globally proven, Fiesta Movement validated

More than 500,000 Fiestas have been sold around the world. But before a single customer took delivery, Fiesta earned its stripes in extensive durability testing. While the shift to computer-aided engineering has reduced development time and the number of prototypes built, the durability testing became more stringent.

Prototype Fiestas logged more than 2 million miles of on-road testing finishing with 20 production-level vehicles placed among worldwide test customers, considered high mileage accumulators, logging up to 60,000 miles per year.

Fiesta was subjected to more than 550 component and system laboratory tests to verify durability, functionality, serviceability and sustainability over the vehicle’s lifetime. Doors, liftgate and hood were each operated more than 300,000 times in real-world conditions including dirt, dust, salt and humidity across a variety of temperature ranges and extremes.

The goal: Use those tests to help create an on-road life of 10 years and 150,000 miles. Then it became a movement.

A social media thing

Ford kicked off the Fiesta Movement 11 months before the car’s North American introduction. The Fiesta Movement, a Ford social media program, put European-spec Fiestas in the hands of 100 socially vibrant people, those using the internet to tweet, Facebook, blog and post video.

Fiesta Agents delivered with benefits.

To date, Fiesta agents have driven more than 1.1 million miles while performing athletic, cultural and philanthropic missions, then blogging and posting video clips about their experiences. Fiesta buzz is building on a foundation of social media word-of-mouth interactions.

Fiesta recognition stands at 58 percent among those that consider themselves a potential B-segment prospect – impressive for a global nameplate unavailable in North America since 1980.

Source: Autoblog

[Via http://theblogofcars.wordpress.com]

Hot Car: 2011 Ford Fiesta

This week, at the L.A. Auto Show, Ford has unveiled their Toyota Yaris/Honda Fit competitor, the Ford Fiesta.  It’s an important car for Ford, because it is the first of several “global” cars, which are designed in more than one country, and built the same way for all of Ford’s worldwide markets.  The Fiesta is what the Focus was originally supposed to be, although in 2002, when Europe got a redesigned Focus, we in the States didn’t even get a refresh until 2005.  The Fiesta promises to be fun to drive, get great gas mileage, hold all your stuff and your passengers, and have amenities not currently found in its subcompact rivals.

The first thing that strikes you about the Fiesta is its shape.  While most of the subcompact cars sold in the United States either round or square everything off, the Fiesta takes a more European approach, melding the two.  Ford did a fantastic job designing the Fiesta’s exterior, giving the car racy curves with enough angles mixed in to keep the viewer’s eyes busy.

The interior is the odd part of this car, looking a little too sci-fi.  Featuring what Ford calls a “cell phone inspired” center stack, it doesn’t really flow with the exterior of the Fiesta.  It reminds me of something out of Transformers, but Ford promises it’s packed with technological goodies the Fiesta’s younger buyers will be looking for.  This will include the ubiquitous (on Ford vehicles) SYNC technology, which ties into the audio system, navigation system (if equipped), and the driver’s cell phone.  Beyond the center stack area, the rest of the interior looks decidedly upmarket from where we in the US usually see subcompact cars.

Speaking of the interior, Ford has announced the feature list for the US-destined Fiesta, and it reads like a near-luxury car, not a tiny runabout: Push-button start, keyless access, leather (with or without contrast piping), Bluetooth (as part of SYNC), 6-speed automatic transmission, driver’s knee airbags.

The automatic transmission in the Fiesta is what Ford calls PowerShift, and it melds the worlds of automatic and manual transmissions, giving passengers smooth, quick shifts with increased fuel economy.  Bucking the trend of manual transmission cars getting better fuel mileage, the Fiesta equipped with the PowerShift transmission is expected to get 40 mpg on the highway.

This all leads to a car which should be far more fun to drive than its competitors, and should spark a new era of subcompacts in the United States.  The Fiesta will be on sale sometime during Spring 2010, as a 2011 model.  Check back with us for more detailed information once on-sale dates and prices are announced.

by John Suit

Source: Ford

[Via http://roadreality.wordpress.com]

Peugeot has a baby 'Coupe'

Peugeot has had a baby! The little baby coupe is already taking its first baby steps and learning to roar into the sports car market which boasts a Ferrari style at a high street price.

The new baby has a rakish bonnet; muscular rear haunches and sweeping back headlights and a ‘double-bubble’ roof, very puppy fat meets eight-pack Hulk.

The new small coupes being born don’t appear to have massive engines or huge price tags but are out to have fun, which is why the pint-sized kids are making a comeback.

With Peugeots strong competitors being the likes of the recently deceased Ford Puma, Peugeots new baby has picked up some familiar habits and borrowed styling cues from the Fiesta. This neat little hatch is dying to stretch its little legs around the big cities especially London. Ford can sit and stew in Peugeots oil till it too gives birth to a new baby coupe – then our eyes might shift, till then the Christening is coming up and i need to buy it a gift… some air fresheners and car mats i think!

[Via http://lucypenn.wordpress.com]

Ford US extends, restructures $7.9 billion debt

Ford US announced today that it has reached an agreement with several of its lenders to extend US$7.2 billion in loan and credit payments by two more years while also indicating that it intends to pay off US$1.9 billion of its existing US$10.7 billion line of credit.

Additionally other lenders, which hold US$724 million of Ford debt, agreed to create a new term loan that will come due on December 15, 2013, bringing the total debt restructured, or extended to US$7.9 billion.

“We are very pleased with the results of the amendment, extension to our revolving credit facility and new term loan,” Ford US Vice President and Treasurer, Mr Neil Schloss, said. “We appreciate the support of our banking partners.”

Ford’s lenders also lowered the total amount of possible credit available to Ford by as much as 25 per cent after the move.

with Leftlanenews

[Via http://allcarnews.wordpress.com]