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  • 47% of first 80,000 'cash for clunkers' sales from American brands

    47% of first 80,000 'cash for clunkers' sales from American brands August 3rd, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, August 3rd, 2009 Ralph Hanson 2 Comments

    47% of first 80,000 'cash for clunkers' sales from American brands Ford may be the only American carmaker reporting a rise in sales for July, but Detroit's beleaguered trio didn't fare too badly - almost half of the fuel-efficient upgrades sold in the CARS 'cash for clunkers' bonanza were GM, Ford or Chrysler vehicles, according to the White House.

    Only little over 80,000 of the clunkers deals have been processed by the NHTSA so far, with the American carmakers claiming 47% of the take. It will take a while - possibly months - for the final tally to be released, but the early numbers could be a good sign for the Detroit 3.

    Another $2 billion in funding is expected to be added to the CARS till once the... Ford may be the only American carmaker reporting a rise in sales for July, but Detroit's beleaguered trio didn't fare too badly - almost half of the fuel-efficient upgrades sold in the CARS 'cash for clunkers' bonanza were GM, Ford or Chrysler vehicles, according to the White House. Only little over 80,000 of the clunkers deals have been processed by the NHTSA so far, with the American carmakers claiming 47% of the take. It will take a while - possibly months - for the final tally to be released, but the early numbers could be a good sign for the Detroit 3. Another $2 billion in funding is expected to be added to the CARS till once the Senate takes action on the bill approved by the House last week, but in the mean time, the Obama administration has guaranteed the program will remain functional. Should the Senate vote down the extra money, however, the program will most likely cease immediately. The 47% role of the American brands in the CARS haul is about 2% greater than their combined market share, reports The Detroit News, meaning they've effectively snatched some of that deficit back from the foreign marques. Coming out a particular winner was Ford's Focus compact, which was the most popular vehicle chosen among the first 80,000 claims. President Barack Obama released a statement on Friday calling for swift Senate action to keep the program alive as a key part of the ongoing economic recovery. "This program has been an overwhelming success, allowing consumers to trade in their less fuel efficient cars for a credit to buy more fuel efficient new models....The program has proven to be a successful part of our economic recovery and will help lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of the air we breathe," said the President. "I urge the Senate to act with the American consumers in mind to pass this important legislation." Read More

  • House passes bill to double DOE fuel-efficient vehicle fund to $50 billion

    House passes bill to double DOE fuel-efficient vehicle fund to $50 billion June 29th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, June 29th, 2009 James Martinez 1 Comment

    House passes bill to double DOE fuel-efficient vehicle fund to $50 billion Former president Bush signed the $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program into life last year, but for the past 8 months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has sat on the money, carefully evaluating applications to see which companies would make the best use of the funds. That was until last week when the first announcements of disbursement were made from Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

    The same funding program, earmarked for both automakers and suppliers, would be doubled to $50 billion under a bill passed by the House on Friday night. Attached to the climate-change... Former president Bush signed the $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program into life last year, but for the past 8 months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has sat on the money, carefully evaluating applications to see which companies would make the best use of the funds. That was until last week when the first announcements of disbursement were made from Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The same funding program, earmarked for both automakers and suppliers, would be doubled to $50 billion under a bill passed by the House on Friday night. Attached to the climate-change legislation, the bill now goes to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. The Senate rejected a similar bill last year, reports Automotive News. Under the program, up to 80% of the cost of a high-tech fuel-efficient vehicle's project costs can be financed with loaned funds, at a payback period of 25 years at an interest rate of around 4%. But to get that loan, companies must issue a security interest in all property the funds are used to purchase or acquire. Vehicles built with the loan money must be at least 25% more efficient than required by federal law, effectively ruling out most SUV and trucks, as well as many large sedans, luxury and performance cars. The latest updates to the bill would require each electric utility to consider creating charging stations on the street, in parking garages and lots, in homes, at fuel stations and at highway rest stops. So far, the DOE has awarded $5.9 billion in loans to Ford for development of new electric compact car, $1.6 billion to Nissan for construction of a plant in Tennessee for a new electric car, and $465 million to Tesla to help speed up development of the Model S electric sedan. The DOE has said it plans to award much of the remaining $17 billion in the next few months to automakers and parts suppliers.Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)Tesla Model S Prototype Read More

  • U.S. DOE announces $8 billion in loans for fuel-efficient vehicles at Ford, Nissan and Tesla

    U.S. DOE announces $8 billion in loans for fuel-efficient vehicles at Ford, Nissan and Tesla June 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, June 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    U.S. DOE announces $8 billion in loans for fuel-efficient vehicles at Ford, Nissan and Tesla President Bush signed the $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program into life last year, but for the past 8 months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has sat on the money, carefully evaluating applications to see which companies would make the best use of the funds. Today the first announcements of disbursement were made from Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan.

    The three recipients - Ford, Nissan and Tesla - will be getting a total of about $8 billion in loans to help fund the development of advanced technology fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford will get $5.9 billion of those funds, while... President Bush signed the $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program into life last year, but for the past 8 months, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has sat on the money, carefully evaluating applications to see which companies would make the best use of the funds. Today the first announcements of disbursement were made from Ford's Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The three recipients - Ford, Nissan and Tesla - will be getting a total of about $8 billion in loans to help fund the development of advanced technology fuel-efficient vehicles. Ford will get $5.9 billion of those funds, while Nissan will get $1.6 billion and Tesla will get $465 million, reports the AP. With those loan figures, both Ford and Nissan will be able to push ahead at full speed with their existing EV and hybrid programs, but it's Tesla that will benefit the most from the loans, despite receiving the smallest amount. That's because the loan money will enable Tesla to meet its goals in building a new plant for the all-electric Model S Sedan, which Tesla hopes will be a volume seller and catapult the company into more mainstream status. Check out our previous coverage for more on Tesla's plans to build the Model S or its plans for the Tesla Roadster. Ford won't be losing out with its $5.9 billion loans, however. A recent study by the University of Michigan revealed that Detroit's carmakers could actually become more profitable by improving their average fuel efficiency. According to the study, as much as $2.9 billion in extra profit could be found if the carmakers can push their average fuel efficiency from the current 26.9mpg to the federally-mandated 35mpg by 2020, according to the Detroit Free Press. With some help to cover the initial outlay of cash to develop the more efficient vehicles, Ford out to be able to reap the benefits of the improved profitability even while paying back its loans - if the study's conclusions hold true in the real world. Ford is confident it will be able to make good with the government's help, however. "Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years. Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. Nissan, too, is happy with the loan amount. "This loan is an investment in America. It will help us put high-quality, affordable zero-emissions vehicles on our roads," said Dominique Thormann, senior vice president, Administration and Finance for NNA. "This project will expand our Smyrna plant and that’s great economic news."Ford Focus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Read More

  • Report: Ford bringing back the Capri as three-door Focus variant

    Report: Ford bringing back the Capri as three-door Focus variant May 27th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, May 27th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 16 Comments

    Report: Ford bringing back the Capri as three-door Focus variant As early as March of last year we brought you reports Ford was considering a revival of the Capri, but today new word takes those reports further, calling the Capri a three-door variant of the next-gen global Focus, and bound for production with a concept due next year.

    The re-ascendancy of coupe and hatchback body styles over the past year on the strength of fuel economy concerns and record oil prices has brought with it a rumor of the rebirth of the Ford Capri (classic version pictured), and that rumor continues with the latest updates. Like Volkswagen did with the Scirocco, Ford is betting on the re-birth of a classic nameplate, and it's... As early as March of last year we brought you reports Ford was considering a revival of the Capri, but today new word takes those reports further, calling the Capri a three-door variant of the next-gen global Focus, and bound for production with a concept due next year. The re-ascendancy of coupe and hatchback body styles over the past year on the strength of fuel economy concerns and record oil prices has brought with it a rumor of the rebirth of the Ford Capri (classic version pictured), and that rumor continues with the latest updates. Like Volkswagen did with the Scirocco, Ford is betting on the re-birth of a classic nameplate, and it's using a proven platform to do it. Ford has previously flirted with the idea of bringing back the Capri, and even released a concept called the Visos shown in 2003. That car held very true to the original car's body style, at least in terms of being a two-door hatch/liftback. Roadster and coupe designs have both been floated as possibilities for the new car, though the latest reports from AutoExpress say a three hatchback has gotten the nod. Power for the Capri would likely cover a broad range to draw in as many customers as possible, from an efficiency-focused 140hp (104kW) four-cylinder to a sporty 250hp (186kW) five-cylinder, or alternatively a smaller, more efficient 2.0L EcoBoost engine. That would put the Capri on very even footing with the Scirocco, and the speculated pricing would make them prime competitors, both hovering near €20,000 ($29,500) in Europe. Unlike other modern revivals, such as the Camaro, Challenger or even Ford's own Mustang, the Capri is destined to have a futuristic, rather than a throw-back, design ethic. The Visos concept is a suitable template, though even that design would likely face serious updates before going to market. Bringing in the kinetic design language of the past several years plus cues to give a family resemblance to the Kuga and Focus would be on the table as well. Though the Capri revival is still speculative at this point, it won't be expected for production until 2012 at the earliest, giving Ford plenty of time to get its design and powertrain plans in order, and reveal a concept car sometime next year. That timing would fit well with the expected debut of the next-gen global Focus, and would also help provide some recompense for the recent decision to can the RS for North America.Ford Visos Concept2011 Ford Focus rendering2011 Ford Focus spy shots Read More

  • Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S.

    Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S. May 26th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, May 26th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 12 Comments

    Capito: Ford no longer considering Focus RS hot-hatch for U.S. It’s a well known fact that the U.S. market misses out on most of Ford’s hot products, but with a push for new global models taking shape in Blue Oval offices around the world hopefully we will start to see more of these coveted models make their way Stateside. Unfortunately, the Focus RS won't be among them, according to the latest word from Ford's RS product guru Jost Capito

    The recently launched Ford Focus RS – a 305hp (224kW) stunner based on the Focus hatchback sold overseas - can't be sold in the U.S. because the global Focus platform on which it's based isn't homologated for American safety standards. Speaking with... It’s a well known fact that the U.S. market misses out on most of Ford’s hot products, but with a push for new global models taking shape in Blue Oval offices around the world hopefully we will start to see more of these coveted models make their way Stateside. Unfortunately, the Focus RS won't be among them, according to the latest word from Ford's RS product guru Jost Capito The recently launched Ford Focus RS – a 305hp (224kW) stunner based on the Focus hatchback sold overseas - can't be sold in the U.S. because the global Focus platform on which it's based isn't homologated for American safety standards. Speaking with Autocar, Capito said, "We’d like to, but the base car isn’t homologated for North America, and that’s too costly a job to carry out just for a niche vehicle like the RS." In April, Ford’s director of advanced product creation and global performance, Hermann Salenbauch, told Automotive News that a U.S. launch of such a car would depend on the level of interest generated by local Ford fans, for example, Focus SVT owners. Ford is looking for "feedback from the media and customers," Salenbauch explained. "How much do they like it? Is it really what they want? We are pretty confident that it is." However, there remains a loophole. The U.S. Focus RS would have to wait until the next-generation of the car, which will be based on the new global-engineered 2011 Focus, which is intended for sale in America and will therefore be homologated, overcoming the main hurdle. Salenbauch revealed that the American version of the RS would be based on this new platform and would be assembled locally, if it is approved. Salenbauch’s comments also suggested that Ford is in fact considering building a high-performance RS version of its next-generation Focus. In March reports emerged claiming the current Focus RS would be the last of its kind, but these latest comments go a little way towards discrediting them.Ford Focus RS ConceptFord Focus RS hatch Read More

  • Ford hopes to sell 5,000 to 10,000 Focus electric cars per year

    Ford hopes to sell 5,000 to 10,000 Focus electric cars per year May 11th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, May 11th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 1 Comment

    Ford hopes to sell 5,000 to 10,000 Focus electric cars per year Electric cars may be all the rage these days but making the technology cheap enough for mass-market will take some time. One of the leaders in this field is Ford, which is expected to have one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars on the market with its battery-powered Focus.

    Arriving in 2011, the electric Focus is expected to be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a range of close to 100 miles. It won’t be cheap, however, as pricing will be set higher than a comparable petrol model, Ford’s president of the Americas, Mark Fields, revealed to Automotive News. This will "limit its appeal at least initially" but... Electric cars may be all the rage these days but making the technology cheap enough for mass-market will take some time. One of the leaders in this field is Ford, which is expected to have one of the first mass-produced all-electric cars on the market with its battery-powered Focus. Arriving in 2011, the electric Focus is expected to be powered by a lithium-ion battery pack with a range of close to 100 miles. It won’t be cheap, however, as pricing will be set higher than a comparable petrol model, Ford’s president of the Americas, Mark Fields, revealed to Automotive News. This will "limit its appeal at least initially" but engineers are working to make the car "as affordable" as possible, he said. Despite the high price tag the electric Focus is destined to bear, as well as the limited infrastructure for recharging, Ford hopes to entice around 5,000 to 10,000 customers a year. This figure is expected to rise as battery technology improves and production becomes cheaper, but for the first few years Ford will be chasing those numbers. Ford is spending close to half-a-billion dollars to retool its Michigan SUV plant to build the global Focus. To help streamline costs for the electric Focus and remain up to date with new electric technology, the company is also part of a four-way ‘Eco-Partnership’ with organizations both in the U.S. and China. Ford, Changan Auto Group and the cities of Chongqing, China, and Denver, Colorado, are exploring ways to develop projects to help further energy security and promote economic and environmental sustainability. Areas of focus could include developing electrified vehicle technologies, green city planning, efficient urban transportation and grid integration.2011 Ford Focus rendering2011 Ford Focus spy shots Read More

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