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Survey:Renewed Trust In U.S. Cars Esp Ford

In recent months and years, U.S. automakers have rallied that American cars are now on equal or better footing than Japanese (and Korean) cars in terms of quality, reliability, and durability.

The campaigns, along with sea-change improvements in some of the products coming from Detroit, as observed by TheCarConnection.com, seem to have worked. With critically acclaimed success stories like the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford (NYSE:F) has gained significantly with U.S. shoppers; the percentage singling out Ford as the automaker producing the best quality cars doubled since 2006, from nine percent to 18 percent.

It's not surprising, given the slew of recalls that have been announced in recent months—including some that have applied to the automaker's iconic 2010 Toyota Prius flagship—Toyota took the hardest hit when poll-takers asked who produces the best quality cars. It fell from 25 down to 15 percent.

The results come from an AP-GfK Poll, taken by GfK Roper Public Affairs and Media, and based on 1,002 adults 18 and older—702 by landline and 300 by cellphone—then weighted to the Current Population Survey. It was conducted March 3 and March 8 of this year, but included in the poll results were those from December 2006, when many of the same questions were asked.

Compared to 2006, a slightly higher percentage said that they would consider buying an American car (68 percent now versus 64 percent then). But there's still progress to be made on behalf of the U.S. industry; the perception remains that foreign cars are better quality, better made, and/or longer lasting.

When asked which country produces the best quality cars, 38 percent of respondents thought U.S. vehicles were tops (up from 29 percent in 2006), while Europe was down slightly (from 17 to 15 percent) and Asia was down significantly (from 46 percent in 2006 to 33 percent in March). Japan took the hardest hit, down from 44 percent to 29 percent.

In a test of image, respondents were asked to name their dream car. There, 38 percent responded with a foreign brand, with models from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus placing highest. Domestic models were chosen by 31 percent, with Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, and Chrysler ranked at the top (though Corvette was separated out as a separate brand).

Interestingly, vehicle ownership looks to have dropped slightly during this time according to this demographically adjusted poll, with 83 percent owning or leasing one or more vehicles in 2010, versus 89 percent in 2006. A surprising 17 percent said this year that they didn't own or lease a vehicle at all—that's way up from ten percent then.

One stereotype that hasn't changed is that those in the Western U.S.—along with those who have completed more education—are far more likely to hold their high regard for Asian-made vehicles. Older and rural residents remained more positive about American cars.

[Associated Press, via Yahoo]
OTHER INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Relevant Cars are Small Cars in 2010 Vancouver Auto Show

by Dominic Haber on Sat, 04/03/2010

The term 'relevant cars' was coined by Ford Canada CEO David Mondragon at a pre-show breakfast, while describing the aggressive launch in North America of the Euro-designed Fiesta and the Focus later this year. Mondragon shared that small cars are termed as relevant as there is dearth of driving as well as parking space in cities like Vancouver and Montreal.

The Fiesta is drawing crowds at the show, which is set for launch here within the next few months at just $12,999.

Ford's new smaller offerings in the shape of Cruze, is a worthy rival of Chevrolet. Cruze which has sold more than 100,000 cars in 60 countries is already a success story worldwide.

But Fiat 500, featured on today's Driving cover is surely the show stealer among gas powered small cars.

Three youth-oriented Scion models allotted to be sold by the Toyota brand are also the part of the Vancouver show. They are the tC compact sport coupe featuring a remarkable panorama moon roof. While xD is a subcompact five-door hatchback, the xB is a boxy five-door hatchback.

Another car that is making its debut at the show is the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. The company is intended to introduce a handful of vehicles to Canada this coming year for real world testing.

The innovative electric vehicle Mitsubishi iMIEV will debut in this market within 12 months.

original article here.

FORD FIESTA, TOP12 ‘AMERICAN IDOLS’ GET PERSONAL

DEARBORN, Mich., March 17, 2010 – Ford Motor Company is adding an exciting new element to its sponsorship of the hit television series “American Idol,” giving the top 12 Idols a unique opportunity to work with Ford designers and create their own personalized 2011 Ford Fiesta. 

Tonight’s episode of “American Idol,” which airs at 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed on FOX, will feature this new element in a video segment.

“Ford has been a sponsor of ‘American Idol’ since the show premiered in 2002, and each season we try to take our relationship with the show to the next level in a fun and meaningful way,” said Connie Fontaine, manager, Ford Brand Content and Alliances. “This year, the Idols will get a closer experience with our vehicles as they interact with our designers and customize a Fiesta design that reflects their own personality.” 

All of the Idols’ Fiestas will be on display at www.americanidol.com. From March 17 through May 21, 2010 fans 18 and older can enter the Ford Music Video Challenge weekly for a chance to win one of the vehicles and a trip to the set of a Ford Music Video shoot or the grand prize, which includes a Fiesta with their choice of one of the Top 12 designs and tickets to the finale. Official rules and entry details are available at www.americanidol.com/ford/challenge.

“Ford has great young designers who are bringing fresh thinking to our product lineup,” said Fontaine. “We hope the design integration with ‘American Idol’ will shine a light on the remarkable talent that is working tirelessly to deliver great products to market.”

“Idolizing” the Ford Fiesta
Ford began the design process by giving each of the top 12 contestants a palette of nine Fiesta colors to choose from, including vibrant shades like Lime Squeeze, Blue Flame and Bright Magenta. So the design team could get to know each contestant on a more personal level, the Idols also were given a personality survey to fill out with questions like, “What are the three things you are most passionate about?” and “What do you want your car to say about you?”

Four up-and-coming Ford designers – Dillon Blanski, Gustavo Bizyk, Lesli Ann Agcaoili and Dean Carbis – reviewed the questionnaires, traveled to Hollywood to meet with the Idols, and then helped each contestant develop the concept for his or her personalized Fiesta, using color, custom body graphics, wheel treatments and other accessories to transform the vehicle into an expression of each contestant’s individuality. 

“We explained to the Idols that the graphics they design will actually be a symbol of them and their life experiences,” said Carbis, who most recently served as lead exterior designer for the 2010 Ford Taurus. “They were really excited to work with us.” 

According to Carbis, Tuxedo Black was a popular color choice among the male contestants while the girls seemed to favor more vivid shades like Bright Magenta and Lime Squeeze. Some of the contestants even opted to accessorize their Fiesta with a four-piece 3dCarbon body kit. 

“Some of the Idols are familiar with graphic tuning so they wanted to get the body kit and create more of a sports tuner package,” he said. 

Not surprisingly, music was a common theme among the contestants. 

“Many of the Idols are obviously very music-oriented, so we talked about taking an instrument they play or the lyrics to their favorite song and somehow incorporating that into the graphics,” said Blanski, 26, the youngest member of the Ford design team. 

Both Carbis and Blanski say they are thrilled to participate in the “American Idol” project.

“Typically I’m expressing myself through the vehicles I design. Trying to interpret somebody else’s passion and ideas and then help them put that into graphic form is totally different from anything I’ve done before,” said Blanski. “It’s a challenge, but it’s also fun.”

2011 Ford Fiesta: A hit before leaving the gate
Thanks to the success of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative – which has generated more than 6.2 million YouTube views, more than 750,000 Flickr views and nearly 4 million Twitter impressions – more than 100,000 people have already expressed an interest in the 2011 Ford Fiesta. 

Going on sale this summer, the all-new Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations. With 15 class-exclusive technologies and a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of
40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package. 

It’s also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class convenience and connectivity with the segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, as well as an expressive color palette and available graphics.

Ford is planning many appearance and functional accessories for the Fiesta, including a lower body kit by 3dCarbon, a large, sporty rear hatchback spoiler brought over from Europe, several different shift knobs, and innovative body-side graphics by Original Wraps. A preview of these offerings and more is available at www.fordvehicles.com/fiesta while the graphics can be explored at www.fordfiestagraphics.com. The full Fiesta accessories offering will be available to review and purchase at www.fordaccessories.com when the Fiesta launches this summer.

Already, more than 7,000 consumers have made reservations for the Ford Fiesta – half of them from non-Ford customers. Customers can begin placing their order for the new Fiesta today through their local Ford dealer.

Ford named one of Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Tech Companies

FORD NAMED ONE OF FAST COMPANY'S TOP 10 "MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES" IN MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

  • Ford Motor Company shares ranks with Google, Apple, Amazon and HTC on Fast Company magazine's annual Top 10 list of the "Most Innovative" companies in Mobile technology
  • As the only automaker to ever be featured on the Top 10 Mobile list, Ford was recognized for the industry-leading mobile device connectivity technology, SYNC and the new MyFord Touch driver interface
  • Ford has been the convergence point for automotive and consumer electronics innovation collaborating with many mobile device manufacturers, software and app developers, and network providers


DEARBORN, Mich. Feb. 18, 2010 – What does Ford Motor Company have in common with Google, Apple, and Amazon? Ford shares a spot with them on Fast Company's Top 10 list of "Most Innovative" companies in Mobile technology, and becomes the first automaker to ever be recognized in the category.
"This honor represents Ford's commitment to innovation and development of technology that enhances the driving experience and adds real value to the consumer," said Mark Fields, Ford president, The Americas. "We're very proud of this recognition from Fast Company, and it is truly an accomplishment to be named amongst some of the leading technology innovators and mobile application developers."

Fast Company ranked Ford fifth in the mobile technology category for the introduction and evolution of SYNC, the industry-leading connectivity system co-developed with Microsoft, as well as the recent reveal of MyFord Touch, an innovative user interface that promises to redefine the in-car experience. "The automaker has taken a great leap forward," says Fast Company.

Ford developed SYNC in response to the explosive growth potential of the mobile device and embarked on a strategy to build a software-based connectivity platform that could leverage the increasing power of the phone and improving data networks. MyFord Touch expands on the system's device connectivity features by delivering a graphical, touch, and voice-controlled user interface that maximizes SYNC's capability and provides an intuitive and safer way for drivers to interact with the car.

"Collaboration and strategic investment in open innovation have been keys to our success," Fields said. "Our relationship with Microsoft was just the beginning, as we've forged strong relationships throughout the mobile industry and look forward to even more."
In addition to introducing MyFord Touch at the recent 2010 International CES, Ford became the first automaker to announce hands-free command and control of smart phone apps. Pandora, Stitcher, and OpenBeak are the first to implement the SYNC Application Programming Interface (API), enabling drivers to voice control the apps through SYNC's Bluetooth connection.

New Ford Focus in the clear

Jan 19, 2010 9:52 PM by Thomas Falkiner

Times Live Motoring takes a look at the latest Focus

Last week at the 2010 NAIAS, Times Live Motoring got to steal a look at the new third-generation Focus; Ford’s first car designed for global markets.

I know that the current Ford Focus is a great car, but why is this new model attracting so much media attention?

After many years, Ford has finally woken up to the fact that their most successful vehicles were those being made and sold in Europe. Cars like the original Focus, Fiesta and even the new Kuga Sports Utility Vehicle have done exceptionally well for the brand as they offer motorists excellent driving dynamics and very appealing levels of exterior design. So in a hope to mirror this sales success in other international markets, Ford has come up with a Global C-segment Car that can be made in any one of its plants around the world and sold everywhere from China to North America. And this car is, if you haven’t already guessed, the all-new Ford Focus.

Okay, before we continue, what exactly is a C-segment vehicle?

The C-segment is a term used to describe a class of vehicles categorised by their size and weight. Where something nimble like a Ford Fiesta would be tucked into the B-segment bracket, the C-segment is home to a slightly larger, more family-orientated vehicle like the Focus. Interestingly enough, one of every four cars sold in the world today belongs within the C-segment, so Ford’s move to capitalize on this success should prove to be a profitable business move in the long run.

If the Focus is being sold around the world, and appealing to a broader spread of buyers, surely it’s going to lose some of its famous sparkle?

Nope, the third-generation Focus is still going to be every bit as good to drive as its predecessors were. Led by Norman Kessing, manager of Ford vehicle dynamics, the team responsible for developing this new car spent a lot of time honing its chassis, steering and suspension set-up at the firm’s Lommel Proving Ground situated in Belgium. Fans will be glad to hear that the famous Control Blade rear suspension has been left well alone, with only a few tweaks being applied to its actual DNA to help reduce road noise and enhance overall drivability. The new generation EPAS (Electronic Power Assisted Steering), tested to no less than 250 different parameters, has been developed to provide the ultimate in steering feedback. Doing away with the typical hydraulic assisted steering found on older Fords, EPAS helps to reduce overall fuel consumption levels due to its decreased load on the car’s electrical and propulsion systems. Finally, enthusiasts will be thrilled to hear that the new Focus also comes loaded with a new gizmo called Dynamic Corning Control. Similar to one of those systems fitted in cars like BMWs and Porsches, this driver aid combats the slip of the inner front wheel during bouts of hard cornering, kind of like an electric limited slip differential. All in all, with a drive for more agility and better ride comfort, the latest Ford Focus should not disappoint those looking for a tasty driving experience.

Great, so it’ll still be bags of fun around a roundabout but what about the engines bolted beneath its bonnet? What can we expect?

The Focus will make use of a new range of Ford EcoBoost petrol engines as well as number of improved-efficiency common-rail diesel powerplants. The EcoBoost technology system sees a reduction in engine capacity and the inclusion of a turbocharger to help reduce overall fuel consumption and C02 emissions whilst at the same time offering up a truly spirited driving experience. The Focus will debut with two of these innovative powertrains: the range topping 147-kilowatt two-liter and a smaller, more affordable, 110-kilowatt 1.6. Both will feature direct fuel injection and both will have the option of being equipped with the efficient and dynamic Ford PowerShift dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Of course, in time, you can expect the powerhouse ST engine version to join the range; a tar-shredding machine that should pack more power and torque than seen in the current model.

Mechanically we’re looking good, but what about on the inside? Is Ford finally up there with the best of Germany?

Although I didn’t actually get a chance to sit in either of the two cars Ford had on display, the new Focus does ¬– from peering through the window – seem to have a much better cabin than that found in the current generation model. In terms of overall fit and finish it looks particulalry impressive and features a lot of swooping dash surfaces, bold instrumentation and the liberal use of both soft-touch plastics and leather. The driving position, often criticized for being too high for taller drivers, has apparently also been addressed and, ergonomically, everything seems very well positioned and easy to access. But the biggest attraction inside the third-gen Focus is the newly developed MyFord system that allows drivers to control everything from their sound system right up to the climate control.

Operated using one of two five-way switches situated on either side of the steering wheel, the MyFord interface projects information across two 4.2-inch colour screens; one in the centre of the instrument panel and one atop the centre stack. On higher spec Focus models the latter will be replaced by a more impressive 8-inch touch-screen unit that’ll allow you to flick through things like album art just like you would on your iPod. Speaking of which, and thanks to another Ford technology known as SYNC, the sound system in the new Focus will be able to pair with all sorts of aftermarket MP3 players due to its USB connectivity. Bluetooth has also been catered for as well and the voice in-built command system allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile or PDA an absolute cinch. Best of all, as this car is being made on a large scale for markets around the world, all this innovative technology will come standard with very little influence on the final list price. Everyone scores.

Fantastic, so when can we expect this new Ford to hit showroom floors?

The latest Focus will be launched, simultaneously, in North America and Europe in late 2010. Then, starting early on in 2011, it’ll filter down to other world markets such as South America, Asia and Africa. Two variants will be available from launch, with the 5-door hatchback and 4-door sedan catering towards two different demographics; the former clearly pitched at a younger, more dynamic sect of customers. Big news for Ford, and fans of the Blue oval alike, is the fact that the new Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from the company’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.

Original article here.

FORD SYNC GOES WIFI

FORD SYNC GOES WIFI TURNING CAR INTO MOBILE INTERNET HOT SPOT FOR PASSENGERS WHILE ON THE GO

  • Next-generation SYNC® system to incorporate in-car WiFi system powered by customer’s USB mobile broadband modem, turning entire car into hot spot
  • New capability will be standard on select SYNC-equipped vehicles with no additional hardware or subscriptions required beyond the user-supplied mobile broadband modem
  • Standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, and only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network, helping ensure secure, robust connectivity for in-car users

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 21, 2009 – Ford Motor Company will turn vehicles into rolling WiFi hot spots when it introduces the second generation of its popular SYNC® in-car connectivity system next year.

Inserting an owner’s compatible USB mobile broadband modem – sometimes called an “air card” – into SYNC’s USB port will produce a secure wireless connection that will be broadcast throughout the vehicle, allowing passengers with WiFi-enabled mobile devices to access the Internet anywhere the broadband modem receives connectivity.

“While you’re driving to grandma’s house, your spouse can be finishing the holiday shopping and the kids can be chatting with friends and updating their Facebook profiles,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “And you’re not paying for yet another mobile subscription or piece of hardware because Ford will let you use technology you already have.”

Studies by the Consumer Electronics Association show that as many as 77 million adults make up the so-called technology enthusiast drivers population, more than half of whom express the desire for a connected communications and information system in their vehicles. Even among the general population, more than one third of Americans would be interested in the ability to check email and access Web sites in their vehicles.

Upgradeable and secure
The USB port provided by SYNC lets owners leverage a variety of devices, including the mobile broadband modem. And through simple software updates, SYNC can be adapted to connect with the latest devices.

“The speeds with which technology is evolving, particularly on the wireless front, makes obsolescence a real problem,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions Organization. “We’ve solved that problem by making SYNC work with just about any technology you plug into it. By leveraging a user’s existing hardware, which can be upgraded independent of SYNC, we’ve helped ensure ‘forward compatibility’ with whatever connectivity technology comes next.”

The SYNC WiFi capability is a simple solution for bringing internet into the vehicle, versus competitive systems on the market. Being factory-installed, the hardware is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, whereas competitor’s systems are dealer-installed and require a bulky bolt-in receiver and transmitter that take up cabin space. Also, competitive systems cost approximately $500 for equipment and installation, not to mention the monthly subscription fee.

“Using SYNC with existing mobile devices helps Ford provide the most value, the most flexibility and the most convenience for owners,” said Fields. “Constant connectivity is becoming a routine part of our customers’ lives, and we’re making existing technology more accessible without adding costs: That’s the kind of value Ford drivers have learned to expect.”

Using the SYNC WiFi system, a signal will be broadcast throughout the vehicle. Default security is set to WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), requiring users to enter a randomly chosen password to connect to the Internet. When SYNC sees a new WiFi device for the first time, the driver must specifically allow that device to connect, preventing unauthorized users from “piggybacking” on the SYNC-provided signal.