MARKET LEADER FORD TOPS FLEET POPULARITY POLL WITH MONDEO

BRENTWOOD, Essex, 29 January 2010 – After Ford boosted its UK car fleet market leadership in 2009, the Ford Mondeo has now become "Britain’s most popular fleet car", according to FleetDirectory.co.uk readers.

In a poll conducted by industry website FleetDirectory.co.uk, Ford Mondeo took 20 per cent of the vote – six percentage points ahead of its nearest rival. FleetDirectory.co.uk cites qualities such as class-leading safety, practicality, low running and whole-life costs as key to the Mondeo’s success.

“The Ford Mondeo is popular and long-established, so fleets and fleet managers trust its solid manufacture,” said Richard Lawton of FleetDirectory.co.uk. “Add to this smart innovations, including low-carbon ECOnetic technology, and the Mondeo is an understandable winner. Its lead in our poll speaks volumes for Ford’s leadership in fleet.”

This leadership was strengthened in 2009, when Ford increased its share of the UK car fleet market by 3.1 per cent, compared with 2008. It ended 2009 with 20.0 per cent of all car fleet sales in Britain, outpacing its closest rival by more than four percentage points.

Market share improvement was achieved in a year notable for its tough trading environment. Ford of Britain director of fleet operations, Kevin Griffin said: “It was a very challenging year but we have nonetheless made gains by growing our business cost-effectively – by launching products which customers desire, and at a lower cost than before thanks to increased manufacturing efficiencies and reductions in product complexity. To have increased our market share in such a difficult market is a remarkable feat.”

Commenting on the FleetDirectory award Kevin Griffin said: “This is a great tribute to the Ford Mondeo as this award is actually decided by fleet managers and company car drivers themselves. This is the latest in a long line of accolades for Mondeo and Ford Fleet, which we welcome warmly.”

In 2009 Ford celebrated one of the company’s best years for awards. Fleet News declared Ford to be Fleet Manufacturer of the Year for the third time in succession, and Ford earned the Van Manufacturer of the Year title in both the Fleet World Awards and the Fleet Van Awards.

Ford models were also successful: Fiesta was declared What Car? Car of the Year and Best Supermini, as well as What Diesel Car of the Year and the Best Supermini in the Fleet News Awards, and Car of the Year and Best Supermini in the Auto Express Awards.

Fiesta Van was voted City Van of the Year in the Fleet Van Awards, as well as Best Small Van in the What Van? Awards. Transit received accolades from What Van?: Best Panel Van Security for the sixth successive year and Best Minibus for the fourth successive year. Transit Connect won, for the seventh year in a row, the Fleet Light Van of the Year title in the ACFO Awards and was also voted Best Small Van in the Fleet World Honours.

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NEW FORD S-MAX AND NEW FORD GALAXY MADE THEIR WORLD DEBUT AT 2010 BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW

NEW FORD S-MAX AND NEW FORD GALAXY MADE THEIR WORLD DEBUT AT 2010 BRUSSELS MOTOR SHOW
Posted on 14 January 2010 by admin

◦New designs and features enhance the distinctive and individual character of each model
◦Improved craftsmanship plus extensive array of technologies designed to exceed customer expectations
◦Enhanced technologies include new Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) to boost driver and occupant safety and comfort, and Premium Sound System
◦S-MAX and Galaxy spearhead launch of Ford’s new high-efficiency EcoBoost 4-cylinder advanced turbocharged petrol direct injection engines, 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with Stage V emission rating, and additional new 163 PS version
◦Ford EcoBoost 2.0-litre SCTi engine combines ‘fun to drive’ characteristics with low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions
◦Latest Ford PowerShift transmission enters range: standard with 2.0-litre EcoBoost, optional with 140 and 163 PS 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi
◦New Galaxy and S-MAX will be built alongside Mondeo at Ford’s Genk plant in Belgium




BRUSSELS, January 14, 2009 – Ford of Europe unveiled new versions of its top-selling S-MAX and Galaxy at the 2010 Brussels Show. With fresh designs and the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design cues, they feature new interior materials and features, a range of more efficient powertrains and a host of driver focused technologies aimed at safety and comfort.

“We’ve given both models a fresh new look and more premium appeal, but it is beneath the skin that the major changes have been made,” said John Fleming, Executive Vice President and Chairman & CEO, Ford of Europe. “S-MAX and Galaxy are the first European Ford models to benefit from our global EcoBoost family of direct-injection, turbocharged, petrol engines delivering more power and performance from a lower displacement powerplant, yet with impressive fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. And that is just the start of the 2010 S-MAX and Galaxy story.”

These are the first cars to be available with Ford’s all-new, high efficiency, 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine. Producing 203 PS (149 kW) it joins a significantly improved
2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel, with 140 PS (103 kW), plus a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. Additionally, the smooth and effortless Ford PowerShift double wet-clutch transmission system is available for the first time on Ford’s large car range; it will be standard equipment with the EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for both Duratorq diesels.

A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debut in the Ford range on versions of the new S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), and new Rear Door Power Child Lock facility.

Sophisticated, Flexible Manufacturing
As with previous models, the new S-MAX and Galaxy share the same assembly line with the Mondeo at Ford of Europe’s Genk manufacturing facility in Belgium.

A highly sophisticated, flexible and lean manufacturing process allows Ford to adjust the sequence and production quantity of different vehicles within its large and luxury car range, ensuring that it can respond very quickly to changes in customer demand.

More than 12 million vehicles have been built Genk plant since it opened in 1964. The Belgian facility is one of the most modern vehicle assembly plants in Europe, and a cornerstone of Ford of Europe’s lean manufacturing strategy. It currently employs some 5,000 employees.

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FORD F-SERIES DOES IT AGAIN:

FORD F-SERIES DOES IT AGAIN: BEST-SELLING TRUCK FOR 33 STRAIGHT YEARS; BEST-SELLING VEHICLE FOR 28 YEARS•Ford’s F-Series is America’s best-selling truck for 33 straight years, outselling its nearest rival by 97,000 units, largest margin in three years •December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over last year and the best sales month since March 2008 Dearborn, Mich., Jan. 6, 2010 – For the 33rd year in a row, Ford’s award-winning F-Series is America’s best-selling truck with 2009 sales of 413,625. F-series outsold its nearest truck rival by more than 97,000 units, the largest margin in three years. In addition, for the 28th consecutive year, F-Series is once again America’s best-selling vehicle of any type – car, crossover, SUV, truck or van. F-Series sales for 2009 totaled 413,625, which increased its segment share by 4 percentage-points. December sales for F-Series were 48,209, a 16 percent increase over December 2009 and the best sales month since March 2008. “When it comes to trucks, only one stat matters – how customers vote with their wallets,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager. “And the results are clear – the capability, productivity, technology and value of Ford F-Series is unmatched.” The F-150 was redesigned inside and out for 2009 and set a new benchmark for full size pickups with new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis that delivers more class-leading towing and hauling capability and unsurpassed fuel economy. During the past six years, the “core trucker” – those who use their truck’s towing and hauling capability for work and play – has jumped to 40 percent from 30 percent of the light-duty full-size pickup market. In the commercial/fleet portion of this core trucker sub-segment, Ford F-Series continues to dominate. The F-150 has 44 percent of the light duty commercial/fleet market; and Super Duty is stronger still with over 56 percent of heavy duty commercial/fleet market. New to F-Series for 2010 is the F-150 Harley-Davidson and the off-road F-150 SVT Raptor, winner of the 2009 Truck of Texas. F-Series also offers the industry-first Ford Work Solutions, an innovative suite of options including an in-dash computer with Internet access, Tool Link to track tools, Crew Chief technology to dispatch workers and reduce vehicle operating costs and Cable Lock to improve security of tools and equipment. When the 2011 F-Series Super Duty hits dealership showrooms this spring, it will feature an all-new Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbocharged V-8 diesel engine. The top-selling Ford truck dealerships in the country are located in Texas, Nebraska and Missouri. Among them: Woodhouse Ford, Blair, Nebraska; Philpott Ford, Port Neches, Texas; Planet Ford, Spring, Texas; Midway Ford Truck Center, Kansas City, Missouri.; Five Star Ford, North Richland Hills, Texas; Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford, Carrollton, Texas.

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FUSION HELPS FORD SET NEW RECORD FOR HYBRID SALES, BUCKING INDUSTRYWIDE DIP IN HEV DEMAND

• Ford Motor Company has already set a record for annual hybrid sales of 31,000 hybrids through November, eclipsing the previous high in 2007. Ford hybrid sales are up 67 percent this year while overall industry hybrid sales were down 11 percent through November


• Ford’s hybrid sales were strengthened by the debut of the new Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans on the road at 41 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway


• Fusion Hybrid has received numerous third-party endorsements including Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award and Car and Driver “10 Best” cars for 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2009 – What do a global engineering and consulting company, a Michigan technical university, and a 91-year-old Texas man have in common?



Answer: All three are “greening” U.S. roadways with Ford hybrid vehicles – and helping Ford set a new record for hybrid sales in a year in which overall industry demand for the gas-electric vehicles was down.



Ninety-one-year-old Bill Casselberry, of San Angelo, Texas, is living proof that it’s never too late to go green. In September, he traded in his 2006 Toyota Camry for a 2010 Fusion Hybrid.



“The main reason I wanted to buy the Fusion Hybrid is that I’m concerned about all the greenhouse gases we’re putting into the air, and I wanted to do my part to reduce the negative effect on our atmosphere,” he said. “If we don’t do something now, future generations are not going to have a world to live in.”



Casselberry says he’s thrilled with his new car.



“I love it,” he exclaimed. “The only problem is that I’m 91 years old, and I don’t get to drive it as much as I’d like to.”



Strong sales of the Fusion Hybrid show that many customers share Casselberry’s enthusiasm for Ford’s newest addition to its hybrid lineup. Introduced in March of this year, the new Fusion Hybrid represents 45 percent of all Ford hybrid sales for 2009.



In addition to the Fusion, Ford’s longest-running hybrid nameplate – the Escape Hybrid – continues to attract customers to the Ford brand.



Black & Veatch, a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company, operates a North American fleet of approximately 300 vehicles, which includes 22 Escape Hybrids.



“Our company is always looking at ways to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Rod Cramer, fleet manager, Black & Veatch. “The Escape Hybrids also play a major role in showing our employees and clients how serious our commitment is to the environment that we all share.”



According to Cramer, the Escape hybrids enable the company to save money through greater efficiency. The vehicles also have had a positive impact on employees.



“The excitement we caused throughout the company when we started to place them out in the field was electric,” he said. “Our professionals really like the versatility the vehicle provides with features like a comfortable seating compartment, user-friendly equipment and the ability to handle off-road requirements.”



Michigan Technological University (MTU) recently replaced four gas-powered SUVs in its 70-vehicle fleet with new Ford Escape Hybrids.



“Our goal is to go green one vehicle at a time,” said Pete Pelissero, manager of MTU Fleet Services, adding that MTU plans to replace five more gas SUVs with Escape Hybrids in the next 12 months and swap all of the university’s sedans, SUVs and minivans for hybrids within the next five years.



“The issue to go with the Escape hybrids was to make our point of talking the talk and walking the walk,” he said. “We want to lead by example, and show the rest of the country that we are serious about going green. It won’t happen overnight, but we will get there.”



Ford hybrids on track for record sales for 2009

Despite a 11 percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry, Ford’s year-to-date hybrid sales are up 67 percent over the same period last year. And the company is on track to set a new hybrid sales record for 2009.



“Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “And we are seeing a growing number of conquest sales, many of them from customers coming from import brands, mostly Toyota and Honda.”



According to Pipas, the fuel economy message associated with hybrid vehicles resonates well with import customers.



“That, to me, is the significance of offering such high quality, fuel-efficient vehicles,” he said.

“The hybrid technology is introducing us to a whole new community of customers who might have otherwise never visited a Ford showroom.”



The newest additions to the Ford hybrid stable – the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids – are strengthening sales. Both vehicles deliver an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway and making them the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the road.



And the Fusion Hybrid has received a number of important third-party endorsements. The entire Fusion lineup – including the hybrid model – won this year’s prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year^® award. The Fusion Hybrid also was honored as one of Car and Driver magazine’s “10 Best” cars for 2010.

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THREE BLINKS AND IT'S OFF; NEW FORD LANE CHANGE TECHNOLOGY HELPS EASE DRIVER PET PEEVES•Ford’s new three-blink lane change technology gives drivers a

THREE BLINKS AND IT'S OFF; NEW FORD LANE CHANGE TECHNOLOGY HELPS EASE DRIVER PET PEEVES•Ford’s new three-blink lane change technology gives drivers a way to avoid an annoyance on the road with a simple flick of the indicator that turns off automatically
•A recent driving survey puts people who leave their turn signals on for miles in the “Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves” list
•The new feature appears on the 2011 Ford Fiesta, which goes on sale in summer 2010 with a projected best-in-class fuel economy of 40 mpg highway and an expressive and vibrant design
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2009 – Does the sight of a blinker flashing on the car in front of you for miles and miles drive you crazy? You’re not the only one.

This annoying habit is so frustrating to drivers that it made the “Top 10 Driving Pet Peeves” list by a leading vehicle insurance company, which surveyed thousands of drivers nationwide. Nicknamed Morse Coders in the survey, these drivers often cruise for miles without realizing their blinker is on. Meanwhile, they are annoying everyone behind them.

With tongue in cheek, Hagerty Insurance Agency, which conducted the survey, suggested that Morse Coders are leaving their blinkers on for a reason: “Now let’s be fair. Perhaps these Morse Coders are part of the SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) project, their turn signals beaming out across the galaxies in search of other life forms – or not.”

On a more serious note, national research by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., found that consumers are confused by turn signals that are left on.

“Most drivers have found themselves behind cars that have their signals on after changing lanes,” said Jim Thomas, senior vice president of RDA Group. “This can be confusing because there is no way of knowing if the signal is a real indication of an upcoming turn or not. To reduce this confusion, drivers want vehicles to automatically disengage the turn signal after making a lane change.”

New Ford technology, coming this summer on the 2011 Ford Fiesta, does exactly that.

Ford’s three-blink lane change technology is simplifying the way drivers maneuver on the road. With a simple flick of the switch – either up or down, depending on which lane the driver is moving into – the turn indicator will blink three times and automatically shut off. The switch can be held in the lane change position longer for additional blinks beyond the three minimum.

To engage the turn signal, drivers move the switch into the standard position, one more press past the lane change mode.

“This allows the driver to let go of the switch and concentrate on driving,” explains John Murphy, Core Switch Product Engineer. “Instead of holding down the switch, they can give a quick tap, show a three-blink warning that they are about to merge and change lanes. It’s that simple.”

For motorists who drive behind the Morse Coders, this is welcome news: “Driving behind a car that’s blink, blink, blinking is enough of a driver annoyance that we’re putting the technology in our full Ford line going forward,” said Murphy. “Customers say this is confusing – and it bugs them. So we’re doing something about it.”

Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta is among the first vehicles in the Ford lineup to receive the new three-blink technology. The “annoyance avoidance” feature is yet another technology going into the expressive, fun-to-drive Fiesta that makes perfect sense.

With a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta is designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.

The 2011 Ford Super Duty is also set to receive the three-blink turn signal technology when it goes on sale in 2010.

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Saab Has decided to Wind down

Saab Has decided to Wind down

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Opel Adaptive All-Wheel Drive with Early Warning System

Opel Adaptive All-Wheel Drive with Early Warning System

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  • Intelligent controls defuse critical situations at their onset
  
  
  • Sets new standard for reaction time of torque distribution
  
  
  • Insignia’s Adaptive 4x4 conquers customers in new Opel segment
  
  
  
  

Rüsselsheim. The Opel Insignia is breathing new life into the mid-size segment with its breathtaking design and leading technology. The Car of the Year 2009 features innovations such as Opel’s new Adaptive 4x4 system which have previously only been available in much more expensive sports cars or luxury sedans. Together with the FlexRide premium chassis and the electronic-hydraulic multi-disk clutch, the Adaptive 4x4 system sets new standards for reaction time of the controls in the Insignia. When the sensors detect a critical situation, it only takes around 80 milliseconds – or the blink of an eye – for the system to send the required power distribution to the wheels. The power can be distributed seamlessly from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle or between the rear wheels. In contrast to conventional mechanical all-wheel drives, the hydraulic controls enable lightning-quick intervention.

Already about five percent of the 177,000 Insignia’s ordered in Europe are equipped with all-wheel drive. The new Adaptive 4x4 system is available with the 2-liter gasoline turbo and is standard in the 2.8 V6 Turbo and OPC models. In Germany, prices begin at 35,685 euros for the 162 kW/220 hp Opel Insignia 2.0 turbo Edition.

All-wheel drive electronics designed as early-warning system

The adaptive all-wheel drive system receives information from three modules: BCM (Body Control Module), ECU (Engine Control Unit) and the ESP module. This information is sent to the control module, analyzed and then torque is distributed individually to the wheels. The Insignia 4x4’s power distribution travels from the front axle differential over the cardan shaft to a hydraulic Haldex multi-disk clutch, which electronically distributes the torque from zero to 100 percent between the front and rear axle. At rear axle, power distribution is also controlled by a hydraulic multi-disk clutch, where nearly 100 percent to power can be transferred to one of the rear wheels if required. This gives drivers the confidence that their Insignia 4x4 can still maintain safe traction even if three wheels are on ice and only one of the rear wheels can find grip.

The modules receive their signals from sensors that capture yaw rate, acceleration, steering angle, wheel speed, gas pedal position, engine speed and torque, and adapt power distribution to the driving situation based on this information. Even before take-off, the control module receives information on gas pedal position and engine speed and is able to transfer torque between the front and rear axle to prevent the car losing traction. This means before a racing start, a proportionate amount of propulsion power is already sent to the rear wheels. Andreas Holl, head of Insignia chassis development, says, “A big advantage of the new Opel all-wheel drive system is that a critical situation such as spinning front wheels doesn’t have to occur before the proper corrective measures are introduced.”

Bad roads, rain and snow call for stability and control

Particularly in hazardous weather conditions like heavy rain, snow and sleet, poor quality roads with potholes put extreme demands on chassis technology. Advanced chassis systems are designed to recognize and avoid dangers as early as possible, as well as support the driver in critical driving situations. As a consequence, driving the Opel Insignia 4x4 is delightful, even more so when the wintery driving conditions are appalling.

An example of this is driving in snow. Many drivers have experienced the feeling of picking up a too much downhill speed, taking their foot off the gas pedal and realizing that their vehicle is struggling to follow the steering direction. The Insignia’s adaptive 4x4 system also comes to drivers’ aid in these types of dangerous situations. With its complex sensor system, the all-wheel drive technology can not only distribute torque but also redirect it to individual wheels in the case of braking on the engine (drag torque) as a result of releasing the accelerator thereby increasing the steer ability and their control of the vehicle.

Thanks to the many control options available such as torque and braking torque distribution as well as FlexRide damper control, the adaptive all-wheel drive system handles many critical driving situations without the need for ESP to intervene. ESP stays in the background as a guardian angel.

Automatic fuel-saving mode and sport mode at the push of a button

The Opel Insignia Adaptive 4x4 system is not only useful in critical safety situations – it also detects when there are no external conditions that require special intervention, such as travelling on a highway. In this situation the system switches off the rear-wheel drive system and reverts to front wheel drive to reduce friction losses and save fuel.

The driver can also steer power distribution at the push of a button. By choosing the sport mode, more power is sent to the rear axle to increase traction and achieve a more agile driving performance. This makes it easier for sporty drivers to maintain complete and active control even as the driving safety limits are pushed out a bit further. The Adaptive 4x4 system stabilizes up to the tires’ grip limit, at which point ESP intervenes if necessary.

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