The new contract that the United Auto Workers union entered with Ford Motor Company union will be offered this week to members and leaders of various local unions. 

The members of the United Auto Workers union are looking forward to a more peaceful negotiation.  Learning from their experience with Chrysler members who became discontented in a past contract concession, they intend to stay away from disgruntlement among the members of other groups. 

The contract between Ford and United Auto Workers union was signed last Saturday, but the main points of the arrangement were not made known to the public. But even if the details of the contract were held private, members from both parties are open that the contract they have made went after the same pattern taken by Chrysler and General Motors in finalizing contracts two months ago. 

Members of the United Auto Workers union find it easier to deal with Ford workers.  This is certainly one of the reasons why the contract may endow the automotive company better compromises than what are expected.  “Ford is in a little bit more serious situation than the other automakers,” said Center for Automotive Research Chairman David Cole. “The union has been put to school by their leadership about the gravity of the situation. They know that things are dire.”

The new contract between the auto company and the labor union promises significant benefits.  It includes a health care trust, which will provide sufficient health care benefits for retirees. The voluntary worker beneficiary association that the contract aims to set up shall reduce the cash that Ford will have to contribute.  Thus, the automotive company’s contribution will come in bonds. Furthermore, the agreement enables Ford to take into service a set of laborers a lower compensation compared to laborers in the assembly line.

Source: USA Today

Ford Motor Company recently informed the public that it has come up with academic unions with Shanghai Jiaotong University and Nanjing University of Aeronautics (SJTU) and Astronautic (NUAA). The partnerships between Ford and the two esteemed Chinese universities have been created to augment the automotive company’s research and development projects when it comes to auto technologies.

These academic partnerships are in fact the first alliances with Mainland China schools that Ford entered into. In line with this, the two universities appointed a Ford Motor Company Professor’s Chair. The task of this official is to make the first stages of the partnership easy. The Chair is to assist in the automotive research programs and academic prospectus of the university.

“NUAA and SJTU are widely renowned for their leading scientific research programs and academic reputations. The alliances with Ford will allow for high-level collaboration that will enhance mutual scientific and educational capacities, and leverage each other’s strengths and resources in the co-development of automotive technologies,” said Vice president of Research & Advanced Engineering at Ford Motor Company Gerhard Schmidt.

Alliance with NUAA

The strengths of Nanjing University of Aeronautics are enhancement of diesel engine performance and aluminum sheet forming. These two fields are said to be important in enhancing the efficiency of fuel and trimming down the weight of the vehicle. Hence, Ford is cooperating with NUAA when it comes to boosting the progress of these automotive programs. Moreover, Ford and its partner universities are aiming to establish ways that will prove to be effective in furthering the conservation of the environment.

This academic alliance with NUAA is a great advantage for Ford since it boosts the credibility of the automotive company in many strategic areas. Furthermore, the programs set by NUAA for various local areas will certainly be a great advantage to Ford Motor Research and Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., and Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Nanjing plant.

Alliance with SJTU

SJTU obtained two sponsorships for university research program from Ford in 2006. Since the partnership was founded, several projects such as trainings, education, and technical seminars have been pushed through.

“Strategic partnerships between academic institutions and the private sector provide a vital bridge that links technological research and application and market realities,” said Schmidt. According to Ford, entering into strategic alliances with top Chinese universities will help facilitate technological innovation, as well as elevate Ford’s leadership and overall contribution to China’s growing auto industry.

Source: huliq.com

Ford Motor Company will be introducing the 2008 Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin through showrooms early January.  This up to date Ford auto, which will be sold at about 30,495 dollars, will be the fulfillment of the automotive company’s promise to release an Explorer Sport Trac Adrenalin.

The Ford team has already put into circulation general information about the new model.  It has been reported that Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin is a creative combination of the F-150 Lightning and the Explorer Sport Trac in terms of certain features. The external appearance of this 2008 model bears a great resemblance to the Sport Trac Adrenalin concept of 2005.  The production edition of this 2008 model also boasts of a 4×2 power train, which is a standard for this model and an all-wheel-drive system at the discretion of the vehicle owner.

Though Ford refused to present the public facts about the Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin engine, it gave the public an idea of the overall image of the new Ford model.  Ford Sport Trac Adrenalin, according to its makers, boasts of features that are essential in city driving. “The new Sport Trac Adrenalin is designed to appeal to the urban adventurer,” said Sport Trac Marketing Manager Ryan Mitton.

The Sport Trac Adrenalin is not lowered, unlike most trucks these days. “The new body panels give the Sport Trac the appearance of being lower — without actually lowering the vehicle,” said Ford designer Melvin Betancourt.

In addition, this Ford model is equipped with rubber step pads, a graphic stripe on the lower portion of the vehicle, and full running boards.

The Colorado red color of the exterior is, in fact, a big factor in enhanicng the appearance of this new model.  It emphasizes the sturdy built of the truck, giving it a more muscular image.  Moreover, the charcoal black accent of the cabin offers a monochromatic color that provides the vehicle with a classy appearance.

 Source: Edmunds.com

In anticipation of the Las Vegas SEMA Show this month, Ford Motor Company goes on offering a sneak peek of the vehicle line-up it will present on the said event. 

In previous reports, Ford gave much emphasis on its Ford Focus models, which are customized by several tuners.  This time, it presents the Lincoln MKX that Barry’s Speed Shop personalized.  The enhancements made on this Ford model include a 3d Carbon body kit with a custom grille, trim and blacked-out taillamps, Invision Revolution 2 DVD screens, H&R suspension and, PPG black paint.  

ATS Design enhanced a Ford Escape by giving it trendy driving lamps and a custom grille.  A stylish rear spoiler, elegant side skirts, and a rear valance add up to the appeal of the Ford Escape. This Escape model to grace the SEMA show also features a lowered image.

Moreover, ATS Design also customized a FORD F-150 with a suspension by McGaughy and KMC Lorenzo wheels 22-inches wide.  This automobile features fender flares, an ATS front valance, an accented roll pan, a cabin clad in Katzkin leather interior, and a first-rate Sony sound system.

The SEMA Show will also feature the 2008 version of the Ford Expedition, the Urban Rider Expedition.  This model, which is designed primarily for urban dwellers, boasts of a rear bumper lower valance, rear tailgate spoiler, side rockers, a Katzkin two-tone leather interior, a new front fascia, tinted windows, and an Eibach suspension.

The Ford Edge that MRT-Direct personalized will draw the attention of viewers to high-performance parts such as the 3.5-liter turbocharged V6, an MRT Aero turbine performance exhaust, an H&R Street performance suspension, a Turbonetics air-to-air intercooler, Dunlop tires, and 22-inch Boss Motorsports wheels. What makes this vehicle even more impressive is its cabin that features Stewart Warner gauges and Sparco Modena sport seats.

Another highlight of the SEMA Show is the Make-a-Wish 1951 F-Series. This automobile is the response given by the Make-a-Wish Foundation to the favor of Justin Lilley, a young cancer patient who wanted the pick-up of his grandfather to be repaired.  Ford, in cooperation with students from a Michigan college, converted the old pick-up into a high-performance vehicle.  Providing it with a supercharged 4.6-liter V8 and a Fat Man tube chassis, Ford came up with the refurbished 1951 F-Series. The enhancements for this refurbished model include an Alpine stereo system, racing seats, suicide doors, and a customized cabin. 

Ford Motor Company recently announced information about the line-up of models it will present during the 2007 SEMA Show that will happen this month.  The upcoming show will feature at least nine custom-made editions of the 2008 Ford Focus and other customized Ford automobiles.

One of the highlights of Ford’s line-up is F2 Motorsports’ 2008 Ford Focus Coupe.  This Ford vehicle boasts of a Street Scene body kit and F2 Brutus custom rear wing and decals. Moreover, this car guarantees great drivability because it is equipped with quality 18-inch Kyowa Design tires and a Ford Racing exhaust.

RKSport’s 2008 Ford Focus, on the other hand, possesses a rear spoiler, handy extractor hood, rear window spoiler, lower ground effects, and a colored grille. Other racy touches include 20-inch TSW Kyalami wheels and Toyo tires, as well as Eibach lowering springs.

Another Ford model that will grace the SEMA Show this month is the 2008 Steeda Focus Club Racer.  This model has a 2L inline-4, a quality exhaust, and cold-air intake by Steeda. This Focus model has a Carbon Euro Series body kit, which enhances the automobile with modern accessories such as front fender treatments, Club Racer graphics, and a custom grille.

The show will also feature the 2008 Ford Focus by 3D Carbon tricks.   The features of this car include side skirts, upper roof spoiler, rear lower skirt, front airdam, and rear deck lid spoiler, a leather compartment, and a Webasto 900 Series sunroof.

The 2007 SEMA Show would not be complete for Ford without featuring the 2007 Ford Mustang by Santini-USA.  This vehicle will truly catch motorists’ attention with its dazzling exotic blue and yellow color combination. It boasts of a quality exhaust by Bassani and a 4.6L V8 supercharger and intercooler.

Source: Edmunds Insideline 

According to a study conducted by the United States Global Quality Research System, the quality of the current line-up of Ford rose beyond the pace of improvement set for the automotive industry during the third quarter of this year.

The positive result of the quality study is truly an offshoot of the unrelenting efforts of the entire Ford team to boost the standing of the company. “The latest GQRS study provides still more evidence of the quality gains we’re driving throughout our product range. The progress is real, and it’s encouraging, but we’re not letting up. We’re working hard to win customers back with strong product quality and a line-up of vehicles people really want,” said Ford Motor Company, The Americas President Mark Fields.

Ford’s overall progress is evident in the performance of its automobiles. The automotive company boasts of 16 vehicle models that made it to the study’s top places in terms of performance and customer satisfaction. Ten of these models in fact did better than their competitors that are known to be premium brands. Ford E-Series, Mercury Milan, Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Lincoln Mark LT, and Ford Crown Victoria were considered greatest in their own categories. Moreover, the recently released Ford automobiles such as the Lincoln MKX, Lincoln Navigator L, and Ford Edge all landed a place in the list of vehicles that do well in terms of customer satisfaction. In addition to that, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ, and Ford Fusion were evaluated as having a sustained superior quality.

“It’s great to see that Ford Motor Company has improved at a faster rate than the rest of the industry. Almost every vehicle line that we have has shown significant improvement in TGWs as well as customer satisfaction. Quality is the ultimate team sport, and I want to thank all of the teams for their hard work. We look forward to 2008 in our run to the number-one position.” said Ford Motor Company Vice President for Quality Bennie Fowler.

The GQRS study for the third quarter is the most up-to-date of many quality evaluations that attest to the improvement of Ford for this year. 14 Ford vehicles were belonged to the top three automobiles in their own categories.

Source: Hiliq.com

Annual consumer survey by Consumer Reports magazine reflects the improvement in the performance of Ford Motor Company and the decline in the quality of automobiles manufactured by Toyota Motor Corp.

Among the automotive companies in the United States, Ford was chosen by most consumers as the best. Its premier brands such as Lincoln, Mercury, and Ford have been valued as average or improving. The ratings of the brands are one of the positive payoffs of Ford’s great endeavors that intend to improve its overall performance that once greatly fell off. Because its market share in the United States failed to increase ever since 1995 and because it had a significant loss of 12.6 billion dollars last year, the automotive company now headed by Alan Mulally ventured into a lot of undertakings that aimed to reinvent Ford and its products.

There is a major improvement in the performance, design, and features of the new Ford models. Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center Senior Director David Champion said, “The reliability of their cars has steadily improved over the years, and is showing consistency.”

On the other hand, Toyota failed to improve their standing. Although it made efforts to redesign its models, its V-6 Camry, Lexus GS sedan, and V-8 Tundra truck were considered below average by consumers who participated in the survey. Moreover, Subaru and Honda Motor Co., in fact, surpassed Toyota in terms of the evaluation of consumers.

The report states that 93 percent of the leading brands of Ford gained an average evaluation in terms of reliability. Comparing this to the ratings given to Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp which are 67 percent and 49 percent respectively, the evaluation of the reliability of automobiles by Ford is definitely a huge improvement.

Source: Bloomber.com

Ford Motor Company Chief Executive Alan Mulally recently confirmed that the international automotive company is actually performing well these days.  He also emphasized that the company is looking forward to make large profits in the United States by 2009. 

United Auto Workers Vice President Bob King commended the leadership of Mulally.  “Since Alan Mulally has been at Ford, I’ve seen a real difference,” said King.  Under Mulally’s leadership, Ford has been more cooperative with the United Auto Workers.  In addition to that, Ford’s decision to employ former Toyota Marketing Executive Jim Farley was a major contribution to the improvement of the company.

According to a report from Market Watch, Mulally anticipates large light vehicle sales of 16.3 to 16.5 million in the United States market next year.  On the other hand, analysts presented an estimate of 16 million for the sales of Ford vehicles this year. Mullaly said, “We’ve laid out our plans to handle that kind of volume.” he said. The automotive company has in fact made serious efforts to boost the selling capacity of its products and the overall performance of the company.

The plans taken by Ford to sustain its current progress are immense.  One of these great leaps by Ford is the labor contact it entered with union United Auto Workers.  Together with General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC, Ford is trying to establish a agreement with the labor union when it comes to the benefits of its laborers. Mulally declined to give full details on the negotiation.  However, it is known that the three auto makers included in the negotiation could not reach a single agreement, and this could delay the progress of the matter.

Source: Market Watch

Ford SYNC achieved the Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award and was recognized for its high standard design and engineering.

According to James Meigs, Popular Mechanics’ Editor-in-Chief, “Popular Mechanics is, at its core, devoted to recognizing innovations that re-imagine the role that technology and science play in our lives. All of this year’s group of Breakthrough Product Award winners do just that – and demonstrate the wide range of industries that can be transformed through smart, creative engineering.”

Introduced this fall in 12 Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles, Ford SYNC was developed and prepared on the Microsoft Auto software platform. The advanced software allows users and customers to bring and use digital media players in their vehicles. These players may include Microsoft Zunes, Apple iPods and any other MP3 players. They could also bring Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and operate these devices using voice commands or by the redundant radio controls of the steering wheel. The SYNC allows the voice of consumers to command their Bluetooth mobile phones as well as digital media players.

“The system is as flexible as a Romanian gymnast. Since its functionality is software based, adding capability simply entails downloading a file. Voice command is another sweet spot—the best we’ve tried,” Chuck Tannert said. He is the senior editor and writes for Popular Mechanics’ October 2007 issue.

“It’s affordable, upgradeable and comes in a wide variety of rides. Well done, Ford,” Tannert briefly said.

SYNC is commonly offered on high-series models from Mercury and Ford automobiles like Ford Focus SES and Ford Edge Limited. The software will also be a standard feature on Lincoln vehicles.

Visit Media Ford to view the entire press release.

Earning the highest possible safety rating makes the Ford Mustang convertible the first sports car to ace all the test modes of New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). The evaluation was executed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Ford Mustang convertible is the only specialty vehicle in history to gain the five-star rating, successfully exceeding the crash assessment and rollover resistance evaluation of NCAP.

“The five-star ratings confirm our own analysis of the safety performance of this excellent vehicle. The Mustang convertible is another example of working at all levels to offer a vehicle that is both sporty and safe. It was developed with a dedicated focus on safety, making it the highest rated Mustang ever built,” Jim Vondale said, Ford’s Automotive Safety Office director.

The Mustang convertible includes state-of-the-art features professionally made to increase the safety of the vehicle. It has a crash-optimized structure that aids in absorbing and dissipating the forces of collisions while maintaining and securing the occupants’ compartment. Safety features are not only designed to this vehicle but to Ford’s entire vehicles as well. This is because the company’s goal is to reduce the possible risk and lessen the severity of damages or injury during car crashes. The experts and safety engineers of Ford use only the latest and high-tech computer model technology in the automotive industry so as to guarantee that all Ford vehicles meet or exceed the highest and strict standards of its customers. Every vehicle manufactured was put to tough test such as frontal offset, rear impact and side impact.

Aside from getting the highest rating in NCAP, Ford Mustang Convertible also received the highest rating for the side-impact performance from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

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