A few weeks ago there was a picture found of the upcoming 2012 Ford Ranger. Of course, with the camo it's hard to tell exactly what it is, but according to experts it's what will eventually be the production Ranger small size pickup truck.
Originally there was talk of Ford ending production of the Ranger in 2009, but has since been postponed till 2011. Perhaps the production of the upcoming and radically redesigned 2012 Ranger will be produced somewhere other than the US. At any rate, just glad to see car manufacturers planning this far ahead.
Just happened to be logging into MySpace yesterday and was greeted with a full scale huge ad for the 2010 Mustang. The advertisement itself was a video of the new Ford Mustang in action, but not in the typical sense I would associate it with. The 2010 Mustang Advertisement highlighted the cars drifting potential and seemed to be targeting the tuner crowd.
Is this what the Mustang has come to, targeting drifters on MySpace? Nothing about the ad screamed muscle, but only seemed to try and squeeze the Mustang into the mindset of the small group of kids that think the Fast and Furious movies are real.
The next question that comes to mind is at what cost was this ad created and then cost to be displayed on MySpace? Surely there are better target markets that yield a larger return on investment for such an expensive marketing campaign.
The Mclaren Mustang was what the SVO was supposed to have been, pure crazy performance from a 4 cylinder and handling capable of hitting the track and laying solid numbers. However, what we were given was a European inspired, under the thumb performance blunder. It was an 80's attempt at making a fuel efficient sports car and it failed.
Now don't get me wrong, the SVO Mustang is a great collectors item. Also, for it's time the performance wasn't that bad, but still wasn't enough to please enthusiasts, especially at $25,000. But what we should have received was what Mclaren created in 1980, the M81 McLaren Mustang.
There were only 250 McLaren Mustangs built, but of those they were track ready and packed a big punch. Of those 250, 7 were built by Bob Fehan and Ron Fournier and were created with all steel. The McLaren Mustang was an F1 frame wrapped in bulging fenders, racing inspired lower skirts, and a functional hood scoop. Under the hood of the McLaren Mustang was a timid 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine, turbo charged to the tune of 300 horsepower.
What Bob and Ron created was what the US should have received, that was later known as the SVO Mustang. Imagine where Mustang enthusiasts would be today had the McLaren Mustang been mass produced?
Henry Ford, the creator of Ford Motor Company and creator of the assembly line is known for more than just great manufacturing achievements. Ford is also known for his philosophy and inspiring quotes that keep people moving forward even today. Considering how much of an impact this man has had on the US and world, I think it's important to look back at what he had to say.
Below are a few quotes from Henry Ford that I use to keep me motivated, even in a down economy.
"You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do"
"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."
"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me."
"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business."
"Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement."
It's motivational quotes like this that launched Ford Motor Company and allowed Henry Ford to become a successful business man. Today, it's important to remember his contributions to the automotive industry, no matter the situation the domestic manufacturers find themselves in today.
Ford and Lincoln have announced that starting next year they will offer an advanced parallel parking system in 4 different models. This new technology is comparable to radar that senses when you are close to an object and assists with the problem of parallel parking on busy streets. It shall be called SkyNet...lol, joking, it's actually called Active Park Assist System.
Active Park Assist is more than just radar, it will also automatically adjust the steering to guide your vehicle into it's parking spot. According to Ford, the system will ask the driver to place the vehicle into the proper gear (Drive, Reverse) and gently press the gas. Basically the computer technology will handle the rest, making the fear of parallel parking disappear.
"You do everything but turn the wheel," Miglio said. "Leave the hard part to the car."
My concern is the liability of such a system and how it will create lazy drivers. Some owners may become so accustomed with the Acive Park Assist that they may never bother to even look behind them. So tell your kids and little fluffy you love them, because there is a new driver on the street and it's name is APA.
Pressure has been placed on the Big 3 Auto Manufacturers to start cutting costs and Ford is taking the next step by reducing it's over head on interest. With it's latest action plan, Ford managed to reduce their debt by as much as $9.9 billion. This one swift move alone will reduce Ford's operating expenses by $500 million in annualized interest.
"Ford is upstaging GM with what its doing, said Pete Hastings, senior analyst at Morgan Keegan. "It's handling things more smoothly than GM and accomplishing what it needs to do without the government getting involved.
It's important to note that Ford is leading the way and showing it is a contender in the world market, with no intentions of failing. Ford is also the only one that didn't have it's hand out during this last round of bailouts and intends to help itself. How will this affect the company in todays market?
The government, now having a vested interest in GM, will be most likely offering incentives to buyers. Is this fair to Ford, who is struggling to fix things themselves?
Would you buy from Ford just because they are operating without a bailout?
I'm a ways from buying new cars, but I do buy a used car about once a year. The majority of my fleet, though dwindled now, is primarily Fords. I just picked up an 04 F150 two weeks ago and I'm glad that Ford is getting my dollar, no matter how far down the line.
Crazy economic times calls for crazy measures to insure a propserous and profitable future. Laughing in the face of naysayers, Ford has announced the best new car buying insentive ever. Buy one new car, get one new car of equal or lesser value, for FREE!
It's a radical step, but one that Ford hopes will shock the domestic car market back to it's previous self. The insentive has been labeled as bold, inspirational, and a bit dense by other manufacturers like GM and Chrysler...but what do they know? A little green monster is rearing it's ugly head and Ford is the one with the last laugh.
As of this post all major Ford dealerships are taking part in this once in a lifetime opportunity. As of 9:00 AM this morning, the most popular cars being purchased are the Ford Fusion and of course the F150 pickup is also flying off of dealer show room floors. Husbands and wives rejoice, need a new car, well get two!
"Efter I'siz buy my Ford F1scfifty truck, tha dealer handed me tew sets o keyses. Boy howdy, you shudda seen meh face. I'siz always buy Ford inda future." - April Pfhols
So help jump start the economy, go buy a Ford and enjoy your second car for FREE!
So are we getting into the wrong time of year for a buyer looking for mustangs for sale? Personally I'm already kicking myself for not buying a new project Mustang to play with and break over the winter time. Unfortunately with warmer weather comes higher prices for mustangs for sale.
I sold my 92 LX last summer, mainly because I was over my head. Now, I've been getting the itch, like everyone else, which is driving the cost of Mustangs through the roof on eBay and local classifieds. While during the winter a nice running mid 90's Ford Mustang GT could be had for under $5,000 with plenty of goodies.
The outlook doesn't look good and I fully expect the price of Mustangs for sale to continue to rise until sometime in December. Maybe I'll luck out and find an actual local listing for a decent Mustang on Craigslist.
The 2010 Ford Fusion is simply a beautiful car, more sophiticated than the Focus, but not elderly like the Taurus. I'll admit, and my wife looks at me funny when I say it, I like Ford Fusion. The Fusion's lines and black on black package just looks sexy as hell with a dash of chrome lining.
Perhaps the appeal of the Ford Fusion is caused by me aging, surely a 27 year old shouldn't be longing for such a sedan. But alas, I'll give into my temptation, loving the way it handles, comfort, and the way it sleazely drives down the lane. Of course, receiving a hefty government Tax credit for buying one doesn't hurt either.
The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is now elegible for a Government Tax Credit of up to $3,400. This credit only applies to the hybrid version of the Fusion and only the 2010 model. So no luck trying to get the credit buying up the used 08 or 09 Fusion models, that is if you could find one.
A few months ago my wife and I went out looking specifically for a Ford Fusion and we couldn't find one. There were plenty of new ones on the lot, but for a used one, with any kind of mileage, we were SOL. Perhaps this is a testament to how happy owners are with their Fusions and an angle Ford should be focusing on with all the upcoming advertising expected to accompany this years Idol.
Generally attractive and hybrid don't go in the same sentence, but Ford has done a wonderful job with their Escape Hybrid. The Ford Escape Hybrid is a plug-in style hybrid, adorning an SUV body. Imagine that a hybrid that seats more than 4 small kids and looks great driving down the road.
The bad news is that you won't find the Escape Hybrid actually on the road until possibly 2012. Not to say Ford doesn't have a running model as we speak, some lucky journalists were able to test drive the Escape Hybrid up to 10 mph at the Detroit Auto Show. But, it's real hard to road test a 120 mpg SUV without going over 10 mph, and drivin garound in a basement.
Yuma Police are getting a sneak peak at the Escape Hybrid and have purchased 2 new SUV's to put into patrol duty. This cost Yuma Police an estimated $50,000 each, which includes all the police goodies like lights, safety equipment, etc. Shouldn't take too long to earn back that money with gas savings from the 120 mpg Escape Hybrid.
"We have taken them out and put them through the paces," said Sgt. George Mitchell, lead driving instructor for YPD. "They are comparable to the Crown Victorias we are driving now, which is a pleasant surprise. The speed, handling and maneuverability is all there."
Escape Hybrid
According to Ford the plug-in Escape Hybrid becomes fully charged after about 6-8 hours and can be plugged into a 120v outlet. This full-charge will deliver amazing gas mileage for about 30 miles, but then will revert back to typical hybrid fuel efficiency performance.
Video Of Ford Escape Hybrid In Action
This would possibly be the first hybrid vehicle that I would buy, for personal use. I love the Escape Hybrid lines, utility, and promise of being able to pass more gas stations.
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