When Ford first introduced the new Focus RS to the European market, it had planned to produce only 1,200 units. However, due to high-demand, Ford of Europe has decided to build an additional 400 units of the 305-hp Ford hatchback – exclusively for sale in German.

Ford said that this is the final decision and that there won’t be any more Focus RS units build after the 400 units are completed.  If you live in Germany and you’re interested, you can order the car now and expect delivery in the early part of 2010.

Click here for more news on the Focus RS.

Refresher: Power comes from a 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine with a large Borg Warner K16 turbocharger. That makes a total of 300-hp and a peak torque.

2009 Ford Focus RS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Ford (via CarScoop)

M-Sport has finally taken the wraps off of its Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car after nine months of hard work. The Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world and the IRC and S200 World Cup in January 2010.

Power comes from a 1998cc 4-cylinder Duratec engine that makes 280-hp and maximum torque of 192 lb-ft. The engine is mated to an all-wheel-drive system and a 6-speed sequential gearbox. The Fiesta S2000 rally car also includes Brembo brakes and an adjustable sports suspension.

So far, the Ford Fiesta S2000 has complete nearly 3000 kms (1,864 miles) of testing in the UK and Europe. The testing program will continue into the early part of next year until the car makes its competitive debut.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

Ford Fiesta S2000 Rally Car:

Press Release:

All new Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car unveiled

The highly-anticipated Ford Fiesta S2000 rally car has been unveiled at a launch ceremony at M-Sport’s Cumbrian base in the UK. The new rally car, the culmination of nine months’ hard work by the design and engineering team at M-Sport, was presented by M-Sport managing director Malcolm Wilson. Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s Senior Motorsport Manager was present as a special Ford guest during the S2000 launch.

The Fiesta S2000, M-Sport and Ford’s first global rally car, which will be eligible to compete in national rally championships around the world as well as the IRC and S2000 World Cup, is due for homologation in January 2010. However, it will make its public debut this weekend appearing as course car at the final round of the IRC series, the Rally of Scotland.

Invited guests were given an opportunity to get a close-up look at the exciting new car which has been designed by M-Sport’s award-winning technical director Christian Loriaux and his team led by Chief Designer Anthony Brinkman and Test Engineer Chris Gray.

Continuing their close relationship with Ford, the team at M-Sport has worked in tandem with Ford’s Motorsport Technical Manager Mike Norton and the Ford small car design team that developed the acclaimed kinetic design of the Fiesta road car, to develop a dynamic and aggressive looking rally car.

The experience gained from developing the record-breaking Ford Focus RS WRC has been used by the M-Sport team to develop the Fiesta S2000 rally car while working within the new FIA sporting regulations which mean that this car can be used by customers at both national and international level.

The Fiesta S2000 has already completed nearly 3000kms of testing both in the UK and Europe and that extensive testing programme will continue into the start of the next year in readiness for the car’s competitive debut.

The Fiesta S2000 is the latest in a long line of rally cars produced as a result of the successful partnership between M-Sport and Ford, starting with the Escort Cosworth in the 1990s and moving on to the record breaking Ford Focus RS WRC and Ford Fiesta ST.

It follows hot on the heels of M-Sport’s extremely successful two wheel drive Fiesta R2, which was launched earlier this year and has already taken class victories in rallies across Europe.

The arrival of the Fiesta S2000 means that together Ford and M-Sport offer a complete ladder of opportunity for rally competitors to graduate with Ford from national level right through to the WRC in Ford cars.

M-Sport Managing Director Malcolm Wilson said:
“Today is a very exciting day for us. This is the first global rally car for Ford and M-Sport, I really believe that we have produced a fantastic rally car and this launch is a big step to seeing it out competing in rallies. It’s the first time in five years that we have been able to offer a Ford rally car that can challenge for overall victory in national championships across the world.

“It is also the culmination of a huge amount of hard work not only by Christian Loriaux and his team, but by everyone who works at M-Sport. We have worked closely with Ford on this project, their best-selling road car, the new Ford Fiesta, has been a perfect base car and its award-winning styling and kinematics together with M-Sport’s expertise will surely make the Fiesta S2000 a huge global success.”

M-Sport Technical Director Christian Loriaux said:
“It’s a fantastic feeling today to see the car actually launched to the world after all the hard work and testing behind closed doors. Everyone at M-Sport has had to pull together in order to get the Fiesta S2000 finished in such a short period of time and it has been a great team effort to get to this point so quickly.

“The design team, led by Anthony Brinkman and Chris Gray, has worked incredibly hard and the fact that we have been able to deliver the car to schedule is down in no small part to the commitment of the entire M-Sport team to the success of the project. We have made a very promising start in testing and I am more than pleased with the performance of the car so far; it will be interesting to see how the real pace of the car compares to the competition.”

- By: Kap Shah

China based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has made it known that they intend to keep Volvo production a European affair should it purchase the Swedish automaker.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier in the month however, that Geely would be building a new Volvo plant in China with the ability to put out 300,000 vehicles per year. They also said that within four or five years, Volvo’s annual sales rate could reach 1 million vehicles, compared with a recent rate of 400,000.

Though neither party involved has disclosed a sale price, media reports are suggesting a price closer to $2 billion; $4.45 billion less than what FoMoCo had actually paid for the swedish automaker.

A point of concern while hashing out this deal, has been the transfer of Volvo’s intellectual property rights. A Ford spokesman had commented earlier this week however, that they were confident that to was an issue that could be overcome, as it had been in Ford’s sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors Ltd.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Earlier this year, General Motors officially went back to selling the Chevrolet Camaro after ending production of the sports car in 2002. With a new design, more power and a strong heritage, the Chevrolet Camaro is speeding past the Ford Mustang to become Detroit’s muscle car sales leader.

The new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro outsold the new Ford Mustang by 3,000 units last month, the fifth consecutive month that the Camaro has beaten the Mustang since it went on sale this spring.  GM says that the Camaro may even outsell the Mustang altogether this year, which would be the first time the Chevy model has topped its Ford rival since 1985.

Through October, GM has sold 47,233 Camaro units, 9,237 less than the Mustang.

The Camaro “definitely could overtake Mustang as the segment leader by the end of the year,” Susan Docherty, GM’s vice president of U.S. sales said. “We will hopefully do that with only nine months worth of sales versus 12.”

Ford, on the other hand, doesn’t seem too bothered. “I don’t think Mustang sales would have been much different one way or another,” said George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press

FoMoCo has been enjoying some really good news in the past couple of days. Just last week, the company’s Ford Fusion entered into the list of America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and became the No. 1 selling domestic car. Yesterday, the Fusion was also awarded Motor Trend’s 2010 Car of the Year award.

“It’s really gratifying to see that everybody is appreciating the Ford plan and the progress we are making,” Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally said.

Ford is also enjoying one more piece of good news. Billionaire financier George Soros has decided to invest $52.9 million in Ford’s stock .

Ford’s stock price hit a 2-year high of $9 a share yesterday before closing at $8.98 at the end of the day.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid here.

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Free Press

FoMoCo led all automakers for the second year in a row with six 2010 models that made it onto the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick list, including four vehicles from Volvo, a brand that Ford is selling. For the first time in three years, none of Toyota’s vehicles made the list as tougher criteria cut down the selection from 94 last year to 27 this year.

“With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.”

Subaru is the only automaker with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a trend of improving the safety of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul also made the list for 2010. GM’s 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu also made the cut.

Click through to see the full list.

ALL 27 WINNERS

Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after October 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with optional electronic stability control)
Dodge Avenger  (with optional electronic stability control)
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (sedan)
Volkswagen Passat (sedan)
Volvo C30

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen (Golf 4-door)

Midsize SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

- By: Omar Rana

The 2010 Ford Fusion sedan was chosen as MOTOR TREND’s 2010 Car of the Year.

“Ford has proven its resilience in these tough times by delivering to market a car with broad appeal to a broad range of consumers,” said Angus MacKenzie, MOTOR TREND editor-in-chief. “The Fusion range has matured into a competitive roster of midsize sedans, able to compete with sales juggernauts such as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. It is no surprise the Fusion now ranks in the top 10 best-selling cars in America.”

The 2010 Ford Fusion recently joined the ranks of America’s Top 10-selling vehicles and is the No.1 selling domestic car.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid here.

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Press Release:

FORD FUSION NAMED 2010 MOTOR TREND CAR OF THE YEAR

-  The 2010 Ford Fusion is MOTOR TREND magazine’s pick for its prestigious Car of the Year® award
- The Fusion bested a field of 23 contenders – including the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class – to win the prominent award
- Fusion is now among America’s top 10-selling vehicles and the No. 1-selling domestic car
- Ford Fusion is America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan for both hybrid and conventional gasoline models. The Fusion Hybrid with an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway tops the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway, while the four-cylinder Fusion with best-in-class highway fuel economy at 34 mpg tops the Toyota Camry four-cylinder by 2 mpg

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 17, 2009 – The Ford Fusion – America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – today was named MOTOR TREND’s 2010 Car of the Year®. The award comes hot on the heels of Fusion setting record-breaking sales for 2009.

The prestigious award from MOTOR TREND comes at a time when Fusion sales are already at an all-time high, further positioning the vehicle as a formidable contender in the competitive midsize sedan market.

“The MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award is another testament of our commitment to delivering a world-class car lineup,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, who accepted the golden calipers on behalf of the Ford team. “Whether it is the best-in-class fuel economy or quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are clear evidence that Ford is serious about our car lineup.”

To win the coveted Car of the Year award, Fusion outperformed the competition – including the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan – in six new categories: design achievement, engineering excellence, intended function, efficiency, safety and value.

“The Fusion brought a vast assortment of choice that has the potential to appeal to every type of driver, from the eco-conscious to the sport-minded,” said MacKenzie. “The Fusion’s combination of comfort, fuel efficiency, assortment and technology made it a clear winner among our panel of judges.”

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power; class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®; and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

The Fusion lineup expanded in the 2010 model year to include all-new Hybrid and Sport models and a new selection of gas-powered engines – all paired with six-speed transmissions – that deliver even more horsepower and better fuel economy.

Fusion: A hit from the start
The Ford Fusion has been generating excitement among journalists and consumers alike since the nameplate first launched in the fall of 2005. In fact, the introductory model – which marked Ford’s re-entry into the midsize sedan market – was a finalist for MOTOR TREND’s 2006 Car of the Year award.

Since then, Fusion’s popularity has continued to soar – and so have sales. Fusion set a sales record in April – the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid – and overall sales are already at an all-time high for 2009.

With its quality unsurpassed by Toyota or Honda, best-in-class fuel economy, class-exclusive technologies and significant residual value improvement, the 2010 Ford Fusion is clearly delivering the key attributes that midsize sedan buyers want.

“Even at a time when industry-wide sales are down 26 percent, Fusion sales continue to grow,” said Ford Sales Analyst George Pipas.

The new Fusion Hybrid model has played an important role in Fusion’s success. The vehicle delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, car buyers are so passionate about Fusion that they are choosing to buy the high series models – Hybrid, SEL and Sport.

“Data show that high series models account for 50 percent of sales,” he said. “Customers are also embracing technology offerings like voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”

Richards says the introduction of a Sport model is also drawing praise from Fusion customers, as is the new six-speed gearbox with SelectShift™ transmission.

On Monday, Fiat took the wraps off its second-generation Fiat Doblo compact van, which will go on sale in Europe in mid-January. According to Automotive News, Chrysler Group LLC’s new Ram brand will get a version of the Fiat Doblo to compete with Ford’s new Transit Connect, which started selling in United States in July.

The Fiat Doblo is sold as seven-seat passenger vehicle or a panel van for small businesses. It has been sold in Europe since 2001. The model will join a large Fiat-based van to be sold in the United States by Ram, along with a restyled chassis cab model and light and heavy duty Ram vehicles.

Chrysler said it expects Ram sales to hit 415,000 by 2014, up from 280,000 in 2010.

2010 Fiat Doblo:

- By: Omar Rana

FoMoCo has previously said that 90 percent of its line-up will feature its new EcoBoost fuel-saving engines by 2013. Nearly 80 percent of Ford’s global nameplates will have an available EcoBoost option. The Dearborn automakers says that by 2013, global EcoBoost volume throughout the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle family is expected to be 1.3 million units, with up to 750,000 sales coming from North America alone.

Other than its current 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, Ford has plans to add a 1.6L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to the Ford Focus, Ford Fiesta and some other models. The companies Grand C-Max will also make it to the U.S. in late 2011 with a 4-cylinder EcoBoost.

But will Ford ever integrate EcoBoost technology into V8 engines? According to sources that spoke with TheDetroitBureau.com, Ford is considering EcoBoost technology for a modified V8, which may find itself powering the next-generation Ford Shelby Mustangs.

“Imagine what we could do with a big V8?” hinted a well-placed company source told the publication. Ford has previously denied rumors of EcoBoost technology for its base 2011 Mustang and Mustang GT sports cars. We’re going to have to file this under rumors for now.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: The Detroit Bureau

Ford will be picking up two awards at the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2010 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards for its Ford Work Solutions and SYNC system.

“Our customers want the latest in connectivity and technology – making their drive experience more enjoyable and convenient,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas, Ford Motor Company. “We’re honored that CES has recognized our efforts in providing these customer-driven features.”

Ford Work Solutions’ in-dash computer took the 2010 Best of Innovations in the category of In-Vehicle Accessories, while the company’s SYNC applications, Traffic, Directions & Information, was honored in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS (Intelligent Transportation System).

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

FORD WORK SOLUTIONS AND SYNC CONNECTIVITY SYSTEMS HONORED WITH CES INNOVATION AWARDS

* Ford Work Solutions™ and SYNC® application Traffic, Directions & Information recognized with International CES Innovations Design and Engineering Awards
* Ford Work Solutions’ in-dash computer won 2010 Best of Innovations in the In-Vehicle Accessories category. The new SYNC application is an honoree in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS
* Judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and media, the International CES Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering awards recognize outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 36 categories
* Ford Work Solutions and SYNC Traffic, Directions & Information will be demonstrated at the 2010 International CES, Jan. 7-10, 2010, in Las Vegas

FORD TAURUS – AMERICA’S MOST INNOVATIVE SEDAN – NAMED “OFFICIAL CAR” OF THE 2010 INTERNATIONAL CES

NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2009 – Ford’s wide-ranging, customer-driven in-vehicle technology and features continue to gain recognition and awards from industry experts. Both Ford Work Solutions and SYNC – two Ford-exclusive technologies – will be honored with International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2010 Innovations Design and Engineering Awards.

Ford Work Solutions’ in-dash computer won 2010 Best of Innovations in the category of In-Vehicle Accessories. SYNC’s latest application, Traffic, Directions & Information, was honored in the category of In-Vehicle Navigation/Telematics/ITS (Intelligent Transportation System).

Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the media to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting-edge consumer electronics products across 36 categories.

The Innovations entries are judged based on the following criteria:

* Engineering qualities, based on technical specs and materials used
* Aesthetic and design qualities, using photos provided
* The product’s intended use/function and user value
* Unique/novel features that consumers would find attractive
* How the design and innovation of the product compares to other products in the marketplace

Ford Work Solutions enables greater productivity for fleets, commercial customers
Ford Work Solutions is a collection of technologies created to provide Ford commercial truck and van customers with connectivity, flexibility and security to better manage their businesses. Available on Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty, E-Series vans and the new Transit Connect, Ford Work Solutions delivers four innovative features:

* An in-dash computer developed with Magneti Marelli and powered by Microsoft Auto that provides full high-speed Internet access via the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network, Bluetooth-enabled hands-free calling and navigation by Garmin. The first broadband-capable in-dash computer in production, the system allows customers to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored on their home or office computer networks – right on the job site. The office is now mobile.
* Tool Link™, a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) asset tracking system developed in association with DeWALT™, the industry leader in professional power tools, and ThingMagic, the industry expert on embedded RFID technology. This technology enables customers to maintain a detailed real-time inventory of the tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
* Crew Chief™, a fleet tracking, telematics and diagnostics system, offered with market-leading telematics specialist Microlise, provides dynamic location and performance data fleet owners need to more efficiently manage their vehicles, quickly dispatch workers to job sites, monitor driver performance for safety and economy, and keep detailed vehicle maintenance records.
* Cable Lock security system developed in association with Master Lock®, the industry-leading lock manufacturer, discourages theft of expensive tools too large to fit in the cab.

“Ford Work Solutions is just another example of how we listen to our truck customers and deliver features and technology to help them do their jobs easier and more efficiently,” said Bill Frykman, business development manager for Ford Work Solutions. “We’ve been the leader in the segment for 32 years by delivering real-world solutions to our customers. For example, fleets using Crew Chief have experienced increases in fuel economy in excess of 20 percent.”

Keeping you connected
Ford SYNC’s latest application – Traffic, Directions & Information – leverages industry-leading voice-recognition software, integrated GPS technology and a customer’s Bluetooth-capable mobile phone. It provides simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports and weather.

These new capabilities are in addition to SYNC’s established hallmark suite of services, from hands-free, voice-activated cell phone and digital media player integration to the more recent security and convenience additions of 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report.

Introduced in 2007, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with SYNC, and more than 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles are on the road today.

2010 International CES
Ford Work Solutions and SYNC with Traffic, Directions & Information will be on display at the 2010 International CES, which runs Jan. 7-10, 2010 in Las Vegas. The Innovations Design and Engineering Showcase will feature honorees by product category in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center and they will also be featured at CES Unveiled: The Official Press Event of the International CES on Jan. 5.

Innovations 2010 Design and Engineering honoree products are featured on www.CESweb.org/Innovations, which lists product categories, as well as each product name, manufacturer information, designer, description, photo and URL.

The prestigious Innovations Design and Engineering Awards have been recognizing achievements in product design and engineering since 1976. It is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA®), the producer of the International CES, the world’s largest consumer technology trade show, and endorsed by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the voice of industrial design, committed to advancing the profession through education, information, community and advocacy.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Hoping not to lose market share to GM’s new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle, Ford announced today that it will produce an all-new Police Interceptor that will be designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria. The Crown Victoria ends production in late 2011.

Ford, which controls around 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the United States, is investing significantly in designing and building the new police interceptor to meet durability, safety and performance requirements.

Ford did not say whether the new police vehicle will be based on an existing Ford vehicle in its lineup. The Dearborn automaker said that it will reveal the new model and provide full specifications in the first quarter of 2010.

Earlier this year, Ford invited leaders of some of the nation’s largest police fleets to Dearborn to test-drive a 2010 Ford Taurus. Personally, we’d like to see the Ford Interceptor Concept (pictured above) become a cop car.

Follow the jump for the press release.

Press Release:

FORD ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF ALL-NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR FOR LAW ENFORCMENT USE NATIONWIDE

* Ford confirms development plans of an all-new Ford Police Interceptor and affirms continued commitment to the police and municipal vehicle businesses
* New Police Interceptor’s durability, safety and performance will exceed the existing Crown Victoria’s law enforcement vehicle lineup
* Ford is the market leader in the law enforcement vehicle segment, selling 45,000 of the 60,000 police vehicles sold in each year in the U.S.

Dearborn, Mich., Nov. 13, 2009 – Ford Motor Company announced today it will produce an all-new purpose-built Police Interceptor specially designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria law enforcement vehicle lineup in 2011.

The new Ford Police Interceptor is being developed in conjunction with Ford’s Police Advisory Board, which provided input during the past 14 months on key vehicle attributes, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort. The new Police Interceptor will be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria ends in late 2011.

“We have heard the repeated requests from the law enforcement community to continue uninterrupted support of the law enforcement community,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is answering the call with the new Police Interceptor – engineered and built in America.”

Ford – which currently controls approximately 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the U.S. – has invested significantly in designing the purpose-built new police and municipal vehicles to meet the needs of these crucial customers.

The new Police Interceptor is designed to provide municipalities with reduced ownership costs through improved fuel efficiency, quality and the kind of durability police departments nationwide have come to expect from Ford.

“Ford’s commitment to the law enforcement community produced the Crown Victoria, the benchmark police vehicle,” said Lt. Brian Moran, fleet manager, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and a member of Ford’s Police Advisory Board. “This commitment has continued, and Ford has been working closely with the Police Advisory Board on developing the new Police Interceptor. I am confident that the next-generation Ford police vehicle will meet the future needs of the law enforcement community and will set the new standard.”

Ford plans to reveal the new model and provide full vehicle specifications in the first quarter of 2010 – in time for law enforcement agencies, police equipment manufacturers and upfitters to develop a transition plan from the Crown Victoria to the new product.

Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, making the Blue Oval the nation’s largest provider of police and municipal vehicles.

“Ford long has supported our public servants with vehicles that work as hard as they do,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. “We intend to build on this legacy with a new generation of municipal and police vehicles that set even higher standards.”

- By: Stephen Calogera

FoMoCo announced today that the Ford Fusion sedan has entered into the list of America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and has become the No. 1 selling domestic car. So far in 2009, Ford has sold 151,137 units, passing the previous Fusion full-year sales high of 149,552 in 2007.

“It’s extraordinary that a car could set a sales record in an environment where overall industry sales are down 26 percent from a year ago,” Ford sales analyst George Pipas said.

Ford said that sales of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion sedan sales. It said that 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been made to customers coming from import brands – mostly Honda and Toyota.

Check out our review of the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid here.

Review: 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Press Release:

FORD FUSION MOVES INTO TOP 10 LIST

* Sales of the Ford Fusion – America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan – have set a new record with sales figures for 2009 already eclipsing the previous full-year record set in 2007
* Fusion is now among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and the No. 1 selling domestic car
* Fusion consideration from import shoppers is at an all-time high
* Consumers want new features and smart technology, with half opting to buy high series models – Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2009 – Soaring sales of the Ford Fusion have made 2009 already a record-breaking year for America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan.

Sales for 2009 already have reached 151,137 units, eclipsing the previous Fusion full-year sales high of 149,552 in 2007. Importantly, Fusion sales are skyrocketing at a time when industry sales are the lowest they have been since the early ’80s.

In the first ten months of 2009, Fusion sales were 15 percent higher than a year ago. Also, Fusion has moved among America’s Top 10 selling vehicles and the No. 1 selling domestic car.

The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid are the most fuel-efficient sedans in America. The new models offer more power, class-exclusive technologies, such as Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) and Ford SYNC®, and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

According to Fusion Marketing Manager Jonathan Richards, the diversity of the 2010 Fusion lineup is drawing a growing number of customers to the brand.

“There is no reason for customers shopping for a midsize sedan to look beyond the Fusion, because the lineup offers something for everyone – a Hybrid model, a Sport version and a new selection of gas-powered engines paired with six-speed transmission,” he said.

Sales data show that consumers are taking notice.

“Fusion Hybrid, Sport and SEL models account for 50 percent of sales,” said Richards. “Data also show that customers are embracing technology offerings such as voice-activated navigation, SYNC and Sony® Audio.”

Sales of the new Fusion Hybrid account for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

The Fusion Hybrid delivers an EPA estimated 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway. It also offers innovative new technology – SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – that coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

According to early 2010 survey data obtained in the 2009 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS), the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has the highest customer satisfaction ratings of any Ford vehicle ever. The survey was conducted for Ford Motor Company by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

- By: Kap Shah

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which plans to purchase FoMoCo’s Volvo brand, has been working on a turnaround plan that will eventually double sales of the Swedish car brand to nearly 1 million vehicles a year. Under the plan, Geely is going to build a new plant for Volvo in China with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles, making use of China’s market potential and cheap labor.

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong will also add two or three bigger and more luxurious models to Volvo’s lineup within the next three to four years.

The Chinese automaker is planning to sell 200,000 units a year in China, up from 12,600 units sold last year.

It forecasting selling nearly 1 million cars a year globally within the next four to five years – as compared to the recent annual sales of 400,000 units a year.

Last month, Ford confirmed Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is its preferred bidder for the possible sale of Volvo Car Corporation.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Ford announced today that its new 2010 Ford Taurus will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES show that will be held on Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.’

“The all-new Taurus is Ford’s technology flagship, offering more user-friendly technology to help keep you safe and connected than cars twice its price,” said Frank Davis, executive director Product Development. “And there’s no better venue to show it off than CES.”

FoMoCo’s CEO Alan Mulally will be delivering the opening keynote address at the 2010 CES show where Ford will also announce upgrades to its Ford SYNC system.

The 2010 Ford Taurus is available at dealerships nationwide with prices starting at $25,995.

Make sure you check out our review of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO here.

Click through for more information in the press release.

Review: 2010 Ford Taurus SHO:

All Photos Copyright © 2009 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Press Release:

FORD TAURUS – AMERICA’S MOST INNOVATIVE SEDAN – NAMED “OFFICIAL CAR” OF THE 2010 INTERNATIONAL CES

* The 2010 Ford Taurus will be the official car of the 2010 International CES®, to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas
* The all-new Taurus is a perfect fit for CES – it offers 10 class-exclusive technologies not available from any other manufacturer
* The Ford Taurus offers more user-friendly technology than other cars twice its price

NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2009 – The smartest full-size sedan in America, the hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus, will be the official vehicle of the 2010 International CES (Consumer Electronics Show®), to be held Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas.

Ford President and Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally will deliver the opening keynote address at CES, where Ford also will announce enhancements to its award-winning Ford SYNC® communications and entertainment system as well as new technology that builds on the company’s connected-car leadership position.

As the official car of CES, the Ford Taurus will be featured prominently with technology demonstrations and in signage, brochures and other written materials at the show.

“Consumers demand the latest on-the-go innovation in their cars. Ford automobiles are built with cutting-edge technology that makes driving safer and more enjoyable,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association® (CEA), producer of the International CES. “We are thrilled to welcome Ford to the 2010 International CES and to name the new Ford Taurus as the ‘Official Car of CES.’ We also look forward to hearing Ford’s Alan Mulally kick off the 2010 CES with his opening keynote address on Thursday, Jan. 7.”

As Davis notes, the all-new Ford Taurus is a perfect fit for CES – the world’s largest consumer technology trade show for the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. In addition to its expressive styling, the vehicle is loaded with advanced features, making it a virtual dream come true for avid techies.

“The Ford Taurus has 10 class-exclusive features not available from any other manufacturer,” said Davis. “This vehicle offers it all – from Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion™ that are designed to reduce fatigue on long-distance drives to a voice-activated navigation system that can tell you real-time traffic and weather information, and even where to find the cheapest gas.”

The Taurus also offers the latest application of SYNC – Traffic, Directions & Information – along with 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report. SYNC’s USB port and Bluetooth capability connects to MP3 players, memory sticks and smartphones, making them accessible by voice control – a more convenient and safe way to use these devices in the car.

For techies with teenaged drivers, Taurus offers MyKey™, a feature that allows parents to program a key that can limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume to encourage teens to drive safer and improve fuel efficiency.

In addition to Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion, voice-activated navigation, SYNC and MyKey, other class-exclusive technologies available on the Ford Taurus include:

* EasyFuel® Capless Fuel-Filler – a self-seal system without a traditional fuel cap. No lost, dangling, or spinning caps. It seals automatically, every time.
* SecuriCode™ Keyless Entry Keypad – a feature that allows you to unlock the driver’s door by entering a five-digit code via a flush-mounted keypad
* Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support – a feature that allows you to set a cruising speed and uses radar technology to automatically adjust your speed and warn you if you’re getting too close to the vehicle in front of you
* Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert – a feature that uses radar technology to warn you of vehicles in your blind spot and alert you to oncoming traffic when you’re backing out of a parking spot
* Sony Audio® System – a surround sound system that delivers Dolby® Digital 5.1 sound through 12 high-quality Sony speakers
* Available EcoBoost™ V-6 – a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that delivers the output of a V-8, 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy

According to Davis, all of the technology offered on the Ford Taurus is sweetened by the vehicle’s price.

“Even the most zealous techies are careful with their money,” he said. “Taurus offers an unprecedented array of technologies typically reserved for luxury cars at a price that is affordable.”

In addition to being named official vehicle of the 2010 International CES, the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO was dubbed Esquire magazine’s first-ever “Car of the Year.”

- By: Omar Rana

If you were one of the many compact car lovers that were excited when earlier reports of a Ford Ka for the U.S. started showing up – we’ve got some bad news for you this Monday morning. FoMoCo CEO Alan Mulally said that the Ford Ka minicar and the new Ford Ranger pickup will not come to the United States.

Mulally said that the Ka has been deemed to small for our American taste and the Fiesta is probably the smallest Ford will ever go on the stateside.

“Our view is that Fiesta is about the smallest vehicle that we think will be a real success in the United States,” Mulally told Automotive News.

The global Ford Ranger is a new compact pickup that is different from the current Ranger sold here. Production of the U.S. Ford ranger is scheduled to end in 2011. Ford is currently looking at options for a replacement.

- By: Kap Shah

It was not even a year ago when Ford relinquished half of its stake in Mazda Motor Corp., and Seita Kanai, Mazda’s head of r&d, says that there will be fewer joint projects between the two companies such as the shared platforms and drivetrains that were developed over the course of the 30-year relationship.

“The Ford-Mazda partnership is cited often as an example of a successful international alliance of automakers. Ford first took an equity stake in Mazda in 1979 and brought Mazda under its control in 1996 as the Hiroshima carmaker struggled to survive. But by late last year the tables were turned, and a cash-strapped Ford sold a large part of its stake to raise capital,” Automotive News says of the two companies’ relationship.

Major elements of the de-integration include; Fords presence on the Mazda board being cut from 3 representatives to 1, separate drivetrain strategies, and Ford’s implementation of in-house developed platforms and phasing out of Mazda’s platforms.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Time once was when seat belts were considered a luxury option in a vehicle. Ford, Motor Company is set to revolutionize the seatbelt as we know it. The next-generation Ford Explorer, which is set to go into production next year, will bring to the market the world’s first inflatable seat belts, combining the best safety features of the airbag and the standard seatbelt.

During daily wear, the seatbelts operate just as conventional ones and are fully compatible with child safety seats. According to Ford, their research showed that 90% of those who tested the new belts found them just as or more comfortable than traditional seatbelts, which Ford attributes to the softer, padded nature of the belts construction.

The belt consists of an accordian-folded inflatable airbag that uses cold compressed gas to fill it upon impact. The belts inflate at a lower rate and with less pressure than traditional airbags being that there is no need to fill a gap between the passenger and surface, such as with traditional airbags. The concept behind the belt is the diffusion and distribution of energy caused by impact over a larger area, and therefore easing pressure on the head, neck, and chest.

Ford has always been on the cutting edge of safety innovation, as they were the first automaker to introduce seatbelts in 1955, and made driver and front-passenger air bags standard in most vehicles by the mid 90’s.

Make the jump for the press release and a video after the jump.

Ford’s Rear Inflatable Seat Belts:

Press Release:

FORD INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST INFLATABLE SEAT BELTS TO ENHANCE REAR SEAT SAFETY

* Ford introduces the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, which are designed to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries
* Ford’s inflatable rear seat belts will debut on the next-generation Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle, which goes into production next year; Ford eventually plans to offer inflatable seat belt technology in vehicles globally
* Ford’s inflatable rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts; this helps reduce pressure on the chest and helps control head and neck motion for rear seat passengers
* More than 90 percent of Ford research participants indicated that Ford’s inflatable seat belts are similar to or more comfortable than traditional belts, which could help increase the lower rate of rear belt usage

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 5, 2009 – Ford Motor Company is bringing to market the world’s first automotive inflatable seat belts, combining attributes of traditional seat belts and air bags to provide an added level of crash safety protection for rear seat occupants.

The advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat passengers, often children and older passengers who can be more vulnerable to such injuries.

Ford will introduce inflatable rear seat belts on the next-generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production next year for the North American market. Over time, Ford plans to offer the technology in vehicles globally.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear-seat passengers of all ages, especially for young children who are more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environmental and Safety Engineering. “This is another unique family technology that builds on our safety leadership, including the most top safety ratings of any automaker.”

Safer and more comfortable
Advances in air bag inflation and seat belt construction methods have enabled Ford and its suppliers to develop inflatable seat belts that are designed to deploy over a vehicle occupant’s torso and shoulder in 40 milliseconds in the event of a crash.

In everyday use, the inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts and are safe and compatible with infant and children safety car and booster seats. In Ford’s research, more than 90 percent of those who tested the inflatable seat belts found them to be similar to or more comfortable than a conventional belt because they feel padded and softer. That comfort factor could help improve the 61 percent rear belt usage rate in the U.S., which compares to 82 percent usage by front seat passengers, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.

“Ford is pioneering inflatable seat belt technology to help enhance crash safety protection, while encouraging more people to buckle up with a more comfortable belt,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president, Engineering, Global Product Development.

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the inflatable belt’s increased diameter more effectively holds the occupant in the appropriate seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

Vehicle safety sensors determine the severity of the collision in the blink of an eye and deploy the inflatable belts’ air bags. Each belt’s tubular air bag inflates with cold compressed gas, which flows through a specially designed buckle from a cylinder housed below the seat.

The inflatable belt’s accordion-folded bag breaks through the belt fabric as it fills with air, expanding sideways across the occupant’s body in about the same amount of time it takes a car traveling at highway speed to cover a yard of distance.

The use of cold compressed gas instead of a heat-generating chemical reaction – which is typical of traditional air bag systems – means the inflated belts feel no warmer on the wearer’s body than the ambient temperature. The inflatable belts also fill at a lower pressure and a slower rate than traditional air bags, because the device does not need to close a gap between the belt and the occupant.

“It’s a very simple and logical system, but it required extensive trial and error and testing over several years to prove out the technology and ensure precise reliable performance in a crash situation,” said Srini Sundararajan, safety technical leader for Ford research and advance engineering.

The inflated belt helps distribute crash force energy across five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt, which expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while providing additional support to the head and neck. After deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through the pores of the air bag.

Ford’s safety leadership record continues to grow
The inflatable seat belt debuting on the next-generation Ford Explorer continues Ford’s record of safety innovation. Ford today has more 5-star U.S. government ratings and “Top Safety Picks” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.

Ford was the first automaker to introduce seat belts in 1955 and led the way in making driver and front-passenger air bags standard in most vehicles by 1993.

This year, Ford introduced radar-enabled Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA). These technologies – introduced on the new 2010 Ford Taurus and Fusion – help drivers avoid potential dangerous crash situations using radar to detect the relative position of other vehicles and warn the driver with a combination of visual and audio alerts.

Ford’s other recent seat belt and air bag innovations include the industry-first BeltMinder system in 2000, which the U.S. government credited with increasing front belt usage by 5 percent in Ford vehicles. On the 2002 Explorer, Ford launched the industry’s first rollover-activated side curtain air bags – called Safety Canopy – as well as Roll Stability Control technology that goes a step beyond traditional stability control systems by helping measure and prevent side-to-side skidding and dangerous situations that could lead to rollovers.

Ford also introduced on the 2009 F-150 and 2010 Taurus some of the industry’s first pressure-based air bag technologies that help deploy side air bags up to 30 percent faster.

- By: Stephen Calogera

FoMoCo and General Motors Company both reported a sales increase for October while Chrysler Group LLC reported a significant decline.

Ford reported a 3 percent increase in monthly sales over October of last year while GM said its sales increased 4 percent during the same period. GM sold a total of 177,603 vehicles in October and gained market share for the third straight month.

“While we have more work to do, we are making progress and will continue our focus on delivering vehicles and a sales and service experience that brings consumers to Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac — and keeps them coming back,” Susan Docherty, GM vice president of U.S. sales said in a prepared statement.

FoMoCo’s Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle sales totaled 132,483.

Chrysler Group reported a decline of 30 percent in sales last month. The Auburn Hills automaker said that it sold 65,803 vehicles last month.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News