Dearborn automaker Ford is in the middle of its turnaround plan after it has seen its share in the United States auto market slide. Part of its turnaround plan is to develop green vehicles which consumers are asking for. Another step taken by Ford to attract more consumers is teaming up with Nuance Communications, one of the leaders in speech and imaging solutions. This partnership is geared towards making Ford vehicles safer and more user-friendly.

With Nuance’s technology, consumers will be less at risk of being distracted when using Ford car’s phone, as well as navigation and entertainment systems. With drivers always tinkering with different in-car systems, there is a bigger chance of being distracted and getting into an accident. With Nuance, this can be cut down to a minimum as the company provides text to speech technologies, and speech recognition.

According to the automaker, these technologies developed by Nuance will be available to European car buyers from December this year. The Ford C-MAX and the Ford Focus will become the first Ford vehicles to receive this cutting edge feature. The Ford Mondeo, Ford Galaxy, and the Ford S-Max will also be equipped with said feature.

Joachim Creutzburg, the Marketing Director Original Equipment from Blaupunkt, a subsidiary of Bosch which helped Ford develop the Human Machine Interface said: “We recognize the importance of speech technology to make telematics, navigation and infotainment solutions safer and easier to control. Not only do we offer our automotive customers the most advanced speech enabled solutions, our portable navigation solutions in the aftermarket also allow destination entry and control by voice.”

With the technology developed by Blaupunkt and powered by Nuance, consumers can simply say the address of their destination and the navigation system will readily read out all information needed by the driver. Other navigational system requires drivers to type in the address of their destination which can distract the driver while driving. Another new feature for Ford vehicles is the one push phone call. By pushing the “push to talk” button on the steering wheel and saying the number or the name of the phonebook entry, the system will dial the number.

Steve Chambers, the president for Mobile and Consumer Services Division at Nuance, said: “Nuance has a long history of working with Ford. Now with the advanced speech technology in the Blaupunkt navigation solution, we are able to offer drivers a safer alternative to the drivers’ distraction created by the use of navigation systems in cars. With the voice user interface, powered by Nuance Automotive, drivers no longer need to take their eyes off the road or their hands from the wheel to dial their phone, enter an address to the navigation system or control their audio system.”

This feature in the future will not only be available for Ford vehicles as other automakers are sure to follow suit. Luxury vehicles like Acuras with Acura body parts can be expected to have this feature soon.

These days gas is used more as fuel. And use of the gas is beneficial over the petrol or diesel. Because of this manufactures are producing more vehicles which use the gas as fuel. One of these vehicles is the Ford Escape. This Ford escape has been introduced in the year of 2001. This has entered the market as two row mid size SUV segment.

Ford Escape has been designed in the collaboration with Mazda and it shares many of the components with Mazda Tribute and along with this Mercury Mariner. 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid is awarded as the most fuel efficient Sport Utility Vehicle sold in the United States, this version of front wheel drive transports for about 34 cities and gives around 30 highway miles per gallon.

Other version of Ford is four wheel drive version can transports for the cities for about 29 and the fuel efficiency is about 27 highways. The Non- Hybrid version of the Ford Escape is available in the market which is having capacity of either 2.4 liters of four cylinder or of the capacity about 3.0 liters of six cylinder.

Because of all these features the Ford Escape is rewarded as the most fuel efficient sport utility vehicle on the earth. This is because Ford Escape Hybrid gives great gas mileage. This is the world’s best demand closer in inspection

The Ford Escape Hybrid is prepared with an engine of around 2.2 liters of i-CTDi. This is common rail turbo diesel engine. This 2008 FWD ford escape is rated for transport for around 34 cities and efficiency is 30 highways and 32 combined by the US spec.

Where as the 2008 4WD Ford Escape Hybrid is rated for around 29 cities and the fuel efficiency of about 27 highways and combined with 28. These are the actual figures from autobytel.com on fuel consumption and mileage;

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Gas Mileage: 34 mpg city / 30 mpg highway Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter, 133 HP Wheels: Alloy Wheels, 16-In. X 7-In. Torque: 124 @4250 Seating: 5 Side Airbags: Standard ABS Brakes: Standard Towing Capacity: 1000 Wheelbase: 103.1 Price Quote $26,505

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD Gas Mileage: 29 mpg city / 27 mpg highway Engine: 4 Cylinder, 2.3 Liter, 133 HP Wheels: Alloy Wheels, 16-In. X 7-In. Torque: 124 @4250 Seating: 5 Side Airbags: Standard ABS Brakes: Standard Towing Capacity: 1000 Wheelbase: 103.1 Price Quote $28,255

These specs are much more than that of the other sport utilities vehicles. Therefore if you wanted to drive the four wheel drive in the city then you have to think only for Ford Escape the difference between the front wheel drive and four wheel drive is about weight. The diesel powered FWD is the fuel efficient than that of the Escape Hybrid or Honda CR-V.

These all are the estimate which clearly shows that the Gas Mileage Ford Escape is the most efficient and gives the most fuel efficiency than any other Sports Utility Vehicle.

My email inbox has been inundated recently. Whether it’s been American pharmaceutical companies offering out-of-the-blue, to increase the size of certain areas of my body (how’d they know?) or one man pretending to be a large banking corporation so he can steal all my money to buy a new anorak, invariably my mail is useless drivel.

There was a highlight this week however with the announcement of the new Ford Focus RS. I was treated to some exclusive pictures of the eagerly anticipated model and can confirm my jaw had to be prised off the floor after half an hour. Once again, Ford has gone with a garish colour scheme like the orange-clad ST, this time breaking out a pot of lime green paint. Despite this slight eye-jerker, you can expect the used Ford market to be inundated with the Focus ST, as the RS promises to be exceptional.

In-keeping with Renault’s F1 inspired Clio, the RS features a rear diffuser, bonnet air vents and more bulges than a queue outside a donut sale. From every angle the RS looks menacing yet functional, a point confirmed by the car’s interior. Hardcore Recaro racing seats adorn the cabin, going hand in hand with the usual Ford refinements such as air-conditioning and satellite navigation – a perfect microcosm of the RS as a whole. Ford racing purists are getting sweatier palms by the second.

The excitement of the new Focus RS has evoked many nostalgic Ford fans to reminisce about the last truly earth-shattering hot Ford – the Escort Cosworth – arguably the greatest used Ford of them all. As with the latest Focus RS, Ford on occasion feel the need to break free from their production line of commuter mobiles and build a mad car.

Many see the Escort Cosworth as Ford’s crowning glory and an example of sheer brutality that has never been bettered. The standard Escort at that time was an prime exhibit of the Ford motor company of old, as it was quite simply a bit rubbish. The idea of buying a used Ford in the early nineties meant a heap of reliability trouble, a bucket-load of rust and a particularly clinical drive once you got it working.

Despite this uninspiring platform, Ford had faith that it could rescue the Escort brand. Having already manufactured the Sierra Cosworth, the 500 and Sapphire 4×4 to great acclaim from petrol heads and with the Sierra making way for the new Mondeo, the Escort was the only model yet to be fitted with rockets under the bonnet. On paper the prospect didn’t look too tantalising: the old Sierra undersides mated to a modified Escort body spelled disaster. Yet it proved to be a match made in heaven and despite its rough foundations, the Escort Cosworth was a hit.

Stylistically it was instantly recognisable, not because of the familiar Escort shape – the identical headlights or rear end, but for the gigantic rear wing that seemingly defied gravity as it protruded horizontally for ten miles from the rear windscreen. Clearly this was a boy’s car for grown men to fall in love with. The rear wing actually increased drag so much it took 12mph off the car’s top speed, which was not an inconsiderable 138mph. The upside of this, in addition to making the car an instant icon, was that the Escort Cosworth was the first production car to produce negative lift, as the car was being constantly pressed to the road as if by a giant hand from above.

It gave the car’s owners a big dilemma – the faster you went the better the car handled as it was pushed into the ground, yet the slower you went the more people could stop and stare at the car. Large wheels and huge wheel arches gave the whole car the air of a rallying stallion, with the air vents on the bonnet giving the engine a much needed source of oxygen. All this pomp and circumstance did have one drawback – everyone wanted one. Therefore keeping your Cossie safe required your insurance company to place it into their top insurance bracket of 20 – the same as a Ferrari no less.

In many ways, despite the performance, styling and hefty insurance costs, it retained its identity of being an Escort, whilst shedding the many poor aspects of the base model it was built on. Because the heart of the Cosworth was just a working class Escort, it became an everyday car with an everyman price tag – it just happened to have 227bhp and the ability to out-manoeuvre a Porsche.

I never used to make New Year resolutions. The dream of owning a Ford GT was never more likely to happen if I made it my resolution to get one and the mundane day-to-day stuff seemed so in control to me that I didn’t feel I needed to change anything. All this altered a few years ago when I woke up on 1 January with yet another blistering headache ready to make my brain pop. I vowed never to drink again and I didn’t…for three days. There were other things on my list that I did stick to like getting a better job, getting in shape (although that’s going back on the list this year) and to start a band and record a demo – it was a successful year.

Since then I’ve religiously stuck to a few key resolutions, one of which this year will be to change my car (it’s a sort of self improvement). Ford will also be hoping your resolution will be to ditch your used Ford Ka or alternative and buy a new one when it launches in January. There is quite a major problem that Ford face however and I liken it to the rock band The Darkness.

For those unfamiliar with The Darkness they were formed in the early nineties by brothers Justin and Dan Hawkins. Recruiting two old friends on bass and drums respectively, The Darkness wrote songs that harked back to the glam metal and classic rock of Led Zeppelin, T-Rex, AC/DC and Queen. In a world where hip hop, R ‘n’ B and shiny pop were ruling the airwaves, The Darkness in their spandex and with their cheesy rock were destined to be a massive failure. Yet somehow, amazingly, they weren’t.

In 2003 they burst onto an unsuspecting public and guitar music was reborn. Their debut album went to number one for four weeks in the UK and sold 1.5 million copies. They toured the world with superstars like Metallica, won two Brit Awards in 2004, had a massive Christmas single and were on every form of media constantly. Yet when it came to following up this unexpected success, they were unable to do so. Their bassist quit, singer Justin went into rehab and their second album flopped, resulting in the record company cancelling their contract.

Ford are in the same boat with the Ka (albeit a less musical one). Part of Ford’s ‘New Edge’ design philosophy in 1996, the Ka was so futuristically styled when it launched that it had the potential to send any prospective customers running away screaming. I was on the verge of calling NASA the first time I saw one. Even today the old car looks fresh so it’s no wonder that Ford have let the original Ka design run for 13 years.

Yet people didn’t run away – they loved it. With a combination of styling that was ahead of its time but appreciated, good build quality, nippy 1.3 litre engine and neat and tidy handling – particularly around town, the Ka sold in droves. Crucially it attracted young women to the Ford brand and the Ka was so small they could carry it around it their handbags. With the Ka becoming every bit a style icon as good little car, Ford developed a brand loyalty with its Ka owners that boosted sales across its range.

Now you see the size of the new Ka’s task. A used Ford Ka is ridiculously cheap and on average will be

For the people who are fond of cars the brands like Ford and Chevrolet (Chevy) are not new names.

Ford is a name which is common in every household. A brand which is highly renowned for its models like the Ford F150, a heavy-duty F350, F250, the light duty truck Ford Ranger, etc. These are some of the vehicles which are not only affordable but reliable as well. When it comes to cars some of the popular names include Mercury Grand Marquis, the Taurus, Ford model T, and the Crown Victoria. Sports cars like Ford Mustang, Ford Thunderbird, and the Ford Trans Am are capable enough to give thrill to the people. Besides this the presence of ford tractors is also inevitable.

Like all the other brands it is important to remain conscious about the repairing of Ford vehicle. While looking for Ford parts people normally take into consideration the price which is really a good thing. If you are among the customers who cannot compromise with both quality and price then there are only few companies available which you can really rely upon.

The case is not distinct while looking for Chevy parts as well. People look for the parts of various Chevy models of the new era including Chevelle, Impala and Silverado. There are a large number of companies which claim to offer best quality Chevy parts to their customers. But do they offer lifetime warranty on the same? Surely not! This is because they do not have confidence on the car and other vehicle parts sold by them. But the case is similar with all the companies. Although few in numbers but there are companies which are the old hands of the market and are termed as the leading providers of popular brands including Ford and Chevrolet.

iAutobodyParts is one such company which exists in the market from the last 40 years and is one of the most trusted providers of Ford parts and Chevy parts. It is a company which has its own dignity in both physical and online market.

If you are going for the Ford parts and the parts of other recognized brands then it is going to be a decision which you can proud upon later on. Given below are some of the points which can certainly support your decision.

Reliable: it is a word which is not common with most of the companies whether it is physical market or online market. iAutobodyParts is a name which you can trust upon under any of the circumstances. It is mainly because of the trust and support of the customer that this company is presently the chief provider of auto parts in the market.

Service guide and tips: iAutobodyParts is a company which really cares for its customers. By visiting the site of the company you can avail the services of auto body guide and repair tips. There is detailed information and suggestions available regarding car repairing and used body parts. Removal and installation tips are also available.

Shipping: when you are the customer of iAutobodyParts then there is no question of remaining concerned about shipping.

I was reading the book ?What Would Google Do?? by Jeff Jarvis and started thinking how Google will run GM, Ford or even Chrysler. Google is known for its ability to gather vast amount of data, elegant organization of data, and its business policy to listen to its customer and provide them with valuable solutions. If we use these foundation attributes in the car industry, it will change forever.

Here are my thoughts on how Google will run all major car companies ( if given chance to run them!)

Consumer will get recommendation regarding which car model/option should they buy based on their personal profile from their gmail account, their purchasing pattern, facebook profile, myspace profile, their friends? recommendations and any other data which Google is currently tracking. At the dealership, the consumer will be able to view data regarding which car model, color and options were the most popular. Dealers will display the list of options which consumers did not like and found to be useless. This data will be very useful for both consumers and the car manufacturer. Consumers can save money by not buying those options and car manufacturer will save money by not producing them. Consumer will be able to create their own combination of colors and options on-line. Once they have done this, they will be provided with two options: first option will provide information on which dealer already has that kind of car along with the car price. Second option will allow the consumer to save money and get the car delivered to him/her in next 1-2 weeks. Consumers can choose between being a normal guy who likes something which has been around for some time and does not like surprises or they can be unique and can order a limited edition color or option to reflect their personalities. As mentioned in the book, car buyers will have an option to buy a unpainted car which they can take to another paint shop to make their car look unique and reflect their personalities. All car buyers will be given free access to their on-line car manual, and will get email reminders for servicing. They can check their car gas consumption, calculate their spending, get graph chart for their cars speed, braking pattern etc. Google will open up the future design concept and will ask consumers to try out the beta versions of the car for free. Google will then make necessary changes and develop a production model based on the input. Google will start including other features like free GPS traffic updates, onstar, free satellite radio, free car washes etc. They will then generate revenue by selling ads in these features.

Overall Google will create a car com-any which talks to its consumer, provides them with the relevant data and benefit from the customers feedback. A win-win situation for everyone.

Its time now for the car industry to learn from the web!

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These days it is a commonly held opinion that buying products based entirely on sentiment is probably a bad idea. For example, I’m sure everyone at some point, whilst leafing through the racks in a music shop, has stumbled upon a ‘gem’ from the past. I’m definitely not the only person who has shelled out hard-earned money on an absolute stinker of an album based purely on the fact it was part of a parent’s record collection which was entertaining as a child. In the spirit of honesty, the album in question was Wings Greatest Hits…and yes, I am ashamed. However, whilst looking for a used car recently, my mind was lured back to my childhood. My father was a Ford fanatic; updating to the latest model Escort or Sierra every couple of years or so. So naturally, the first thought to pop into my head was, “I know, I’ll buy a Ford”. If I were to let sentiment completely over-rule my better judgment I would have scanned the pages of Autotrader for an 1987 Escort LX 1.6. I’m not that sentimental though.

After checking a few websites, reading a few reviews and being schooled on the ways of the Ford by my sage and learned father, I decided that for a practical runabout the Ford Focus would be a great choice. The combination of price, performance, practicality and Ford’s awesome reputation just seemed to scream “buy me!”

I believe that to enjoy a car to its maximum capacity, you should choose one that matches your personality, driving style and general demeanour. This is the only minor drawback when considering buying a Ford Focus; they are ten a penny in virtually every town and thus any individuality is lost once you hand over your money and put the keys in the ignition. However, with so many engine and trim options available, it would be impossible to find a model that didn’t get my blood pumping.

After numerous test-drives and much deliberation, I plumped for a used Focus 1.6 Zetec. Part of this choice was based upon the quality of the vehicle during the test-drive and the rest was based on the fact it was an ex-demonstration model at a very reasonable price, which (the dealer had assured me) was definitely going to be snapped up soon if I didn’t get my wallet out…but then again I guess he was bound to say that.

Initial impressions were great. The trademark Focus responsive handling proved to be very much intact as I tested my new purchase on the country roads near my home. The engine was punchy, eager and made the right amount of noise to slap that textbook new car grin firmly on my face. My second task was to take my dad for a spin to see if my Focus lived up to his Ford expectations. He didn’t look too happy as we were driving around and I began to feel slightly uneasy, as though I had let him down by buying an inferior car. After a while I pulled over and asked him what he thought.

”Its a shame”, he said. “Its a shame I’m not driving it.”

So there we had it; the vote of confidence from the man who drove nothing but Fords for the best part of 27 years. If it passed his approval test then I was 100% sure that I had made the best choice. The only factor that perplexed the old man were all the readouts on the electronic dash. The engineers at Ford seem to be very keen to give you every single atmospheric measurement and observation possible, only stopping short at providing you with the shipping forecast.

In summary, it may not be the most individual of cars, but there is a damn fine reason for that. The Ford Focus is without a doubt the best performing and best value small family car for its price range. In these economically shaky times, value for money is an absolute must and a used Ford Focus will definitely supply that.

I have the sudden urge to get all existential…so I will.

There are certain things that will never change, regardless of time or tide. British summer-times will always be grey affairs permeated occasionally by a pathetic ray of sun, Pease Porridge is a dish that will never be eaten by anyone south of Carlisle and Bob Geldof will always be a self-righteous crab with more in common, genetically, with a sewer rat than a human being. Amongst all this irretrievably crushing monotony there is one constant that refuses to disappoint and continues to delight; the simple pleasure of driving a Ford car.

Ford have always been inherently capable of producing cars that exceed expectation in almost every category it is possible to evaluate a car by. The engines are always high performing, but economical and ecological. The handling is always pin-point precise and the envy of many ‘higher-brand’ manufacturers. The very experience of being sat in a Ford is a pleasant one, combining comfort and practicality almost effortlessly.

Sadly though, some greedy merchant bankers went a bit OTT recently and now the country is ruined financially. It would be perfectly accurate to say that a Tramp’s soiled hankie is probably worth more than your house right now, so it would also be a fair assumption that you’re not exactly going to be ‘flash for cash’. Therefore it is face-smashing-into-a-brick-wall annoyance when your old motor breaks down for the last time and you realise you need a new one. What are you going to buy a new car with? Magic beans? Pleasant thoughts? Mother-in-law’s homemade crumble??? Not likely. You need a cheap car that is also reliable, stylish, well-performing and has room for the entire family. What a surprise! You’ve found yourself at a used Ford Dealership!

The Ford range has does a pretty good job at catering for all tastes, styles and persuasions of human-life. Are you single? Looking for a nippy little number, with a growly engine, neat looks and cool-points to boot? Look out for a used Ford Fiesta 2.0 ST 3dr Hatchback. Are you married, with two kids and an unquenchable passion for golf? Why not keep your eyes peeled for a Used Ford 2.5 ST 5dr Hatchback. Are you an executive, with lots of travelling to do, great impressions to make and need reliability and great performance? What you need is a Used Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Ghia. There is virtually no lifestyle or situation that cannot be perfectly catered for by one of the Ford family. You would be hard pushed to find better quality for your hard-earned cash as well.

Ford are also in possession of an enviable reputation in terms of reliability and very low cost repair and maintenance. In the current dire economic climate it is extremely important to be sure that your investment is not going to let you down as soon as your drive off the forecourt. Ford arguably offers a better guarantee with their reputation than virtually any other car manufacturer and that kind of peace of mind is very hard to come by these days.

It has to be said though, that if you are genuinely economically and ecologically concerned, maybe a pushbike might be the best idea…

One of the best known car manufacturers worldwide is the Ford Motor Company. As one of the largest car companies, they have been in no rush to get into manufacturing the electric car market. Due to consumer demand, an electric car was manufactured, placed on the market and sold by Ford – a cleaner, environmentally friendly car producing less pollution and no greenhouse gas emissions. It was their first version of an electric car.

Called the Think City electric, Ford produced many years ago, and a lot of people were keen to take advantage of this new vehicle. It was pollution free and more energy efficient than a fuel powered car. The United States have very rigid standards about the road safety of vehicles on their road, so the Think City electric didn’t meet those strict standards. Ford had to cease production of their first prototype and as a result many of the cars were returned once customers had reached the end of their leases. The cars were then crushed as they couldn’t be sold in America. So Ford no longer market the Think City cars, although a few can still be found.

Ford have now implemented and produce hybrid electric cars after much research. These mostly run on battery power, as well as being able to use gasoline power at the touch of a switch. Many of these electric cars can be seen on the roads. As a leading manufacturer of electric cars in the industry, Ford decided to branch out and produce electric vehicles such as Ford trucks, mini-vans and the SUV’s, rather than limit their production to just electric cars.

Ford mostly produce electric cars of the hybrid version to meet safety standards, but abroad you can find Ford brand electric cars. Many countries do not have as rigid safety standards, so the electric car can be seen driven by even more people in countries such as England and France.

Some people may be disappointed that Ford had to move from producing electric cars to hybrid vehicles, but as they weren’t able to meet the safety standards, there was no choice for the company. As a result it was more cost efficient to produce a more environmentally-friendly vehicle to cope with their customers’ demands, than it was to keep the electric cars on the road and try to meet the safety standards.

Ford do continue to listen to their customers and are trying to come up with a suitable model for an electric car. As leaders in the industry, it may only be a matter of time before they can replace the hybrid version with a new exacting Ford brand electric car. Customers will have to wait and see what comes up in the future. With the fast pace of modern technology, it could be possible.

Officials said last Friday that Romania’s privatization agency will begin its dialogue with Ford Motor Co., the only bidder in the sale of a former Daewoo car factory in southern Romania.

At an event in Bucharest, Ford’s bid was opened but no details of the offer were revealed.

Sebastian Vladescu, who is the deputy Finance, and Economy Minister and head of the privatization committee in charge of the sale, said that it looks like all the documents requested have been submitted at a glance. He added that talks were to begin on Monday with Ford to negotiate on the terms of the sale.

As the only bidder in the sales, Ford confirmed in a press release that it wants to buy the plant. According to John Fleming, Ford of Europe President and CEO, their company offers the best combination of financial, technological and environmental commitments to be able to modernize the Craiova-based plant.

Maker of quality Ford catalytic converter, Ford adheres to the fact that the facility in Craiova is a strategically significant site for the future growth of the company. Ford of Europe produced 1.86 million units at its seven assembly plants in 2006 and additional manufacturing space is required to meet its emulous new product as well as growth plans.

Fleming also said that if they would be successful in their bid, they would expect to expand and improve the Craiova manufacturing operations, augment employment opportunities and attract additional suppliers to the area.

Other two companies – General Motors Corp. and JC Russian – which sent letters of intent to participate in the sale have not submitted bids.

The government has said that price would not be the only factor considered in the sale. It would also consider the ability of the buyers to maximize production and use Romanian-based suppliers.

The privatization agency, which is selling the government’s 72 percent stake in the company, will sign a memorandum with several smaller shareholders in order to sell their stakes as well, thus allowing the buyer to take over 95 percent of the stock.

The factory, which was owned by the insolvent Korean company, has nearly 4,000 employees and can produce a maximum of 200,000 cars and 300,000 engines every year.

Last year, Romania paid US$60 million (?44 million) to purchase back a 51-percent stake in the company from Daewoo’s creditors.

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich. It manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets in six continents. With nearly 300,000 employees and 108 plants worldwide, the company?s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Ford Motor Credit Company is one of its automotive-related services.