If green is in, then your Ford truck is definitely in. To answer the shift in consumer preferences towards environment-friendly products, Ford has innovated several of its Ford parts. Dubbed by Ford itself as “sustainable solutions for the future,” these efforts have been around a little longer than you think.

The following are samples of Ford’s green innovation:

Soy seats – Ford’s soy-based seats are the first of their kind in the automotive industry. These seats aren’t only designed for comfort, they are also aimed to bring carbon dioxide to a minimum. These seats debuted on the Ford Mustang and can now be found in the 2008 F-150, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator.

Recycled wood – No trees were felled for the extensive and exquisite woodwork found in the Lincoln MKR model. Wood used in the MKR is reengineered oak. This material is reassembled from recycled oak trees.

Post-industrial fibers – Aside from the soy-based seats, Ford rides are also gilded with eco-friendly post-industrial fibers. Primarily supplied by Interface Fabrics, Inc., these fibers are used to make the seat fabric. Used plastic and polyester are processed, dyed and woven into seat fabrics that adorn every Ford Wheeler . The effort is said to conserve at least 600,000 gallons of water, and more than 7 million kilowatt hours of electricity, according to Interface Fabrics.

Projected developments

- Ford is aiming to replace the fiberglass linking the roof sheet metal and the interior headliner with bio-based materials. The innovation is also claimed to help increase fuel economy since the material is lighter than fiberglass. The material is also expected to result in better acoustics for your vehicle.

- Ford is also looking into substituting natural materials such as hemp, corn and switch grass for the glass fiber commonly used in automotive parts. These materials are not only lighter, they also require less energy to produce.

Ford believes in answering well to the needs of their customers. In an effort to better take into consideration the needs of different customers, Ford’s design engineers go through simulated scenarios for potential clients. Among those clients taken into account are the elderly and the expectant, pregnant women.

Ford aims to be able to design vehicles with efficient, comfortable and convenient ergonomics. They want to provide their customers with the easiest, most convenient riding experience. According to the press release for Ford, “When a customer gets into a Ford vehicle for the first time, we want them to be able to operate all of the features comfortably, without needing to refer to the owner’s manual. We want to make controls—everything from adjustable pedals to setting clocks—as intuitive and easy to use as possible”.

Among the simulation suits that design engineers wear to better understand specific conditions for certain individuals are the “third age suits” and the “empathy belly”. Design engineers wear the “third age suit” in order to understand how riding in a vehicle is for the elderly. The Ford press release states, “The third-age suit is made of materials that add bulk and restrict movement at key areas of the body (e.g., knees, elbows, back and neck). The suit also uses gloves that reduce the sense of touch and goggles that simulate cataracts. The suit doesn’t necessarily simulate a specific condition, such as arthritis, but it does help simulate real-life customer scenarios, such as where someone can’t comfortably bend his elbow to grasp the door handle or can’t easily look over his shoulder when changing lanes”. This helps Ford make better design decisions for their elderly demographic. In fact, the suit is also being used by Boeing, an aircraft manufacturer that has forged a partnership with Ford. Both Boeing and Ford are finding ways to improve the interiors of both airplanes and automobiles.

Another remarkable suit is called the “empathy belly”. This suit simulates what it is like for a pregnant woman to be riding a car. Ford describes the empathy belly as a “suit [which] includes a strap that engineers put on their chest (simulating shortness of breath) and a water belly/lead weights (which put pressure on the belly and give the wearer the outward appearance of being pregnant). Once on, the engineer starts to feel several pregnancy symptoms and, in a matter of a few minutes, he or she is 33 pounds heavier and nine-months pregnant.” The suit allows the engineers to create vehicle interior designs that make riding in a vehicle more comfortable for an expectant mother.

With the advent of new in- vehicle technology like navigation systems and hands – free technology, Ford is also doing its part in making sure that these technologies are as easy to use as possible. Before an in-line vehicle technology is launched, the team conducts usability testing for the new technology. The tests include “paper and pen” testing, wherein customers are shown screen shots of how the new technology operates and asked for their feedback. They also build prototypes which customers can test out and review for themselves.

Keeping cars as safe and easy to use as possible is something that every car manufacturer should strive to do. Customers can be assured that the people at Ford are doing the best they can to give them just that.

Sources: “Third-Age Suit” Helps Ford to Understand Mature Drivers , Suiting Up to Address Customer Needs

Yes you’ve read the title right, even toddlers and very young children can enjoy the driving experience that only Ford can bring. In a partnership with Fisher Price, the Ford Motors Co. will be launching replicas of their signature Ford F- 150 pick –up truck.

The replica is launched under the Fisher Price’s “Power Wheels” edition. The replica Ford F150 is as impressive as the real thing. According to its Fisher Price description the replica Ford F – 150 is “Rough, rugged and fun to drive – just like the real thing! Equipped with Power Wheels’ exclusive Monster Traction drive system for superior performance in the toughest backyard driving conditions. Ruts, wet grass, mud and more.. Monster Traction powers through. It won’t get stuck where the others do! And, there’s a real FM radio, roomy truck bed with working lift and lower tailgate, pretend seat belts, built –in cup holder and a battery charge indicator that lets kids know when it’s time to ‘refuel’! Drive 2 speeds forward (2.5 & 5 mph max), plus reverse on grass, hard surfaces and rough terrain. Equipped with a high – speed lockout for beginners and Power Lock brakes. Includes 12 – volt battery charger. FM Radio requires 4 C batteries (not included). For ages 3 years & up; max. weight 130 lbs. (59 kg)”.

Ford’s marketing strategy for forming an alliance with Fisher Price is quite genius. By having Fisher Price stamp on the Ford F – 150 brand, they run the possibility that these toddlers and very young children will be exposed to the brand early on. If having that Ford F- 150 truck will be remembered by the kids as one of their favorite playthings, then there is a great chance that they will be able to recall the brand when they become car – buying adults.

But putting the marketing angle aside, the replica tuck is the cutest and is a perfect gift for kids who enjoy the great garden outdoors. Ford aptly puts it, the Fisher Price Ford F -150 replica is “a stylish blend of form and function in a rugged pickup that’s just their speed”.

Source: Fisher Price® Power Wheels Ride-on Vehicles , Ford F -150

The news about Ford releasing a 2008 Ford Mustang Bulitt has recently reached online forums and discussion threads. The 2008 Ford Mustang Bulitt is purportedly a tribute to the 1968 fastback model driven by Steve McQueen in the action movie Bulitt. The car is a limited edition Ford and the company will produce only 7 000 units of it for the United States and only 700 of it for Canada.

Exterior styling is still quite similar with its predecessor but has been given a restyling twist in order for it to appeal more to present buyers. The Bulitt is available as a two – door, four passenger family coupe, sports coupe, convertible or convertible sports car. The most powerful variety of the 2008 Mustang series is the Shelby GT500KR. It boasts of a 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Also, a Shelby GT Coupe will be available at a 4.6-liter, 319-hp, V8 engine. The 2008 Ford Mustang line up includes coupes and convertibles in deluxe and premium trims. Car buyers can choose from V6 and V8 engines for the coupes and convertibles. The Base version of the 2008 Mustang will have a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine. Base and GT models are available in manual and automatic transmissions. Car owners can also be assured of safety with features like ABS, front side airbags and traction control installed in the 2008 Ford Mustang Series. An optional Interior Upgrade Package lets owners improve the interior look of their Mustang. Among the customization choices are: aluminum finish door lock posts, gray metallic finish on center panel and shifter bezel, leather-wrapped shift knob and aluminum shift boot trim ring (manual transmission only), and stainless steel footrest/pedals

Audio features are also impressive for the Ford Mustang as the 2008 edition has a built – in MP3 and CD player with an AM/FM stereo. Owners can also modify it into a MACH 1140 system which is comprised of eight premium speakers, two sub woofers, an AM/FM stereo and a 6 – CD player or a MACH 460 sound system which has about 460 watts of power through eight premium speakers, an am/fm stereo and a 6 – CD player.

It is also interesting to note that the 2008 limited edition Ford Mustang also has a model called “Warriors in Pink”. The “Warriors in Pnk” Ford Mustang aims to spread awareness for breast cancer and a part of the proceeds from the sale of the “Warriors in Pink” edition will go to funding for breast cancer research.

Overall, the 2008 Ford Mustang is reviewed to be a “great buy and at an excellent price”.

Sources: 2008 Ford Mustang , 2008 Ford Mustang Full Review , 2008 Ford Mustang , 2008 Ford Mustang

Ford Motor Co. in Russia opens starts production once again after local workers ceased to go to work for eight days. Demanding a 30% increase in their wages and a 6 1/2-hour night shift, the 1,500 Ford’s Russian workers returned to the plant near St. Petersburg.

Market Watch reports that not all returned to work. Some 300 workers continue to protest.
In the report, Alexi Etmanov, the union head at the plant, said that the Ford’s Russian plant is “currently at about 80% of its capacity.” This plant is responsible for producing versions of Ford’s small-sized Focus model.
The strike began in November 20, but in November 7, workers already held a warning strike.
A one-day strike also took place in February. During that time, Ford had taken some actions by raising the wages by 14%-20% and providing other improvements.

Ford aims to manufacture 75,000 cars in the Russian plant in 2007. This plant is actually one of the first production facilities to be built in Russia by a western car maker.

News from: http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/russian-ford-unit-reportedly-back/story.aspx?guid=%7B7F6B402C-18E6-422D-AC4C-2ABE4BD7DACE%7D

To meet the growing demand of Ford’s small sport-utility vehicles, the company plans to raise overtime work in order to increase production of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.
“We are talking with the union to determine how to best handle the increase in sales demand,” Ford spokeswoman Anne Marie Gattari said.
According to United Auto Workers Local 249 President Jim Stoufer, the Union members at the Kansas City assembly plant in Clayco, Mo. are thinking about the possibility of increasing “the number of Saturdays employees are required to work overtime from six to 21 rather than add a third shift,” as reported by CNN money.

“We are selling more vehicles than we can build, which is a nice problem to have,” said Stoufer, whose local represents 4,300 plant workers. “We are also concerned about adding a third shift, having people move here and then cutting back if sales fall off.”

If the deal has been approved, it will only affect workers on the Escape and Mercury Mariner lines. This will also show how Ford and the UAW use the competitive operating agreements previously agreed upon.

Ford reportedly sold 122,360 Escapes through the end of October and 27,336 Mariner. Both figures saw at least a 5% increase if compared to last year’s data.

News from: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200711281653DOWJONESDJONLINE000947_FORTUNE5.htm

Expect the 2009 Model Year vehicles of Ford and Mercury to feature SIRIUS Satellite Radios. CNN Money reported that Ford and Mercury want approximately 70% factory penetration of SIRIUS radios.

“We are delighted that Ford has decided to both significantly increase the SIRIUS factory penetration and in addition extend its relationship with SIRIUS, enabling future Ford buyers to experience the Best Radio on Radio,” said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS. “Ford and SIRIUS are both dedicated to providing our customers the best audio entertainment possible. Now, Ford buyers can be assured that our two companies will continue to work together to make the driving experience as pleasurable as possible.”

Factory-installed SIRIUS radios are already incorporates in Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brand vehicles. In fact, over 1,000,000 vehicles of these brands have already been shipped. In Lincoln’s 2008 Model Year vehicles, SIRIUS is already a standard component. SIRIUS is also installed in the new Ford Focus. Vehicles that come with SIRIUS Satellite Radios will also get a six-month prepaid subscription.
Other car manufacturers also offer SIRIUS as standard equipment, like Land Rover, in its Range Rover and the Range Rover Sport. Meanwhile, SIRIUS is offered as a factory or port installed option in Volvo, Jaguar and Mazda vehicles.
News from: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NYTU03827112007-1.htm

Ford Motor Co. received an approval of its incentive package from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority. According to the report done by Business First yesterday, the incentive will allow Ford to invest $200 million at the Kentucky Truck Plant in eastern Jefferson County.
The report also said that Ford is entitled to $24 million in credits over 10 years. The car company will also be allowed to transfer unused credits it gained in 1998 and 2001. But before Ford can acquire credits, it must first invest $200 million, and employment at the Chamberlain Lane plant cannot drop below 3,511.
Aubrey Hayden, KEDFA board member and senior vice president for Chase bank in Louisville was satisfied with Ford’s interest in Louisville and its incentive package.
The incentives will be used to make the most out of the company’s investment in “general modernization” of the operations at Kentucky Truck Plant, according to Anne Marie Gattari, Ford’s Dearborn, Mich.-based director of public affairs for production.
In June, preliminary approval under the Kentucky Jobs Retention Act was made by the KEDFA. The approval was made base on the 5,177 employees and allowance for a 3 percent annual employment reduction at the plant.
For more information, click here and see the full report.

Ford Motor Co. has maintained an active presence in the automotive scene, offering new vehicles with new technology. Expanding its market, Ford widens its grasp in making motor homes.
Although it has never sold motor homes under its own name, Ford has been the leading manufacturer of motor home chassis in the United States. Just recently, The Detroit News reported that Ford will be improving its status as it plans to unveil its “biggest, most-capable motor home chassis at the annual RV show in Louisville, Ky.”

Being produced in Detroit, the new F53 Super Duty Class A chassis will be featured in six models with its biggest, having a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,000 pounds.

According to the chief engineer for Ford’s commercial truck division, Rob Stevens, gross vehicle weight rating is the amount of weight that can be added to the chassis, which is what RV companies are concerned of.

“It’s all about knowing our customers,” he said.

Ford provides for the leading motor home manufacturers Winnebago, Fleetwood, Thor and Four Winds. A V-10 badge is etched in the products to recognized Ford.

“We spend a lot of time traveling to their factories, working with their engineers and finding out what their needs are,” Stevens said, adding that those usually come down to more weight. “Baby boomers want to take their houses with them.”
The demands on the most comfortable and luxurious motor homes are on the rise and Ford reportedly can deliver what needs for this to be achieved.

“For the biggest motor homes, Ford is offering its 6.8-liter Triton V-10, which provides best-in-class performance with 362 horsepower and 457 foot-pounds of torque.”

Along with power, Ford is also concerned in great ride and handling of the chassis. It also aims to get a quieter operation and wheels that can turn up to 50 degrees in either direction.

News from: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071126/AUTO01/711260332/1148

With many advancements and concepts being introduced in the market, the reliable pickup truck remains a popular choice.
Ford, one of the leaders in pickup trucks, made some modifications for the 2008 F-Series Super Duty. It has a larger towing capacity of more than 24,000 lbs and a maximum payload of more than 6,000 lbs. It also features an integrated tailgate step, stowable bed extender, a PowerScope power-fold and power-telescoping trailer-tow side mirrors.

Meanwhile, for the F-250 and F-350, a new 6.4 L Power Stroke diesel engine will be included. The new engine offers delivers 350 HP and 650 lb.-ft. of torque, along with a 6-speed manual with overdrive or a TorqShift 5-speed automatic.
A new and better powertrain promise to isolate the powertrain and reduces vibration through its mounting system.

Ford F-150, on the other hand, will now come with a cargo management system and rearview camera.
Made for hauling, its cargo system features the 6.5-ft. Styleside box together with two side rails, a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and a header bar. Its cast aluminum cleats are easily adjustable and sturdy as in can hold more than 600 lbs., while the extruded aluminum crossbars hold up to 100 lbs.
Located in the tailgate handle bezel, the rearview camera system automatically activates once the reverse gear is shifted. The video image can be seen in the self-dimming rearview mirror, bor a clearer view of what’s happening in the rear.

The new 2008 E-Series commercial van also had some modifications starting with the chassis and suspension, which were improved for better ride and handling. The upgrades also included “an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight rating from 14,050 lbs. to 14,500 lbs.” The front gross axle weight rating was also increased from 4,600 lbs. to 5,000 lbs.
A larger cargo area is integrated in the standard E-Series, featuring up to 236.5-cu.ft. of rear cargo space and with up to 275.1-cu.ft. in extended van versions.
Source: http://www.contractormag.com/articles/newsarticle.cfm?newsid=1293