Ford has decided to make refueling for consumers a little bit easy by eliminating the use of gas caps. This feature, which was launched at the North American International Auto Show, is currently available in the 2008 Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle. To follow suit are the 2009 F-150 pick up truck (Ford’s top-selling pick-up), the 2009 Flex Crossover and the Lincoln MKS Luxury Sedan.

The rationale in making this feature commercially available is simple: convenience. “People just don’t like the cap,” said Matt O’ Leary, Ford’s chief engineer for pickups, “Anyone who drives a vehicle hates that.”

The capless system was derived from the NASCAR’s Ford GT sports car which first appeared last 2003. The system is made up of two spring-loaded tabs that pull back a flap inside the fuel filter neck once the nozzle hits the tabs. The flap closes once the nozzle is pulled out.

Ford also maintains that aside from considering the convenience of the drivers in using a capless system, they also factored in the benefits this will have on the environment by limiting the escape of gasoline vapors. It will also help in eliminating the common error made by drivers when they forget to screw back their gas caps tightly, triggering the “check engine light” to appear on their dashboard.

However, not everyone is buying it. According to Aaron Bragman, an auto analyst working for Global Insight, a consulting firm in Michigan, this new system will not prompt buyers to rush in and get a Ford.

“It’s a nice addition, but by no means a decision-maker,” he said.

Despite all this, Ford has forecasted that in the near future, all vehicles will adapt this type of capless system. Per O’ Leary, he expects other automakers to follow suit, come up with their own designs, and have it installed in their vehicles.

Sources: thetruthaboutcars.com, msnbc

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

Ford Motor Company, in cooperation with Microsoft Corporation, recently introduced in Seattle the latest technologically advanced system for Ford Focus units.

The new set of Ford Focus units is equipped with Sync, an entertainment and communication automotive device produced by Microsoft. According to Ford America President Mark Fields, the Sync technology of Microsoft is being utilized by Ford to make the lives of Ford automobile owners a lot easier.

This technological breakthrough helps in trimming down the distractions in driving through its wireless phone call and text message system. Owners of Ford automobiles can send a text message, answer a call, or listen to their favorite MP3 tunes in a single voice command.

The refurbished Ford Focus 2008 model was the first to be equipped with the Sync system, which was first introduced to the public in the Detroit auto show last January. The improved Ford Focus will be sold at approximately 14, 690 dollars. Owners of Ford Focus units that are not equipped with this entertainment and communication system will have to spend 395 dollars to obtain this Microsoft innovation.

Incorporating Microsoft’s Sync technology is something Ford ventured on in order to improve its dwindling sales. The once lustrous Ford Focus has been slowly losing its popularity in the automotive market. Reports show that for the month of August, Ford Focus incurred US sales 3 percent less than what it gained last year. The Sync innovation in Ford Focus units can attract more potential customers and win back the market that Ford has lost.

In addition to the improvement in Ford technology, the struggling automotive company also aims to concentrate on the production of smaller vehicles. This plan is based on a study showing that a significant percent of Americans are now being practical and are yearning for more efficient and manageable automobiles.