Quality-control employee Bengie Marks inspects a Venza on a Toyota assembly line in Kentucky. Toyota has launched a massive vehicle recall because of a pedal problem.(James Crisp/Associated Press)Toyota’s massive North American recalls over problem gas pedals are being extended to Europe and China, the latest blow to the world’s top automaker as it struggles to salvage its safety reputation.
The move comes after Toyota announced on Tuesday that it was suspending sales of eight models ? including the Camry, the top-selling U.S. car ? and slowing vehicle production in Canada and the U.S. while it moves to fix Canadian-made accelerator pedals that could stick without warning.
Ford Motor Co. announced Thursday it has halted production of some full-sized commercial vehicles in China because they contain gas pedals built by the same company behind the accelerators in Toyota’s recall.
Ford spokesman Said Deep said Thursday the diesel version of its Transit Classic built by a Chinese joint venture contains accelerators built by CTS Corp. which is based in Elkhart, Ind., and has a manufacturing plant in Mississauga, Ont.
The vehicles began production in December and only about 1,600 have been produced, he said.
In a statement, Ford partner Jiangling Motors Co. said there have been no reported problems with the Transit Classic, but it is conducting a review of pedal assembly parts to determine the next step. The diesel Transit Classic is Ford’s only vehicle that has pedal parts made by CTS, Deep said.
For its part, CTS said it expects to ramp up production at its plants to meet demand for a redesigned accelerator.
Three-month stock chart for Toyota’s NYSE-listed ADR.(CBC)
CTS chairman and CEO Vinod Khilnani said the company is putting additional production lines in place to be able to replace the faulty pedals as quickly as possible.
It was not immediately clear whether CTS would be hiring at its plant in Mississauga. CTS said it has already designed a new pedal to replace the faulty one, which could stick and cause unintended acceleration.
The parts maker said the problem was in the design of the pedal, which was engineered by Toyota. CTS said it knows of only a few cases of drivers having problems with accelerators, and it knows of no accidents or injuries tied to the problem.
Details not known
The scope of the recall of sticking pedals and floor mats that can trap the accelerator has snowballed, but many details remain sparse. Citing unnamed sources within Toyota, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that the company is close to developing a repair for the issue.
U.S.-based safety research firm Safety Research and Strategies said it had identified 2,274 incidents of unintended acceleration causing 275 crashes and 18 deaths in Toyotas since 1999.
In March 2007, Toyota started getting reports of gas pedals being slow to rise after being depressed for acceleration. Engineers fixed the problem in the Tundra pickup early in 2008.
But troubles persisted in other models, eventually leading to last week’s recall and the plans to suspend sales and shut down six factories while Toyota tries to fix the problems.
A week before the recent sales suspension, Toyota issued a recall for the same eight models, affecting 2.3 million vehicles. On Thursday, it announced an additional recall of 1.09 million vehicles in the United States covering five models ? 2008-2010 Highlander, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Venza, 2009-2010 Matrix and 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe.
The company is recalling 270,000 vehicles from the Canadian market.
Those steps came on top of a recall in late 2009 involving 4.2 million vehicles amid concerns that floor mats could bend across gas pedals, causing sudden acceleration.
In Europe, Toyota is unsure how many vehicles are affected, but the Chinese vehicle recall affects 75,500 RAV4 sport utility vehicles that were manufactured in China between March 2009 and January 2010.
Colin Hensley, a manager at the carmaker’s European operations, said the company is checking how many European models use the parts involved in the latest North American recall.
The automaker said it would communicate with European owners of vehicles that are affected by sticking pedals. “Toyota is making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible,” it said.
The problem is rare, Toyota said, and customers who are concerned should contact customer service for help before recall instructions are issued.
Camry models from 2007 to 2010 are among the eight Toyota models affected by a sales suspension due to accelerators that stick.(Canadian Press)
“It is still uncertain how this recall problem will affect Toyota’s profits. But investors are worried it could really pressure the company’s overall earnings,” said Masatoshi Sato, market analyst at Mizuho Investors Securities Co. Ltd.
Toyota spokesman Hideaki Homma said Toyota decided to recall more vehicles in the U.S. due to the risk of accelerator pedals becoming stuck in floor mats.
Toyota said it will fix or replace the accelerator pedals for the recalled vehicles to avoid the risk of floor mat entrapment. The company said it will replace floor mats as well for the latest recalled vehicles.
One of the affected plants is in Cambridge, Ont., where Toyota makes the Corolla, Matrix and Lexus RX 350 models. A plant in nearby Woodstock, Ont., that builds the RAV4 sport utility vehicle will also be affected. Together, the two plants employ about 5,900 people.
With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press
Toyota scurries to find a fix as recall expandsToyota recall spreads
The next generation Ford Focus has been getting a lot of attention lately, mainly because of its looks. It’s a striking design to say the least and outshines the current generation by an infinite amount. When it arrives, it’ll be available as a sedan and a 5-door hatchback. The latter will compete in a relatively small field, most notably the Volkswagen GTI and Mazda 3.
Chicago, 27 Januari 2010 – Pabrikan otomotif Ford Motor Company akan memperkenalkan generasi teranyar Ford Explorer di ajang Chicago Auto Show Februari mendatang. Mobil Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) yang diluncurkan pertama kali pada 1990 itu kini diklaim memiliki tenaga jauh lebih besar.
“Berkat penggunaan EcoBoost empat-silinder twin turbo V6 seperti yang digunakan Ford Taurus Shod an Lincoln MKS, tenaga kemungkinan akan mencapai 300 daya kuda,” ujar sumber Ford seperti dikutip motorauthority.
Mesin Explorer generasi sebelumnya adalah 4.000 cc dan 4.600 cc yang menghasilkan tenaga 200 dan 230 daya kuda.
Sementara soal fitur, Ford menyebutkan produknya itu dilengkapi fitur terbaru berupa sabuk pengaman seperti kantong udara (airbag) yang akan menggelembung saat terjadi tabrakan. Dengan demikian perlindungan penumpang dan pengemudi terhadap terjadinya risiko di saat tabrakan lebih maksimal.
“Bila terjadi tabrakan, sensor yang ada akan menghitung kekerasan kecelakaan. Bila guncangan itu melebihi batas maksimal ukuran yang ditetapkan, naka sabuk tersebut akan mengembang lima kali lebih besar,” terang dia.
Sabuk pengaman itu akan terisi gas dari pompa gas yang berada di bawah kursi dan bekerja secara otomatis. Waktu yang dibutuhkan untuk mengisi gas itu sangat singkat, yaitu seperempatpuluh detik.
Selain dipasarkan di Amerika, generasi terbaru Ford Explorer itu rencananya juga dipasarkan di Inggris. Namun sayang, hingga saat ini belum ada keterangan resmi ihwal harga mobil tersebut.
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GM’s vice chairman, Tom Stephens, appears to be taking a page out of Bob Lutz’s playbook. Today he issued a challenge to Ford to pit the PowerStroke diesel-powered 2011 F-Series Super Duty truck against the DuraMax diesel 2011 Chevrolet and GMC Heavy Duty trucks. The new line of 2011 GM Heavy Duty trucks is due to make its debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next month.
The challenge, issued via PickupTrucks.com, is straightforward enough. Stephens said, “I want to take our truck and Ford’s and chain them together back-to-back. Then I want to have them pull against each other. I know our truck will beat theirs.” A tug-of-war game played with trucks: the Truck of War.
Smacking of Bob Lutz’s CTS-V Challenge, the aim of the challenge is clear: to pit GM’s best against the perceived market leader to show in no uncertain terms that they have a winning product. It’s not yet clear if Ford will take up the challenge, but it’s clear that Stephens is serious about it, confirming three times that he wants to see it happen. Notably absent from the challenge, however, is the Ram Heavy Duty.
When NASCAR starts their engines for for the first time this season at the Dayton 500 the Ford Mustang will be on the track. Not only will they be taking part in ‘The Great American Race’ for the first time; they will be pacing the field as well. For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.
“Having the opportunity to pace America’s biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and class-leading fuel economy.”
This latest version of Ford’s legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.
The one-of-a-kind model will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates.
The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.
“Everybody loves Mustang,” Allison continued. “That was evident last year from the fan reaction when we announced it was going to be our new model in the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting later this year. This is just another way to showcase a true American icon in its most natural environment.”
The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.
And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.
Another element that makes this year’s pace car even more unique is that it will be auctioned off for charity before the actual race. Later this week (Jan. 23), the Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car will be offered at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, which is taking place in Scottsdale, Ariz. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, will be on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder.
All proceeds over the manufacturer’s suggested retail price from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
About the 2011 Mustang GT
The new Mustang GT continues Ford’s powertrain offensive with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which uses advanced technology to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg.
The 2011, Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.
For enthusiasts, a Brembo brake package, with larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang, unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires, is offered; new fender badges herald return of the 5.0-liter engine.
Teen drivers have the highest fatal crash risk of any age group. Per mile traveled, they have the highest involvement rates in all types of crashes, from those involving only property damage to those that are fatal. The problem is worst among 16 year-olds, who have the most limited driving experience that often results in risk-taking behind the wheel.
Crash Risk Factors
Driver error
Compared with crashes of older drivers, those of teenagers more often involve driver error.
Speeding
Excessive speed is a factor in higher crash rates among 16-year-old drivers.
Single-vehicle crashes
More fatal crashes of teenage drivers involve only the teen’s vehicle. Typically, these involve high speed and/or driver error.
Passengers
Fatal crashes among teens are more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk increases with every additional passenger. In 2003, 59 percent of teenage passenger deaths happened in vehicles driven by another teenager.
Alcohol
Although this is a problem among drivers of all ages, it’s actually less of a problem for drivers ages 16 and 17. In 2003, the estimated percent of fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers of this age who had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent was 16 percent — down 60 percent since 1982.
Night driving
This is a high-risk activity for beginners. Per mile driven, the crash rate for teenagers driving at night with passengers is 4 to 5 times more likely than teenagers who drive alone during the day. (Source: National Safety Council , 2005)
Low seat belt use
Teenagers generally are less likely to use safety belts than adults. In 2003, 57 percent of 16- to 20-year-old passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing safety belts. (Source:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , 2005)
Car Accident Tips What to Do if You’re in an Accident
// Stay calm.
Keeping a normal demeanor helps you stay in control of the situation.
Make sure you and your passengers are OK.
Move as far off the roadway as possible, but stay at the scene of the accident. Warn oncoming traffic by activating your hazard warning lights and/or setting flares.
Call the police.
Call 911 or the appropriate emergency number to report the accident.
Contact your insurance company and report the claim.
The sooner your insurance company knows about the accident, the sooner they can start working to resolve your claim.
Do not admit fault.
Do not discuss the car accident with anyone other than the police and your claims representative.
Exchange vital information with the other driver involved in the car accident.
Write down the name, address, phone number and license numbers for all drivers and witnesses, particularly those who were not riding in a vehicle involved in the accident. Ask for the insurance companies and policy numbers for drivers involved in the car accident.
The Focus is dead. Long live the Focus. While Europe and other markets got to play with a fantastic looking Focus starting in 2005, we’ve been stuck with a boring, frumpy looking one due to poor planning and cost cutting. Well, all that’s about to change with the introduction of the 2012 Ford Focus that blows the current generation away.
A landmark class action case is under way in a New York federal court, with victims of apartheid in South Africa suing corporations that they say helped the pre-1994 regime. Among the multinational corporations are IBM, Fujitsu, Ford, GM and banking giants UBS and Barclays. The lawsuit accuses the corporations of “knowing participation in and/or aiding and abetting of the crimes of apartheid; extrajudicial killing; torture; prolonged unlawful detention; and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.” Attorneys are seeking up to $400 billion in damages.
The Alien Tort Statute dates from the U.S. Revolutionary War era and allows people from outside the United States to bring a civil suit against another party for alleged crimes committed outside the United States.
One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Michael Hausfeld, told me: “If companies can affect lives in ways that make those lives worse, so that people are suppressed or terrorized … you are basically ascribing to eternity the fact that companies can act with both impunity and immunity.”
Now days any organization or individual prefers car leasing instead of buying a car. Car leasing is helpful to avoid any large cash outlay. Organization used to have contract car hire instead purchasing car for transportation. Contract car hire helps organization to maintain their budget. And when organization needs temporary transportation facility like for particular duration, this contract car leasing helps a lot.
Personal car leasing is good of individual who don’t want to spend lot cash on car and they worries which come with car. And Car is not the thing which normal can buy frequently so, individuals who wants to drive bmw, Ferrari, limousine then personal car leasing is the best options for them. Also this personal car leasing comes with different flexible packages and with fixed rental which can help to manage budget.
Having a good car or having a efficient transport is very much required in business. Business car leasing gives an opportunity to have style in business without spending much from budget. Business car leasing gives a tax benefits, help in Depreciation Car leasing payments are tax deductible, based on percentage use of car for business. Business car leasing payment. Any major maintenance issues will be taken care of by the leasing company when you choose this option in your agreement. Once you deal with good leasing company, then no need to worry, some of the standard leasing company manages everything for customers. You car leasing you can have new car depends upon your need.
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So the title has nothing to do with this post, but I was just thinking about how slow dial-up was. And to think that it was the most plausible option less than 10 years ago…wow technology moves fast.
The Detroit Auto Show is going on currently, which is chalked full of goodies, cars, transmissions, and…well, everything in between. This is a big show for the U.S. super-team of three, because they have honestly seen much much better days. I was especially interested with what Ford was going to unveil, as they are on a hot streak at the moment.
They answered my silent prayers with the America/European molded Focus. This sub-compact is extremely important to them, and competes with heavy-hitters like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. There was much anticipation for this car, as it was said to use styling cues from the much more popular and attractive Euro-Focus. The all-new American version takes styling from both the Euro and American design languages, and puts them together quite nicely. While it’s not perfect (and I think their funky dual-triangle grill looks a little cleft lip-ish [no offensive intended]), it is certainly EONS of improvement from that crap-box currently roaming our streets. Here are a few gallery photos taken from the halo-site, autoblog.com
The entire press briefing and gallery can be found at this link: http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/11/2011-ford-focus-unveiled-u-s-and-euro-models-finally-unite/
(all photographs are taken from AutoBlog)
What a great interior upgrade, too. Rock on Ford, way to be innovative and bold with your styling! This segment just got a lot more competitive. Engine and other specs can be found at the above link, if that interests you.
I suggest browsing AutoBlog to check out other fantastic posts from the DAS, including that sexy little electric Audi that is platforming and showing off its curves…
Ford Motor Co.’s year-long resurgence got another little boost this morning when its vehicles swept the car and truck of the year awards at the North American International Auto Show.
The 2010 Fusion Hybrid beat out the Volkswagen Golf TDI and Buick LaCrosse to win the car class and the odd-looking but highly practical 2010 Transit Connect won the truck award over the Chevrolet Equinoxand Subaru Outback.
It was only the third time in 17 years of the Detroit auto show awards that one automaker won both major categories.
A jury of 49 automotive journalists voted on the awards. Earlier, Motor Trend magazine named the Ford Fusion its Car of the Year award, adding to other awards that the automaker has won in the U.S., Europe and Asia over the past year.
The video below is from MotorTrend’s Press Conference/Unveiling of the Car of the Year:
Ford has already shown us the new, third-generation Ford Focus, a car set to be unveiled a bit later today at the Detroit Motor Show. The car will be launched at the same time in Europe and North America in late 2010.
We literally had a mountain of news to bite from regarding the new Focus and it seems like everyone out there has written millions of pages about the car. We will try to bring you the most important pieces of information about it, with updates along the way.
The driving experience is the center of this car, Ford claim, as they have been working on the handling of the third-generation Focus for a lot of time. The first and second generation of the Ford Focus were often admired by reviewers as the best handling in their class at the time.
After going into production in North America and Europe in late 2010, the Focus is set to go on sale in early 2011. Production in Asia, Africa and South America will follow. At first it will be built in Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China). It will be sold in 122 states but the different versions will all look the same and will have 80% of the parts in common.
The Focus C-car platform will be used on up to 10 other Ford models which are expected to generate worldwide sales of 2 million units by 2012. The new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX will be the first cars to be based on the new Focus. “Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development said.
The design of the new car is said to mark the next evolution of Ford’s kinetic design language. On the inside, the center console is “wrapped” around the driver. The whole interior is qutoed as having a “cockpit-style” inspiration. Materials are also carefully selected and are expected to be of a high build quality.
The engines on the new Focus are said to be more powerful yet more economical than the old ones. In Europe, a new 1.6-litre Ecoboost petrol should offer better performance than the old 2.0-litre. The Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine range will be improved, with 10 to 20 % better fuel economy. For the North American Auto Show, Ford will present the car with a completely new 2.0-liter petrol engine. It features direct-injection and double variable valve timing. This engine has 20 more horsepower than Ford’s current 2.0 Duratec I-4 yet it’s 10% more fuel efficient.
Check ot the picture gallery below for more images of the new Focus.
Press Release:
DYNAMIC NEXT-GENERATION FORD FOCUS DEBUTS
Next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut at 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit
Focus spearheads Ford’s new generation of global C-cars, all based on a common platform that will underpin up to 10 vehicles around the world and account for 2 million units of annual production by 2012
Stylish new range provides customers with class-leading new technologies, features and craftsmanship
New Focus targets exceptional fuel economy, and advances acclaimed levels of driving quality
New range will start production simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010 and go on sale early in 2011. Asia, Africa and South America production will follow
DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2010 – The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.
The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.
“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO.
“The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.
Simultaneous launch in Europe and North America
Production of the next-generation Ford Focus will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Launches in Asia, Africa and South America will follow. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.
The new Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.
“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.
“Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge,” said Kuzak.
Engineered without compromise
The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford’s European small and medium vehicle center of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford’s technical center in Dunton, England. The vehicle has been engineered without compromise to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.
In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering center in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford’s global development and sourcing strategy made it possible to provide a level of performance and feature content that is unrivaled for this vehicle segment and surprising even to drivers of larger, more premium vehicles.
Taking kinetic design to the next level
The no-compromise approach to the new Ford Focus is immediately evident from the striking exterior design of the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models that take center stage at the 2010 NAIAS.
“The all-new Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. “We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”
The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language, which has contributed to the growing popularity of the company’s latest small and medium cars.
The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.
With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.
This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish center console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.
A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are traveling in a premium-class car.
Unmatched driving quality
When it was introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the C-segment. The all-new Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.
To deliver this performance, engineers have updated the innovative suspension concepts from prior models, developing optimized new designs for the “control blade” multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front and rear subframes.
The chassis design is complemented by a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system, which has been carefully tuned to deliver pure and precise responses at high speed while remaining light and maneuverable for parking.
Ford’s European driving dynamics specialists have also enhanced cornering stability and agility with the introduction of an advanced Dynamic Cornering Control system, which uses “torque vectoring” techniques to transfer power between the drive wheels to deliver reduced understeer, improved traction and better turn-in.
All global customers will benefit from the same quality of dynamic performance in the new Focus. Identical chassis and suspension architecture is being used for all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences, such as local tire specifications.
Efficient powertrains deliver performance with outstanding economy
The engaging driver appeal of the new Ford Focus is magnified by a powertrain range that delivers spirited performance and targets outstanding levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art Ford EcoBoost™ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-liter unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 percent compared to the outgoing models.
For the NAIAS preview, Ford is showing a completely new 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the North American market that features DI and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The new 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 horsepower more powerful than the current 2.0 Duratec I-4 unit while contributing to projected fuel economy gains of more than 10 percent.
To maximize the performance and economy advantage enjoyed by the new Focus, the 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is mated with the latest dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. This transmission uses an advanced dual-clutch design, which alone can help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to a traditional four-speed automatic.
The dry-clutch PowerShift transmission is based on more efficient manual gearbox technology, and does not require the additional weight and complexity of torque converters, planetary gears and oil pumps used in conventional automatics. Electronically controlled twin clutches shift gears quickly and smoothly, providing the seamless flow of torque plus the refinement and ease of operation customers expect from a premium automatic transmission.
Ford also has confirmed plans to begin building a full, battery electric vehicle in 2011 at its Michigan Assembly Complex, for sales in North America. It will be the company’s first battery electric passenger vehicle.
Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety
The next-generation Focus will bring C-segment customers around the world an exciting array of advanced technologies generally found in larger, more premium vehicles. The global scale of Ford’s C-car program makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before for cars in this segment.
The technology package of the new Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising.
The new technologies have been designed to be simple and highly intuitive to use, while enhancing both convenience and safety for the vehicle occupants.
Within the cockpit, the most significant innovation is the company’s next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wide range of functions via a clear and intuitive color display.
MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.
Other available safety and convenience technologies include keyless entry and “Ford Power” start button, a rearview camera and a semi-automatic parallel parking system that automatically steers the vehicle into a parking spot.
Strength and safety
The Focus platform provides an incredibly strong and stiff structure, which not only benefits vehicle dynamics and refinement but also provides the basis for enhanced crash performance.
High-strength steels are used extensively in the next-generation Focus body shell. High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and more than 26 percent of the vehicle’s structure is formed from ultra-high-strength and Boron steels – significantly more than any other Ford product. These advanced materials help the structure meet the most stringent crash legislation across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight.
The structural integrity of the body shell is also reflected in its torsional rigidity, which is 25 percent greater than the current North American Focus.
Quality and craftsmanship in every detail
With global customers now demanding a more premium experience from small- and medium-sized vehicles, achieving outstanding levels of quality and craftsmanship was a primary objective for the new Focus.
The new Focus will make significant strides in reducing cabin noise, promising a quiet cabin environment. This refinement complements the fresh new interior design and higher craftsmanship levels to create a premium feel akin to larger vehicles.
Each component in the vehicle that the customer will touch, see, hear or even smell has been subjected to rigorous analysis to ensure that it will exceed an owner’s expectations. Particular attention has been given to the quality of interior trim materials, and the color matching, gaps, flushness and tolerances where one part meets another.
Across the majority of vehicle attributes, Ford has developed a global DNA standard that defines the exact attributes a part should have to meet the quality requirements of the brand. Examples include the sound the door makes when it is closed, requiring special attention to the door structure and latch mechanism, and the design of a steering wheel, right down to the thickness of padding and size of stitching on the rim.
This meticulous attention to detail is also reflected in Ford’s global manufacturing strategy for the Focus, with consistent standards and processes being applied in every one of the assembly plants, wherever they are located in the world.
“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing. “The Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”
Offers iTunes tagging and crystal clear radio sound
Ford Motor has unveiled its new HD Radio technology with iTunes Tagging capability offering crystal clear radio sound. The company said that these new features are among the factory-installed customer conveniences and technologies that will be available in 2010.
According to the company, HD Radio receivers pull in digital radio signals and play them with improved sound. FM stations, for example, have near-CD quality, making it convenient for customers to select songs they want to download and purchase.
In 2010, Ford vehicles will offer familiar terrestrial radio, HD Radio technology, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and internet radio through Ford SYNC from bluetooth streaming audio capable smartphone.
In addition, up to 100 tags can be stored on SYNC until the iPod is connected to receive download of metadata. When iPod is then synced to iTunes, a playlist of tagged songs will appear and customers can preview, if desired, purchase and download tagged songs from iTunes Store.
Mark Fields, president of Americas at Ford, said: “iTunes Tagging and HD Radio technology are strong new additions to the growing collection of Ford convenience features and technology we’re offering customers to make driving even more enjoyable. This is another example of Ford’s commitment to bring the widest variety of factory-installed customer-focused technology, features and conveniences to millions of people.”
All HD Radio enabled receivers in Ford vehicles will also provide program service data information which appears on radio screen and includes song title, artist name.
HD Radio technology enables listening options and increased sound quality by using same radio interface and same antennas, said the company.
Tim Duncan had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and the San Antonio Spurs beat a winning team for the first time in a month with a 108-78 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Click here to read this story on www.woai.com
A claim from the justice secretary, Jack Straw, today that some police officers preferred staying in the warmth of the police station than getting out on the beat last night sparked a furious reaction from police leaders.
Sir Hugh Orde, the president of the association of chief police officers, described his remarks as “not constructive” while rank and file constables claimed they were “irresponsible and inflammatory”.
The comments were made by the justice secretary in a radio interview when he was explaining that he was “sceptical” about police claims that they were overworked or had to spend hours at the station filling in forms or dealing with bureaucracy.
He told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme that differences in performance between police forces was less to do with money and resources and more to do with leadership and culture.
“I'm afraid I am rather sceptical about the excuse that a public service, in this case the police, is overworked and therefore can't change. With a given level of resources, some police forces, or some parts of police forces do very much better than others. And it is the ones who are less efficient and who have the wrong approach to the public who fall back on this 'Oh, I am overworked' .”
Straw went on to say that while some officers would claim it would take four hours to complete a particular form, “good police officers will take an hour to fill in the same forms because they want to get out and catch criminals.
“Some police officers, whatever they say, actually quite enjoy being in the police station in the warm. We are dealing with human beings, but we are also dealing with the kind of discipline and culture in the police service.”
Straw, who was home secretary from 1997 to 2001, also confirmed that voluntary mergers were likely to take place between some of the 43 forces in England and Wales but insisted that they would not be forced. They would come from a process of “organic” change.
However, he added, that the “paradox about the current police service is that it is the only major public service which has not been subject to any fundamental reform for well over 40 years.”
Straw's remarks provoked a furious reaction from police representatives. Simon Reed, vice-chairman of the Police Federation, said his remarks were irresponsible and inflammatory: “It wasn't police officers who brought in 3,000 new laws. It wasn't police officers who brought in a 30-page prosecution file. And it wasn't police officers who brought in multiple forms and authorities to use a pair of binoculars.”
The government's own police “red tape tsar”, Jan Berry, said last month she believed officers were spending no more time on the beat now than they were two years ago.
Straw was also criticised by the Acpo president. “These comments are not constructive and do not reflect the hard work and danger that many officers face day-to-day,” said Sir Hugh Orde.
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Everyone loves getting gifts, and farmers who play Farm Town love sending – and receiving – gifts, too! Here are the important things that you need to know about sending and getting gifts when you're a Farm Town farmer!
Be sure to read the Beginners Guide to Farm Town, too. Simply click HERE.
Farm Town Gifts: Farm Town Gifts are absolutely FREE to send – and receive! Unlike seeds, plants, buildings or any of the other things that you can buy, it's totally free to send and receive gifts! Since they're free, they're fun, they help your farmer friends, why not send gifts everyday? I do!
Farm Town Gifts: Give Gifts that will Make Money Did you know that the only way to get a coconut tree is by getting it as a gift? It's a great Farm Town gift, too! Hire another farmer to harvest the coconuts, and your farmer friend will make $101 Farm Town coins every time that one coconut tree is harvested.
Farm Town Gifts: Give Gifts that You Can't Buy in Farm Town Even though you get to higher levels in Farm Town, there are still some things that you can't buy-even at level 24! The only way to get these items is when someone gives you them as a Farm Town gift! Farm Town is likely to have holiday specific decorations that you can give but can't buy. These make great gifts for your Farm Town farmer friends.
Farm Town Gifts: Items that Farmers Cannot Buy Currently, here are the items that you must receive as gifts. Remember that this list can change but it's current as of now.
Trees: Banana, Cherry, Coconut, Mango, Palm, Peach, Pear, and Plum Animals: Bunny, Cat, Cow, Donkey, Goat, Horse, Pig, Rooster, Spotted Dog, and Turkey Decorations: Brown Scarecrow, Dolphin Hedge, Green Bin, Pink Crate, Pink Hammock, Spiral Hedge, and Tan Crate
Farm Town Gifts: Give Farm Town Gifts That Are Worth Money to Sell When in doubt, give the gift of money! Choose the gifts with the highest sales value and send those! For trees, you can't buy a Palm tree, it must be received as a gift, and it can be sold for $44.
Both the horse and goat can't be bought and must be received as gifts. While they're free to send, the farmer who gets them can turn around and sell them. The horse and goat both sell for $60 coins, so you're giving your farmer friend a free 60 coins by sending them a horse or goat as a gift.
Farm Town Gifts:Sell the Gifts You Get! OK, so a Farm Town farmer sent you a dozen cows. What are you going to do with all of them? Sell them! You don't have to keep them. You can sell any of the Farm Town gifts that you've received! So, take all the gifts your farmer friends have sent you, and sell them if you don't want to keep them.
For example, someone sent me a Farm Town cow as a gift. It didn't cost them any money, and it's free for me to accept it. I don't want that cow, but I accepted the gift and put it on my farm. Then I turned around and sold it for $45 Farm Town coins. Every penny helps! To sell a gift, first you need to add that gift to your farm. Then put your mouse over it to highlight it and finally, click your left mouse button.
Farm Town Gifts: You Can Only Give Gifts to 12 Friends a Day You can send each of your friends, whether they play Farm Town or not, a Farm Town gift every day. This is a great way to entice your non-farmer friends to join the fun. But you can only send gifts to 12 of your friends any one day. So choose 12 friends, send them their Farm Town gift for the day. It can be the same item, or you can send each person a different gift.
Sending and getting Farm Town gifts is just one of the things that make this a fun and family friendly game! Remember, to be a better farmer, be sure to read the Beginners Guide to Farm Town by clicking HERE.
GM’s vice chairman, Tom Stephens, appears to be taking a page out of Bob Lutz’s playbook. Today he issued a challenge to Ford to pit the PowerStroke diesel-powered 2011 F-Series Super Duty truck against the DuraMax diesel 2011 Chevrolet and GMC Heavy Duty trucks. The new line of 2011 GM Heavy Duty trucks is due to make its debut at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show next month.
When NASCAR starts their engines for for the first time this season at the Dayton 500 the Ford Mustang will be on the track. Not only will they be taking part in ‘The Great American Race’ for the first time; they will be pacing the field as well. For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.
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