December-15-10

Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

Posted by admin under New Cars

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas.

The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles sales.

George Pipas, the manager of Fords Sales Analysis, states, Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains. Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge.

Pipas adds, For February of this year, the Fusions rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.

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July-11-10

Ford Crown Victoria: Change Is Good

Posted by admin under New Ford News

One of the most well known names in autodom is poised to get its first major overhaul in nearly thirty years. Fords Crown Victoria, introduced in 1979, has had only minor changes since its introduction, but a new plan by Ford to overhaul the crown jewel of its fleet is apparently in the offing. Thanks to government assistance Australian to be exact the new Crown Victoria will be a clean break from the current model and will help to spawn additional models for siblings Mercury and Lincoln. Yes, you may not have considered a Crown Victoria up to this point, but the coming new Crown Vic may just change your mind about that.

You have to go back all the way to the late 1970s to when downsizing was a term used by the auto industry to describe a shell game where large cars were dropped down a notch in size to sit on a platform slightly smaller than the previous model. Indeed, throughout the 1970s Fords full size offerings the LTD/Galaxie 500 were huge beasts of burden. By the time the then new Galaxie 500 Crown Victoria was released at the end of the decade, Ford was playing catch up to General Motors who had earlier mastered the whole downsizing strategy.

Initially, the Crown Victoria had a broad appeal for drivers wanting a big car with all of the trappings. As time went buy the car grew less and less desirable as consumer tastes changed, but the Crown Victorias style did not. As a pursuit, government, or fleet vehicle the Crown Victoria has done very well, but Ford has only made modest improvements to the car over the years. Indeed, Americas #2 automaker has invested heavily in trucks, vans, SUVS and select cars, but the Crown Victoria quickly began to show its age. Todays model is terribly outdated and it hasnt had a thorough refreshing in more than a decade, so an overhaul is warranted.

Fords impetus for change is coming from an unlikely source: a foreign government. According to news sources, Fords Australian operation has received a $1.4 billion grant from Australia to build a production and research facility that will be used to design and build several new models. One of the Australian cars slated to benefit from this move will be the Ford Falcon, a full sized car that will become the basis of the all-new Crown Victoria.

While some have theorized that the new Crown Victoria will be built in Australia and imported to the U.S., this is unlikely to happen. Instead, Ford will expand the Falcons production to at least one U.S. plant, make some technical refinements, and sell the car as a Crown Victoria. It will be targeted to police departments and fleet buyers primarily with some residual sales for personal buyers. In addition, the Crown Victoria will spawn a new Mercury Gran Marquis while a slightly stretched and much more elegant version of the car will become the replacement for the current Lincoln Town Car.

Yes, the Crown Victoria is well past its useful age. Thanks to some help from down under, the 2010 model should be a refreshing change. At least Ford hopes you will think so.

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July-6-10

Ford F-150 FX2: A Hot Pick-Up Truck!

Posted by admin under New Ford News

Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, thats what. Thats right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly boss version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted. Read on for a sneak preview of Fords soon to be released FX2, a dream-come-true for avid Ford lovers.

With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Fords decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.

As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.

So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:

–a dark billet grille

–a sporty, deep front valance

–clear headlights paired with platinum bezels

–monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck

–chrome exhaust tip

–18 inch wheels

–black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather

–flow-through center console with floor shifter

Engine choices havent been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.

Yes, the FX2 is another part of Fords Bold Moves promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.

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June-23-10

Fuel-Efficient Ford Cars: The New Trend

Posted by admin under New Ford News

With gas prices soaring straight into oblivion, automobile customers and the rest of the auto market are looking for vehicles that would save their pockets from getting into trouble. Studies and research have found out that the numbers are showing that customers are leaning towards those vehicles that would assure them that they would not have to spend much on gas.

The market is actually looking for vehicles with smaller engines. This is because with smaller engines, owners would not need to have to refuel much for these types of engines only consumes a little amount of gas. This is actually a trend that has been seen in the sales of two Ford Motor Company vehicles Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan. According to the sales of both vehicles, starting January up until the middle of May this year, the sales of these vehicles that held four-cylinder models almost doubled. In fact, sales for both have taken more than 20 per cent of all Ford vehicles sales.

George Pipas, the manager of Fords Sales Analysis, states, Along with the Fusion and Milan, the increase also includes Focus and Escape. Clearly, higher gas prices are increasing consumer demand to look at more fuel-efficient vehicles and powertrains. Indeed, the whole analysis shows that the auto market is now turning towards vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to fuel mileage. Of course, it also shows that people are becoming concerned and are becoming greatly affected by the whole gas price surge.

Pipas adds, For February of this year, the Fusions rate for the I4 was 41 percent, meaning that 59 percent of Fusion sales were for models with a V6. In March, the four-cylinder rate rose to 47 percent, and in April the rate jumped to 53 percent.

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May-22-10

New Ford Vehicles For 2007 Says Fields

Posted by admin under New Ford News

Mark Fields, the executive vice president and the president of the Ford Motor Company Americas, has recently sent out a statement refuting the report given out by Wall Street. According to Wall Street, the auto company is very slow in doing restructuring. Aside from this, the business organization also claims that the Ford Motor Company would not be able to keep up for it does not have enough new products that they could send out to the auto market.

Aside from Wall Street, Merrill Lynch has also got some things to say about the auto manufacturer. John Murphy, from the mentioned organization, even writes, The pace of Fords new product introductions is well behind the industry average, which is an ominous sign for Fords market share and leaves its current restructuring efforts short of rightsizing the company.

New Ford vehicles are already in the process of production, according to Fields. He even claims that by next year, 2007, the market would come to know more Ford vehicles and cars that would be new to them. However, Fields, during an interview with a reputable press reporter, would not identify the models that the company would be sending out. Along that line, he only emphasizes that the list of Ford vehicles have received a lot of new developments which the company still has not yet announced to the public. In this sense, auto parts makers would then have to predict just what parts they need to create. They could create Ford F350 pickup parts but they could never really see what other replacement parts could these new and upgraded Ford cars and vehicles really need.

Fields further states for emphasis, It is going to be a busy year for us. We have a lot of products coming. And with that said, the auto market sure has to be on their feet if they want to keep up with any new offerings the Ford Motor Company could be sending out to our streets and roads.

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March-25-10

Ford vs Chevy: The Debate Goes On, Part 1

Posted by admin under New Ford News

We have all seen then the bumper stickers that say I would rather push a Ford than drive a Chevy. For many people, it is the truth. There is a great deal of consumer loyalty when it comes to Ford and Chevy. In fact, there is even a Playstation 2 game called Ford vs. Chevy. It may have to do with owning a particular vehicle that excelled so they stayed with that manufacturer. Maybe their family owned Fords or Chevys and they went with what was familiar.

Ford and Chevy continue to be stiff competitors out there. Ford does seem to excel though in many areas. If you want speed the Ford Mustang will out do the Chevy Corvette hands down. Chevy is in the process of making a come back with the Chevy Camaro but fans of the Camaro arent taking to the new design very well.

Ford Pickups are available in a variety of sizes from small trucks to large work trucks. The Ford F-150 is their basic full size truck, but they have smaller models, such as the Ranger, and larger models like the F-850 for super heavy duty hauling. Chevy has several of them as well. The safety ratings for Ford are slightly better though when several of the same style of pickups were compared to each other.

Mini vans are very popular these days as they look sporty and they offer plenty of room. The Ford Windstar and the Chevy Venture both offer plenty of room. Yet the Ford Windstar is more stylish and offers more features.

Ford also has the Ford Escape, which Chevy does not really have a good answer to. The Escape has good mpg, at about 24, but it still has the power to tow 3,500 pounds with the towing package. It’s a great vehicle for anyone who does need the extra room and towing power larger SUVs offer, because the Escape is great on gas, easy and fun to drive, and affordable.

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Looking For A Used Ford Then Go Online With A Specialist Used Car Website

If you are looking for a used Ford then going online with a specialist used car website can considerably cut down the time you spend on your search for the car. A specialist site will offer all the tools needed for you to find your ideal used car by giving you access to tools which you can tailor to your needs such as the used car search engine to ensure that you are only spending time on the model of Ford you are interested in.

To begin with you can use the extensive search tool which all specialist used car websites will offer, this allows you to search not only for a used Ford but you can also search based on the area in which you wish to travel, the price of the car, model of car and any extras you wish to have and even down to the colour if needed. This is without a doubt the quickest and easiest ways of narrowing down you search so that you only have to look through the exact model you have in mind rather than wade through pages of cars you are not interested in. Some of the bigger used car websites will have thousands of used cars and even a huge range of used Fords so using a search engine to narrow down your choices is essential.

Once you have narrowed down what is on offer using the search engine you could still be left with a huge choice of cars. You can either narrow down your search even more or start to compare the choices of used Ford you have found. To help you there should be good clear photographs of the car from the front, back, sides and if you are lucky the interior of the car and this can give you a good indication of the bodywork of the car. There should also be a detailed listing with all the necessary information regarding the car such as the shape it is in, how many miles it has done, the price and of course if the seller is honest any problems the car has.

You do have to be aware of any used Ford that seems too good to be true. While there are many honest sellers just looking to pass on their car there are also some unscrupulous dealers who will try to make a profit from an old banger, often posing as a private seller. If you dont know anything about used cars and in particular a used Ford then it is essential that you get advice before going to actually view the car and hand over your money. Again a specialist used car website can come in very handy, they should offer articles, hints, tips and advice on what to look for when it comes to going and viewing the car. Taking their advice can save you a lot of problems in the future and you should follow it if you want to avoid being ripped off by an unscrupulous dealer trading as a private seller.

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February-25-10

Ford v. Chevy: The Battle Rages On

Posted by admin under New Ford News

As much as auto critics love to wring their hands over GMs and Fords misfortunes the two automakers are locked in a perpetual battle for the coveted big pickup truck category. The Chevrolet Silverado and Ford F Series continue to duke it out for the number one spot. There is more at stake here than meets the eyeand just what would that be?

For 28 years running the top selling vehicle in the US has not been a car, rather a pick up truck. Thats right, Americas love of pick ups extends to the point where the Ford F Series traditionally outsells the bestselling car by a factor of nearly 2 to 1 [the Toyota Camry is the best selling car, FYI]. Indeed, the second best selling truck for most of that time has been the Chevy Silverado, nemesis of the Ford.

If you are a GM fan, your immediate thought is to cry foul over the whole matter. In reality, Chevrolets parent company — General Motors — sells more full size pick up trucks than Ford year in and year out. However the general markets its truck under two different nameplates: Chevrolet and GMC. So, what appears to be a long running streak for Ford is just not that. At least according to GM fans.

Beyond the pick up truck sales, the matter of who is number one is a source of pride for the big automakers as they have been beaten and bruised over the years by increased competition. Asian automakers continue to take away sales, as even Toyota and Nissan are now building full sized pick up trucks. Dodge, too, has grown in size and influence ever since its redone Rams hit the market in the early 1990s. So, the last area of dominance for Ford and GM is also being chipped away and no one wants to be the first to admit defeat.

If you want to influence the battle, you have only one month to make a difference. Both manufacturers are certain to have amazing end of the year clearances, so shop smartly and you will come out as a winner no matter whose product you choose.

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January-26-10

Replacing Ford Headlights

Posted by admin under New Ford News

How horrible would it be one day to wake up and realize you dont have any headlights? I think it would be pretty bad, it would not be safe to even drive your car if your headlights are broken or dont work.

Your lights are one of the parts that will last you a long while. But since they are on the exterior they are exposed to elements that can be damaging. They can loose their original luster. You can give your Ford vehicle a new fresh look by changing the grille, mirror, taillights, Ford hood and spoiler.

It is really simple and easy to replace Ford parts, especially the lights. The reason for that is Fords popularity. A good place to look for the parts is Ford Parts Online; they are one of the most trusted auto parts dealers on the internet. So check them out if you need to replace any parts on your Ford vehicle.

But lets go back to your Ford lights. Its quite easy to change them yourself, just follow my directions and youll be on the road again.

First remove the exposed plastic or metal trim around the housing to get the headlight ring and screws. Using the right tools remove the four ring screws. Be careful, because it is pretty easy to strip them. Put some penetrating oil on each one for a few minutes. Also be sure not to turn the headlight-aiming screws.

Once you remove the retaining ring the headlight will be free. Just unplug the wiring connector that is in the back of the headlamp.

Then plug back the connector into the back of new headlight then place it in the mounting base. The headlight will position itself due to lugs in the back, but if it doesnt then that means you have it upside down.

Turn on the new headlight to see if it is working. If it doesnt come on it probably means there is a problem with the wiring.

You next step would be to replace the retaining ring. But again, be careful about the screws. The last thing would be to replace the trim elements that you had to remove.

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