Feb 5,, 2010
In this Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefing…
- Ford Kicks Off 2010 with 24 Percent Sales Increase, Market Share Gain, Thanks to Product Lineup
- Ford Canada Launched 2010 with 6 Percent Sales Increase
- Team Recaps Future of In-Car Connectivity
- Ford IT Project Expected to Improve PC Energy Efficiency, Enable Smoother System Updates
- Ford Scientists Work to Perfect Quality and Performance of Vehicle Parts Atom by Atom
- Ford Brazil Introduces the Ford Fusion to Presidency
- Video: (CNBC) Toyota U.S.A. President on Gas Pedal Fix
- Outside Voices: (USAToday) Volkswagen Plans to Overtake Toyota to Become World Auto Leader by 2018
Savings Plan Administration Change – FAQs Available
Savings Plan Administration Change – FAQs Available The transition of the savings plan administration from Fidelity to Affiliated Computer Services, Inc (ACS) occurred Jan. 5, 2010. We have developed a list of answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from employees and retirees. We hope you take a moment to view them on @Ford Online (www.at.ford.com).
If you are a Salaried Retiree, click here to view the recent FAQs. If you are a Hourly Retiree click here to view the recent FAQs.
To visit the savings plan Web site, go to: www.myfordbenefits.com and follow the instructions to log in.
Ford Motor Company American Red Cross Online Donation Site
Please join in the Ford Motor Company Giving Campaign to support the American Red Cross and their efforts to help those in crisis following the earthquake in Haiti. Ford Motor Company will be matching employee and retiree donations up to a total of $50,000.
Click here to donate.
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Ford Kicks Off 2010 with 24 Percent Sales Increase, Market Share Gain, Thanks to Product Lineup
Higher sales for every brand and in every product category propelled Ford to a 24 percent sales increase in January versus a year ago.
Ford cars were up 43 percent, crossovers were up 20 percent, sport utilities were up 8 percent, and trucks and vans were up 14 percent. Among brands, Ford sales were up 26 percent, Lincoln sales were up 16 percent and Mercury sales were up 6 percent.
“Ford’s focus on building products consumers want to buy and love to drive will continue,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “In 2010, we will give Ford customers even more reasons to Drive One.”
Ford estimates its January U.S. total market share was approximately 16 percent – about 2 percentage points higher than in January 2009. Last year, Ford posted its first full-year U.S. market share increase since 1995.
To read the full article, click here.
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Ford Canada Launched 2010 with 6 Percent Sales Increase
Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited kicked off the new year with a sales increase of 6 percent in January with retail sales up 16 percent. This marks the company's eighth straight month of retail sales gains and fifteen consecutive months of market share increases. January saw car sales rise 1 per cent, truck sales increase 7 percent and Lincoln sales achieve a 59 percent increase.
"The auto industry has definitely experienced a turbulent start to the year," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "But as a testament to the strength of our new product, Ford grew retail sales in January in spite of challenging industry headwinds."
Positive results across the Lincoln lineup helped to boost sales for Ford of Canada with MKZ, MKX and Navigator all showing strong sales gains compared to last January.
To read the full article, click here.
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Team Recaps Future of In-Car Connectivity
Led by President and CEO Alan Mulally on Wednesday, the Ford team responsible for the latest in-car connectivity recreated the crowd-pleasing presentation they made at last month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
Held at Dearborn’s Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, the hour-long presentation featured Mulally, Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Product Development, and several electronics and connectivity engineers who showcased the MyFord Touch technology coming this year to the company's vehicle lineup.
Mulally said the CES debut of MyFord had been the hit of the electronics show.
"All these technology wizards were in awe … they were talking about Ford as the ultimate app," he said.
To read the full article, click here.
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Ford IT Project Expected to Improve PC Energy Efficiency, Enable Smoother System Updates
In an effort to improve energy efficiency and enable smoother system updates, Ford IT’s PC Power Management initiative will globally migrate across employee computers this quarter.
Using industry-leading NightWatchman software from 1E, Inc., the PC Power Management project started as a pilot program in 2009 and will perform several functions, including:
- Centralize management of power settings on Windows laptops and desktops to reduce energy waste and optimize software updates
- Manage controlled shutdown of computer systems not in use, especially overnight and on weekends, to reduce energy use
- Ensure all computers connected to the Ford Intranet are awake and able to receive software deliveries during off hours, decreasing downtime during working hours due to software loads
- Monitor the health of certain critical functions of a desktop/laptop and repair select discovered problems
To read the full article, click here.
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ThyssenKrupp Elevator Has Most Ford Transit Connects in Operation in North America
ThyssenKrupp Elevator, Americas Business Unit, is the largest producer of elevators in North America, with more than 14,000 employees and more than 200 branch and service locations. It is part of ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG, one of the leading elevator companies in the world, represented at more than 800 locations in more than 60 countries.
ThyssenKrupp Elevator operates a fleet of approximately 3,300 vehicles – a mixture of pickup trucks, full-size vans, utility vehicles, medium-duty trucks and a small number of autos. Approximately 1,500 of the company’s mechanics – who routinely service elevators and escalators – have been driving large cargo vans because there were no viable options available in the marketplace. When the Ford Transit Connect appeared on the automotive scene, it provided ThyssenKrupp Elevator with a smart solution.
To read the full article, click here.
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Ford Scientists Work to Perfect Quality and Performance of Vehicle Parts Atom by Atom
Computational materials engineering is anything but simple. It involves analyzing the properties of metal, sometimes down to its very atoms, to determine how they will alter during the manufacturing process. At Ford, a blended team of engineers and scientists is using this approach to develop software models that predict when and how those changes will occur, and performs computer simulations that eliminate the need for physical tests. It’s such a complex field, in fact, that when Ford entered it back in the late 1990s, team members like John Allison were initially doubted before they were heralded as leaders in a new field in materials research.
“Computational materials engineering is about blending engineering and science. Why is it worth it? Reduction of test time. Higher-quality parts. In other words, you’re getting the highest possible quality at the lowest possible cost," said John Allison, Senior technical leader, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering.
To read the full article, click here.
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Jim Hughes
Ford Focus Chief Nameplate Engineer
Ford Motor Company
The next-generation Ford Focus made its world debut Jan. 11 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. North American production of Ford's new global car begins late this year at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., and also in Europe. The new Focus will reach consumers in both regions in early 2011. Asia sales will begin in early 2012. Jim Hughes, Ford Focus chief nameplate engineer, recently appeared on The Americas Webcast with Mark Fields. Below are excerpts from their conversation.
Q: What kind of feedback did you receive about the new Focus from journalists at the North American International Auto Show?
A: It was overwhelmingly positive. It was great to get positive reaffirmation of the great work the team has done globally. A lot of the media had positive feedback regarding the exterior looks of the car. They were also very surprised and pleasantly pleased with the looks of the interior and the suite of technologies we're deploying on the all-new Focus. Not only was the media surprised, but different people around the stand said that a lot of executives from competitive companies – both domestic and Asian – were really looking closely at the Focus, too.
Q: What are customers going to appreciate the most about the next-generation Focus?
A: I think the gorgeous new kinetic design just grabs you. Focus has a real sporty and athletic design that demands your attention. Once customers see the vehicle, they are really drawn to it. And then we have the vehicle attributes to back it up: best-in-class interior, craftsmanship and quietness; best-in-class fuel economy; great safety; unparalleled technology; and great driving dynamics. Focus is a great package all the way around.
Q: What are some of the technology that will available on the new Focus?
A: Focus will get a tremendous amount of technology. We're doing this for several different reasons. First, is to ensure we can deliver the attributes of the vehicle, so we're using technology such as active grille shutters, EPAS (electric power-assisted steering), dynamic cornering control and direct-injection gas engines. Also, many of our customers are downsizing their vehicles from larger, premium segments, and they don't want to have any compromises for the features they are used to. We will not disappoint them. We’re going to have a suite of features for them, ranging from rain-sensing wipers to passive keyless entry to engine Push-Button Start to eight-inch navigation touch screens. Finally, from a technology deployment perspective, we really think it's important to distinguish ourselves in the C-car segment and drive improved revenue and profit.
To read the full Q&A, click here.
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Ford Brazil Introduces the Ford Fusion to Presidency
In January, Ford Brazil introduced the new Ford Fusion V-6 3.0-liter to a select group of drivers from the Office of the President of Brazil. As part of an unprecedented initiative in the country, the drivers took part in a technical product presentation at Ford's Tatuí Proving Ground, in Tatuí, Sao Paulo State.
The program included a test-drive and technical presentation of the vehicle by Klaus Mello, manager, Vehicle Engineering, and a demonstration of evasive maneuvers performed by Luiz Gozzani, one of the most experienced test-pilots at the Proving Ground. The drivers also visited the laboratories in which emissions and noise tests take place.
To read the full article, click here.
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Awards for S-MAX and Galaxy
S-MAX and Galaxy have scooped two honours at the 2010 BusinessCar magazine awards. The S-MAX was voted Best Mini-MPV while the Galaxy was awarded the top slot in its class with Best MPV for the fourth consecutive year. The BusinessCar Awards are nominated by readers of the magazine, who are key participants in the business car industry.
Commenting on the Ford awards, BusinessCar Editor Paul Barker said: "The S-MAX and Galaxy have proved their worth to the business car market, with the people that experience and rely on the products every day – the readers of BusinessCar - voting in their droves for the two models in their respective categories"
To read the full article, click here.
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Fiesta Named Car of the Year in Spain
For the ninth consecutive year, La Tribuna has presented its Car of the Year award, which is decided by the newspaper’s readers. The new Fiesta scooped the award with the highest score (830 points), followed 90 points behind by the Audi A4 (740 points), with the Renault Mégane in third place with 600 points. A total of 21 different models from 19 carmakers took part in this regional competition
Ford of Spain President José Manuel Machado, who attended the awards ceremony despite being on crutches due to a minor accident, thanked everyone present.
"Receiving this prize encourages us to continue working to move our sector forward despite the crisis," he said.
Machado pointed out that 170,000 new Fiestas have been produced in Spain since its launch in 2008 and that its European sales have surpassed 500,000 units.
To read the full article, click here.
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Almussafes Plant Produces First C-MAX Units
The first four units of the new C-MAX came off the line at the Almussafes assembly plant in Valencia (Spain) earlier this month. The process, which took nearly a week, marks the beginning of a series of assembly tests that will stretch until September.
Over the next four months, the lead plant for the next-generation C-MAX will produce between two and three units per day in a first "static" production phase, in which the cars do not move along the assembly line but are assembled off-line. As more workers are trained to assemble Ford's new MPV, the plant’s output will increase to 700 units a day.
The next-generation C-MAX has been single-sourced from Ford's plant in Valencia for all European markets and the USA.
To read the full article, click here.
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Toyota CEO Apologizes for Recall
(BloombergTV)Toyota has been engulfed in an unprecedented number of recalls, safety problems, and the latest Prius brake problem and CEO Akio Toyoda has publicly apologized for these events.Click here to view video.
Toyota Admits Design Problems with Brakes
(AP) Toyota admitted design problems with the brakes in its prized Prius, adding to the catalog of woes for the world's No. 1 automaker still reeling from a massive U.S. recall involving faulty gas pedals.Click here to view video.
Volkswagen Plans to Overtake Toyota to Become World Auto Leader by 2018
(USAToday) The world's third-biggest carmaker aims to boost group vehicle sales by nearly 60% and improve profit margins by 2018 in a bid to surpass Toyota for the title of world's top carmaker, Automotive News reports. To read the full article, click here.
Toyota Posts $1.7B Profit, Raises Annual Forecast
(BusinessWeek) Toyota Motor Corp. returned to profit in the October-December quarter and raised its annual earnings forecast, but analysts warned of a grim outlook as a spreading safety crisis batters the automaker's reputation. To read the full article, click here.
Honda Declines After Biggest Recall in Seven Years
(Bloomberg) Honda Motor Co., Japan’s second-largest automaker, fell the most in more than two months after announcing its biggest recall in seven years. To read the full article, click here.
Toyota Seeks to Limit Damage With Recall Fix
(Reuters) Toyota Motor Corp U.S. chief Jim Lentz said on Monday the Japanese automaker is confident it found the remedy to fix some 2.4 million of its eight most popular models involved in a safety recall and sales and production suspension. To read the full article, click here.
Chrysler Gets Extension to Try to Save Sterling Heights Assembly Plant, 1,200 Jobs
(Detroit Free Press) Chrysler is negotiating to buy the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant from its bankruptcy estate and save about 1,200 jobs that were expected to be eliminated at the end of 2010. To read the full article, click here.
Geely 'To Protect Volvo'
(Autocar) Chinese car maker Geely will run Volvo as a separate entity to protect its luxury image, according to a report in the Financial Times. To read the full article, click here.
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