Ford and Mazda to Continue Partnership

It looks like Ford and Mazda won't be walking separate paths after Ford recently sold its controlling share in Mazda. Both automakers plan to continue working together on advanced technologies, and possible sharing of platforms again.

Masaharu Yamaki, a Mazda board member said, "Ford will remain an important partner for Mazda."

Both companies benefit from the partnership. Mazda is too small to directly compete with Ford, while Ford collaborates with Mazda on platforms and small engine technology.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Ford Readies Supercharged 5.0 for Australian Falcon

It looks like Ford has more plans for its Coyote V8 engine than stuffing it under the hood of the 2011 Mustang.  Ford, to help celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Falcon, will supercharge the 5.0L V8 Mustang engine for the Australian car.

The base is expected to produce 422 horsepower.  Though consumers can expect 450 horses out of the Falcon FPV GT, and a whopping 536 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

This car will remain on many American's wish list, as the Falcon, and its powerful golden anniversary powertrain, are not expected to arrive on our roads anytime soon. 

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Left Lane News]

Ford Laysoff Workers at Flat Rock

With sales down, Ford is laying off 900 employees, mostly hourly manufacturing workers, from the AutoAlliance International plant in Flat Rock, Mich., the home of the Ford Mustang. This layoff is the occurrence of many factors; the tough economic situation, stiff competition from the Chevy Camaro, and Ford introduction of new engine for the Mustang this summer, with many potential buyers waiting until the new model is available.

The company will reduce shifts from two to one on July 12, though it will be increasing the pace of assembly at the plant according to Ford spokeswoman Marcey Evans. The Flat Rock plant employs 2,300 people.

Ford Mustang sales were down 27 percent last year, allowing the Camaro to come with 5,000 units of outselling the Ford Mustang, something that has not happened since 1985.

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2010 Ford Mustang)
[Source: Free Press]

Ford Fiesta hits 6,000 Reservations

With in the first week of launch in Dec. 2009, the new Ford Fiesta had more than 1,000 reservations. Last week FoMoCo confirmed there are now 6,000 reservations, while over half of them are from non-Ford customers.

"Nearly 60 percent of customers are opting for the high series model, while 65 percent are choosing the five-door hatchback. Among the top three color choices are Blue Flame and Lime Squeeze," Ford said in a statement.

Over 100,000 people are showing interest in the new car.




-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2011 Ford Fiesta)
[Source: egmCarTech]

Ford, GM Gain from Toyota's Woes

With Toyota's current recall woes and less then positive public approval, Edmunds.com, a leading authority in the automotive industry, has changed its 2010 outlook for the automotive market landscape.

Edmunds is predicting that Toyota's lost in sales be Ford's gain. Edmunds.com Senior Analyst Jessica Caldwell, at the Chicago auto show, said, "It now seems clear that Ford will overtake Toyota to reclaim its position as the second largest automaker in the U.S. market."

With Ford releasing new models this year, they are aimed to gain market share. The new Fiesta goes on sale this summer, with pre-sales starting on Monday. The new, redesigned Ford Focus is slated to go on sale this fall.

Analysis shows that Toyota's loss is a gain for everyone; GM, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan, and Hyundai all gaining in 2010. During Toyota's recall woes, GM, Ford, and Hyundai have all been running incentive programs to draw Toyota customers, and according to Edmunds analysts, the programs appear to be working.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Auto Observer]

NHTSA Doing Its Job

It seems like auto companies are just tossing out recalls left and right. With Toyota's ongoing acceleration issue, and now the Prius' braking problem. The Ford F-150's accidental airbag deployment. The knowledge of the Lexus, the luxury brand of Toyota, E350 unintended-acceleration issue that has been reported to be known since 2007. GM seems to want to jump in on the action.

With 1,132 complaints, and 11 reported crashes, the Chevrolet Cobalt is the newest addition to come under the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration scrutiny. Consumers have complained about a sudden loss in power steering. 905,000 vehicles are potentially affected; 2005 to 2009 Cobalts, and 2008 to 2009 Cobalt SS models, by the NHTSA investigation. GM has stated that it is "...cooperating with the agency in the investigation."

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE)

[Source: Autoblog]

2011 Shelby GT500 Order Guide Leaked

The Internet is to cars as Deep Throat is to Nixon; nothing can stay hidden forever. Someone, somewhere, always has a photo that they have to post or some document to publish, and yesterday was no different. Bpmurr of ModularFords.com posted the PDF of the possible order guide for the 2011 Shelby GT500.

The first important change is the new 5.4-liter aluminum block 4V V8, supercharged of course. What is not known is how much weight this will shave off. Also horsepower is still not known, though the Ford GT's 5.4-liter aluminum V8 was good for 550 horses.

A new SVT Performance Package is available for 2011. Upgraded is the standard 3.55 axle ratio to a 3.73 ratio. Also included are 19''x9.5'' front tires and 20''x9.5'' rear tires. Though later in the guide it states that the rear tires offered in the SVT package are 20''x10''.

For the first time, the 2011 GT500 is available with the glass roof option. Standard are HID headlamps. Two new colors, Race Red and Ingot Silver Metallic, replace Torch Red and Brilliant Silver Metallic. Other new features are MyKey^TM, Electric Power Assist Steering, and a HD radio.

What will the 2011 Shelby GT500 offer in power and performance, already offering a great driving experience. We will just have to wait for the first test drive to find out.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2010 Shelby GT500)

[Source: ModularFords.com via Autoblog]

Asian Automakers Close on Majority of U.S. Market

In 1999 U.S. Automakers held almost 70 percent of auto sales. As the new century began, Asian automakers slowly began to increase their presence in the U.S. In 2005 Asian automakers held 36.6 percent of the market, and by 2007 they held 41.9 percent of the American automotive pie. And in 2009, a disastrous year for U.S. automakers as whole, Asian companies held 47.9 percent of the market.

If this trend continues, 2010 will be the first year in U.S. history where companies like Toyota, Honda, and Kia will hold over 50 percent of the American market share. European car makers have also established a larger percentage in the U.S., taking even more market away from the Big Three. Ford, though had the biggest gains last year, also saw the biggest losses in the last decade. With GM and Chrysler still struggling to put new cars in consumer's driveways, the U.S. market may not be the same for some time.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Ward's Auto]

Chinese Has Largest Automotive Market

From 2008 to 2009 the Chinese auto market grew by 45 percent. 13.9 million cars were sold in China last year compared to 10.4 million cars sold in America. The American car market plummeted 21 percent last year.

China is expected to become the world's largest car market in the next ten years. Both Ford and GM saw significant increases in sales in China in 2009.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Detroit News]

Playboy Names Top 10 Cars

It seems like Playboy likes more than just hot women. Playboy's top ten cars of 2010's hottest cars is nothing short of beautiful. Topping the list as Playboy's Car of the Year is the 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo. It is an odd pick, but still a great performing car. Check out the remaining nine picks below:

• 2010 Ferrari California
  
• 2010 Nissan Nismo 370Z


• 2010 Mazdaspeed3


• 2010 Audi A3 TDI


• 2010 Ford Taurus SHO


• 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo


• 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid


• 2010 Mercedes E 63 AMG
  

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2010 Porsche Panamera Turbo from Motor Authority)

[Source: Motor Authority]

2011 Mustang 5.0 GT Full Details

At 12:01AM on December 28, Ford announced the full details of the 2011 Mustang GT. The new power plant is the 5.0L V8 that has been rumored for some time now. It will produce 412 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The new engine is also matted to two new transmission; either a six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic that will deliver around 25 miles per gallon on the highway. The 5.0L engine was designed with TI-VCT (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft timing) to increase power and fuel efficiency. A track pack is also offered with a strut tower brace and Brembo brakes. Large 5.0 badges will adore the fenders of the new Mustang. With the Mustang being, hopefully, cheaper, faster and more fuel efficient, it will give Chevy and Dodge a run for the quickest E/T times. Now we have to see what Shelby will do for 2011. Expect the 2011 Mustang GT to go on sale in the spring of 2010.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Ford Mustang from Autoblog)

[Source: Autoblog]

PickupTrucks.com Top 10 Trucks of the Past Decade

Pickuptrucks.com has announced its list of the decades best pickup trucks. There are a few surprises so see if your favorite made the list.

• 2000 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab
• 2001 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra HD w/ 6.6L Duramax Diesel
• 2002 Chevy Avalanche
• 2004 Nissan Titan
• 2005 Toyota Tacoma
• 2005 Honda Ridgeline
• 2007 Toyota Tundra
• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2009 Ford F-150 (Most Significant 2000-2009)
• 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor

Honerable Mention:

• 2001 Ford Explorer Sprot Trac
• 2009 Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra Two Mode Hybrid

Click the Source link to see the top 10's significance and why they were chosen.

-Anthony Alaniz

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

2010 Ford Taurus Awarded Five-Star Crash Test

The 2010 Ford Taurus has been awarded a five-star front and side impact crash test rating from the Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Though the Taurus is engineered with to handle crash impacts, the Taurus also includes various crash-avoidance technologies. It features a segment first, radar-based forward collision warning system. This helps drivers avoid accidents by warning them of impending collisions. This system is also used with Adaptive Cruise Control that detects slower traffic ahead and warns the driver. Ford currently holds the most "Top Safety Picks" and five-star crash tested rated vehicle out of any automaker.

-Anthony Alaniz
(Photo: 2010 Ford Taurus)
[Source: Left Lane News]

Ford and Geely Reach Volvo Agreement

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited has came to agreement with Ford over the sale of Volvo. The agreement won't be final until the first quarter of 2010, with the official sale not occurring until the second quarter. This will give Ford the time to focuses on its core brands. Though Volvo will be owned by Geely, Ford will still work with Volvo as they share technologies and platforms.

-Anthony Alaniz
[Source: Ford]

Geely Expected to Aquire Volvo in Early 2010

Sources are saying that theZhejianj Geely Holding Group has set a goal of purchasing Volvo by February 14th, 2010, the Chinesse New Year. The deal currently between Ford and Geely would be worth an estimated $1.8 billion. Geely would have full control over Volvo's technologies. Though Volvo would continue to have access to Ford technologies that are needed for Volvo's future development.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: Geely and Volvo logo)

Ford's European Sale Highest Since 1999

Ford reported a 19.8 percent increase last month in its European market share compared to the same time last year. Ford sold 63 percent of its cars to retail customers including the Fiesta, Kuga, Ka, and the midsized sedan, the Fusion. Ford's increase in sales was in part due to a similar "cash for clunkers" program in Germany, France and England. Last month Ford was the top selling automaker in England and Ireland, and the top imported brand in France and Italy.

-Anthony Alaniz

Ford and Mazda to Continue Partnership

Ford recently sold its controlling share in Mazda, and ended the two companies long standing habit of sharing platforms. Executives from both companies recently stated that they will, however, continue to work together on creating advanced technologies. Mazda's smaller company size lacks the competition it needs to survive on the mass market against larger companies like Ford and Toyota. Mazda board member, Masaharu Yamaki, said that, "Ford will remain an important partner for Mazda."

-Anthony Alaniz

Japanese Cash for Clunkers Draws

Japan is starting its own cash for clunkers program, which offers tax incentives for purchases on new vehicles, so long as they are not imported. GM, Chrysler, and Ford urged the U.S. Trade Representative to look at Japan's discrimination to imported vehicles. During the U.S. cash for clunkers program, Japanese cars accounted for nearly half of the sales from the program.

-Anthony Alaniz

Ford Fiesta Reservations

Ford announced today that 1,000 orders have been place for the 2011 Ford Fiesta just six days after its North American debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show. The 2011 Fiesta achieves a class-leading 40mpg on the highway. Pricing starts at $13,320 and will go on sale in summer of 2010.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: 2011 Ford Fiesta)

Best Engines of 2010

Ward's Automotive dished out its yearly award. Though instead of choosing cars for their award, they go straight to the heart of any vehicle and chose the best engines. To compete in Ward's 10 Best Engines, the vehicle must cost less than $54,000, and be in production by the first quarter of 2010. This is Ward's most fuel efficient top 10 yet. The winners:

*2.0L TFSI Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A4)

*3.0L TFSI Supercharged DOHC V-6 (Audi S4)

*3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (BMW 335d)

*2.5L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid)

*3.5L EcoBoost Turbocharged DOHC V-6 (Ford Taurus SHO)

*2.4L Ecotec DOHC I-4 (Chevrolet Equinox)

*4.6L Tua DOHC V-8 (Hyundai Genesis)

*2.5L Turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Subaru Legacy 2.5GT)

*1.8L DOHC I-4 Hybrid (Toyota Prius)

*2.0L SOHC 1.4 Turbodiesel (Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI)

The awards will be presented at the 201o North American International Auto Show this January.

-Anthony Alaniz

(Photo: Hyundau Genesis 4.6L Tau DOHC V-8)