All-Fusion Front Row Set for Daytona 500

Posted on February 20, 2012 by perryrue

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Ford is back in front for the Daytona 500.

On a gusty Sunday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway, Roush Fenway Racing drivers Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle led qualifying and put Ford Fusions on the front row for the first – and most important – race of the NASCAR Sprint Cup season.

Edwards logged his first Daytona 500 pole with a lap of 194.738 miles per hour, the fastest pole speed for the 500 since 1999. Biffle rolled in with the second fastest speed – 194.087.

Edwards’ run ended a four-year Chevrolet pole streak at the 500.

In the unique qualifying procedure for the 500, only the two fastest drivers in time trials lock in positions on the starting grid. The rest of the 43-car field will be filled by the results of Thursday’s twin 150-mile qualifying races, time-trial speeds and provisionals.

Edwards and Biffle thus have safety valves for the Thursday qualifying races.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Edwards said. “I just cannot thank (team co-owner) Jack Roush enough for all the work that he’s put in, and Doug Yates (engine builder). I feel like he should be sitting up here with us. Those guys have done an unbelievable job of working through the transition to the EFI (electronic fuel injection), and it’s just amazing to know for the next week that Bob (crew chief Bob Osborne) and all of us are going to be working on the fastest race car here at Daytona and preparing it for the biggest race of the season.”

Osborne missed the first week of Daytona activities because of the death of his father. Chip Bolin, an RFR engineer, filled in with the Edwards team.

Although winning the 500 pole is no guarantee of grand success in the race, Edwards said the Sunday run was a big positive.

“It probably wouldn’t have mattered the first or second time I was here, but now after seeing how hard everybody works all winter and seeing how much pride the guys take in how these cars qualify, it’s a sign of the strength of your team,” he said. “To have the whole front row says a lot about Roush Fenway Racing and Ford.”

Completing the top five Sunday were Dale Earnhardt Jr., Marcos Ambrose and Casey Mears. The runs by Ambrose and Mears gave Ford four of the top five time-trial speeds.

“They (Ford teams) definitely have found some speed over the off-season in their Daytona package,” Chevrolet driver Earnhardt Jr. said.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driving a fourth RFR entry, had the eighth fastest speed, and he was followed in ninth by defending 500 winner Trevor Bayne.

Also in the top 20 in Fords were Aric Almirola (13th), David Ragan (15th) and Matt Kenseth (16th).

Among the “go-or-go-home” drivers, Bayne and Tony Raines had fast enough speeds Sunday to guarantee starting spots in the 500. Terry Labonte, in another Ford, was 31st fastest Sunday and is assured of a starting position in the 500 because he’s a series champion

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2011 is shaping up to be Ford Fusion’s best selling year yet.

Posted on December 29, 2011 by perryrue

DEARBORN, Mich. – In five short years since introduction, Fusion sales are expected to reach 240,000 by year-end, making 2011 its best-selling year ever and Fusion Ford’s best-selling car.

•As Ford prepares an all-new Fusion for reveal next month, the current model continues to sell at a record pace, pleasing customers and dealers alike
•Since its introduction as a 2006 model, Fusion sales have risen steadily – making it Ford’s best-selling car for 2011
•The freshened 2010 model introduced Ford’s first hybrid electric car, leading to Fusion Hybrid being named the 2010 North American Car of the Year
•Fusion’s high quality and safety make it the J.D. Power Most Dependable Midsize Car and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick

“Since launching in the 2006 model year, Fusion has reinforced Ford’s commitment to the midsize sedan market,” said Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager. “Recognized as a Best Buy every year since launch, Fusion is a key contributor to Ford’s car renaissance.”

Since its first full year of sales in 2006 through 2010, the Ford Fusion has expanded share of the midsize segment by 5.2 percentage points. In 2006, Fusion had sales of 142,502 and 6.7 percent of segment share. By 2010, Fusion sales had risen to 219,219 for an 11.9 percent share, representing an increase in sales of 54 percent over that period. By comparison, Toyota Camry experienced a 27 percent decline while Honda Accord sales saw a 20 percent drop.

Fusion has continued to accelerate, achieving record sales levels for 13 out of the last 14 months through November, reaching sales of 226,445. December sales are expected to increase this streak to 14 months. In October, Fusion sales eclipsed the 200,000-units sold milestone for the second year in a row. To see a graphic illustration of Fusion sales success, follow this link: http://media.ford.com/images/10031/fusionsalesgrowth.jpg.

Recognized by automotive and consumer media for quality and dependability, Fusion has been a success for drivers and dealers. Fusion’s trophy case includes:
•Most Reliable Family Car –from independent reliability and owner satisfaction survey data
•Most Dependable Midsize Car – J.D. Power and Associates
•Motor Trend’s 2010 Car of the Year – a highly coveted industry accolade
•2010 North American Car of the Year – awarded by a jury of top automotive journalists

“In addition to being a sales superstar, Fusion has been incredibly successful in attracting new customers to the Ford showroom,” said Hoyt. “Fusion is our top conquest vehicle, as 40 percent of Fusion buyers are new to the Ford brand.”

A key to Fusion’s success has been offering features consumers want to keep them connected and safe. The majority of Fusions sold are highly equipped models. Specifically:
•84 percent of Fusion models are sold with SYNC®, Ford’s award-winning voice-controlled communications and entertainment system
•20 percent of Fusion models are sold with Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®)
•44 percent of Fusion models are sold with a reverse sensing system
•20 percent of Fusions are sold with a rear view camera system

Fusion has also been a linchpin in Ford’s eastern and western regional sales success, both markets that traditionally prefer imported midsize sedans. Fusion’s share has increased from 4.5 percent in 2007 to 8.2 percent in 2011 in the east, while in the west it has increased from 4.3 percent to 7.3 percent over the same period.

The 2012 Ford Fusion is offered in both gas and Hybrid versions with available all-wheel drive for confidence in any driving situation.

Ford will reveal an all-new Fusion model during the North American International Auto Show in January.

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Winter Driving Tips from Ford and North Brothers.

Posted on December 21, 2011 by perryrue

With winter officially beginning this week, and as drivers prepare for the height of the holiday travel season, Ford offers a Top 10 list of driving safety do’s and don’ts to help drivers and their families stay safe on the roads this season:

10. DO allow a few minutes to brush and scrape your vehicle. Clearing windows is crucial for visibility and removing snow or ice from the top of your car will spare cars behind you from encountering an unexpected snow assault, impairing visibility or even cracking a windshield.

DON’T forget to clean snow and ice off your headlights and taillights as well.

9. DO use winterized windshield wiper fluid to make sure your wiper sprayer doesn’t freeze over or crack, preventing you from washing away dirt and salt.

DON’T try to melt ice from your windshield by pouring hot water on it. Using hot water can crack the windshield.

8. DO wash your car regularly to remove salt and dirt from the roadways.

DON’T let road grime prematurely age the body of your vehicle by neglecting to bathe it.

7. DO maintain at least half a tank of gas to prevent unnecessarily stranding yourself in adverse conditions. To help get the most out of your tank, Ford offers fuel-saving technologies such as its EcoBoost® engines, electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) and hybrid electric vehicles.

DON’T forget to check that all fluids are at proper levels and ensure all tires, including the spare, have the required pressure and tread.

6. DO prepare your car for an emergency. Essential items to keep in the trunk are a blanket to stay warm, proper attire (boots, jacket, hat and gloves) in case you have to be outside for an extended period of time, a shovel, flashlight with fresh batteries and snacks. Keep your cell phone charged to call help if necessary.

DON’T forget the kitty litter or sand, which can be used to provide added traction if your car becomes stuck in the snow.

5. DO remain aware of what’s around you on the road, including checking your blind spots and keeping an eye out for pedestrians or lost reindeer from Santa’s sleigh.

DON’T follow too closely. The general rule is the vehicle ahead should pass a road marker two seconds before you. In slippery conditions, it is recommended to double the amount of space between you and the vehicle in front.

4. DO apply even pressure when braking in slick conditions if your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Keep in mind anti-lock brakes do not shorten stopping distance, but they do help you maintain control.

DON’T become overconfident in snowy and slippery road conditions. Always test road conditions with cautious driving when the surface area is wet or icy, particularly on bridges and overpasses.

3. DO turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide when driving on snowy or icy roads until you gain control.
DON’T apply power or change directions suddenly on snow or ice.

2. DO stay calm if you find yourself stuck in the snow or broken down on the side of the road in adverse conditions.
DON’T leave your car unless available shelter is close by. If you need to run the engine to stay warm, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow so the interior stays clear of harmful carbon monoxide.

1. DO make sure you are awake and alert behind the wheel. If necessary, take a break and grab a coffee.
DON’T lose track of how many eggnogs you consumed at the holiday party. The most important holiday safe driving tip of all is to refrain from drinking and driving under all circumstances. If you think you will drink, arrange for alternate transportation ahead of time.

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With Its Unbeatable Combination of Top Fuel Efficiency and Capability, Ford F-150 Is Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year

Posted on December 13, 2011 by perryrue

•2012 Ford F-150 has been awarded the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year® award, the fourth time F-150 has won the accolade. F-150 has won the award more times than any other truck

•F-150 outshone all other contenders in various tests that evaluated the truck’s design, engineering, performance, efficiency, safety and value

•With class-leading fuel efficiency, capability and durability coupled with affordable technology, the 2012 Ford F-150 meets the demands of today’s full-size light-duty pickup customers

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 12, 2011 – The 2012 Ford F-150, which established a new standard for full-size pickups with best-in-class fuel efficiency and capability, today was named Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year®.

“The 2012 F-150 is a no-compromise solution that can be tailored to fit virtually every customer’s needs, and the Motor Trend Truck of the Year award further reinforces that this is truly the best choice for America’s truck owners,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We are proud to receive this award and even more pleased that our F-150 customers have additional validation of their top choice.”

This is the fourth time the F-150 has won the award – the most awards for any truck since Motor Trend began presenting its Truck of the Year award in 1989. The Ford pickup received the magazine’s prestigious award for previous groundbreaking new models in 1997, 2004 and 2009.

Motor Trend editors applauded F-150 because, they said, “F-150s are built to work and felt better the more they were challenged. Ford offers an enormous variety of configurations and designs, making the truck tailorable to just about any need. It’s the combination of advancement in design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value, and the performance of intended function that has earned the Ford F-150 the title of Motor Trend’s 2012 Truck of the Year.”

With more than a half-million sales through November and a lead of almost 150,000 sales versus the nearest competitor, the Ford F-Series is on track this year to extend its streak of truck leadership to 35 straight years.

Helping spark the F-150’s continued success is the powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine, which now accounts for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales and is on pace to exceed 100,000 sales in less than a year on the market.

More capability, more technology

The 2012 F-150 offers customers plenty of technologies that boost capability, performance, driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency. One such technology is the class-exclusive electric power-assisted steering (EPAS). The system has been carefully tuned with sophisticated speed mapping to deliver accurate responses at high speed while remaining light and manageable in parking maneuvers. Ford is the first manufacturer to widely offer EPAS on full-size pickup trucks. EPAS contributes about a 4 percent fuel-economy benefit compared with conventional hydraulic systems.

A 4.2-inch LCD message center that features information related to fuel economy, towing performance and off-roading, SYNC® AppLink™ and SiriusXM Travel Link also are among the customer conveniences available.

New features for 2012 include:
•36-gallon fuel tank on 4×4 F-150 EcoBoost-equipped units providing best-in-class 756 miles of driving range
•Two-speed automatic 4×4 system on Lariat, King Ranch, Harley-Davidson and Platinum models for improved all-weather traction
•Hill Start Assist, which helps keep the truck from rolling backward at a stop, making it easier to pull away when on a slope or hill, especially when towing
•Best-in-class payload capability of 3,120 pounds

Fuel-efficient and powerful offerings
All of the changes for the 2012 model year complement a powertrain lineup that debuted in 2011. The powertrain lineup delivers a mix of best-in-class fuel economy, horsepower, torque and capability. Ford is also the first and only manufacturer to equip its entire full-size pickup truck lineup with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission as standard. Engine highlights include:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6:
•Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm vs. V6 competitors
•Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors
•Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)
•Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve DOHC Ti-VCT V8:
•Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
•Best-in-class 380 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors
•21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)
•Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve SOHC V8:
•Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. all competitors
•Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm vs. all competitors
•13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)
•Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost:
•365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel
•Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors
•Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm
•22 mpg highway, 16 mpg city (4×2)
•Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors
•Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

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Ford to Commercialize Attaching Windshields through Cleaner Technology

Posted on November 21, 2011 by perryrue

DEARBORN, MI– Ford wants to innovate the way vehicle windshields are installed through a new patented process that makes the attachment less costly, simpler and more eco-conscious than current practices.

One patent covers cleaning and activating the edge of the windshield glass in less than 10 seconds. A second Ford patent covers the application of a plasma-reacted nano-coating that modifies the surface for bonding of the adhesive that holds the windshield in place. The entire patented process takes less than one minute.

Larry Haack, technical expert, Ford Research and Innovation, said there are several benefits of the new patented technology including elimination of the primers that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

“The new patented process has the potential to reduce costs because it requires far less material to create the ultra-thin bond coating, and the fully automated process is much less labor-intensive,” said Haack. “This new process also lessens the use of chemicals including VOCs, which is good for the environment.”

Ford’s corporate sustainability efforts call for reduction of VOC emissions in its facilities while still meeting Federal safety requirements.

The typical method to attach a windshield – used currently at Ford and throughout the industry – is to first wipe the glass with a solvent cleaner, then apply a primer and adhesive to secure the windshield to the vehicle. Part of the problem, said Haack, is that this method releases a small amount of highly undesirable solvent emissions.

The Ford patented technology eliminates the use of the solvents that contain VOCs and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing steps, such as wiping the glass clean.

Ford recently signed a nonexclusive, worldwide license agreement with Elgin, IL-based Plasmatreat U.S. L.P. that grants the right to use Ford’s new process patents and incorporate the Ford technology into Plasmatreat’s own equipment and patented processes. Also, Ford will provide technical assistance to Plasmatreat and its customers to implement technology using Ford’s experience and know-how.

Chris Danowski, technology commercialization director, Ford Global Technologies, said the new technology will be offered worldwide first in equipment that Plasmatreat plans to sell or lease to Ford, other automotive OEMs, the heavy truck market, motor home and bus industries and other customers who want to use it.

“Ford is excited about working with companies like Plasmatreat to commercialize new technologies and make them available to the market faster,” said Danowski. “Such relationships are very beneficial as we are simplifying the manufacturing process and making it more environmentally friendly, too.”

Ford Global Technologies manages intellectual property for Ford and commercializes technologies for use inside and outside the automotive industry.

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Ford Mytouch Update! Please review.

Posted on November 8, 2011 by perryrue

NEWS
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Follow at www.facebook.com/ford, www.twitter.com/ford or www.youtube.com/fordvideo1
Faster, Simpler, Easier to Use: MyFord Touch Upgrade
Provides Customers with Enhanced Driving Experience
• Ford will launch performance upgrades and new features for MyFord Touch®
beginning with 2013 models – no-charge upgrade will be available to existing owners
• Simpler graphics, faster touch-screen response and easier-to-use controls are
among the many enhancements to the voice-activated in-car connectivity system
DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 7, 2011 – Ford customers said MyFord Touch® could be faster and
feature simpler graphics that are easier to use and that’s exactly what Ford plans to deliver with
a broad set of performance upgrades to the system – launching first on the new 2013 Ford
Escape, Flex, and Taurus.
Available early next year – and also offered at no charge to existing MyFord Touch owners – the
software upgrade enhances the ownership experience as it was developed by listening and
responding to customer feedback.
“SYNC® has clearly been a game-changing technology, and now we’re changing the game
again, showing how quickly we can deliver more of what customers really want,” said Graydon
Reitz, director, Ford Global Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “Our strategy to
create the SYNC software platform and add the customizable screens of MyFord Touch gives
us a level of flexibility and speed to respond to customer input like never before seen in the auto
industry.”
The new touch-screen interface features new simpler graphics and controls that are easier to
use. Customers will also experience significantly faster touch-screen response times, one of the
top requests from owners.
New features include support for tablet devices and Audible.com audiobooks, improved
navigation maps and enhanced voice recognition interaction.
Listening to customers
Since MyFord launched last fall, Ford has held four customer clinics in which owners talked
directly to Ford engineers about their experiences with the new technology. Owner feedback
was clear and consistent, revealing that MyFord Touch was a key purchase reason.
A survey of 2011 Ford Edge owners shows that four of the top seven purchase reasons were
elements of the MyFord Touch system: the touch-screen, steering wheel controls, voice
recognition and interior styling.
While owners reported that they love the system, there were distinct areas where they wanted
improvements. Earlier this year, Ford started delivering on their requests, beginning with more
instructions and information on how to best utilize the capabilities of the system.
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Follow at www.facebook.com/ford, www.twitter.com/ford or www.youtube.com/fordvideo1
2
Ford launched two programs modeled after what consumers experience when purchasing a
new electronic device. First, the company added a new MyFord Touch owner support website
featuring how-to videos at www.syncmyride.com. Second, free “SYNC My Ride” personalized
training sessions for new owners are now offered through Ford dealers – scheduled at
customers’ convenience.
“The keys to continuous improvement are simple: Listen, learn and respond. That’s how we’re
going to keep our customers happy,” said Gary Jablonski, manager, SYNC Platform
Development. “Evolving the software with meaningful enhanced features was part of our plan
from the very beginning. It’s no different than the experience with our smartphones and laptop
computers – except now, it’s your car that gets better.”
New look
The visual enhancements to MyFord Touch are based on simplifying the graphics with larger,
bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent
pattern. More than 1,000 screens in total have been updated with the improved look.
“Our goal when designing the upgrade was to simplify the screens and give customers a fast
and easy way to get information at any given moment,” said Jennifer Brace, user interface
Design engineer for Ford. “That meant removing buttons, relocating high-use controls closer to
the driver’s reach, simplifying tasks and improving font size.”
The new fonts are as much as 40 percent larger on some redesigned screens. The fonts also
are wider and bolder to provide easier legibility, particularly among the rapidly increasing
number of drivers age 60 and older.
New features
Ford also took the opportunity to update the performance of the system and add new features
for customers to help them keep pace with the fast-moving consumer electronics market.
Faster touch-screen response time, for example, was a key request from owners. Initial testing
shows that touch and voice response is at least two times faster than the current system.
Also, the software upgrade includes the following enhancements:
• Improved voice recognition experience powered by Nuance
– Quicker voice recognition upon startup and faster command prompt when the
voice button is pushed
– Voice commands used in conjunction with navigation are simplified through
elimination of the need to provide street direction, e.g., “Main Street” instead of
“North Main Street”
– Music requests are simpler by removing the need to include the additional song,
album or artist information often found at the end of a name in (parenthesis) or
[brackets]
– Customers can find their favorite sports team in action via new Sirius Game
Finder simply by saying a command such as “Tune to Detroit Lions game”
• Tablet device compatibility
– Music and other media content from most popular tablet computers like the Apple
iPad can now be accessed through a simple USB connection
For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com.
Follow at www.facebook.com/ford, www.twitter.com/ford or www.youtube.com/fordvideo1
3
• Audible.com audiobook support
– Listen to Audible.com content using voice commands or the easy-to-use touchscreen
controls
• Connected navigation powered by TeleNav features new map data by NAVTEQ
– Updated map views are richer and feature more 3D landmarks
– Views of freeway junctions and signs are enhanced through photorealistic screen
images
– Smart routing options are provided based on a database of historical traffic
patterns
• Phone compatibility
– Automatic Bluetooth® connection upon vehicle entry has been improved
– Noise and echo cancelation during phone calls has been improved to enhance
call quality
• Gracenote® album cover art database
– Inclusion of the latest music metadata available enhancing the music playback
experience
– Improved voice recognition for music search allowing drivers to pinpoint artists
with hard-to-pronounce names or nicknames
# # #
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or
distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants
worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial
services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please
visit www.ford.com.

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Be smart, not scary on the road for Halloween

Posted on October 30, 2011 by perryrue

Ghosts, witches, and goblins will wander the roads on Halloween for their annual trick-or-treating rituals, and extra care should be taken to ensure the holiday festivities don’t become truly frightening. The scary reality is that Halloween is one of the deadliest days/nights of the year for pedestrians, especially children. But there are steps that parents and motorists can take to reduce the risks.

Halloween brings out children of all ages walking along and crossing the street, so it’s important to make sure children and parents know how to stay aware and safe.

•Parents should accompany children if they are younger than 12 years old.

•Children should walk and not run from house to house.

•Children should stay on sidewalks instead of walking between cars or on lawns where there could be ornaments or wires that could be a tripping hazard.

•Remind children to look for cars when walking by a driveway.

•Don’t assume the right of way, as motorists may not see you.

•Consider a costume that is a lighter color and more visible to motorists. Add reflective material front and back; it can even be part of the design.

•If children are walking in the dark, give them a flashlight, so they can be seen by drivers. Glow sticks can further aid visibility.

Halloween can be especially difficult for drivers, with children being unpredictable and sometimes hard to see after dark.

•Drive slowly in and around neighborhoods and residential streets.

•Do not drink and drive. Drunk driving incidents increase on Halloween; motorists should be more responsible, know that this evening is especially dangerous.

•Watch for children who may dart out into the street and always yield to pedestrians—where there is one, there are likely others ready to cross.

•If you are driving children around for trick or treating, make sure they are buckled up appropriately with a child safety seat or vehicle seatbelt. Do this each and every time they enter the car, and check before driving to the next stop.

•Pull over to safe locations to let children exit curb side, away from traffic. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers of not only your car, but to exercise caution. Especially on Halloween, they might be extra wary for children as a result.

•Try to park in a spot where you won’t need to back up, but if you must, have an adult outside to make sure no children are in the way.

•Do not use a cell phone or other mobile device while driving. Pull over safely to check voice messages, or texts, as needed.

By being cautious and safety minded this Halloween, you can make sure the holiday is a treat for all.

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Nascar News from North Brothers Ford

Posted on October 9, 2011 by perryrue

Four Blue Ovals Land Top-10 at Kansas; Edwards is New Points LeaderMatt Kenseth, No. 17 Crown Royal Ford (Finished 4th) – “I don’t think you can ever be disappointed when you finish in the top five. Overall it was a good day for us. I feel like we were off all day and we were still able to come home with a top-five so that was good. We had great track position, great qualifying and great pit stops and that kept us in the game today.”

Greg Biffle, No. 16 3M Sherwin Williams Ford (Finished 8th) – “Our car wasn’t that good. We worked really hard on it to get it better. We still struggled some and I don’t know what happened with the speeding on pit road. That was stupid. I was the same number that I had been all day. One good thing about it is that I must have been right on the number all day and the bad thing about it is that I got over it one time. We were fourth, fifth, a couple of times there. I wasn’t that good in traffic. My car just wasn’t that good in traffic. That is where I got hurt there at the end.”

Carl Edwards, No. 99 Aflac Ford (Finished 5th) – “What a fun race that was. There was certainly a lot of luck involved there. Man I wanted to win for these home fans at Kansas but this is like getting a win considering how it looked like it could have been. I have to thank my Aflac team. They did a great job today, they never stopped and we were able to work out way back up there. We were just off in the beginning but they worked hard all day and it paid off at the end.”

Marcos Ambrose, No. 9 Stanley/DeWalt Ford (Finished 9th) – “We stole one there. We’ve had some really good runs and we stayed out. It is good to get a bit lucky at the end there. We really worked hard all day. The DeWalt team really kept trying some stuff and actually got it going pretty good there the last 80 laps and were able to get back on the lead lap and back in the top-10.”

David Ragan, No. 6 UPS Ford (Finished 20th) – “We just didn’t start out the race very good. We made a lot of adjustments throughout the day and at the end of the race we had a top 10 to top-15 car depending on our balance. We just weren’t lucky today. We missed getting the Lucky Dog a couple of times and the chips just didn’t fall our way. When you’re back there 10th to 20th you need a couple lucky breaks and we just didn’t get them. We could have gotten a top 10 out of it, but it just wasn’t our day.”

David Gilliland, No. 34 A&W Ford (Finished 32nd) – “I don’t know what it is about this track, but it’s just always been tough for us. From the time we rolled off the truck, Peter (crew chief Peter Sospenzo) and the guys worked on trying to make it better all weekend. And we did get it better, but track conditions changed during the race and it just seemed like we were always chasing it. I can’t wait to get to Charlotte, though. It’s great racing at home and it’s a track we run well at, so I’m really looking forward to next weekend.”

CARL EDWARDS PRESS CONFERENCE (POINTS LEADER)

YOU ARE THE NEW POINTS LEADER BY ONE POINT OVER KEVIN HARVICK. HOW DOES THAT FEEL GOING INTO CHARLOTTE NEXT WEEK? “I feel grateful. That was very, very bad at the beginning of that race. I cannot thank my guys enough for sticking with it and working hard all day. I cannot believe we finished fifth. It feels like a win. That is the most we have done with a car that wasn’t capable of winning ever. I am really proud of my guys. We made good adjustments and I just cannot believe from the way the day started to finish like that is spectacular.”

WHAT WAS THE TROUBLE WITH THE CAR AND WHAT WERE THE ADJUSTMENTS THAT WERE MADE? “Well there were two things that happened. We had the wrong front suspension setting in the car. Bob and I together in practice prepared the wrong setup. They dropped the green and I realized we were in deep trouble. Bob made adjustments to the setup, bigger than we would normally make. We were very fortunate with the late race caution and getting two tires and have a shot to run up there through the traffic. We were very, very fortunate. I am extremely grateful. I do not deserve to be sitting up here. We should have finished 15th or 20th. It all worked out in our favor.”

IN TERMS OF THE CAR, CAN YOU REMEMBER A CHANGE IN MOMENTUM SO FAST IN YOUR CAREER? “Yeah, that was pretty bad. I thought we were going to run a lot better but it isn’t the car. We made the decisions to put the setup in it that we did. Matt was fast, Greg was fast. It is our fault as a group. It is just that usually for us when we make those bad decisions we can’t recover like we did today. That is what I am really grateful for. That was amazing.”

WAS THERE A MOMENT WHEN YOU KNEW THE CAR WASN’T SET UP RIGHT? “I had a hint of it in the first corner when we drove down. I was like, ‘man, this is not good.’ I thought maybe it would be better the next lap but it wasn’t so by the second lap I realized we were in trouble. That was the worst my car has felt in a race in a long time.”

DO YOU NEED A LITTLE LUCK TO WIN THE CHASE AND DO YOU THINK IF YOU PULL THIS OUT YOU WILL LOOK BACK ON TODAY AS THE KEY MOMENT IN WINNING THE CHAMPIONSHIP? “I feel like we have had two weeks with very lucky breaks, both last week and this week. To be able to come back from a bad position on the race track. There is still so much racing left. We have run four races and it feels like we have run 400. There is a lot that can happen in the next six races. I have a feeling there will be more moments that define this championship, all the way up to the last lap at Homestead I think you will have to be on your game.”

WHEN YOU WERE BACK A LAP DOWN DID YOU START SCOREBOARD WATCHING AT ALL TO SEE WHERE THE CHASE GUYS WERE AND HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT TO GET BY HARVICK AT THE END? “They need to put that scoreboard somewhere where it is easier to see. I about ran into the fence trying to look at that thing off of turn two. I watched as best I could but you can’t focus too much on that. You have to run your own race as painful as it is. That last pass of Kevin meant a lot. We both knew it too. We knew since we were tied that whoever finished first would be ahead one point so that was good that we were able to do that. It will be nice for the guys and everybody at the shop to know to be leading the points even though it doesn’t mean much. We just talked about Brad being 11 points back. It can change in a heartbeat.”

JIMMIE WINNING TODAY, DOES IT REAFFIRM THAT HE IS GOING TO BE THERE AT THE END AGAIN? “I think he should just pack it up. It’s over, he is too far back (laughter). I don’t know. He is going to be tough I think.”

DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS GOING INTO CHARLOTTE NEXT WEEK CONSIDERING HOW BAD YOU WERE MOST OF TODAY? “That is the first thing Bob and I talked about when he got over to the car, making sure we don’t make the same mistake at Charlotte. That place has been a little difficult for us. We have been very hit and miss there. I do feel like our run in the All-Star race and 600 earlier this year will be something we can build on. We have a baseline strategy with the setup and we will go use that and hopefully it will work out better.”

YOU TOUCHED ON THIS A LITTLE BIT, BUT EVEN THOUGH YOU GUYS STRUGGLED, WHAT DO YOU THINK IT SAYS ABOUT YOUR TEAM AS A WHOLE THAT YOU WERE ABLE TO COME BACK FROM A 15TH OR 20TH PLACE CAR AND FINISH IN THE TOP 5? “Well, first we’re lucky because we had to have luck go our way. We had two cautions that were timed perfectly, so that was a big deal. But we’ve messed up enough in the past that I’m pretty proud of our ability to just kind of take our bad days and just keep plugging along. You know, we’ve messed up some races and some points races in the past, and I believe we’ve learned from that. So it’s kind of a little test when you go through something like this to see if somebody melts down or if you can kind of keep going through it, and I’m glad it worked out today, but there was a lot of luck involved, as well.

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Didn’t we see this on Gilligan’s island? Who would have thought!

Posted on October 7, 2011 by perryrue

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2011 – Coconuts are ingredients in plenty of items – pies, cakes and tropical drinks. Now, Ford is hoping to add cars to that list by working with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company to research how coconut coir, or husks, might be used as a plastic reinforcement.

“This is a win-win situation. We’re taking a material that is a waste stream from another industry and using it to increase the sustainability in our vehicles,” said Dr. Ellen Lee, technical expert for Plastics Research at Ford. “We continue to search for innovative renewable technologies that can both reduce our dependence on petroleum as well as improve fuel economy.”

Profile
Ellen Lee, Technical Expert, Plastics ResearchCoconut coir is a natural fiber from the husk of a coconut. ScottsMiracle-Gro uses the material as a carrier for its soils and grass seed products, including Scotts® Turf Builder® EZ Seed® and Miracle-Gro® Expand ‘n Gro™ Concentrated Planting Mix. Both products use the coir’s natural fibers to hold 50 percent more water than basic potting soil and release it as plants need it – helping homeowners save water.

“ScottsMiracle-Gro uses more than 70 million pounds of coir a year in our consumer products,” said Dave Swihart, ScottsMiracle-Gro senior vice president of Global Supply Chain. “Teaming up with Ford to find a high-value use for our leftover coir material is very exciting for us as we continually work to make our products and operations more sustainable.”

Once the coconut coir comes to Ford, researchers combine it with plastic to deliver additional reinforcement to the part while eliminating the need for some petroleum. Along with making use of a renewable resource, the new part would be lighter in weight. The natural long fibers also are visible in the plastic and offer a more natural look than typical materials.

In the interior, the material could be used in storage bins, door trim, seat trim or center console substrates. It could also potentially be used on underbody and exterior trim.

Ford is currently testing the material’s properties to ensure it passes all of the company’s durability tests. Coconut coir is very difficult to burn, and Ford is researching whether it has natural flame-retardant properties.

Eco-friendly solutions
Ford’s “Reduce, reuse and recycle” commitment is part of the company’s broader global sustainability strategy to reduce its environmental footprint while at the same time accelerating the development of advanced, fuel-efficient vehicle technologies around the world.

Over the past several years Ford has concentrated on increasing the use of nonmetal recycled and bio-based materials whenever possible, provided these materials are environmentally favorable in the specific application. Examples include soy foam seat cushions and head restraints, wheat straw-filled plastic, castor oil foam in instrument panels, recycled resins for underbody systems, recycled yarns on seat covers and natural-fiber plastic for interior components.

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Ford, BASF Green Up with Auto Industry’s First Castor Oil-Based Foam in the 2012 Focus•

Posted on October 5, 2011 by perryrue

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 30, 2011 – Castor oil is just what the doctor ordered to reduce petroleum-based fossil fuel content in the instrument panel of the new Ford Focus.

“Working with BASF, we now can offer our North American customers the new Ford Focus with the industry’s first seamless soft-touch instrument panel that’s stronger, better-looking and better on the environment,” said Bari Brown, Ford advanced product development engineer. “Castor oil from plants helps deliver sustainable interior foam that reduces petroleum use while improving vehicle craftsmanship. It’s beneficial both for the customer and Mother Nature.”

Castor oil is derived from the Ricinus Communis flowering spurge plant, which has widespread growth throughout tropical regions. The plant’s oil presents a sustainable interior foam solution that does not compete with food sources. Employing more than 10 percent renewable content, the resulting foam product passes all Ford performance requirements for interior components.

Stronger, softer, faster
The new castor oil-based foam is significantly more durable than the previously used material, with a 36 percent better tensile strength, a measure of the foam’s ability to hold its shape over time and use. Tear strength also is improved by 5 percent while elongation – stretch under temperature or impact stress – is reduced by almost 12 percent.

From a customer’s perspective, the Focus instrument panel is softer to the touch; it seamlessly contains the first-row passenger airbag, for a more appealing interior.

Productivity is improved and the manufacturing process is simplified by the 43 percent reduction in time for the castor oil-based foam product to cure. Scrap from this foam product is reduced due to improved flow and processing characteristics.

BASF and sustainability
“BASF is committed to the development of sustainable solutions for the automotive industry,” said Joel Johnson, vice president, BASF Polyurethane Systems. “Working with Ford on the first castor oil-based foam is an excellent example of two industry leaders focused on speed-to-market made possible by collaboration. Finding a sustainable product that saves more than5,000barrels of oil for every 300,000 Ford Focus models produced in North America is a very exciting solution for all of us.”

Ford is committed to developing new, sustainable technologies that reduce the use of fossil fuel while increasing vehicle quality and enhancing customers’ experiences and attitudes about their vehicles.

Over time, Ford plans to incorporate castor oil-based foam solutions across more products in its full-line global portfolio.

A sustainable solution
Ford has consistently concentrated on increasing the use of non-metal recycled and bio-based materials whenever possible provided these materials are environmentally favorable and meet all performance and durability requirements.

Examples include soy foam seat cushions and gaskets, wheat straw-filled storage bins, recycled resins for underbody systems, recycled yarns on seat covers and natural-fiber plastic for interior components.

Ford was the first automaker to demonstrate soy-based foam could be formulated to pass the stringent requirements for automotive applications, pioneering its use in seats for the 2008 Ford Mustang and in headliners for the 2010 Ford Escape.

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