Ford - MyBrandz

Unsurprising News of the Day: Ford Explorer Sport Trac is toast

Autoblog — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 20:28:16 +0000

Filed under: SUV, Truck, Crossover, Ford

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin - Click above for high-res image gallery

When it comes to a new Explorer Sport Trac for 2011, the only real surprise would have been if Ford had actually opted to build one. With the standard Explorer moving to a unit-body architecture, there are no plans for a new pickup truck version, a vehicle that probably would have been something akin to the Honda Ridgeline.

Since the Ridgeline hasn't exactly been flying off dealer's lots, Ford has wisely decided to focus on its full-bodied version, the Explorer. The Blue Oval hasn't made a habit of breaking out Sport Trac sales from its SUV kin, but the Explorer only totaled 52,190 in 2009, so the pickup's volume probably wasn't a huge seller. According to Automotive News' sources, Sport Trac sales usually totaled about 20 to 25 percent of Explorer sales over the last decade, but that number strikes us as curiously high. Over its entire life, we never saw a ton of them - even on the roads around Michigan where domestic pickups are commonplace.

Gallery: 2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin

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[Source: SUV5 - sub. req.]

SUV6 originally appeared on SUV7 on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our SUV8.

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Soon You Can Shop Zara Online; Tom Ford Hires Women’s Shoe Consultant

The Cut — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:27:35 +0000

Source: Fashion Insider

Catherine McNeil.
• Zara is launching an e-commerce site this September. Now if only H&M would follow suit. [Elle]

• Australian Vogue is dedicating its September issue to Catherine McNeil, who is said to have the cover and at least three big editorials in the issue. [Frockwriter]

• Tom Ford hired shoe designer Michael Lewis, who also creates shoes for Versace, to consult on his forthcoming line of womenswear. "When Tom offered me the position I can only describe it as having arrived," Lewis said. "Why I was chosen, only Tom can answer that question but I would like to think it had something to do with having no ego and feeling comfortable with the vision of Tom's brand." [Vogue UK]

• Hussein Chalayan is working on a film “exploring the coverlap between clothing and art,” which will debut at London’s Lisson Gallery in September. [WWD]
• Beyoncé will make a cameo on Britain’s Next Top Model. [Catwalk Queen]

• Olivia Palermo wants her own clothing line, but you probably knew that. “[My collection] would probably be soft. And elegant — a really feminine collection. But I do love menswear, so I would probably throw in a few blazers and pant suits into the mix as well," she says. "It would have to be consistent though, that's something you have to keep in mind when you're designing.” [Fab Sugar]

• Canadian online magazine Hardly, which claims to be the new Sassy, debuts today. [Refinery 29]

• Victoria Beckham’s super-skinny jeans are now for sale on Net-A-Porter. [StyleList]

Filed Under: loose threads, australian vogue, beyonce, britain's next top model, catherine mcneil, designers, ecommerce, hardly, hussein chalayan, michael lewis, models, net-a-porter, olivia palermo, tom ford, victoria beckham, zara

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Report: NHTSA expands Ford Windstar corrosion probe to front subframes

Autoblog — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 13:27:33 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Ford

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has opened a second investigation into 1999-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The new probe has arisen amidst reports of front subframe corrosion that can cause the vehicle to lose steering. Apparently, a number of owners in salt-belt states have complained of front steering components rusting to the point of failure, causing a total loss of steering in the process. NHTSA will be looking into a total 900,000 potentially affected vehicles as part of the first stage of a process that could ultimately lead to recall.

As we first reported in May, Windstar minivans of the same vintage are currently under investigation for a similar corrosion concern in the rear of the vehicle. The government agency launched an investigation after receiving 234 complaints of the vehicles' Minivan/Van0. Owners claim that the design allows for road salt and grime to collect in certain places, accelerating corrosion in the process.

Ford says that it is doing everything it can to cooperate with the investigation and address any design issue, should one exist. According to Automotive News, the Windstar, which was built between 1994 and 2003, has been the subject of a total of 10 recalls so far.

[Source: Minivan/Van1 - sub. req.]

Minivan/Van2 originally appeared on Minivan/Van3 on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 08:28:00 EST. Please see our Minivan/Van4.

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Unlikely Pacer: Ford Fiesta to lead the field at CarFax 400

Autoblog — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:27:19 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Motorsports, Budget, Sedan, Ford

Sure enough, the upcoming Sprint Cup Carfax 400 will be paced by none other than the Blue Oval's tiny 2011 Fiesta Sedan. With less than a third of the displacement of the tube-frame beasts lapping Michigan International Speedway, we wouldn't quite expect lightning-quick pace laps, but hey - safety first. While pace cars are typically some sort of performance product, manufacturers aren't past parading less than muscular new hardware in front of the captive audiences of the raceway.

If Ford was looking for a way to bring its marketing for the Fiesta out of the social media realm and into a more mainstream American venue, they could have hardly done better than the Sprint Cup. On average, the series races net 7.9 million viewers. On Sunday, August 15, each and every one of those souls will get to watch a maroon four door fiesta lead the pack, complete with a massive Blue Oval decal down the side. Talk about cheap advertising. Check out the gallery for a few shots from the car's unveiling.

Gallery: Ford Fiesta Pace Car

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[Source: Ford Racing via Motorsports5]

Motorsports6 originally appeared on Motorsports7 on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our Motorsports8.

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Ken Block reveals possible Fiesta special edition collaboration with Ford in the works

Autoblog — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:27:43 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Hatchback, Ford

Ken Block Gymkhana 3 Fiesta - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ken Block isn't a World Rally Championship legend by any stretch, but thanks to his immensely entertaining Gymkhana videos, the glorified shoemaker can definitely lay claim to the title of YouTube Legend. And with Ford working the Internets hard during the launches of its new products like the Fiesta and Explorer, it made total sense that Ford would want to partner with the new media star.

The duo of Fiesta and Ken Block is less than a year old, but already there are some rumblings that Block edition Fiesta could be in the works. How about a DC Shoes edition Fiesta? In a recent radio interview with KROQ, Block was asked if there was a KB Fiesta on the way, and he responded with "we're discussing those types of things but there's nothing set in stone at this point." Block went on to add that for now, he wants to concentrate on racing and developing new competition cars.

So, no definitive news on the Ken Block edition Fiesta front, but the two parties are at least thinking about a special model. We can't see how this is a bad idea, considering that 30 million potential car buyers waiting patiently for Gymkhana 3 - we couldn't think of a better way to announce a special edition Fiesta than by starring in another Block-buster internet flick (sorry, we couldn't resist). Head over to the Motorsports0 to listen to the interview. Hat tip to Joe B!

Gallery: Motorsports1

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[Source: Motorsports7]

Motorsports8 originally appeared on Motorsports9 on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our Sedan0.

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Videos: 2011 Ford Explorer shows off its tech

Autoblog — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:27:30 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: SUV, Technology, Videos, Crossover, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer Terrain Management System - Click above to watch this video after the jump

Unless you've been in seclusion for the past 24 hours, you know Ford officially unveiled the 2011 Explorer yesterday. (Be sure to read SUV0 and SUV1 of our deep dive for the full details.) The new Explorer is a pretty drastic departure from the generations preceding it - Ford has opted to use a unibody construction and a car-based platform rather than a traditional body-on-frame SUV, and naturally aspirated V8 power has been ditched in favor of more fuel-efficient four- and six-cylinder powerplants.

So while the Explorer seems to fit better in the crossover classification, Ford is confident that traditional SUV shoppers will still be pleased with what the new Expy has to offer. There are a host of new technology features on the 2011 model, including things like blind spot monitoring, trailer sway control and a terrain management system (similar to what you might find on a SUV2). These features will be attractive selling points to SUV-oriented customers, and they get detailed in the videos after the jump.

Gallery: SUV4

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[Source: Ford]

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Technology1 originally appeared on Technology2 on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our Technology3.

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2011 Ford Explorer unveiled live from coast to coast

Autoblog — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:28:35 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: SUV, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer Live Debut in Southern California - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been quite a day for the new 2011 Ford Explorer. After teasing, more teasing, and even more teasing, Ford finally unveiled what it thinks will "reinvent the SUV for the 21st century." At 12:01 EST this morning, we presented an in-depth look at the new Explorer, providing details on the new exterior and interior as well as some of the safety features, and at noon we went over the SUV0, including the SUV1 that will deliver 30 percent better fuel efficiency than the previous V6 model. Ford has even put up a SUV2, allowing you to build your own.

SUV3The SUV4 was also introduced live in various parts of the country, from the middle of New York City to Detroit to Los Angeles. We were in attendance on both ends of the coasts to cover the unveilings, each of which had an entirely different feel. The Discovery Channel's Mike Rowe was on hand with CEO Alan Mulally to make the introductions in the Big Apple, while Ford's President of the Americas Mark Fields did the honors amidst huge sand sculptures alongside the famous boardwalk in Venice Beach. You can see photos from both unveilings in the galleries below.

Gallery: SUV5

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Ford8 originally appeared on Ford9 on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our 0.

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2011 Ford Explorer configurator already up and running, pricing starts at $28,190*

Autoblog — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:26:56 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Ford

http://bp2.forddirect.fordvehicles.com/2011-Ford-Explorer#page">Ford3

It's been less than 24 hours since Ford took the wraps off of the 2011 Explorer, but in an effort to keep the buzz going about the all-new crossover due to hit dealerships later this year, Ford's online configurator is already up and running.

At the moment, only models equipped with the 3.5-liter V6 can be optioned, ranging from the base $28,190 front-wheel drive Explorer (*Don't forget to add $805 for delivery fees) all the way up to the top-trim Limited 4WD ($39,190 plus destination). A fully decked-out all-wheel drive configuration will set you back $48,075* - and that's before the optional accessory list is looked over.

If you have some time to waste, head over to Ford's configuration page and spec out the Explorer of your dreams. Additionally, be sure to scroll through our gallery of color choices, showing the nine available paint jobs.

Gallery: 2011 Ford Explorer Colors

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[Source: Crossover0]

Crossover1 originally appeared on Crossover2 on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our Crossover3.

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2011 Ford Explorer puts four-cylinder EcoBoost engine above V6 in pecking order

Autoblog — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:27:17 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: SUV, Technology, Crossover, Ford, Off-Road

2011 Ford Explorer - Click above for high-res image gallery

For part two of our in-depth look at the 2011 Ford Explorer, we'll take a look at its new powertrains and improvements in fuel efficiency, as well as how well it can still tow a trailer. But first let's see what kind of techno-goodies Ford has applied to this new SUV.

Technology

This being 2010, technology has to play a big part in any major new vehicle introduction. On the inside, the Explorer joins the new Edge, Focus and Lincoln MKX in adopting the SUV0 interface. We first saw this new touch sensitive interface when the MKX and Focus were unveiled at the 2010 SUV1 in January. Much like modern smartphones, the center stack has a smooth surface with capacitive touch buttons to manage the audio and climate controls. SUV2 or check out SUV3 first.

Gallery: SUV4

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Technology1 originally appeared on Technology2 on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our Technology3.

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Video: Mulally unwittingly confirms next-gen Ford Ranger for U.S. market?

Autoblog — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:27:35 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Truck, Videos, Work, Ford

Alan Mulally on CNBC - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Our trusty spy photographers have captured the next-generation Ford Ranger out testing several times Truck0, but speculation continues to swirl over whether or not this trucklet will be available for U.S. consumption. After all, there's been talk of a more entry-level Truck1 that would sort of fill the void of not having a dedicated Ranger replacement, but Ford has never ruled out the possibility of an all-new small pickup.

While talking about the new Truck2 on CNBC's Squawk Box this morning, Ford's president and CEO, Alan Mulally, appears to have unintentionally confirmed a new Ranger for North America. While discussing the whole lineup of Stateside Ford products, Mulally specifically says "new Ranger," which leads us to believe that all of these test mules we've seen might not just be for our overseas friends (something that we've been wondering about anyhow, as we've seen more Stateside evaluations of this 'overseas' truck than any other foreign market vehicle in recent memory). No, Mulally doesn't come right out and say that an all-new Ranger is headed our way, but we've continued to hear scuttlebutt about just such a truck from our sources, and given that his remarks were otherwise confined to North American products, we're beginning to think that a new Ranger is all but confirmed.

To see what we're on about, Truck3 to watch the CNBC interview, and pay close attention beginning around the five-minute mark for Mulally's Ranger remark. A big ol' tip of the cap to Dan!

Gallery: Truck4

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[Source: Videos0]

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Videos2 originally appeared on Videos3 on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:57:00 EST. Please see our Videos4.

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Inside the 2011 Ford Explorer Facebook Reveal

Mash able — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 12:29:22 +0000

Source: Mashable

In just a few minutes the 2011 Ford Explorer will be unveiled to the world. The reveal is coming six months prior to the car appearing on lots nationwide, and taking a much different form than any of the car…

2011 Ford Explorer unveiled, tries crossing over on road to redemption

Autoblog — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:27:06 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: SUV, Safety, Crossover, Ford, Design/Style

2011 Ford Explorer Deep Dive - Click above for high-res image gallery

In creating the 2011 Explorer, Ford engineers and designers had an enormously difficult task set before them. Ford's President of the Americas, Mark Fields, described the job as "Reinventing the SUV for the 21st century." Despite the near complete collapse of the traditional mid-to-large SUV market over the last several years, Ford still sees a substantial market for the capabilities of these boxy behemoths. Customers just don't want the traditional downsides that accompany these body-on-frame 'utes - specifically, their higher fuel consumption and poor ride and handling.

The new Explorer remains squarely targeted at traditional SUV buyers.

Since its debut some 20 years ago, the Explorer has sold over six million units, four million of which are still traversing the world's roads. Through much of the late-1990s and early part of the last decade, the Explorer was Ford's second-best-selling vehicle behind its F-Series pickups, regularly selling 400,000 units a year. Fast-forward to 2009, and that volume had plummeted to just over 52,000. Even so, Ford believes it still has an opportunity. According to the automaker's vice president of global marketing, SUV0, each year, at least 140,000 Explorer owners come back to Blue Oval dealerships looking to purchase new vehicles. And obviously, they just aren't buying Explorers.

When word got out that Ford was developing a new unibody Explorer off the same platform architecture that underpins the SUV1 and SUV2 - not to mention the SUV3 SUV4 and SUV5 - many people wondered why Dearborn had elected to develop yet another crossover, especially since the Taurus X/Freestyle had just been killed due to slow sales. This predicament was not lost on Ford's product planners, and their four-wheeled response is a new Explorer that remains squarely targeted at traditional SUV buyers - shoppers that Ford sees as a distinct group from most crossover intenders. Long ago, SUV6 proved with the Cherokee and SUV7 that a unibody chassis isn't necessarily an impediment to building a fully capable off-roader, and Ford appears to have taken that lesson to heart, along with targeting big improvements in fuel economy and driving dynamics. SUV8 to find out if they succeeded.

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Safety3 originally appeared on Safety4 on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our Safety5.

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Ouch! Killing Mercury said to cost Ford $500 million

Autoblog — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:27:00 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Ford, Mercury

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In life, Mercury was an under-funded brand mainly composed of waterfall grilles stapled to bone-stock Ford models. In death, however, Mercury apparently gets to see some of the money it always dreamed of having when it was alive. According to Automotive News, Ford CFO Lewis Booth claims that shutting down Mercury before the end of this year will cost the Oval roughly $500 million overall. Booth says Ford already took a $247 million charge in the first half of 2010 to cover the neglected marque's mercy killing.

The lion's share of the money being spent will go toward buying out 700 of the 1,700 Mercury dealers across the United States. Back in June, we told you about a package that Ford was presenting to dealers who sign a termination agreement. The reported buyout totaled as much as $200,000 per dealership. (Actual dollar amounts for individual dealers were based on the number of vehicles they sold over a three-year period; more cars moved meant more FoMoCo cash received.)

Would a half-billion invested in updated Mercury product instead of a cash-lined casket have made a difference? Mercury's sales numbers (or lack thereof) suggest that few car shoppers would have even noticed. Ditching Mercury to concentrate on bread-and-butter Ford has seemed like a no-brainer for years. More importantly, Lincoln, which hasn't exactly lit up the monthly By the Numbers reports of late, should only benefit from the much-needed infusion of resources that were previously being wasted keeping Mercury afloat.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req.]

Ouch! Killing Mercury said to cost Ford $500 million originally appeared on Ford0 on Sat, 24 Jul 2010 12:33:00 EST. Please see our Ford1.

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Video: Mikko Hirvonen tests WRC Ford Focus, enters low orbit

Autoblog — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:28:12 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Mikko Hirvonen and his 2010 Ford Focus RS WRC - Click above to watch video after the jump

Our collective blogging heart goes out to Mikko Hirvonen. It's a shame to see a driver with galaxies worth of talent constantly banished to the lower rungs of the podium by the likes of Motorsports0. Perpetually optimistic, the Finnish hoon seems to be a rarity among the racing driver species. Even in the face of repeated defeat, the guy typically keeps his cool and hopes for the best. That doesn't necessarily mean he's content to sit back and watch Citroën continue to dominate the Motorsports1 and Hirvonen has been beating the life out of his Motorsports2 racer in preparation for the upcoming Finland Rally.

Fortunately for us, a video of the testing action has made its way to the YouTubes, complete with plenty of shots of the mean Blue Oval in defiance of the laws of gravity. At some point, if we're very lucky, we just might figure out how the guy manages to get that hatch to pivot mid-air. Click Motorsports3 to waste a little time in the best way possible.

[Source: Motorsports4 via Motorsports5]

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Motorsports7 originally appeared on Motorsports8 on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our Motorsports9.

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Ford: Aftermarket replacement parts can be inferior, possible safety hazards

Autoblog — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:26:40 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Aftermarket, Safety, Ford

Today's autos are chock-full of safety equipment that vastly improves your chances of survival in the event of a crash. And if an automaker wants to achieve the best crash test scores, it has to ensure that parts like bumper beams, air bag sensors and radiator supports perform properly during a collision. But while automakers are concerned about their safety record, in some cases, aftermarket parts makers are more concerned with keeping costs down.

USA Today reports that Ford has called out some some aftermarket parts inferior, as the Dearborn, MI-based automaker's internal testing has shown that some non-OEM parts are made of cheaper materials that may not perform adequately in the event of an accident. Parts marketing manager Mike Warwood says the company was "surprised at the gap between original manufacturer equipment and aftermarket parts," adding that the gap was larger than anticipated. The easy way to avoid this issue is to demand OEM parts when your vehicle is in the shop for repairs, but unfortunately, some insurance companies insist that cheaper aftermarket replacement parts are used.

It makes sense for Ford push its factory-made parts, as the company makes lots of money selling in excess of 24,000 different replacement components. Ford insists that it is merely looking for aftermarket parts standardization to ensure the safety of its customers, along with stickers warning consumers that non-standard parts are being used. Insurance companies and aftermarket shops likely wouldn't be too happy if a standardization process is initiated, but it's hard to argue with oversight in the name of safety. After all, automakers test and build parts like bumpers for optimal safety, and consumers purchase those vehicles in part because of the safety ratings those vehicles earn.

[Source: USA Today]

Ford: Aftermarket replacement parts can be inferior, possible safety hazards originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Ford to report $2.6B second-quarter profit

Autoblog — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 13:27:00 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Ford, Earnings/Financials

Want more proof that Ford is really starting to pick up some serious momentum? The Wall Street Journal is reporting that The Blue Oval will follow up its $2.1 billion first quarter profits with another ~~$1.6 billion~~ $2.6 billion in black ink for the second quarter. That's a far cry from the $424 million the automaker lost in the second quarter of last year and another big step towards sustained financial success. Ford is making money in part because of restructured costs, but also because of increased awareness in its well-reviewed new products.

Ford is looking better on many fronts, including models with more competitive pricing, higher residual values, improved quality and sales increases that are outpacing most of its rivals. Ford now has a competitive small and midsize car lineup for the first time in decades, but the big money is still coming from larger vehicles. F-150 sales, for example, are up 25 percent for the quarter, while Super Duty sales are reportedly up 55 percent. In terms of average transaction prices, another success has been the revamped Taurus, which is fetching a whopping $6,300 more than the outgoing model and $850 more than the average Toyota Avalon.

UPDATE: Ford officially announced earnings of $2.6 billion for Q2, 2010. Revenue for the quarter was $31.1 billion, up from $26.8 billion in Q2, 2009.

[Source: Ford0 - sub. req.]

Ford1 originally appeared on Ford2 on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our Ford3.

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Ford Explorer reaches 30,000 Facebook fans, celebrates with grille shot

Autoblog — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:26:53 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: SUV, Marketing/Advertising, Ford

2011 Ford Explorer grille - Click above for teaser gallery

Earlier today, Ford hit its 30,000 fan for the 2011 Explorer Facebook page, so the automaker could give away one all-new unibody 'ute to a lucky follower. To celebrate meeting its goal, Ford has posted yet another teaser, showing off the new Explorer's grille. But enough with the teasers. When can we actually see it in person? Glad you asked...

This coming Monday, Ford will reveal the Explorer at live events across the U.S., including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and at the "glass house" in Dearborn, MI. At a preview of the Explorer in Dearborn earlier this week, marketing VP Jim Farley discussed how Ford plans to drum up interested in the Explorer, and based on the success of last year's Fiesta Movement social media campaign, the Explorer will be omnipresent online and elsewhere in the lead-up to the on-sale date late this year.

According to Farley, the Fiesta campaign required only 10 percent of what a typical new vehicle launch costs, but it overwhelmingly succeeded in establishing name recognition for the small car well ahead of its arrival in showrooms. Given that America already knows the Explorer, Ford will be focusing on how it's "reinvented the SUV for the 21st century." We can't tell you more at the moment, but look forward to full details this Monday 12:01 AM EDT.

Gallery: SUV0

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[Source: SUV6]

SUV7 originally appeared on SUV8 on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our SUV9.

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Report: New Ford Focus ST headed for Paris

Autoblog — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:26:27 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Performance, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Ford

2012 Ford Focus - Click above for high-res image gallery

As the launch of the 2012 Focus draws closer, Ford plans to roll out several variants of its C-segment people mover. And at this year's Paris Motor Show, the Blue Oval will reportedly kick off the party with the debut of a new Focus ST which could finally make its way to America next year. The Focus ST is expected to be propelled by an uprated version of the 2.0-liter Ecoboost inline-four - the same mill fitted to the Euro-market Mondeo - but with output boosted well over the current 200 horsepower.

In ST trim the engine should produce about 250 hp and close to 260 pound-feet of torque, with all that twist coming in low in the rev range to balance high-revving fun with enhanced around-town driveability. The ST should hit 60 mph in under six seconds with combined mileage of about 29 miles per gallon (U.S.). Earlier this year, Ford acknowledged that it was developing a "global" performance version of the new Focus, but never said explicitly that it would be offered in North America. Here's hoping that changes in Paris this September.

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

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[Source: Performance5]

Performance6 originally appeared on Performance7 on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our Performance8.

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Take rate on Brembo package for 2011 Ford Mustang higher than expected

Autoblog — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:26:27 +0000

Source: Autoblog

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Ford

2011 Ford Mustang GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

As a general rule, the things that us car journalists typically enjoy - things like manual transmissions, no-frills interiors and wagon variants - don't necessarily sell well. The same can be said for expensive non-powertrain performance options, which is why we were surprised to learn that the Brembo brake package for the 2011 Ford Mustang has been selling quite well.

According to Automobile Magazine, Ford says that the take rate for the option has "exceeded our expectations" and sales are "running substantially above last year's Track Pack." Perhaps we should give Mustang buyers, ostensibly only interested with drag racing, more credit than we initially thought.

Priced at $1,695, the Brembo brake package includes a set of 14-inch front discs with four-piston calipers, rear 11.8-inch discs with four-piston calipers, special 19-inch wheels, summer performance tires, and unique tuning for the suspension, stability control and steering.

Part of the reason for the high take rate might be that choosing the option is actually much cheaper than buying the same parts in the aftermarket. The 14-inch brake kit in the Ford Racing parts catalog will run you $1,489, which doesn't include the rear brake upgrade, and you still have to buy new wheels and tires. For aftermarket-obsessed Mustang owners, checking the option box to get it straight from the factory just makes more sense.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 Ford Mustang GT

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Photos by Drew Phillips / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

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Car Buying5 originally appeared on Car Buying6 on Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our Car Buying7.

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Ford to Unveil 2011 Explorer on Facebook

Mash able — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:26:17 +0000

Source: Mashable

Ford Motor Company is breaking with tradition in a big way. The company has been leaving digital breadcrumbs on the Ford Explorer Facebook Page, and in just a few days they’ll take to the web — instead of an auto…