Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
SYNC AppLink Now Available As Free Download; Ford Fiesta Owners First With Voice Control Of Apps
- SYNC® AppLink, the industry-first software application that gives SYNC users hands-free voice control of their smartphone apps, is now available as a free download for 2011 Ford Fiesta owners at www.syncmyride.com
- Ford announces that Apple iPhone will be compatible with AppLink, along with initially announced BlackBerry by RIM and Android-based smartphones
- Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile apps, some of which can be downloaded today from Android Market and BlackBerry App World, and soon from Apple App Store
- SYNC AppLink comes first to 2011 Ford Fiesta owners, with more SYNC-equipped vehicles soon to follow
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 22, 2010 – More than 14,000 owners of SYNC®-equipped Ford Fiesta vehicles can start celebrating the holidays now by treating themselves to the gift of AppLink, a free software program that gives SYNC users voice control of apps stored on their smartphone.
The industry-first capability puts Ford out front in the race to integrate smartphone apps into the car. The AppLink download for Fiesta owners went live today on the SYNC owner website, www.syncmyride.com.
“More and more drivers are using their devices and their apps while in the car,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. “With AppLink, SYNC is a smarter solution for these drivers who choose to use these apps while driving – making it the only connectivity system available that can extend app functionality to the car using both voice and steering wheel controls.”
Ford is also announcing a surprise new member to the AppLink family: the Apple iPhone. The popular smartphone makes for a powerful addition, and will be joining Android and BlackBerry smartphones as compatible devices with the software that allows apps to be controlled through the SYNC voice recognition system – a smarter alternative to manually controlling apps while driving.
Recent studies indicate 46 percent of adult smartphone users have apps on their phones and 36 percent of those admit to using those apps while commuting. Moreover, the 2010 study “Staying Connected on the Go: A Look at In-Vehicle Smartphone Integration Systems” conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association reports that 55 percent of smartphone owners prefer voice commands as their user interface for in-car smartphone integration, making the business case for SYNC and AppLink even more compelling.
“SYNC and AppLink work hand-in-hand to answer consumer demand for safer, smarter control of smartphones while in the car,” said VanDagens. “Ford has worked hard to be a step ahead or at least in step with the speed of the consumer electronics market, and to leverage the technologies, features and services we know our customers want to be connected to while driving.”
Easy downloading
2011 SYNC-equipped Ford Fiesta owners need to log in to their account on www.syncmyride.com to access the free AppLink download in the Update & Customize section.
As with any typical download, the AppLink software can be stored on a USB memory stick, and then inserted and uploaded to the vehicle via the SYNC system’s USB port. In-car installation takes less than 10 minutes.
The first SYNC-enabled apps to market are Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak for listening to Twitter posts. Once the AppLink upload is complete, customers can then visit their phones’ respective app store to download the latest SYNC-enabled Pandora, Stitcher or OpenBeak app to their smartphone as they would any other app.
Current availability of SYNC-enabled apps:
- Pandora
- Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011
- Android: Available now (V1.5.3 or higher)
- BlackBerry: Available now (Version 1.1.6 or higher)
- Stitcher
- Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011
- Android: Coming early 2011
- BlackBerry: Late availability
- OpenBeak
- BlackBerry: Available now from http://m.openbeak.com and soon in Blackberry App World (Version 1.4 or higher)
Seamless voice control
AppLink makes the connection between app and SYNC fairly seamless and simple, using Bluetooth streaming on paired Android and BlackBerry smartphones and the USB port for a connected Apple iPhone.
To access a mobile app with a SYNC-paired phone, the user simply has to press the VOICE button on the steering wheel and say the command, “Mobile applications,” followed by the name of the app he or she would like to launch.
Once linked to Pandora, SYNC users can access their favorite personalized radio features, including creating and choosing stations, bookmarking songs for purchase, and giving songs a thumbs up/down all through voice. Command structure is intuitive and simple: “Play station classic rock radio,” “Bookmark song,” “Thumbs up” or “Thumbs down.”
“Where before users would pick up their phone, taking their eyes off the road and hands off the steering wheel while driving to select a station and hit play, AppLink makes all of that functionality available through voice control, just like managing AM and FM radio or your MP3 player through SYNC,” said Julius Marchwicki, SYNC product manager.
Similar voice command pathways and functionality exist for the Stitcher and OpenBeak apps. With Stitcher, for example, you can say the command, “Play station news” to listen to your favorite news radio or “Play station sports” to hear on-demand sports programming. Other popular Stitcher features such as skip station, thumbs up/down and “Add to favorites” are also available via voice.
Through the OpenBeak app, drivers can simply say the SYNC command, “Read timeline.” In seconds, their feed is read aloud using the SYNC text-to-speech engine – a very similar experience to listening to talk radio.
Additional SYNC-enabled apps and smartphone integrations are coming soon, said Marchwicki. AppLink will also be introduced on other SYNC-equipped new model vehicles in 2011.
Ford will feature demos of AppLink at the Pepcom Digital Experience media event in Las Vegas on Jan. 5, 2011, and then at the 2011 International CES consumer technology trade show in Las Vegas between Jan. 6 and Jan. 9, 2011.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
New Ford C-MAX: Clever, Compact Vehicle To Move Young Families With Flexibility, Fuel Efficiency
- New Ford C-MAX combines a fresh new design, flexible seating configuration for seven, outstanding craftsmanship and occupant safety and advances in driving dynamics
- Ford C-MAX offers life-enhancing technologies such as SYNC® connectivity, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, HD Radio™ and an industry-exclusive hands-free liftgate
- A “white space” entry representing the best features of a car and minivan, the Ford C-MAX will deliver projected best-in-class fuel economy with sporty performance and handling
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 20, 2010 – The Ford C-MAX is an all-new, affordable transportation alternative for growing, busy North American families who crave industry-first technology, flexible seating and interior space, sporty performance and best-in-class fuel economy.
“The Ford C-MAX provides still more proof of how our One Ford plan continues to deliver the high-quality, fuel-efficient products people really want,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “C-MAX is just right for customers in North America seeking stylish, flexible transportation and life-enhancing technology that comes standard.”
The new C-MAX is part of Ford Motor Company’s global small vehicle strategy that will deliver at least 10 vehicles – and 2 million vehicles annually – from a single C-vehicle platform by 2012.
This new compact family vehicle introduces a host of unique features including an industry-exclusive hands-free power-operated rear liftgate, versatile 5+2 seating configuration with five seats in the main cabin and two smaller seats in the third row, twin sliding doors and active park assist, an advanced new system that automatically steers the vehicle into parallel parking spaces.
Performance with fuel economy
The new C-MAX also heralds the arrival of Ford’s first application of the all-new 1.6-liter EcoBoost™ I-4 engine in its North American C-class vehicles, delivering a combination of responsive performance with improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions.
Developed for global applications, the lightweight, all-aluminum 1.6-liter Ford EcoBoost engine combines high-pressure direct injection, low-inertia turbocharging and twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) to achieve fuel economy results up to 20 percent better than naturally aspirated, larger-displacement gasoline engines with a similar power output. This new engine is expected to deliver the best available highway fuel economy for a seven-passenger vehicle.
The C-MAX base engine is a proven 2.5-liter iVCT I-4, optimized for small crossover application with plenty of low-end torque. Both engines are mated to Ford’s 6F35 automatic six-speed transmission with a gear ratio span allowing for responsive acceleration from rest yet fuel efficiency for around-town driving and steady cruising at speed.
“The scale and flexibility of our global new C-vehicle platform enables us to develop distinct vehicles including C-MAX,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “It’s a ‘white space’ vehicle here in North America – a new choice – and we believe buyers will appreciate the technology, convenience and functionality C-MAX packs into a neat package.”
Stylish 5+2-seater
C-MAX has a 109.7-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 178 inches, comparatively close to the original minivans offered in North America. C-MAX delivers room for up to seven passengers or five occupants with a generous amount of cargo.
The new model will solidify its appeal to customers that value comfortable accommodation, a high seating position, versatility and a “smart-sized” package.
C-MAX has bold exterior and interior designs created using the latest evolution of Ford’s kinetic design language and building on themes established in recent product introductions such as the Ford Fiesta and Focus ranges.
Maximum versatility and convenience
The seating concept and door layout for the 5+2 C-MAX was finalized after detailed research with typical family users to identify the most popular configurations.
The vehicle features twin sliding rear side doors and a clever new seat folding concept for second-row seats. The second-row seat is equipped with a unique mechanism that allows the middle seat position to fold quickly and easily under the right-hand seat, creating a handy walk-through space between the two outboard seats so passengers can easily access the third row, as well as two individual, bucket-like seats.
The second-row seats also have slide and recline functionality, adapting to multiple combinations of passenger seat positions and cargo capacity. Outboard second-row seats also have a tip-and-slide forward function for easy access to the third-row seats when the second row is used.
The third-row seats can be omitted as a delete option, for those buyers electing to forgo the 5+2 seating arrangement.
The C-MAX provides a raised “command bridge” cockpit with high-mounted gear shift and center console. The driver controls and displays incorporate available Ford SYNC® and MyFord Touch™, similar to the acclaimed layouts recently introduced in other Ford nameplates.
Dynamics and refinement
“This all-new model is set to take small crossover performance to a new level, giving drivers a class-leading combination of responsive, sporty handling, and overall refinement and quietness similar to the standard found in larger luxury vehicles,” said John Davis, chief engineer for the North American C-MAX.
Key chassis technologies on C-MAX include completely new electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), optimized new designs for the Control Blade multilink rear suspension and semi-isolated front subframe and standard new torque vectoring control to further improve cornering stability and agility.
Smart technology for safety and practicality
As the first derivatives to be launched from Ford’s new global C-car platform, C-MAX benefits from the introduction of an array of advanced technologies generally only found in larger, more premium vehicles.
Among these new technologies are a host of features that will add convenience and luxury for customers and their families. Key offerings include:
- Hands-free rear liftgate, an industry first: Ideal when carrying several packages, as the
C-MAX hands-free liftgate is activated by passing a leg motion under the rear bumper when the driver’s key fob is in his or her pocket - Active park assist: Helps select an appropriate parking space, calculates the trajectory and steers to properly position the vehicle. All the driver need do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals
- Speed limiter: Prevents a driver from exceeding a preset speed
- Panoramic roof: Allows for an expansive roof opening
- HD Radio™: Enables clearer radio reception with crisper sound reproduction
- Rear view camera: Enhanced visibility for safer reversing
- Intelligent Access with push-button start: The key fob unlocks C-MAX as the driver approaches, and enables key-free engine starts at the push of an instrument panel-mounted button
- Heated sideview mirrors with integrated puddle lamps: Enhance cold weather visibility
In addition, C-MAX offers popular Ford technologies and features, such as:
- Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler): Provides a tight seal and eliminates loose-fitting or lost caps
- Sony® Audio System: Specifically tuned to C-MAX cabin acoustics for superb sound reproduction
- Ambient lighting: Accent lighting in multiple colors, illuminating footwells and cupholders to harmonize with a driver’s mood
- Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control: Maintains desired temperature setting throughout C-MAX cabin
- Sirius® Satellite Radio: Offers C-MAX driver and passengers a diverse range of radio programming choices
- Front and rear parking aid sensors: Help the driver properly position the vehicle when parking
- Navigation System: Provides intuitive touch-screen operation
Safety and security
Ford C-MAX is anticipated to be a segment safety leader, having recently been awarded a Euro NCAP five star rating by this independent safety rating organization. C-MAX achieved the highest score ever recorded for whiplash protection and excelled in both adult and child occupant safety. C-MAX offers drivers and families a full complement of standard safety features, including:
- AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™) with curve control: Helps maintain consistent vehicle stability
- Dual front and side airbags with smart occupant sensor: Help fine-tune airbag deployment to occupant by size, weight and belt status
- First-, second- and third-row Safety Canopy® side-curtain airbags: Envelop passengers, helping to prevent head and upper body injury
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Notifies driver of inconsistent tire pressure
- Driver and passenger-side blind spot mirrors: Add visibility for blind spot areas
- Strong body architecture with extensive use of high-strength steels: Helps to add body strength and rigidity
Monday, December 13, 2010
New 2012 Ford Focus Crashed More Than 12,000 Times In Virtual And Real World Tests
- Ford engineers expanded safety testing for the new 2012 Ford Focus, including more than 12,000 virtual and real-world crash tests globally, to prove out its new safety technologies
- The new Focus features advanced restraint systems with innovative next-generation airbags that provide enhanced chest protection
- Ford Focus also provides enhanced side crash protection through a specialized B-pillar reinforcement
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 13, 2010 – Ford safety engineers in the U.S. and Germany crash tested the new 2012 Ford Focus more than 12,000 times in real and virtual worlds to prove out innovative new technologies designed to protect occupants in crashes.
The new Focus, which debuts around the world starting early next year, underwent an exhaustive testing regimen of occupant and full-vehicle computer simulations. Those simulations have become so realistic that the number of physical vehicle crash tests has been significantly reduced.
“Developing the Focus to meet the global safety standards has resulted in improved crash performance to help protect occupants in crashes,” said Matt Niesluchowski, Focus safety manager. “Ford’s safety team had a head start in working together around the world, which helped tremendously in ensuring the new Focus meets or exceeds a complex web of global safety regulations.”
Crashed by Ford to take the heat
The thousands of computer aided engineering (CAE) crashes and simulations allowed engineers to test hundreds of designs. The physical crash tests, conducted after a battery of virtual simulations, verify and validate the computer simulations to ensure every internal and external requirement is met.
“We are using more computer simulations than ever to optimize the designs of all the components that make up a vehicle to help enhance safety,” Niesluchowski said. “The complexity of crash tests, with hundreds of parts and systems interacting, still requires physical testing to validate those simulation results.”
Improved interior safety features
The Focus offers a suite of new safety innovations, which includes Ford’s next-generation driver-front airbag with enhanced chest protection technology. The new airbag uses a reconfigured curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes.
Ford’s innovative side airbags feature unique shoulder vents that stay open and reduce pressure for smaller occupants who typically benefit from reduced forces. Taller occupants whose shoulders block the vent could benefit from the higher pressures.
Focus also will be Ford’s first car ever to feature front passenger airbags with adaptive venting technology that diverts some of the gas from the air bag inflators through vents outside of the airbags. The restraints control module – the control center of Ford’s advanced safety systems – adjusts the level of venting based on seat position.
The new passenger airbag is designed to enhance head and neck protection by better matching deployment force with occupant size. This innovative system uses a small pyrotechnic device to force open the vent and can provide less pressure in the airbag when it’s sufficient to help protect the occupant.
Innovative “tailor-rolling” process
In addition to the new airbags, the new Focus’ vehicle structure provides enhanced crash protection with a B-pillar reinforcement, a key structural part made from ultra-high-strength steel produced using an innovative “tailor rolling” process. The process allows the thickness of the steel sheet to be varied along its length so the component has increased strength in the areas that are subjected to the greatest loads.
High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the Focus’ body shell, and ultra-high-strength and boron steels make up more than 31 percent of its skeletal structure. These advanced materials help the structure meet crash regulations across world markets while minimizing the vehicle’s weight to help maximize fuel economy.
Comprehensive suite of active safety technologies
The Ford Focus also features a comprehensive suite of advanced active safety technologies, including:
- AdvanceTrac® with Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Traction Control
- LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) System
- Three-point, height-adjustable seat belts for each passenger; height-adjustable, Belt-Minder™ system and pretensioners in the front outboard seating positions
Friday, December 10, 2010
Roy O'Brien Collision Center: Named 2010 AutocheX Premier Achiever for Excellence in Customer Service and Satisfaction
St. Clair Shores, MI - Roy O'Brien Collision Center was recognized as a 2010 AutocheX Premier Achiever for outstanding customer service and satisfaction at the ninth annual AutocheX Premier Achiever Awards ceremony on October 12, 2010. The event was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas in conjunction with NACE.
The Premier Achiever Award honors collision repair facilities that demonstrate their commitment to customer service as reflected by their extremely high customer satisfaction scores. Based on the hundreds of thousands of customer satisfaction surveys AutocheX performed throughout 2010, Roy O'Brien Collision Center has been recognized as one of the top-performing collision repair facilities in North America for customer service and satisfaction.
"We are extremely proud of Roy O'Brien Collision Center and all the 2010 Premier Achiever Award winners. They are clearly committed to providing the best possible vehicle repair experience for their customers. Their hard work and dedication have resulted in truly impressive levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty-deserving of special recognition," said Jason Bertellotti, Vice President of Mitchell Repair Solutions.
The class of 2010 Premier Achievers includes top-performing collision repair facilities of all sizes, from small, family-run business to larder consolidators, and represents 37 states across the U.S., as well as British Columbia, Canada. In an industry of nearly 50,000 collision repair shops in North America, Roy O'Brien Collision Center is one of fewer than 500 Premier Achiever winners in 2010 - placing the shop in highly exclusive company.
AutocheX, a division of Mitchell International, is a leading provider of customer satisfaction measurement and customer experience management solutions to the collision repair industry. Autochex and the participating insurance companies present the Premier Achiever Awards each year as a way of honoring collision repair facilities that have been proven their devotion to quality, service, and customer satisfaction.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
2011 Ford Explorer V6 Delivers Best-In-Class Fuel Economy of 25 MPG Highway, Up 25 Percent
- The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer V6 fuel economy ratings are now EPA-approved at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, a 25 percent improvement over the previous V6 model
- The Explorer V6 combines an enhanced aerodynamic body with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), a six-speed automatic transmission and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to save fuel
- A fully capable SUV, Explorer V6 is available with intelligent 4WD and a terrain management system, and can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds
- Explorer will soon be available with an advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost™ I-4, expected to deliver 30 percent better fuel economy than the 2010 model
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 9, 2010 – Ford Explorer, America’s most popular utility vehicle and safety innovator, is now a fuel economy leader. With an EPA-certified 25 mpg highway rating – a 25 percent fuel economy gain over the outgoing V6 model – the 2011 Explorer sets a new benchmark for vehicles in its class.
“The new Explorer V6 with twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) delivers a keen balance between power and fuel economy,” said Jim Holland, chief nameplate engineer. “An efficient six-speed transmission mated to this efficient V6 helps Explorer deliver 25 percent better fuel efficiency. This raises the bar for full-size SUVs, and will change buyer expectations for the entire segment.”
Explorer’s fuel efficiency improvement is the cumulative result of multiple individual technologies, innovations and advancements.
The all-new Explorer body shape was optimized in a wind tunnel to reduce wind noise and increase fuel economy. Ford aerodynamicists and designers found that coordination between the front-mounted air dam and the rear liftgate lip spoiler could add almost 1 mpg at highway speeds.
The new Explorer marks the introduction of electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), yielding significantly improved maneuverability, reduced parasitic engine drag, weight savings and increased fuel economy.
Efficient and powerful new V6
The advanced Explorer V6 features a low-tension drive belt, aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and a direct-acting mechanical bucket (DAMB) valvetrain with highly polished buckets to reduce internal friction. Each of these measures contributes to Explorer V6 fuel economy.
The improvement in fuel efficiency comes without compromising Explorer’s legendary flexibility and capability. When powered by the standard 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, the Explorer can be equipped to tow up to 5,000 pounds. At 290 horsepower, the all-new Explorer V6 exceeds the 2010 Explorer V6 by 80 horsepower. In addition, the 2011 Explorer V6’s power compares favorably to that of the 2010 Explorer V8, rated at 292 horsepower.
When configured with intelligent 4WD and the terrain management system, the all-new Explorer honors the nameplate heritage of off-road capability, with the additional benefit of removing driver guesswork when selecting the appropriate 4WD mode. A driver need only turn the console-mounted knob to the desired setting, and the Explorer automatically adjusts drivetrain behavior to suit conditions.
Explorer will soon offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4, estimated to deliver a 30 percent increase in fuel economy. This option is ideally suited to SUV buyers placing a top priority on fuel economy.