Louisburg Ford caps spotted in Vegas Baby! A group of happy Louisburg Ford customers took their caps with them to the pool! Stop in today to get your Louisburg Ford cap and show us where you wear it!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
FORD ECOBOOST ENGINES: CONSERVING FUEL, ADDING SALES, ATTRRACTING NEW CUSTOMERS
DEARBORN--The EcoBoost engine family isn't just giving some Ford vehicles a bump in fuel economy. The engines also are giving Ford sales a boost by attracting customers who had not previously considered a Ford brand product.
"EcoBoost is like having your cake and eating it, too," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. "The unmatched combination of responsive power with responsible fuel efficiency is attracting new customers to Ford showrooms."
EcoBoost pickup sales
Demand for the EcoBoost engine in the F-150 has increased each month since launch. One in every four Ford F-150 pickups sold during March was powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. In April, EcoBoost F-150 sales are running at about 35 percent. In the F-150, the EcoBoost engine with its 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque provides best-in-class towing capacity of 11,300 lbs combined with up to 20 percent fuel economy savings. The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost carries an EPA rating of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, making it the best combination of capability and efficiency among light duty full-sized pickups.
In addition, incoming F-150 orders reflect stong customer demand--currently running at over 40 percent mix--for the EcoBoost engine option.
Later this year, the first North American four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter, will make its debut in the Explorer SUV and Edge CUV. Next year, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will be available in the high-performance Focus ST. Ford is currently rolling out EcoBoost engines globally. EcoBoost is available in Europe for Mondeo, Galaxy, S-Max and C-Max, for example, and has just launched in Australia in Mondeo.
EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, Ford plans to produce up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally in a wide variety of vehicles from small cars to trucks.
"EcoBoost is like having your cake and eating it, too," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president for Global Product Development. "The unmatched combination of responsive power with responsible fuel efficiency is attracting new customers to Ford showrooms."
EcoBoost pickup sales
Demand for the EcoBoost engine in the F-150 has increased each month since launch. One in every four Ford F-150 pickups sold during March was powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. In April, EcoBoost F-150 sales are running at about 35 percent. In the F-150, the EcoBoost engine with its 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque provides best-in-class towing capacity of 11,300 lbs combined with up to 20 percent fuel economy savings. The 2011 F-150 EcoBoost carries an EPA rating of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, making it the best combination of capability and efficiency among light duty full-sized pickups.
In addition, incoming F-150 orders reflect stong customer demand--currently running at over 40 percent mix--for the EcoBoost engine option.
Later this year, the first North American four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter, will make its debut in the Explorer SUV and Edge CUV. Next year, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will be available in the high-performance Focus ST. Ford is currently rolling out EcoBoost engines globally. EcoBoost is available in Europe for Mondeo, Galaxy, S-Max and C-Max, for example, and has just launched in Australia in Mondeo.
EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, Ford plans to produce up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally in a wide variety of vehicles from small cars to trucks.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
FORD COMMITS TO INVEST $400 MILLION, RETAIN JOBS IN KANSAS CITY TO SUPPORT VEHICLE PRODUCTION
- Ford commits to build a new vehicle at its Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri after current model Ford Escape production moves to the company's Louisville Assembly Plant and retooling of the Kansas City facility is completed.
- Ford will invest $400 million in its Kansas City facility to upgrade the plant and accommodate production of the new vehicle, while retaining full-time employment of 3,750.
- Based on the company's commitment to this investment level and job retention, the state of Missouri approved tax incentives that played a role in Ford's decision.
Kansas City, Mo., Jan. 18, 2011--Ford Motor Company today announced a further commitment to U.S. manufacturing with plans to build a new vehicle at its Kansas City Assembly Plant in Missouri after Ford Escape production moves to Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant and retooling of the Kansas City facility is complete.
Ford will invest $400 million in the Kansas City plant to install a new body shop, new tooling and other upgrades. In addition, the company has committed to retain 3,750 full-time jobs at the plant--consistent with current employment levels. This includes the positions required to assemble the Ford F-150, which will continue to be built at the facility on a separate line.
"This investment and promise of a new vehicle to be built in Kansas City reinforces Ford's commitment to U.S. manufacturing and American jobs," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Investing in our plants, products and people is critical to Ford's ability to compete with the best in the business. Ford is committed to doing everything it takes to work with its partners, including the United Auto Workers, to remain competitive."
Kansas City Assembly Plant is the fourth North American facility Ford is retooling for production of new vehicles that are at the heart of an increasingly balanced lineup of cars, trucks and utilities. The new vehicle planned for the plant will be announced at a later date.
In planning to secure Ford's future manufacturing presence in the state, Ford worked closely with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon and the Missouri State Legislature in passage of the 2010 Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act. This legislation provides tax incentives for certified automotive manufacturers that commit to new investments and job retention in Missouri and suppliers who create new jobs in the state.
"Today's announcement ensures that next-generation vehicles will be built right here in Missouri, by the best workforce in the country," said Nixon. "Last year, we came together to pass the Missouri Manufacturing Jobs Act to help our state compete for the production jobs of the future. That hard work paid off. For thousands of employees at Ford's Claycomo plant, and thousands more at suppliers across Missouri, this news is a big win. We'll be building the vehciles of the future right here in the Show-Me State."
Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1951 and has approximately 3,750 employees. It currently produces the best-selling Ford F-150 on one shift and the award-winning Ford Escape on three crews.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
FORD TO EXPAND FUEL-SAVING START-STOP TECHNOLOGY FROM HYBRIDS TO CONVENTIONAL CARS, CROSSOVERS
DEARBORN--Ford's popular fuel-saving technology that automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop--a feature found today on the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and some Ford cars in Europe--will soon be added to conventional cars, crossovers and SUV's in North America.
Ford's patented new Auto Start-Stop system for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least 4 percent. The gain can be as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stoplight. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.
Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company's commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment.
Ford's global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver's behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle's accessories funtion normally.
"For the drive, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. "And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort."
The global rollout of Auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe. The system, designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all Ford's global markets.
Many North American Ford customers are already familiar with Auto Start-Stop. A similar system has been installed on more than 170,000 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles Ford has sold since 2004. Ford is the leading domestic producer of start-stop systems. In 2011, the version of Ford's Auto Start-Stop designed for gasoline-electric powertains will be on the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid as well as the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
"Many of the same Ford engineers who designed the Auto Start-Stop system used on Ford and Lincoln hybrids are developing the Auto Start-Stop system for non-hybrid vehicles that will be sold around the globe," said Samardzich.
When Auto Start-Stop debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline-powered cars and sport utilities with either a manual or automatic transmission as well as vehicles that use Ford's patented dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford's aggressive move to direct-injection EcoBoost engines is one of the technologies that enable the Auto Start-Stop system to work seamlesly, Samardzich said. The direct-injection system, which sprays the exact amount of fuel delivery into the precise location in the combustion chamber, helps enable extremely fast engine starts, Samardzich explained. The system debuts on four-cylinder engines and will gradually be expanded to vehicles with V6 and V8 engines.
Auto Start-Stop does not require any additional vehicle maintenance. The system uses an enhanced 12-volt automobile battery and upgraded starter motor, said Birgit Sorgenfrei, program manager for Auto Start-Stop.
"Our hybrid owenrs tell us that start-stop is one of their favorite features," said Sorgenfrei. "When the engine is off, they know they are saving fuel and reducing emissions."
The system includes a light on the dash that alerts the driver when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves the needle to a green zone when the engine is not running.
Ford engineers are making customer comfort a priority in engineering the system. A special electric pump keeps engine coolant circulating through the heater so drivers will stay warm in cold weather, Sorgenfrei said.
"Ford's start-stop techonolgy conserves fuel and eliminates emissions at every vehicle idle opportunity once customer comfort and convenience are assured--this is good for the environment," Sorgenfrei said.
Auto Start-Stop is just the latest in a long list of fuel-saving technologies Ford has brought to market in recent years.
Ford's industry-leading suite of fuel-saving technologies include:
In 2011, Ford will be the only manufacturer in North America to offer four vehicles that get 40 mpg or more. Those vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, are part of a dozen vehicles leading their sales segments in fuel economy, a record no other manufacturer can match.
"Ford Auto Start-Stop works so fast and so seamlessly, most drivers won't even notice it is there, though they will notice the benefits in their lower fuel bills," Samardzich said.
Ford's patented new Auto Start-Stop system for gasoline engines will improve fuel economy for most drivers by at least 4 percent. The gain can be as high as 10 percent for some drivers, depending on vehicle size and usage. It can also reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary or waiting at a stoplight. Ford has more than 244 patents for its Auto Start-Stop technology and will showcase the feature on a concept in January at the North American International Auto Show.
Auto Start-Stop is the latest example of Ford moving aggressively to bring affordable advanced fuel-saving technologies to all customers. Ford has already introduced electric power steering, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving features as part of the company's commitment to lead or be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment.
Ford's global Auto Start-Stop technology is smooth, quiet and seamless, and it requires no changes to the driver's behavior. In city driving when the vehicle is stopped, the engine restarts the instant the driver's foot leaves the brake pedal. When the engine is off, all of the vehicle's accessories funtion normally.
"For the drive, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically," said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. "And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort."
The global rollout of Auto Start-Stop is under way in Europe. The system, designed to work on both gasoline and diesel engines, is standard on the ECOnetic models of the Ford Ka and Mondeo, and is launching now on Focus, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. The fuel-saving system debuts in North America in 2012 and eventually will be offered in all Ford's global markets.
Many North American Ford customers are already familiar with Auto Start-Stop. A similar system has been installed on more than 170,000 gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles Ford has sold since 2004. Ford is the leading domestic producer of start-stop systems. In 2011, the version of Ford's Auto Start-Stop designed for gasoline-electric powertains will be on the Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid as well as the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
"Many of the same Ford engineers who designed the Auto Start-Stop system used on Ford and Lincoln hybrids are developing the Auto Start-Stop system for non-hybrid vehicles that will be sold around the globe," said Samardzich.
When Auto Start-Stop debuts in North America, it will be available on gasoline-powered cars and sport utilities with either a manual or automatic transmission as well as vehicles that use Ford's patented dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.
Ford's aggressive move to direct-injection EcoBoost engines is one of the technologies that enable the Auto Start-Stop system to work seamlesly, Samardzich said. The direct-injection system, which sprays the exact amount of fuel delivery into the precise location in the combustion chamber, helps enable extremely fast engine starts, Samardzich explained. The system debuts on four-cylinder engines and will gradually be expanded to vehicles with V6 and V8 engines.
Auto Start-Stop does not require any additional vehicle maintenance. The system uses an enhanced 12-volt automobile battery and upgraded starter motor, said Birgit Sorgenfrei, program manager for Auto Start-Stop.
"Our hybrid owenrs tell us that start-stop is one of their favorite features," said Sorgenfrei. "When the engine is off, they know they are saving fuel and reducing emissions."
The system includes a light on the dash that alerts the driver when the engine is off and a special tachometer that moves the needle to a green zone when the engine is not running.
Ford engineers are making customer comfort a priority in engineering the system. A special electric pump keeps engine coolant circulating through the heater so drivers will stay warm in cold weather, Sorgenfrei said.
"Ford's start-stop techonolgy conserves fuel and eliminates emissions at every vehicle idle opportunity once customer comfort and convenience are assured--this is good for the environment," Sorgenfrei said.
Auto Start-Stop is just the latest in a long list of fuel-saving technologies Ford has brought to market in recent years.
Ford's industry-leading suite of fuel-saving technologies include:
- EcoBoost engines, which combine turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing or Ti-VCT, with downsizing to deliver outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
- Improved and highly fuel-efficient TDCi turbo-diesel engines in European models with low emissions and high levels of refinement
- Electric power steering, which eliminates the engine-driven hydraulic pump, lines and fluid
- Six-speed transmissions, which enable engines to run more efficiently by aleays selecting the best gear for fuel economy
- PowerShift dual-clutch automatic transmission, which efficiently sends the engine's power through the transmission without relying on a torque converter or hydraulic pumps
In 2011, Ford will be the only manufacturer in North America to offer four vehicles that get 40 mpg or more. Those vehicles, the Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, are part of a dozen vehicles leading their sales segments in fuel economy, a record no other manufacturer can match.
"Ford Auto Start-Stop works so fast and so seamlessly, most drivers won't even notice it is there, though they will notice the benefits in their lower fuel bills," Samardzich said.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
2011 Explorer Safety--Strength, Technology and Innovation
DEARBORN--The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer targets top safety ratings with a stiff unibody structure and a class-leading suite of active and passive safety features and technologies, plus another Ford safety innovation--the world's first second-row inflatable rear belts.
Rear seat passengers-often children or mature passengers-can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. Ford's unique inflatable rear seat belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.
From the boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer's rigid body structure is designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash, these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a safety cage of strength.
Standard Explorer safety features include:
Rear seat passengers-often children or mature passengers-can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. Ford's unique inflatable rear seat belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion. Belt comfort should also help increase usage rates. Studies show inflatable belts to be more comfortable for passengers due to padding.
From the boron front bumper beam through the hydroformed front frame rails and high-strength steel side-impact tubes, Explorer's rigid body structure is designed to provide robust protection for occupants. In the instance of a crash, these elements come together to protect Explorer driver and passengers inside a safety cage of strength.
Standard Explorer safety features include:
- AdvanceTrac with RSC features Curve Control functionality to provide braking--optimized by each individual wheel.
- Second-generation first-row airbags, side seat airbags
- Belt-minder for driver and first-row passenger
- Front-passenger sensing system
- Energy-management system pretensionin for height-adjustable first-row seat belts
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for outboard second row positions, for safely securing child safety seats
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System
- Safety Canopy side curtain airbags
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Available Explorer safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support
- BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
Thursday, July 15, 2010
2011 Ford Edge Officially has Top Fuel Economy and Best-in-Class Power
DEARBORN--The 2011 Ford Edge now will officially offer the best fuel economy with the most power along with class-exclusive technology, dynamic design and improved craftsmanship.
The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, are now EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category. The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway--with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.
"Providing class-leading fuel economy and power are two of many examples of the improved attributes customers will find in the 2011 Edge," said Elaine Bannon, Edge chief engineer. "The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford is much more than just a few tweaks. It's reworking all the elements, adding more content and improving the look and feel of the vehicle."
"The 2011 Ford Edge will deliver V6 horsepower and fuel economy the competition simply can't beat," said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford cars and CUV's. "With up to a 4 mpg advantage over the competition, Edge will give customers the best of both worlds by delivering an engaging, fun-to-drive experience without sacrificing fuel economy. Edge will deliver all this while continuing to provide customers bold, distinctive styling and revolutionary technology highlighted by the industry-first MyFord Touch system.
How 2011 Edge earned fuel economy leadership
Advanced engine technology, clever control strategies and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission combine to create a powertrain that efficiently produces increased levels of power and performance with improved fuel economy. Next-generation tires are key as well.
Engineers and designers examined all aspects of the popular midsize crossover and optimized them piece by piece, system by system. This intensive approach to detail has paid dividends.
Ford improved in fuel economy more than any major automaker between 2004 and 2009, according to the EPA. The government agency rates Ford's combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.
"The key to performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Ford Edge is that we don't look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive," said Mazen Hammoud, Edge Powertrain Calibrations manager. "Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater overall efficiency, enabling increased power and better performance."
Here's a quick look at some of the key reasons why the 2011 Edge delivers class-leading power and fuel economy:
The 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited, which account for about 80 percent of all Edge sales, are now EPA-estimated at 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (front-wheel drive), which is unsurpassed in each category. The new Edge is now 1 mpg better city and 2 mpg better highway--with even greater power. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 285 horsepower, best-in-class among V6 competitors and 20 more horsepower than the outgoing Edge.
"Providing class-leading fuel economy and power are two of many examples of the improved attributes customers will find in the 2011 Edge," said Elaine Bannon, Edge chief engineer. "The new Edge demonstrates how a refresh at Ford is much more than just a few tweaks. It's reworking all the elements, adding more content and improving the look and feel of the vehicle."
"The 2011 Ford Edge will deliver V6 horsepower and fuel economy the competition simply can't beat," said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford cars and CUV's. "With up to a 4 mpg advantage over the competition, Edge will give customers the best of both worlds by delivering an engaging, fun-to-drive experience without sacrificing fuel economy. Edge will deliver all this while continuing to provide customers bold, distinctive styling and revolutionary technology highlighted by the industry-first MyFord Touch system.
How 2011 Edge earned fuel economy leadership
Advanced engine technology, clever control strategies and a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission combine to create a powertrain that efficiently produces increased levels of power and performance with improved fuel economy. Next-generation tires are key as well.
Engineers and designers examined all aspects of the popular midsize crossover and optimized them piece by piece, system by system. This intensive approach to detail has paid dividends.
Ford improved in fuel economy more than any major automaker between 2004 and 2009, according to the EPA. The government agency rates Ford's combined car and truck fuel economy improvement at nearly 20 percent, almost double the next closest competitor.
"The key to performance gains and fuel economy with the 2011 Ford Edge is that we don't look at power and fuel economy as being mutually exclusive," said Mazen Hammoud, Edge Powertrain Calibrations manager. "Instead, we focus on optimizing every component, every system and every control in the powertrain for greater overall efficiency, enabling increased power and better performance."
Here's a quick look at some of the key reasons why the 2011 Edge delivers class-leading power and fuel economy:
- Advanced Technology: New for 2011 is twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), which allows on-the-fly adjustment to the engine's airflow for maximum efficiency. This leads to better fuel economy--approximately a 3 to 4 percent improvement from this strategy alone.
- New engine hardware: The 3.5-liter V6 for 2011 Edge adds piston-cooling jets and polished valvetrain buckets and combines them with an improved intake manifold and cylinder head with increased port flow to optimize the system as a whole. The piston-cooling jets spray oil on the underside of the pistons and enable faster oil warm-up and a higher compression ratio. The polished valevetrain buckets reduce friction, which in turn aids fuel economy and also improves durability (wear) of the cam and bucket tappet. The improved intake manifold and cylinder head optimizes engine airflow.
- Lower idle speed: Engine idle speed was reduced from 620-600 rpm to save fuel.
- Aerodynamic optimizations: Underbody shielding and tire spoilers were added to help create a more efficient aerodynamic shape. Also, the grille openings were optimized to reduce excess airflow to the engine compartment, thus reducing drag.
- Fuel shutoff: The 2011 Edge employs an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff control system, which shuts off the engine when the customer doesn't command engine torque--such as decelerating at freeway speeds.
- Battery management system: The new Edge also uses smart charging. Normally the alternator continuously charges the battery, which wastes energy. Smart charging increases the alternator output when braking or decelerating, converting the vehicle's motion energy into electric energy without using additional fuel. The recovered energy then goes to recharge the battery so that it can be used later.
- Electrical load shedding: This new feature shuts off devices if they are left on with the key in the accessory position. This saves battery life and keeps the battery from going dead, aiding reliable starts.
- Reliable starts: The one-touch starting in the 2011 Edge enables starts of around seven-tenths of a second with precise fuel delivery for maximum fuel economy and minimal emissions.
- New tires: Both the 2011 Edge SEL and Edge Limited add next-generation 18-inch tires. Just as the new powertrain produces increased power and better fuel economy, the new tires have been engineered to provide better performance and grip while also increasing fuel economy through improved construction and compound.
"The 2011 Ford Edge adds more power and performance with better fuel economy for a better customer experience," said Bannon.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Ford debuts new curve control technology
Sensors help slow vehicle rounding a turn to rapidly
Alisa Priddle/The Detroit News
Dearborn--For anyone who has experienced that moment of panic from rounding an exit ramp too quickly, Ford Motor Co. is offering a safety solution.
The 2011 Ford Explorer--due later this year--has an upgraded electronic stability control system to better hug the road if a driver takes a curve too quickly. Ford demonstrated its curve control technology recently.
The technology, in development for 18 months, builds on the current stability control system, using the same sensors to monitor how much the driver wants to turn, versus how much the vehicle is actually turning. If the input data determines the driver won't make the turn safely, it can slow the vehicle 10 miles per hour in a second, by cutting engine torque and applying the brakes.
In the first demonstration, with stability control but no curve control, an Explorer taking a curve at 50 mph wiped out orange cones as the rear end skidded out. Test driver and engineer Dave Messih said in real life, the car would have been on the shoulder--a mistake that can result in a rollover. In the second demonstration, with curve technology engaged, Messih took the corner at the same speed and again kept his foot off the brake. The corrective technology braked and snapped the rear into place, executing the turn seamlessly. The sensation was dramatic but not jarring.
"We all like to think we're professional drivers and don't need this," said analyst Erich Merkle, president of Autoconomy in Grand Rapids. "Even good drivers in unfamiliar territory or in severe weather could benefit from this," he said. "Putting it in a family vehicle makes sense."
Take a curve quickly contributes to 50,000 crashes a year in the United States, said Pal Mascarenas, vice president of global product engineering.
Ford's curve control will be standard on the Explorer and will be added to 90 percent of Ford's light trucks and crossovers by 2015. Eventually, it will find its way to cars, but because their lower center of gravity makes them less likely to roll over, trucks are the initial priority, said Sue Cischke, group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering.
Ford's system is unique, said Ali Jammoul, chief chassis engineer. There is little incremental cost; it was developed as part of continuous improvement of stability control and no additional hardware is required.
For 2011, the Explorer switches to a car-based vehicle. Curve control is one of a raft of safety features including inflatable rear seat belts, adaptive cruise control and blind spot and cross-traffic alerts.
In 2001, problems with Firestone tires contributed to a number of Explorer rollovers that led to regulations mandating stability control. For the new Explorer, "Ford is going way overboard on safety features," Merkle said.
Alisa Priddle/The Detroit News
Dearborn--For anyone who has experienced that moment of panic from rounding an exit ramp too quickly, Ford Motor Co. is offering a safety solution.
The 2011 Ford Explorer--due later this year--has an upgraded electronic stability control system to better hug the road if a driver takes a curve too quickly. Ford demonstrated its curve control technology recently.
The technology, in development for 18 months, builds on the current stability control system, using the same sensors to monitor how much the driver wants to turn, versus how much the vehicle is actually turning. If the input data determines the driver won't make the turn safely, it can slow the vehicle 10 miles per hour in a second, by cutting engine torque and applying the brakes.
In the first demonstration, with stability control but no curve control, an Explorer taking a curve at 50 mph wiped out orange cones as the rear end skidded out. Test driver and engineer Dave Messih said in real life, the car would have been on the shoulder--a mistake that can result in a rollover. In the second demonstration, with curve technology engaged, Messih took the corner at the same speed and again kept his foot off the brake. The corrective technology braked and snapped the rear into place, executing the turn seamlessly. The sensation was dramatic but not jarring.
"We all like to think we're professional drivers and don't need this," said analyst Erich Merkle, president of Autoconomy in Grand Rapids. "Even good drivers in unfamiliar territory or in severe weather could benefit from this," he said. "Putting it in a family vehicle makes sense."
Take a curve quickly contributes to 50,000 crashes a year in the United States, said Pal Mascarenas, vice president of global product engineering.
Ford's curve control will be standard on the Explorer and will be added to 90 percent of Ford's light trucks and crossovers by 2015. Eventually, it will find its way to cars, but because their lower center of gravity makes them less likely to roll over, trucks are the initial priority, said Sue Cischke, group vice president of sustainability, environment and safety engineering.
Ford's system is unique, said Ali Jammoul, chief chassis engineer. There is little incremental cost; it was developed as part of continuous improvement of stability control and no additional hardware is required.
For 2011, the Explorer switches to a car-based vehicle. Curve control is one of a raft of safety features including inflatable rear seat belts, adaptive cruise control and blind spot and cross-traffic alerts.
In 2001, problems with Firestone tires contributed to a number of Explorer rollovers that led to regulations mandating stability control. For the new Explorer, "Ford is going way overboard on safety features," Merkle said.
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