Reduced Water Usage is Part of Ford’s Sustainability Strategy

In an effort to increase their sustainability and decrease the environmental impact of their facilities Ford is reducing the amount of water used in their manufacturing processes.

Ford is starting 2012 with an aggressive plan to reduce the amount of water used in their manufacturing processes. Ford is driving their goal to not only have efficient vehicles, but to also be an all-around efficient company including the way that they produce and manufacture products.

The aggressive plan that Ford is taking to reduce their water usage in manufacturing has a goal of 30 percent global reduction by 2015 of the amount of water used per vehicle in 2009. These efforts come on the heels of the Ford’s Global Water Management initiative launched in 2000 reducing the company’s global water use by 62 percent, or 10.5 billion gallons.

Reducing their water use by 10.5 billion gallons is equivalent to how much water 105,000 American residences use yearly on average. If Ford is able to meet their current goal of 30 percent more reduction, they will drop the amount of water used per car from 2509.9 gallons in 2000 to 924.7 gallons in 2015.

In order to achieve this significant amount of water reduction Ford has been applying innovative technology to its production processes. When the water reduction inniative began in 2000 Ford had very little ability to even track water usage. Today Ford engineers have developed systems to track and even predict the amount of future water usage.

By reporting and tracking the sustainability measures of their manufacturing processes Ford is showing their commitment to environment friendly manufacturing. Integrating water conservation into their manufacturing processes is just one part of Ford’s global sustainability strategy.

2013 Ford Escape to Feature Hands-Free Liftgate

Searching for keys while fumbling packages, gear, or grocery bags may be a non-issue for future Ford Escape drivers, due to a handy feature Ford plans to introduce this month.

The 2013 Ford Escape, to be debuted later in November, will be the first SUV to offer hands-free liftgate technology. The driver may simply approach the rear of the vehicle with the key fob in pocket or purse. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper activates an electronic system, opening the liftgate.

This new feature of the Ford Escape utilizes gesture-based technology, similar to that used in motion-detecting video game systems, in two sensors located in the rear bumper. The hands-free liftgate builds upon Ford’s Intelligent Access system, which uses the proximity of the key fob to allow keyless entry and start-up.

First introduced in 2000, nearly 2 million Escapes have been sold. The 2013 Ford Escape will go on sale next spring.

NASA Launches into Auto Industry

Automakers are always looking for new, innovative ways to improve the quality and performance of the vehicles that they make. Now they may receive that technology from an agency that is out of this world.

NASA will be pitching nearly 40 different space-age technologies to automakers and their suppliers on October 27^th at an event at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will show off newer technologies that could be implemented into automobiles to improve quality, performance, and cost.

Over 100 companies have already signed up to attend the event including Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Toyota and Honda will also be attending the event along with several suppliers from around the country.

Some of the technology that will be on display will include sensors and controls that could help hybrid or electric cars become more efficient; solid oxide fuel cells to power vehicles; new materials that can be used to contain pressurized natural gas; and green polymers that put out only water instead of noxious gases when they are used.

This event should prove to be beneficial for both the auto industry as well as NASA. Automakers can use the latest and greatest technology and materials to improve their cars and NASA brings in more business to help itself.

Not only are automakers excited for the event, but manufacturers are also interested in the event. The event is being co-sponsored by the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University and the manufacturing advocacy and consulting group Magnet, which is based in Cleveland.

The auto industry is quite excited to see what type of NASA technologies can be implemented into their vehicles. This event could prove to be the start of a new partnership that revolutionizes how automobiles are manufactured around the world.

Ford Uses New Eco-Friendly Foam

Ford Motor Company has been an industry leader at introducing ideas that prove a car’s environmental impact isn’t limited to what comes out the tailpipe. Ford’s most current addition has been the introduction the SoyFoam that is now replacing the foam material that is used in its headrests.

The SoyFoam is up to 24% more renewable than the previously-used Petroleum-based Formula. It has helped Ford reduce its annual petroleum oil usage by more than 3 million pounds. It has also helped Ford reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by more than 15 million pounds

It was first introduced in the seating of the 2008 Ford Mustang. Now it is used in the seating, back, and headrests with 25 percent of the polyol replaced with soy.

More than seventy-five percent of Ford’s, North American vehicles feature bio-foam in the head restraints, including the
Ford F-150, Ford Taurus,Ford Explorer, and Ford Fusion. All Ford vehicles built in North America use bio-foam content in the seat cushions and backs and now, in its headrests.

Ford continues to research the use of other renewable sources for foam, including palm, rapeseed and sunflower oil in markets around the world where those commodities are locally available and cost effective.

Over the past several years Ford has 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.

Toyota and Ford to Collaborate on Hybrid Trucks

The Ford and Toyota Motor companies, usually stiff rivals have decided to join forces in an effort to bring a more fuel efficient, hybrid truck to the market. Ford having superior sales on its truck models, and Toyota with the best selling hybrid on the market seems to be the best combination for the job.

The two companies believe that if they work together, they will be able to bring consumers a more affordable technology sooner. The Collaboration will help both Ford and Toyota meet proposed government fuel standards that will require automakers’ fleets to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.

Ford and Toyota signed an agreement to split development costs for hybrid systems, as well as telematics technology to improve information and entertainment systems.

The agreement was prompted by a chance meeting of the Ford CEO and Toyotas President. The next step for the two companies is a study to determine which technologies they will invest in and which vehicles will get them.

It is expected that the partnerships first hybrid trucks will be on the road later in this decade. Candidates include the Ford F-150, Ford Expedition, Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia.

Although the two companies have stated they will only be joining forces with the hybrid technology and will remain competitors, this partnership is a milestone in the industry. It allows for new technology to be released into the market at a faster rate than would be possible if either of the companies would go at it alone.

Who Needs a Convertible? Buyers Opting for Sunroofs Instead

There is nothing like riding in a convertible: the wind blowing through your hair, the sun warming your skin. However, recent data shows that consumers are shying away from convertibles and instead investing in a close alternative.

Ford Motor Company reports that while convertible sales are dropping, panoramic sunroofs are on the rise. Of those buying the Ford Explorer and Ford Edge, about half have opted for the sunroof. As for Ford Flex owners, a third added the sunroof. Ford reports that this option costs consumers about $1,600, but it seems to be a price buyers are willing to pay.

Part of the reason sunroofs are becoming more and more popular is because they are just more practical than convertibles. They offer energizing natural sunlight while still securing fuel efficiency; the glass roof is also more architecturally appealing and stylish.

Ford models offer either a panoramic sunroof which consists of one long pane of
glass or a vista roof which comes with two glass panels: one in the front that can be opened and one stationary panel in the back. The glass used on both of these options filters out infrared as well as ultraviolet rays, keeping passengers cool and free of sun burn.

You may not get the wind-blown hair style or adrenaline rush that comes from driving a convertible, but the sunroof does offer some of the same perks in a more practical way. Looks like fuel efficiency and UV protection can be cool after all.

America’s Favorite Hybrid: the Ford Fusion

During times like these, all car companies are dealing with the same concerns: high gas prices, the need for eco-friendly vehicles, a way to improve efficiency and performance. For one automotive company in particular, these concerns have been put to rest.

Back in 2009, Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford Fusion Hybrid, a sedan that received 41 mpg city. Not only was this vehicle fuel efficient, it was eco-friendly as well. Ford effectively responded to the needs of its consumers and their work has paid off: the Fusion has achieved the hybrid-best customer satisfaction rate of 88 percent, surpassing even the Toyota Prius.

Why are Ford Fusion owners so happy with their hybrids? For one thing, the Ford Fusion is the most fuel-efficient sedan in America. If that is not reason enough, the Fusion was also rated America’s most reliable sedan of either hybrid or fuel consuming models.

To ensure this level of reliability, Ford has tested, tweaked, and reworked its hybrid battery cells. Chuck Gray, chief engineer at Global Core Engineering, Hybrid and Electric Vehicles, says that "Ford's battery technology is so strong, the odds of experiencing an issue with one of our hybrid battery cells is around 8.5 million to 1 – about the same odds as a person being struck by lightning twice."

Ford’s impressive reliability and satisfaction ratings have led to the Fusion bringing in more new buyers to the Ford brand than any other Ford car. In addition, customers awarded the Fusion hybrid a 91 percent “overall vehicle quality” score.

And Ford is not going to miss their opportunity to capitalize on this success: by 2012, they hope to have five new electric vehicles on the road in the U.S.

Worried about the reliability of hybrids? Leary of the climbing gas prices? Maybe a Ford Fusion is the perfect solution. Their customers certainly think so.

Ford Motor Company Heads East

As the economic climate of the U.S. remains unpredictable, especially in the automotive industry, Ford Motor Company has decided to take its talents east.

Ford’s joint venture with China, known as Changan Ford Mazda Automobile (CFMA), has upped the ante, investing $500 million in a new engine plant in Chongqing, China. Set to begin production in 2013, the new plant will pump out an estimated 750,000 engines a year, more than double the current amount produced by CFMA.

But the $500 million plant is only one of many steps in Ford’s plan to strengthen its presence in China. In fact, Jiangling Motor Corporation, Ford’s commercial vehicle partner, began building a new $300 million vehicle assembly plant in Nanchang last July. And just two months ago Ford pledged to introduce 15 new cars to China by 2015, increasing its presence and popularity even further.

In addition to the new engine plant, Ford has also signed on to build its first and only transmission plant in China, which is projected to produce 400,000 units annually. With this combination of business deals, Ford expects to have twice as many employees and dealerships than before.

The ground-breaking ceremony for the engine plant was held last week with both Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa, and Huang Qifan, Mayor of Chongqing, in attendance. It seems that the east and west are working together just fine.

Ford Declares It’s Do or Die for Lincoln Dealers

Everyone has heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” However, Ford Motor Company seems to be doing just that.

At a meeting held in Detroit last week, Ford CEO Alan Mulally told the Lincoln dealers present that they had two years to complete $1 million worth of renovations on their showrooms. If dealers have joint Ford and Lincoln dealerships, then it’s worth it to dish out $1.9 million on restorations.

And although some Lincoln dealers might welcome this ultimatum, those in disagreement really have no other choice. Ford plans on reclaiming franchises that refuse to invest in refurbishments, taking over the dealerships and providing compensation for the out of work dealers. It really is a “take it or leave it” arrangement.

The reason for all this hubbub is Ford’s wish to revamp its only remaining luxury brand, Lincoln. Ford projects its U.S. Lincoln sales will balloon from the 86,000 units sold in 2010 to 162,000 by 2015. The showroom overhaul is the first step in making Lincoln a more appealing luxury brand.

But Ford is interested in more than just improving its dealerships; it wants to make them exclusive as well. Indeed, the ultimatum only applies to urban dealers at this time. Dealerships who can’t afford the pricey makeover are simply given the boot.

Ford is using this tactic to decrease the number of Lincoln dealers specifically in the top 130 U.S. markets, where 55 percent of its business is derived from. At the close of February, 434 Lincoln dealers were in the top 130 markets. By the end of this year, Ford wants that number to dwindle to 325.

Thus that Lincoln dealer you see when you drive to work or pass on your way home may soon be victim to a grim fate. Or maybe it will be one of the lucky ones, given a new coat of paint and freshly laid carpet. In the eyes of Ford, it seems that either way is fine.

Ford Hopes Three Cylinders Are Better than Four

With expensive gas prices tightening their grip around American wallets, the innovators over at Ford have been losing sleep coming up with ways to combat this fuel-driven oppression. So far, they have arrived at a very un-American solution to the problem: smaller is better. Ford’s engineers have been laboring on a new three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-liter engine which they hope will revolutionize the small car market stateside.

This diminutive dynamo hopes to pack as much punch as a four-cylinder while still delivering superior miles per gallon. Ford claims that the EcoBoost will supply an output better than or equal to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine already equipped in the Fiesta. Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s VP of global product development shared that “Consumers are telling us they want to buy affordable vehicles that get many more mile per gallon. Our new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will give consumers looking for hybrid-like fuel economy a new, more affordable choice.”

While some critics are still skeptical of three-cylinder sales due to American’s past inclination toward bigger, more powerful engines, the statistics don’t lie. Ford and GM recorded that more than a third of its customers are buying cars with smaller four-cylinder engines which is nearly twice as much as was documented in 2008. With no indication that fuel prices will ever return to the glorious days of yore, consumers are finally waking up to the reality of better mpg or bust.

Ford Hopes Three Cylinders Are Better than Four

With expensive gas prices tightening their grip around American wallets, the innovators over at Ford have been losing sleep coming up with ways to combat this fuel-driven oppression. So far, they have arrived at a very un-American solution to the problem: smaller is better. Ford’s engineers have been laboring on a new three-cylinder EcoBoost 1.0-liter engine which they hope will revolutionize the small car market stateside.

This diminutive dynamo hopes to pack as much punch as a four-cylinder while still delivering superior miles per gallon. Ford claims that the EcoBoost will supply an output better than or equal to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine already equipped in the Fiesta. Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s VP of global product development shared that “Consumers are telling us they want to buy affordable vehicles that get many more mile per gallon. Our new 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will give consumers looking for hybrid-like fuel economy a new, more affordable choice.”

While some critics are still skeptical of three-cylinder sales due to American’s past inclination toward bigger, more powerful engines, the statistics don’t lie. Ford and GM recorded that more than a third of its customers are buying cars with smaller four-cylinder engines which is nearly twice as much as was documented in 2008. With no indication that fuel prices will ever return to the glorious days of yore, consumers are finally waking up to the reality of better mpg or bust.

Can Dandelions Be a Good Thing? Ford Thinks So

Dandelions have always been a kryptonite to our lawns and gardens. But Ford and The Ohio State University are teaming up to shed some new light on the future uses for those pesky weeds.

Dandelions, like many plants, have different species. The Ohio State University’s Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) have begun to grow the Russian dandelion species, Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS). The TKS dandelion species has a milky-white substance that oozes from its roots that can be used to produce rubber.


Dandelions have always been aThe root substance could be used as a modifier to improve the strength of the plastic. The plastic would then be used for floor mats, interior trim and cup holders in the Ford vehicles. Ford researchers still need to assess the initial strength and quality of the material to see how it interacts with different plastics and how durable it is in the car before being utilized.

Additionally, Ford is also researching the ability to produce natural rubber from the guayule shrub, commonly found in the Southwestern United States. Synthetic rubber is not a sustainable resource so Ford is looking at ways to through the dandelions and guayule shrub to be able to have a natural alternative that is renewable for rubber.

Ford is consistently working on creating fuel-efficient vehicles that reduces the carbon footprint left behind by Ford vehicles. Ford’s “Reduce, reuse and recycle” commitment to a greener vehicle has paid off with numerous advancements including wheat straw-filled plastic, soy foam seat cushions, and recycled yarns on seat covers to name a few.

Nissan Is New York City’s Choice for “Taxi of Tomorrow”

Starting in 2013, the Nissan NV 200 will become the exclusive new taxi for New York City. Following the discontinuation of the Ford Crown Victoria, Nissan squared off against two other finalists: a truck from Turkish maker Karsan and a taxi version of Ford’s Transit Connect. In the end, the NV 200 was picked by the Taxi and Limousine Commission and awarded the 10-year, $1 billion contract to provide New York with thousands of taxis.

The Nissan NV 200 taxi will have many exciting features that will provide passengers with the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient cab that they have ever encountered. These features include:

• A transparent roof panel that will provide a unique view of the city’s skyscrapers.
• Overhead reading lights and floor lighting
• A mobile charging station with a 12V outlet and two USB plugs
• Standard traction control and Vehicle Dynamic Control
• A “low annoyance horn” with exterior lights that indicate when the vehicle is honking.
• Independent control of the rear AC and a special air filter to improve cabin air quality

Nissan Americas Chairman Carlos Tavares states, “The NV 200 taxi will give Nissan the opportunity to showcase our dedication to vehicle quality and urban mobility to more than 600,000 passengers every day.”

With the combination of very unique and fuel efficient features, the Nissan NV 200 will provide its citizens and visitors of New York City with a new and exciting view of one of the greatest cities in world.

Ford Drivers Save Money at the Pump

As gas prices continue to rise, consumers are looking for ways to save at the pump. Fortunately for Ford drivers, doing so is pretty easy.

The automaker has combined consumers’ need for eco-friendly vehicles with their love of technology to provide new green driving technologies that make it easy for drivers to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicle. Ford began including these systems in their automobiles in 2008, and since then they have been helping consumers conserve fuel and lessen their environmental impact. Today, the automaker has four green technologies available on their vehicles to help drivers conserve.

EcoMode helps teach consumers how to increase their vehicle’s fuel efficiency themselves. The system uses real-time feedback to coach drivers, and according to Ford, has resulted in a fuel-economy increase of 24%.

EcoRoute is a map-based navigation system that is found within the MyFord Touch application, and instantly calculates the most eco-friendly driving route.

The SmartGauge with EcoGuide system is available on hybrid vehicles. The main function of SmartGauge is to provide data such as battery power and fuel levels to the driver, but like EcoMode, it also uses real-time feedback and rewards to teach drivers how to fully maximize their vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

MyFordMobile works before consumers even get behind the wheel. Drivers can use this application to increase the fuel economy of their vehicle by planning out the best route and other important trip decisions.

While the rising price of fuel may be worrisome to all consumers, Ford drivers can take a little bit of comfort in knowing these fuel-saving systems are available at their fingertips.

Ford Reenters Min-Van Market with C-Max

For the last four years Ford has left the mini-van market alone. Back in 2006 they discontinued the Freestar and officially left the mini-van market to the other guys. But after four years Ford has decided to reenter the domestic market. They will debut their Ford C-Max at the Detroit auto show in January 2011 and mark their first effort to get back in the game of mini-vans.

Though Ford left the mini-van market in the U.S., they continued to sell them to European drivers. The C-Max has been on sale in Europe for awhile. The C-Max is able to carry seven passengers and, according to Ford, it will be capable of achieving better fuel economy than its competitors due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Ford C-Max is about two feet shorter than its competitors, such as the Honda Odyssey and the Dodge Grand Caravan. Ford’s target market for the new mini-van is young, growing families.

The C-Max is based on the Ford Focus compact car; one of ten new models Ford plans to base on the structure of the Focus. According to Ford the C-Max will be offered with a good amount of standard technology as well as optional. They plan to sell the Ford C-Max by 2012 and according to auto analysts they could sell as many as 50,000 models annually.

2011 Car of the Year

The North American Car of the Year award is one of the most coveted awards in the auto industry. This year’s winners will be announced at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 11, 2011.

The three finalists in the car category are, not surprisingly, the Chevrolet Volt extended-range hybrid, the all-electric Nissan Leaf and the Hyundai Sonata as a conventional or hybrid sedan. In the truck segment the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are the three finalists. The cars were chosen from a sample of 27 and the trucks from 14.

The cars were judged by a panel of 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada. The cars were judged on innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The winners of 2010 were the Ford Transit Connect in the truck category and the Ford Fusion Hybrid for the car segment.

Popular Cars by Region

What determines which type of car you drive? Most people would say style, individual needs, and budget are the three main factors that influence their purchase decision when buying a new car. However, where you live is apparently a major factor too.

This makes sense, when you consider that people who live in different areas of the country generally live different lifestyles, and therefore have different wants and needs. A recent study has confirmed this, by naming the top five best selling cars in each of the four major regions of the United States (Northeast, Midwest, South, and Western regions).

So, what are people driving in your part of the country? Do you fit the list, or do you break the mold?

Northeast Region
1. Nissan Rogue
2. Mercedes E-Class Sedan
3. Honda CR-V
4. Chevrolet Malibu
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

Midwest/Central Region
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2. Ford F-150
3. Cadillac SRX
4. Toyota Camry
5. Chevrolet Impala

Southern Region
1. Chevrolet Camaro
2. Ford F-150
3. Toyota Tundra
4. Lexus ES350
5. Dodge Ram 1500

Western Region
1. Toyota Prius
2. Lexus IS Sedan
3. Honda Fit
4. Audi A4/S4
5. BMW 3 Series Sedan

Best Resale Value: 2011 Models

There are many factors to think about when purchasing a new car. Price, size, brand, and safety are all major considerations. Another factor consumers should think about when making this decision is the resale value of a vehicle. This is an important issue, as it not only estimates how much you can expect to get for the automobile if you decide to trade it in, but it is also an indicator of a high quality vehicle that is built to retain its value. Kelley Blue Book recently named the 2011 vehicles with the best resale value for each major category. And the winners are:

- Subcompact car: Honda Fit
- Compact Car: MINI Cooper
- Mid-Size Sedan: Honda Accord
- Full-Size Sedan: Ford Taurus
- Wagon: Subaru Outback
- Sports Car: Subaru Impreza WRX
- High-Performance Car: Ford Mustang GT
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Car: Volkswagen Golf TDI
- Compact Utility Vehicle: Honda CR-V
- Mid-Size Utility Vehicle: Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Full-Size Utility Vehicle: GMC Acadia
- Van: Toyota Sienna
- Near-Luxury Car: Lexus IS
- Luxury Car: Audi A5
- Full-Size Pickup: Ford F-Series Super Duty
- Luxury Utility Vehicle: BMW X5
- Hybrid/Alt. Energy Vehicle: BMW X5 xDrive 35d
- Mid-Size Pickup: Toyota Tacoma