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All-New 1967 Mustang Convertible Body Joins Growing Stable of Classic Ford-Licensed Restoration Parts, The latest addition to the growing stable of classic Mustang bodies
the 1967 convertible just might be the ultimate stocking stuffer this Christmas for restorers of America's favorite sports car. Full Story
Cold Weather No Problem for Ford Focus Electric's Liquid-Heated Battery System
- Ford's use of an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs in Focus Electric will provide customers in cold and snowy climates
an advantage over the competition
- The liquid-heated battery operates under a range of ambient temperatures, providing additional power, longer battery range and a preconditioned battery after charging
- The all-new Focus Electric the company's first-ever all-electric passenger car is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular global Focus model
DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2011 Cold temperatures and consistent snowfall can slow things down in the winter, but not the Ford Focus Electric. Thanks to the use of an advanced active liquid-heating
system, the battery provides additional power, longer range and is preconditioned after charging all in cold temperatures.
"Batteries are similar to people as they both achieve maximum performance working under moderate, unchanged temperatures," said Sherif Marakby, Ford director of Electrification Programs and
Engineering. "Using a liquid-heated battery system allows Ford to keep the Focus Electric's battery at a moderate temperature and improve performance whether you are charging or driving in a cold climate."
Extreme temperatures can affect battery performance and reduce the range of electric vehicles. The range will not be impacted as much with a liquid-heated system compared to an air system. That's why
Ford will use an advanced active liquid-cooling and heating system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.
"A liquid-heated battery can accept a charge faster from the regenerative braking that recaptures kinetic energy and sends it back to the battery, essentially providing longer range for the customer
in real world cold weather conditions," said Marakby. "Additionally, since acceleration in an electric vehicle comes from the power available in the battery, the customer will have more power available if the
battery is warmer."
The use of active liquid heating also enables owners of Focus Electric to automatically precondition battery pack temperature during daily recharging. While the vehicle is plugged in to the power
grid, the vehicle system will be able to warm up the battery on cold days.
"Even when you're parking in cold temperatures, as long as the vehicle is plugged in, you will warm up the battery," explained Marakby. "Basically, customers will have the capability they need right
off the bat. They won't have to wait for the car to warm up."
On cold days, heated liquid warms the batteries, gradually bringing the system's temperature to
a level that allows it to efficiently accept charge energy and provide enough discharge power to get
good vehicle performance.
"Focus Electric wasn't built just for consumers in warm cities with consistent temperatures," said Marakby. "We want our customers to know they can count on their electric vehicle whether they live in
a cold or warm climate."
The power of choice
Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy. Ford's aggressive strategy includes five new electrified vehicles in North America by
2012 and Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and in addition to Focus Electric in late 2011, will introduce C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion
battery hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012.
Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroen to develop Euro 6 diesel engines
PARIS, France The groundbreaking diesel engine co-operation between Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citro๋n celebrates its tenth anniversary, the two companies are announcing a new commitment in
their joint programme.
After building approximately 16.5 million diesel engines together over the past decade, and with a current annual build volume up to a potential three million engines, Ford and PSA are
strengthening further their co-operation.
This Sixth Phase of the Gemini co-operation the development and production of next-generation Euro 6-compliant engines demonstrates the commitment of Ford and PSA
to remain at the forefront of diesel engine technology, and will improve further the level of efficiency of diesel engines that remain a key enabler to reaching CO2 reduction targets.
This new agreement
covers a range of Euro 6-compliant diesel engines for car and commercial vehicle use.
This new range of diesel engines will deliver improved fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions, and enhanced performance attributes. The first engines will go into production in 2013. It is expected that the overall investment for the R&D project associated with the Sixth Phase of the Gemini co-operation could be in the region of €300 million and will be shared between Ford and PSA.
"Ten years ago our two companies signed an agreement to co-operate on the development and manufacture of advanced diesel engines," said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe.
"That co-operation, which we named the Gemini Project, had an ambitious objective: to combine our joint expertise to deliver a broad range of world-class, high-technology diesel engines while providing
significant economies of scale.
"By working closely together over the past decade, we have achieved our objective, and the co-operation has proved to be one of the most enduring and successful
partnerships in the global automotive industry. Together we are the largest manufacturer of high-technology diesel engines in the world. Building on that achievement, we are now looking to the future and
taking our co-operation forward into its second decade," said Mr. Odell.
Philippe Varin, chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citro๋n, said : "The co-operation has given both PSA and Ford
shared access to diesel engine technologies, while delivering scale advantages.
But perhaps the real success of the Gemini Project lies in the way that cross-functional and cross-company teams based in Britain, Germany and France have worked together to develop a highly successful and acclaimed range of market-leading diesel engines. By reaffirming and strengthening our co-operation, we are ensuring that we will continue to be at the forefront in meeting future CO2 challenges."
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Ford Fiesta Earn Top Safety Ratings in World's Largest Auto Markets
The Ford Fiesta's is now the first car in its segment to earn top crash test ratings in each of the world's largest auto markets that perform safety testing, the U.S., China, and Europe.
- Ford Fiesta adds five-star safety rating in China to similar top ratings in Europe and Australia/New Zealand
- Fiesta reaches 1 million sales in Europe, total global sales are 1,140,000
- In North America, the 2011 Ford Fiesta earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety the first car in its segment to do so under new test standards
- More than 55 percent of Fiesta body structure is made from ultra-high-strength steel
DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 21, 2011 The Ford Fiesta is now the first car in its segment to earn top crash test ratings in each of the world's largest auto markets that perform safety testing, the U.S.,
China and Europe.
"Ford is committed to safety, including our efforts to deliver top crash test ratings that customers look to when choosing new vehicles," said Sue Cischke, group vice president of
Sustainability, Environment and Safety. "Fiesta is the latest example of that safety commitment, and shows that a small, fuel-efficient car can deliver top safety."
Testing agencies in the U.S., China, Europe
and Australia/New Zealand rate the Ford Fiesta at the top of the list for crash ratings. Fiesta's latest maximum five-star safety rating was awarded by the China Automotive Technology and Research Center under the
China New Car Assessment Program, or C-NCAP. This follows maximum five-star ratings in Europe and Australia/New Zealand.
The 2011 Ford Fiesta, the only car in its segment to earn a Top Safety Pick from the
U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety under its new test standards, continues to earn recognition in major global markets for its safety performance and rating in independent third-party testing.
Global popularity
The impressive ratings add to Fiesta's global sales momentum. European sales of the latest-generation Ford Fiesta reached 1 million last month. The landmark was achieved just 28 months after the
popular small car went on sale in Ford dealerships across Europe. The Fiesta has been the best-selling small car in Europe for the past two years.
In the U.S., Fiesta is attracting new customers, including
those in the trend-setting California market. In 2010, Fiesta played a key role in helping Ford to achieve its highest retail share in California since 2006. Los Angeles continues to be the top-selling region for
Ford's smallest car.
Advanced safety
Beneath Fiesta's stylish exterior is a structure crafted from high-strength steels engineered to preserve quality and enhance driver and passenger safety. More than 55
percent of Fiesta's body structure is made from ultra-high-strength steel, and the extensive use of high-strength, lightweight boron steel helps protect critical occupant safety zones.
Fiesta offers a
segment-exclusive available driver's knee airbag, developed to help reduce lower-leg injuries in the event of a frontal collision and to work together with other safety features. The knee airbag joins a suite of
Fiesta safety features that include dual-stage, first-row airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags.
"Smart" Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) sensors determine occupant weight and seat
belt status to optimize deployment force. The Fiesta also features class-exclusive smart sensors that use pressure pulses from a side impact to deploy up to 30 percent faster than traditional airbags with
acceleration-based sensors.
A global effort
Ford's global safety engineers worked together to prepare the Fiesta to be able to meet stringent crash protection requirements in any region of the world by
leveraging Ford of Europe's small car expertise and an array of virtual, actual and hydraulic sled-simulated crash tests.
"The global safety ratings provide another proof point that the all-new Fiesta is
redefining what a small car can be," said Matt Niesluchowski, safety, NVH and durability manager. "The new Fiesta brings outstanding driving dynamics and fuel economy, unparalleled connectivity and safety leadership
on a worldwide scale."
Ford and Sollers Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Establish a Joint Venture in Russia
- Ford and Sollers plan to launch a 50:50-owned joint venture in Russia
- The proposed joint venture called Ford Sollers will manufacture and distribute Ford vehicles in the country
- Joint venture will include Ford and Sollers local production facilities in the St. Petersburg region and in the Republic of Tatarstan
- Ford Sollers will manufacture a range of Ford passenger cars and light commercial vehicles and is expected to start operations by the end of this year
- Ford and Sollers have submitted a joint application to the Russian government for participation in the new Industrial Assembly policy framework
MOSCOW, Russian Federation, Feb. 18, 2011 Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] and Sollers OJSC today signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which the parties intend to launch a new 50:50-owned joint
venture called Ford Sollers for the production and distribution of Ford vehicles in Russia.
"We are delighted to be taking this next step for Ford in Russia with our proposed partner, Sollers," said Stephen
Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. "This is a great opportunity, and will provide Ford customers in Russia with more products and better service.
"The benefits provided by the proposed joint venture
and the new Industrial Assembly policy will be key enablers to build the Ford brand in Russia and create a profitably growing business. It also will help to strengthen the Russian automotive industry and its local
supply base," Odell added.
"We are inspired by the opportunity to work with Ford," said Vadim Shvetsov, general director of Sollers. "We are confident that our mutual efforts on the development of
manufacturing facilities, new product launches and localization of parts content will ensure success for our strategy, and a leading position for the future joint venture company on the Russian market."
The
proposed joint venture will include Ford and Sollers local production facilities in Vsevolozhsk (St. Petersburg region) and in the Republic of Tatarstan, and will manufacture a range of Ford passenger cars and light
commercial vehicles.
In 2002, Ford became the first foreign auto manufacturer to start producing cars in Russia, and since then it has built a solid base in the country.
Ford brings to the proposed joint venture its manufacturing experience, an extensive existing dealer network, and a strong reputation among Russian customers as a brand that sells great products in the Russian market. The proposed joint venture will have access to the global range of Ford's latest products delivered under its One Ford plan.
Sollers, the second largest producer of passenger and light commercial vehicles in Russia, has considerable experience in the Russian automotive industry. It will support
the proposed joint venture through its manufacturing capabilities, knowledge of the Russian market, experience in distribution and working with the Russian supply base.
This significant contribution will strengthen the proposed joint venture strategy and be important for its future success.
In addition to vehicle production, the Ford Sollers proposed joint venture will
produce engines; operate a stamping facility that will provide a higher level of local parts content for Ford vehicles built in Russia; and establish research and development activities. It also will be
responsible for the import and distribution of Ford brand products, parts and accessories in Russia.
Ford Sollers is scheduled to start operations by the end of this year.
In order to benefit from the new Russian automotive policy framework, Ford and Sollers have made a joint application to the Russian government for participation in the new Industrial Assembly regime.
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