Nanaimo, BC Dealership Blog » Technology

2013 Ford Escape and MyFord Touch Performance Upgrade

Karen Ann — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:28:54 +0000

MyFord Touch is getting an upgrade. More icons, more intuitive navigation! The quadrants are still the same, just with better labeling!

If you have a Ford with the SYNC software package in recent years, you will be able upgrade to the latest version which will be shipping in our 2013 models.

Ford Hands-Free Liftgate Feature on the New Ford Escape

Karen Ann — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:35:32 +0000

We are so excited to try this out. Can’t wait for the new Ford Escape to arrive!!

Active Grille Shutters on the 2012 Ford Focus

Karen Ann — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 21:35:09 +0000

These tiny little things stack up to huge improvements for the Ford Focus. The active grille shutters allow this 2012 Ford Focus attain dream gas mileage!!

Correction! The 2012 Focus gets 50 MPG or 5.6L/100 km on the highway. This year it’s all about getting great gas mileage, and everything on the new 2012 Ford Focus plays it’s part! Including these active grille shutters on this sweet blue Focus at Nanaimo’s only Ford Store! Vancouver Island’s largest used vehicle dealership. Steve Marshall Ford has knowledgeable sales personnel who make sure your buying experience is informed and exciting. With constant training and excellent personal skills, our professional sales staff makes customer service the priority.

Jay Leno on Skype in a Ford

Karen Ann — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Why not Skype, Ford has wifi right in it!!

Ford Park Assist: Charlie Parks the Focus

Karen Ann — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:51:35 +0000

Never mind what can Park Assist do for you. How about what can it do for your dog?

42% Say Fuel Economy is Key in Vehicle Purchase Decision

Karen Ann — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:26:38 +0000

MPG Matters!

In a 2011 Maritz Research study, 42% of all consumers say fuel economy is an extremely important new vehicle purchase consideration. Which is up 13.5% from 10 years ago. Generation Y (or Milennials) rank fuel economy even higher and rated it most often as having the greatest impact on their vehicle purchases.

Ford and Lincoln products lead in fuel economy in 12 of the vehicle classes. Four Ford models deliver 40 mpg or better, which is a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

For extreme fuel economy be sure to check out the Ford Fiesta, which can go 920 KM on a tank of gas! There’s also the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus, and the last year of the Ranger too! Even our Super Duty trucks get better fuel economy than previous years, and their competitors.

Press Release:

DEARBORN, Mich., June 21, 2011 – More than 40 percent of consumers view fuel economy as “extremely important” when considering a new vehicle purchase today, a new study finds.

What’s more, one third of consumers say fuel economy will have the “greatest impact” on their next vehicle purchase, and younger buyers place an even higher priority on miles per gallon.

“Customers are telling us clean and green vehicles matter most because they are good for people’s wallets and good for our planet,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We hear what they are saying, and that is why Ford is absolutely committed to giving our customers vehicles with top fuel efficiency.”

The annual New Vehicle Customer Study has been conducted since the 1970s by Maritz Research, reaching approximately 200,000 consumers a year. The latest study, conducted in the first quarter, shows:

42 percent of people surveyed say fuel economy is “extremely important” in their decision to purchase new 2011 models – a 13.5 percent increase versus 10 years ago
37 percent indicated they expect fuel economy will have the “greatest impact” on their next new vehicle purchase
Millennials place an even greater importance on fuel economy, with 46 percent saying fuel economy is “extremely important” in the new vehicle purchase decision – the greatest percentage among all age groups. Also, 41 percent say fuel economy will be the top factor in their next vehicle purchase

In addition, while buyers of small vehicles are most likely to put fuel economy toward the top of their list of purchase considerations, fuel economy has jumped in importance in nearly all vehicle segments since 2001, the survey finds. Specifically:

Fuel economy as a purchase reason for B-cars became the top consideration in 2011 (21 percent), up from fourth in 2001 (14 percent)
Fuel economy as a purchase reason for C-cars nearly tripled in importance from 2001 (7 percent) to 2011 (19 percent), going from fifth to first
After ranking 16th in 2001, fuel economy was listed in the top five most important purchase reasons for small utility vehicles in 2011
Fuel economy was listed in the top 10 most important purchase reasons for sports car buyers for the first time in 2011
Fuel economy as a top purchase reason for medium utility vehicles jumped 14 spots from 2001 to 2011
Fuel economy as a top purchase reason for C/D-cars ranked fifth in 2011 after ranking 12th in 2001
The Maritz Research survey results also track with Ford’s 2011 research and sales trends.

Consumer perceptions of Ford delivering “good gas mileage” grew 57 percent from late 2008 to the end of the first quarter of 2011, according to Ford’s latest brand health study.

Plus, Ford’s small vehicle sales have been hitting record levels in the U.S.

Ford’s two all-new small cars combined had sales of 29,423 in May, up 74 percent versus a year ago. It was Ford’s largest small car month since May 2008, with Fiesta sales at 7,120 and Focus sales at 22,303, up 32 percent versus a year ago.

“Since December, we have seen industry-wide small car purchases increase from 19 percent to 24 percent,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “It drives home the point that consumers are looking at more fuel-efficient choices.”

That applies to larger vehicles, too. Eighty percent of customers buying Ford’s hot-selling Fusion midsize sedan in May chose the four-cylinder engine over the V6 – up from 50 percent when the vehicle debuted in 2006. Also in May, for the first time in decades more than 55 percent of Ford F150s sold were equipped with V6 rather than V8 engines.

Ford Motor Company has 12 vehicles leading their sales segments with best-in-class fuel economy and four models that deliver 40 mpg or more – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

Consumer habits shape decisions

For some, the idea of more ethical consumption is driving the desire for higher-mpg vehicles.

“Consumers are taking a logical approach to making their lives better,” said Sheryl Connelly, manager of Ford Global Trends and Futuring. “Choosing a car that lessens their impact on the environment as well as their wallets can really create peace of mind.”

Additionally, Ford’s family of electrified vehicles – including the Ford Transit Connect Electric, Focus Electric as well as the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid coming next year – offers plenty of choice for customers who want a vehicle that supports their ethical beliefs while also delivering quality, style and innovation.

Meeting customer desires

Ford invested billions beginning in 2006 in researching and developing new fuel-efficient engines, transmissions and electrified vehicles, working to make fuel economy affordable for millions of people. Today, Ford’s fuel economy standouts include:

Ford Fiesta: With the six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, Fiesta is EPA-certified at 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city, and delivers class-leading fuel economy
All-new Ford Focus: Delivers 40 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city through its advanced six-speed automatic transmission
All-new Ford Explorer V6: Fuel economy ratings are EPA-certified at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, a 25 percent improvement over the previous V6 model
Ford Mustang V6: Its high-revving 305-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver best-in-class highway fuel economy of 31 mpg; Mustang V6 is the first car in history to deliver the combination of 305 horsepower and more than 30 mpg

New technology saves fuel

In 2010, Ford launched nine new engines and six new six-speed transmissions, and the company is on track to deliver fuel-saving six-speed transmissions across all of Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles by the end of 2012.

Ford also is expanding its industry-leading range of fuel-efficient powertrains in North America with the addition of a new 1.0-liter EcoBoost™ three-cylinder – the smallest engine Ford has ever built – and an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Many of Ford’s new powertrains include fuel-saving technologies such as:

Twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which enables the engine to operate at peak efficiency by continually adjusting the precise moment the intake and exhaust valves open
Gasoline direct injection (GDI), which improves efficiency by raising the compression ratio and by using precise amounts of fuel placed directly in the combustion chamber
Turbocharging, which uses exhaust gases to pressurize the engine cylinders with a more dense mixture of fuel and air, increasing power
EcoBoost, which uses direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to allow four-cylinder engines to deliver the power of V6s and V6s to deliver the power of V8s. EcoBoost engines save fuel in part because they burn less fuel, and because they weigh less than the larger-displacement engines they replace
Electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), which eliminates drag on the engine by replacing the hydraulic pump with an electric motor. EPAS, available on Ford Mustang, F-150, Fiesta, the new Focus and other vehicles, improves fuel economy by approximately 4 percent

Nanaimo and Google 3D Buildings

Karen Ann — Mon, 30 May 2011 16:36:59 +0000

With a Sterling Award from the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce already under her company’s belt, Judith Chinn of JAC GeoDesign is fierce about creating 3D buildings on Google Earth!

What an amazing local talent, the first Google Certified Geo 3D Develper. Check out the JAC GeoDesign website for more information.

Press Release:

Google Earth continues to be a popular way to showcase 3D versions of Canadian communities to the global audience. The cities of Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario are so popular that they have been added to Google’s Building Maker online 3D modeling tool. This tool allows 3D freelancers from around the world to remotely create 3D buildings for these cities.

Local governments of smaller Canadian communities like Fredericton, New Brunswick and Banff, Alberta have successfully tapped into Google’s ‘Cities in 3D Program’. These municipalities understand the benefits of having a 3D model of their communities for use in promoting economic development, boosting tourism and visualizing community planning.

For smaller towns and villages, there are businesses like Nanaimo, British Columbia’s JAC GeoDesign that specializes in creating 3D models of buildings and structures to showcase on Google Earth. Owner Judith Chinn is Canada’s First Google Certified Geo 3D Developer. “My business gives me the opportunity to showcase our well known Canadian communities alongside some of our hidden gems to a regional, national and global audience,” says Chinn.

Businesses like Chinn’s are popping up all over the world. They service businesses, as well as, communities. They create 3D buildings to help preserve and share our past, promote our current state, and help plan our future development. According to Chinn, “Google Certified Geo 3D Developers from around the world are in regular contact with each other and Google Earth representatives. We get to share our experiences, troubleshoot issues, collaborate on projects and celebrate our successes.”

Advancements in technology offer new and exciting ways to showcase Canada’s 3D communities. New applications for mobile devices are being developed showcasing 3D models in Augment Reality. In New York City, tourist can use touch screens monitors to create and view a 3D tour of their itinerary. 3D models can be imported into 3D gaming software.

Chinn will be celebrating her first year in business next week. “It has been a challenging first year. It is not easy to introduce a new service into the marketplace. I spend much of my time educating and informing the public and potential clients about the benefits and versatility of showcasing locations in 3D. The community of Nanaimo has been very supportive of my efforts.” The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce recently, presented Chinn with the 2011 Sterling Business Award for New Business. “I am hoping to gain additional support from my fellow Canadians as I expand my service throughout Canada,” says Chinn.

To learn more about JAC GeoDesign visit http://www.jacgeodesign.ca

Two Ford vehicles are top green cars, says kbb.com

Karen Ann — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:40:12 +0000

With Earth Day approaching and soaring gas prices weighing heavily on the minds of consumers, it’s timely kbb.com has named two Ford vehicles to its 2011 Top 10 Green Car list – the 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2012 Ford Focus. Editors of kbb.com say Fusion Hybrid was an easy pick, because along with its outstanding fuel economy of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, “it delivers the driving dynamics and comfort that make the conventional Fusion so endearing.” Likewise, Focus’ impressive fuel economy of 28 mpg city and up to 40 mpg highway is just one of the things they liked about the all-new vehicle: “Our favorite features are its excellent handling, impressively outfitted interior, sweet Euro styling and the availability of cool features,” kbb editors said.

2012 Focus Global Technologies Ads

Karen Ann — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 23:05:17 +0000

The 2012 Focus is Ford’s first truly global vehicle, and check out these great technological features it has! Three videos so far in the playlist, you can watch them all right here in this one video screen.

The all-new Ford Focus achieves significantly improved aerodynamic performance, cutting drag by up to 7.8 percent to help reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It’s a key contributor to achieving projected 40 mpg fuel economy for the all-new Focus.

The 2012 Focus exudes energy with its athletic Z body lines. It’s designed to cheat the wind and steal your breath. The shifting belt line creates sinuous shoulders over the wheels. It looks ready for anything and the looks don’t lie.

Our available Parking Technology Package comes with a rear view camera, front parking sensors and Active Park Assist. Unlike other systems that use imaging devices, our Active Park Assist uses ultrasonic sensors. Once activated, your Focus will parallel park itself with almost no input from you. And it will do it nearly three times faster than competitive park assist systems can.

Impress Your Valentine with These Cool Date Night Features from Ford

Karen Ann — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:30:00 +0000

Just about everyone remembers the car they rode in on their first date. Was it a convertible with a great sound system, or a boat on wheels with lots of space? Whatever it was, both men and women agree that cars can make or break that first and often memorable impression. “A person’s car is most definitely an extension of themselves,” said Ellen Fein, dating expert and best-selling co-author of The Rules. “You often get one chance to make a right impression, and your car is one of the first personal things your date sees about you.”

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the all-important role that cars play in modern romance can’t be overlooked. And it’s not just the make and model of a car that matter. The features inside your ride can have a considerable impact on the setting and mood.

and not with this Ford American Idol commercial

Cramping My Style

Take interior space, for example. Cramped, tight spaces can really put a damper on a comfortable “car date.” But you don’t have to have a big car to get some elbow room.

The all-new Focus from Ford brings small car interior space to a new level, rivaling larger vehicles. It offers more shoulder room than an Audi A4 and more front headroom than a Toyota Camry. In the spacious second row, the new Focus provides more hip room than the Audi or Toyota.

Sweet sounds

There’s nothing like good tunes to spice things up. Music is essential on a date. Wouldn’t it be even better if you could simply ask your car to select the song your date wants to hear from your custom playlist on an iPod or MP3 player?

Ford’s next-generation voice control can interpret a single voice command, such “USB, play artist, Lifehouse” to change a song if the mood calls for something soft and slow. Connectivity for portable devices and media players, are available through two USB ports, three RCA jacks (video, right and left audio) and SD card reader.

The setting gets even better when the songs are played on a premium Sony® 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer found on most Ford models.

Careful component matching and tuning for the vehicle has ensured that the premium sound system delivers outstanding sound quality. System performance is enhanced by the center speaker, which provides highly authentic staging, while the subwoofer ensures that bass sounds have a full, rich quality.

Mood Lighting

Almost as important as mood music is mood lighting.

Ford’s advanced ambient lighting system uses LED technology to provide precise pools of illumination in the foot wells, cup holders, door handle releases and map pockets. The driver can choose between seven different accent colors and set the brightness level to suit his or her mood.

A search mode can also be activated, switching the lighting to a bright white color, helping occupants to find misplaced objects within the car.

The right kind of lighting, such as Ford’s new LED Crystal Blue interior lighting, ensures consistent levels of color and brightness are delivered in the right places and at the right times to set the right mood.

Roof with a view

If gazing at the stars is your idea of a romantic car date, you can while staying warm, dry and bug free while viewing from the inside of your car. Several of Ford’s crossover and sports utility models can be equipped with the panoramic Vista Roof. The large glass moon roof provides a grand view of the sky.

The roof features a large glass panel. The oversized front panel provides open-air touring. Close the forward roof and the enormous skylights allow natural light to flood the cabin while protecting it, and you, from the elements. Or sky-gazing on a hot, sunny day? Twin power-operated cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block nearly 100 percent of ultra-violet rays.

Chillin’

Need to keep beverages chilled? Ford’s Flex cross-over vehicle boasts a class-exclusive refrigerated console that is mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs. The available refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in a little more than two-and-a-half hours – 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.

Intimate Interiors

Attention to detail, including the look, touch, feel and operation of all controls, features and surfaces also help define the setting. Materials that feel luxurious to the touch, comfortable seats and a welcoming interior contribute to the appeal and allure of any interior space, including a car.

For example, Ford uses authentic chrome plating on the interior trim parts, such as door handle release, rather than painted coatings to improve the look and feel of its car interiors. Optimizing the softness and feel of key customer touch points, such as the steering wheel, door armrests and center console, also provides an overall feeling of comfort and style.

Peace and Tranquillity

An ideal date night is one without distractions or disruptions from noise generated by the external environment, such as traffic noise, pedestrian chatter, and other business taking place outside of the car.

Soundproofing cars to shut out distracting outside noises offers both privacy and tranquillity inside.

Windshields with a special acoustic layer and thicker side and rear glass on Ford cars and trucks significantly reduce high-frequency noises. Sound-absorbing carpets and self-expanding foams also help absorb sound, as well as help maintain a more consistent sound level distribution inside the vehicle.

So while your Ford car can help set a mood, it can’t guarantee a second date.

2011 Ford F-150 Results that Matter

Karen Ann — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:27:49 +0000

How does the 2011 stack up against it’s competition?

	2011 Ford F-150	2011 GMC Silverado or Sierra	2010 Dodge Ram
	3.7L TI-VCT V6	4.3L V6	3.7L V6
Horsepower	302	195	215
Torque (lb-ft)	278	260	235
4×2 Fuel Economy (L/100 km city/hwy)	12.6/8.8	14.1/10.0	14.8/10.0
Max Trailer Tow (lbs)	6,100	5,400	3,800
	5.0L TI-VCT V8	4.8L /v8	4.7L V8
Horsepower	360	302	310
Torque (lb-ft)	380	305	330
4×4 Fuel Economy (L/100 km city/hwy)	15.0/10.5	15.9/11.4	16.3/11.2
Max Trailer Tow (lbs)	10,000	7,200	7,650
Available early 2011	3.5L V6 EcoBoost	5.3L V8
Horsepower	365	326
Torque (lb-ft)	420	348
4×2 Fuel Economy (L/100 km city/hwy)	PENDING	14.2/9.5
Max Trailer Tow (lbs)	11,300	10,000
	6.2L V8	6.2L V8	5.7L V8 Hemi
Horsepower	411	403	390
Torque (lb-ft)	434	417	407
4×2 Fuel Economy (L/100 km city/hwy)	16.9/11.4	23.3/14.9	15.4/10.2
Max Trailer Tow (lbs)	11,300	10,700	10,450

MyFord Touch

Karen Ann — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 23:36:06 +0000

Ford introduced a smart, safe, simple system to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives today at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES®). The available MyFord Touch,™ which will be branded as MyLincoln Touch™ and MyMercury Touch™ on respective Lincoln and Mercury brand products, redesigns the in-car interface, mirroring how consumers interact with most devices in their lives by using touch-sensitive buttons, touch screens and voice recognition.

MyFord delivers a premium interior experience that will help consumers fall in love with their vehicles again,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. “It integrates all our signature features so customers will know exactly what they’re going to get in any Ford vehicle they may find themselves driving, no matter where they are in the world.” MyFord Touch™ displays information using two 4.2-inch full-color LCD screens flanking an analog speedometer and an 8-inch touch-screen LCD at the top of the center stack. A five-way switch on each side of the steering wheel crossbar – similar to the one found on most mobile phones and MP3 players – controls the information displayed on the corresponding instrument panel screens. Features available through MyFord Touch, powered by SYNC^,® include: Media Hub

Additional USB port for a total of two USB 2.0 inputs
SD card slot
RCA audio and video input jacks

Phone

Phone book contact photo download and 3-D carousel browsing
Birthday reminders
Enhanced error correction and reporting

Voice Recognition

Direct speech commands and “flattened structure” for quicker, more responsive voice control
Voice-command activation of selected climate control functions
Voice commands will be available for most radio functions, including AM/FM, HD Radio™ Technology and SIRIUS Satellite Radio
SIRIUS Game Finder application will facilitate automatic voice tuning for desired sporting events, using commands such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game” or “Show NFL games”

Navigation

Improved visual presentation of SYNC^® with Traffic, Directions and Information app adds directional arrows, street names and distance markers
Map-based navigation app provided by TeleNav via an optional SD card
SD card navigation includes SIRIUS Travel Link™ services such as weather maps, movie listings, gas prices, and sports scores
SD card navigation also adds point-of-interest information for cities including ratings and amenities
Map data includes 3-D visual landmarks

Climate Control

MyTemp personalization allows the driver to store a preferred temperature, which is then accessible with a single touch of the MyTemp button
Different MyTemp settings can be programmed to different keys; multiple drivers in a household can each have unique MyTemp settings

Audio

AM/FM/CD, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, USB-connected MP3 players and memory sticks
New HD Radio™ capability
Song tagging capability via HD Radio Technology, allowing listeners to identify song information and store it for later use
Browse tracks by artist, scan lists of tracks with identical names, and browse through devices without having to change audio sources
3-D carousel album cover art and photo viewing displays allow easy scanning of available material, especially combined with Gracenote Media Management
Media player equipped with new “Podcast” source category
Enhanced Bluetooth^® audio support including metadata, which allows additional command and control functions for capable mobile devices

Vehicle Setting Personalization

Ambient lighting color control using a 3-D carousel browser
Custom welcome messages
Saved and transferrable user profiles that can be ported between Ford vehicles equipped with MyFord
Door keypad code control using on-screen menus
Where available, Active Park Assist and Rear View Camera displays
Image and video uploading via SD card slot or USB 2.0 ports

SYNC Apps and Services

Traffic, Directions and Information offers personalized traffic reports and routing from INRIX, turn-by-turn directions, business search, sports, news and weather via SYNC and the user’s mobile phone
Downloadable destinations when coupled with the SD card navigation function; SYNC Service Delivery Network (SDN) will be able to send a destination directly to the vehicle
Vehicle Health Reports will download service reminders and vehicle information directly to the in-car displays
Improved 911 Assist™ capability with GPS location can call for help in the event of an airbag deployment

The technology launches this year on 2011 Ford Edge and goes global with availability on 2012 Ford Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on future Lincoln models beginning with the 2011 Lincoln MKX.

Hands Free Liftgate from Ford Uses Gaming Technology!

Karen Ann — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 19:05:40 +0000

Ford introduces an industry-first hands-free liftgate that allows customers to quickly and easily unlock and open the rear hatch even when their hands are full
With the key fob in the owner’s possession, a gentle leg motion below the center of the rear bumper activates sensors that cue the system to unlock and raise the rear liftgate.

The hands-free liftgate will debut in the seven-passenger C-MAX crossover, being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 20, 2010 – Gesture or motion technology employed in today’s video game systems is coming to the new seven-passenger Ford C-MAX crossover, designed with families in mind.

“In the new C-MAX, customers no longer need to set their packages down or fumble to locate their keys to open the rear hatch, especially when their hands are full,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “The hands-free liftgate allows them to easily and quickly open the cargo area with one simple leg motion.”

The hands-free liftgate debuts on the Ford C-MAX, which is being shown at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. The C-MAX can seat up to seven and is a popular model in Europe because of its clever combination of style, versatility and fuel efficiency.

Enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start
The hands-free liftgate is enabled by Intelligent Access with push-button start. This technology allows customers to unlock and start their vehicles without ever having to take out the key. When the key fob is in their possession – kept in a pocket, coat, purse or briefcase – a simple pull on the door handle unlocks the vehicle. Once inside the vehicle, the driver simply holds down the brake pedal and presses the power button to start the vehicle.

In conjunction with the Intelligent Access system, there are two sensors located in the rear bumper. One detects the shin and the other detects the leg motion to enable the hands-free liftgate. The customer simply needs to possess the Intelligent Access key fob and gently wave his or her foot under the bumper to operate the feature.

Additionally, the liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.

“We recognize that the C-MAX customer usually has his or her hands full. Whether carrying packages while holding a young child’s hand or carrying bags full of groceries, the hands-free liftgate will make their lives a whole lot easier,” said Wendy King, C-MAX brand manager.

The combination of the system detecting the key fob and leg motion is necessary to unlock and open the liftgate and safeguards against any accidental opening.

“Animals running under the car, hitting a bump on the road or similar unintended gestures won’t trigger the liftgate to open,” said Michael Becker, systems engineer. “This is one smart feature.”

As with other technology Ford has developed, the hands-free liftgate is a customer-focused solution, like SYNC® and EcoBoost™, which can be implemented in other vehicles around the globe.

“The arrival of the hands-free liftgate on the new C-MAX is just the beginning for this technology,” said Kuzak. “Customers soon will see this same technology roll out across our broader portfolio of vehicles.”

Dyno Stress: Dyno v. Engine for 150,000 Miles

Karen Ann — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:31:28 +0000

The 2011 F-150 is coming with your choice of four new engines. But we’ve singles out one engine to tests its limits mercilessly. If it has any limits. The all-new EcoBoost™. In the lab and in the field, we’re going to prove just how tough this remarkable engine is.

Ford Fiesta Earns Top 2010 Safety Pick

Karen Ann — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 23:39:15 +0000

The 2011 Ford Fiesta is the first mini-car to earn a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) since the introduction of a new roof strength test. The award applies to vehicles built after July 2010. The Fiesta is the eighth Ford Motor Company vehicle to earn the Institute’s top designation – breaking a tie with Toyota for the most “Top Safety Picks” of any automaker. Watch the test here.

Seriously, we needed a test! We thought Tom’s “Will it Blend” failure agains the Fiesta’s Boron steel proved that it was strong!! ;)

Ford’s Curve Control

Karen Ann — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:04:06 +0000

Imagine a car that responds before you even know something is wrong!

Curve Control senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second!

From Ford:

A New Curve for Safety Technology

Ford continues to refine and improve safety technology. Curve Control is part of a suite of safety technologies on the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer. Based on Ford-exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™), Curve Control is designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicle when taking a curve too quickly.

The technology senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second.

“Too many accidents stem from drivers misjudging their speed going into curves and freeway off- and on-ramps,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford’s Curve Control technology senses a potentially dangerous situation and reduces power and applies brakes more quickly than most drivers can react on their own.”

Curve Control is effective on dry or wet pavement, and is expected to be particularly useful when drivers are entering or exiting freeway on- or off-ramps with too much speed. When a vehicle enters a curve too fast, the system responds to the driver’s steering input by rapidly reducing torque and increasing brake pressure to help keep the vehicle under control.

The patent-pending system works by measuring how quickly the vehicle is turning and comparing that with how quickly the driver is trying to turn. When the vehicle is not turning as much as the driver is steering – also known as “pushing” – Curve Control activates. The system applies the precise amount of braking required on each wheel to enhance the individual wheel braking of the traditional stability control system.

Curve Control uses sensors to measure roll rate, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering wheel angle, and runs calculations based on those inputs 100 times every second.

This is one of several new driver assist and safety technologies to be offered on the all-new Explorer. Other technologies include next-generation adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, state-of-the-art pressure-based airbag technology, the industry’s first inflatable rear seat belts and intelligent four-wheel-drive terrain management system.

Curve Control will debut as standard equipment on the all-new 2011 Ford Explorer going into production later this year, and will be offered on 90 percent of the company’s North American crossovers, sport utilities, trucks and vans by 2015.

It’s a Pretty Big Deal! 2011 Ford Fiesta

Karen Ann — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:44:00 +0000

Introducing the new Ford Fiesta. With 40 MPG, Push Button Start, and SYNC along with other class-exclusive technology. It’s a pretty big deal.

The Little Car with a Huge Future – The Province

Karen Ann — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:26:16 +0000

While we aren’t able to link to the article about the Ford Fiesta on The Province (as we are without a subscription), we’d love to lay out some quotes that Bob McHugh made a point of listing as “Surprises”.

It was definitely nice to read great things about our little car! Did you know you can preorder your Ford Fiesta right now? Give us a call: 1.888.571.0953.

The first surprise was a Canadian base price of $12,999 for the S trim level of the four-door sedan — $2,000 below the U.S. base price. And that’s a refreshing change. The Canadian car does not come with standard air conditioning, but other than that they are identical.

Another surprise for buyers will be the performance of the optional PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission. It’s basically two manual transmissions in one that shifts electronically, similar to an Audi DSG transmission.

A hidden surprise that hopefully a Fiesta owner never gets to use is an excellent passive safety package. More than 50 per cent of the welded body structure of Fiesta is made from high-strength steel and Boron steel (which has four times the strength of regular steel) is used in critical areas, such as roof pillars and side intrusion beams.

5 Things you didn’t know about MyFord Touch

Karen Ann — Mon, 10 May 2010 22:11:43 +0000

MyFord Touch is pretty much the coolest thing to arrive in a car since Ford Sync was first introduced… maybe the most driver friendly technology since automatic transmissions?

With all the tech we’ve got in our home, office and even our pocket, it’s somewhat surprising our vehicles are lacking the latest in technological innovations — especially given how much time we spend behind the wheel each week. As we reported from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year, Ford is devoted to changing all that.

Read the entire article at Sync.

Ford Sync in Plain English by the Folks at Common Craft

Karen Ann — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:08:20 +0000