Ford Harnesses the Power of Personalization

Ford is dominating the spotlight at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas this week.  Among the newsmakers:  Ford tapped the talents of customizing legends Chip Foose and Funkmaster Flex to help create two tricked-out versions of the all-new Ford Flex — the FooseFlex and the Flex2 — which premiered at SEMA along with more than 20 other customized Ford and Lincoln vehicles at the company stand. Nine personalized 2008 Ford Focus models are on display, along with customized versions of the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ.  As crossover sales continue to climb, the company is pushing the segment’s limits with specially tuned Ford Edge, Escape and Lincoln MKX models at the SEMA show.  Dramatic interpretations of the most modified truck in the industry, the Ford F-150, also are drawing raves, as are revved up Super Duty, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator models. Meanwhile, the Ford Sport Trac’s urban alter ego, the Sport Trac Adrenalin, is proving that Ford can deliver aftermarket attitude straight from the factory. 

Ford Racing is introducing: a new Mustang FR500S race car and racing series; the Ford BOSS 500 nitro drag racing engine, featured in NHRA Mustang Funny Cars; a line of Ford Performance “Aluminator” crate engines; and a Mustang V-6 appearance package new for 2008. 

In addition, Ford is showcasing “Custom Accessories” — the industry’s first complete online accessory showroom.  It allows customers to jump online to spec their customized vehicle, order parts and, starting in January, schedule an installation appointment at their dealer of choice or have the parts home-delivered. 

Strategic Vision Award

Lincoln MKX Trumps Lexus RX350 Value
The Lincoln MKX unseated the Lexus RX350 in the near-luxury SUV segment of the 2007 Strategic Vision Total Value study, reported the Detroit Free Press.  It’s another survey that shows Detroit automakers are gaining ground on foreign competitors in quality, the newspaper noted.  “The MKX really stood out in things like technical innovation, the standard equipment that came with it and the refinement in the interior in comparison to what the Lexus had to offer,” said Alexander Edwards, president of Strategic Vision’s automotive division.  In addition to highlighting Lincoln MKX’s victory over the Lexus, Strategic Vision’s press release called out Ford brand successes as well:  “Can a Ford beat a Toyota in Total Value?  Yes! Although Ford Motor Company obtained only four Total Value leadership positions over the past four years, in 2007 Ford has added three additional wins to its collection: the Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge and Expedition EL.”  [For an e-print of the Detroit Free Press article, check out the Public Affairs tab on fcmdealer.com]

Putting Trucks to the Test
This weekend, more than 50 trucks and SUVs from 15 manufacturers will compete in the Texas Auto Writers Association’s annual Truck and SUV Rodeo in Decatur, Texas.  They’ll vie for two top awards – “Truck of Texas” and “SUV of Texas” –along with a number of segment awards given by 50 media attending the competitive event.  Ford and Lincoln Mercury are entering 11 trucks and SUVs.

Earlier this week, more than 50 automotive journalists gained a deeper understanding of Ford’s rigorous vehicle testing procedures after test-driving F-Series trucks at the company’s Michigan Proving Grounds (MPG).  Besides getting a close-up look at the redesigned proving grounds, the truck-focused media tested the new F-Series Super Duty in head-to-head comparisons with competitors under extreme conditions.

Ford, Colombian Rocker Juanes Get SYNC-ronized
Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award winning artist, will help introduce SYNC to the Hispanic market. He will be the voice and face behind Ford’s cutting-edge creative campaign aimed at the first group of car buyers to grow up online.  The new online, print and broadcast campaign will introduce Hispanic consumers to the power of SYNC through the slogan “SYNC. A tus ordenes” (SYNC. At your command). To show the “power of voice,” Ford is strategically positioning talking billboards in high traffic areas. When triggered by a motion detector, the billboard will deliver Juanes’ voice talking about SYNC. And in an effort to get closer to his fans, Juanes will introduce SYNC at private events in Los Angeles and Houston later in 2007 with the campaign running into 2008.  Juanes was recognized by TIME as one of the “100 Most Influential People In The World” for his belief in the possibility of social change through music.

COMING UP …
SEMA!!  Ford will push personalization to the limit at the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas next week. The Ford Sport Trac’s urban alter ego, the Sport Trac Adrenalin, debuts at this year’s show — proving that Ford can deliver aftermarket attitude straight from the factory.  Specially tuned Ford Edge, Escape and Lincoln MKX models also will be featured at the annual aftermarket extravaganza, along with a few surprises. We’ll share more news from the show next week. 

“5,000+ Miles of Total Satisfaction!”

“Great value, tops in safety, good handling, best AWD system in use (much better than previous vehicle, Subaru, engine has great torque and plenty of passing lane power. Mileage is slightly better than EPA ratings, co-workers really appreciate enormous back seat leg room and kids like the DVD system. Looks, feels, and sounds like a well built vehicle as trim aligns nicely and materials are above average. This is my first Ford in over 15 years and things have really, really changed in a positive way.” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Simon from Colorado Springs, Colo. on 8/11/07“Best Car Yet!” – “This is one of the best cars Ford, or anyone else, ever built. I should know – I have bought over 20 new vehicles in my lifetime. It is a cross between a Ford 500 and a Volvo. This car will holds its own with anything built in Europe or Japan. Has the ride of a Lexus, the handling of a small car, and the horsepower of an Audi. The biggest plus is it is huge- as big as a Crown Vic inside- and sill I am getting 27.5 mpg in combined driving. It is like paying for a Ford and being given a Lincoln.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by m wilson on 9/27/07 

“I Love My Taurus” – “I just purchased the Taurus about 5 days ago, I was in an Explorer. I just can’t get over how big the interior is on this car, it seems like it’s bigger than the Explorer. I also had a Camry prior to the Explorer and this car beats the Camry, the ride, the comfort, the roomy backseat. I would recommend this car to everyone that’s looking for a sedan. This car is just an outstanding vehicle.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by hondagirl on 9/01/07

“A Quantum Leap Forward” – “This is a great car. The engine and transmission are enough to make it a quantum leap over the 500 that it replaced, but the interior refinements, cabin quiet, and overall feel are as impressive. The name change was not significant to me but the car is a home run. It is very responsive, very fast and very smooth.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by PJ on 6/19/07

“The Best Family Car” – “I’ve owned an Accord and kind of felt I might want to try a domestic, so I shopped around and saw a new Taurus. So far, I’m pleased with the fit and finish, quietness, and ample power from the new 3.5 liter engine. The AWD works great. Especially I like the spaciousness of the car in the back seat. My three kids have no problem with sitting together.” – posted to www.edmunds.com by Kyle on 8/18/2007

“Toyota Who?” – “Before you even think of buying a Toyota you need to compare it with this car. I found the ride and the fit and finish to be far superior. Also there is far more room in the Taurus, and the prices are more reasonable. A far better value.” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Easy Rider from Dayton, OH on 9/11/07

“Ford Taurus Beats Out Imports” – “Just purchased my 2008 Ford Taurus Limited and this is the best car ever. Ford came along way with this and they have done a great job. I average 29 mpg on the hwy, which is good for this car’s size. The engine has no problem keeping up with traffic and I keep passing people up on the highway and not to mention at parking lots people stare at the front grill of this new baby and I get a thumbs up. This car is worth the money and if I wreck my current one, I would not hesitate to buy another one. – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by christopher from o’fallen, MO on 8/04/07

“Very Impressed” – “Ford is back. This is a great vehicle. It is very roomy and has a trunk that can carry anything you desire. It is very comfortable and the ride is very smooth and feels like you are in a Lincoln. It has an impressive fuel economy along with sportiness. You feel like the president in this car. I really like the styling of this car with Ford’s new corporate grill and the modern face and rear. If you are looking for a full sized sedan, THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU.” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Tyler from Scottsdale, Ariz. on 8/02/07

“Home Run With the ’08 Taurus Limited FWD” – “I bought this as a company car. Since I need plenty of room, this car fit nicely. I am 6’3″ and the 1st test I do is put the front seat all the way back then hop in the back seat. I have a minimum 3″ from my knees to the back of the front seat, very impressive to say the least. The power is very nice and once you’re used to the 6 speed it is very nice and smooth. Very smooth, plush ride. For a bigger car that isn’t after the handling market it does very well. I am 6’3″ with a 34″ inseam and have no problem at all with leg room, in fact more than I have ever had. I even prefer to have the seat forward roughly 2″ from the furthest back. I have the limited version FWD which means it has a very good mix of standard options. The leather is very nicely done and the heated seats will be very nice in the winter here as will the heated mirrors and traction control. The moon roof/sunroof works very nice. The Audiophile sound system is a little complicated at 1st but has very nice sound. Looks are very nice. I wouldn’t/didn’t give the 500 a second look, but this is nice, very nice!!” – posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Walt from LaFargeville, New York on 7/09/07

“Ford Finally Turns the Corner in the 08 Taurus” – “This car is hot and for around $25k don’t miss this soon to be American gem. The ride is comparable to a five series BMW in looks, acceleration, and space…” — posted to www.autos.yahoo.com by Eric from West Palm Beach, Fla. on 6/18/07

2008 Taurus Earns High Marks with Online Consumers

A drive review of the 2008 Ford Taurus featured in today’s Washington Times reflects the mood of the new car’s growing owner base. “I’m sitting at a traffic signal saying to myself, ‘This is a smart buy,’” wrote Connie Keane. “It’s a large car with command seating. It’s the safest car in America. It’s priced right and it’s actually hot looking.” Online consumer reviews indicate owners of the new Taurus are impressed. Here’s a sampler: 

Ford Motor Company Aids California Fire Recovery

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Ford Motor Company today pledged to assist in the wildfire relief and recovery efforts in Southern California through the donation of money, vehicles and volunteer manpower. In addition, Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers impacted by the wildfires the opportunity to delay some vehicle payments.    Ford Motor Company immediately is donating 20 specially equipped vehicles — 11 Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks and nine Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles – to fire and rescue departments in some of the areas most devastated by the fires.

    “Many Southern California Ford employees and Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers share the concerns of their neighbors as they also have been affected by this devastating fire,” said Hal Dewsnap, Ford Lincoln Mercury Los Angeles regional manager. “Local fire and rescue officials told us they have an urgent need for heavy duty work trucks and SUVs. We located the 20 specially equipped vehicles at local dealerships and they are on their way to local fire and rescue squads.”

    Additionally, Ford Motor Company Fund is contributing $100,000 to the San Diego Chapter of the American Red Cross to help with relief efforts.

    “The San Diego Chapter Red Cross has a critical need for medical, food, water and other supplies, as well as counseling support for hundreds of residents forced from their homes,” said Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund. “We are responding to this need immediately.”

    Longer term, Ford employees in Southern California will be called upon to volunteer time to assist in community recovery and relief efforts through Ford Volunteer Corps, a corporate-wide program established by Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford after the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.

    In addition, Ford Motor Credit announced today that it would offer some payment relief to customers impacted by the wildfires through the Ford Credit Disaster Relief Program. The program allows customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

    The offer is available to customers who are leasing or have purchased vehicles from Ford Credit, Jaguar Credit, Land Rover Capital, Mazda American Credit, PRIMUS or Volvo Car Finance. Ford Motor Credit customers who are eligible for the Disaster Relief Program will be sent letters with instructions on how to register.

    Customers also may call the toll-free number listed for their brand to register for the Ford Motor Credit Disaster Relief Program:

    — Ford Credit: 1-800-723-4016 — Jaguar Credit: 1-800-945-7000 — Land Rover Capital Group: 1-877-507-2264 — Mazda American Credit: 1-800-945-4000 — PRIMUS Financial Services: 1-800-945-4000 — Volvo Car Finance: 1-800-770-8234

    Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company”s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford”s products, please visit http://www.ford.com.

    Source: Ford Motor Company
　　

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