The general opinion amongst the green set is that 4X4s are vast, smelly, CO2 burping monstrosities that are single-handedly destroying our planet and everything we hold dear. Of course that opinion is slightly exaggerated, but it has to be said that SUVs, MPVs and all other permutations of the 4X4 aren’t exactly doing Mother Nature many favours. What further confounds those against these vehicles is the manner in which they are used. Most 4X4s, though designed for rough terrain, barely see any action beyond the school run and maybe a trip to the supermarket at the weekends. This seems criminal after all the feats of engineering that have been invested into producing a prime, lean, off-roading machine. That is, until Ford unleashed the Kuga.

The Ford Kuga aims to alter these negative perceptions of the 4X4 by offering the consumer something very special indeed; ecologically sound motoring. Yes, you read that correctly, the Ford Kuga is the class leader in CO2 emissions with an almost sweet-smelling 169g/km. Add to this a combined fuel consumption of 44.1mpg and you’ve found yourself a large vehicle that has a conscience.

So with all this environmental consideration you would probably expect to sacrifice all the performance you would expect from a car of this size. Yet again the Ford Kuga has surprises up its sleeve. The 2.0-litre TDCi Duratorq engine has all the grunt you’ll require when on rough terrain, but displays a kind of elegance when used in towns and cities. So whether you are tearing around in the dirt, or cruising to the shops, you’ll find the Ford Kuga a complete joy to drive.

Interiors have always been a vehicle attribute that this manufacturer has done well and the Ford Kuga is no exception. Inside the spacious cabin you will find all the gadgets and gizmos that you would expect from Ford including Sat Nav, Bluetooth, rain sensing wipers, blue tinted glass, partial leather trim, cruise control, automatic headlights, rear view camera, dual electronic air temperature control, USB connectivity and DAB radio. With all these and the comfort of the ride, you will find the Ford Kuga a very pleasant place to be.

Where the Ford Kuga stands head and shoulders above the competition is in the looks department. Anyone with even a cursory aesthetically-charged sense in their body will be bowled over by the Kuga. It looks big, very big, but has been designed with all the grace and sophistication you would expect from a small hatchback. To put it bluntly, the fact it looks so elegant may put off some of the hardcore 4X4 owners, but it will definitely win over a whole new audience with its curvy and sporty body.

The main plus point about the Ford Kuga is that it seems to be ushering in a new age of ecological motoring and proving that to care about the environment doesn’t necessarily have to be detrimental to performance. If you combine that with the fact that it is one of the best-looking new cars on the road and you can’t help but feel that the Kuga will be a success. It should also open the floodgates for other manufacturers to all start thinking ecologically when designing their vehicles.

From the largest truck manufacturers comes the Ford F150 which is the most popular in this series. It is classified under the SUV category and does come across as a full fledged pick up vehicle. It is combined with power and style making it an irresistible option in the SUV category. The F series trucks have been the selling for he last five decades and they are still able to maintain their overall preference amongst buyers.

The basic models of Ford F150 have both style and capacity, but the latest addition to the family the FX2 is different. The sports concept has been incorporated in FX2 bowing in to the consumer demands. The entire family of Ford F150 boasts of a spacious interior, which is flexible and refined. The seats can be rearranged to carry goods of higher dimensions. There is an unmatched choice of cab styles offered. It has unparalleled power coming from the three modern V-8 engines which is combined with a 4-speed or the new fuel efficient 6-speed automatic transmission.

The Ford Escort GT was first put into production in 1968. At first most people thought of the Ford Escort GT to be way too conservative to become a bestseller among other popular name plates, but the critics were eventually proven wrong in a big way. In 1968 the Ford Escort GT topped the sales charts and sold approximately 300,000 cars in its first year alone. This car has not only been a hot seller in the United States as of late. The car, famous for the engine that was motoring it, was also a huge success in Germany and the Great Britain. The GT helped Ford of Germany to regain a greater share of the domestic marketplace.

During its launch Ford also prepared a rally version of this car that would appeal to a younger audience. This concept proved effective as the population ate up the Escorts good looks, and loved the Ford Escort engine that was provided. The Ford Escort GT had its biggest success squaring off against bigger cars, which were usually more popular. In a huge surprise, the GT was a huge hit overseas again, this time in Australia. Whereas most Australians go for bigger cars, with bigger engines, sporting only 2.0 liters shot to the front of the pack.

Jump to the 1990’s and the Ford Escort GT was still going strong; this time more so in the United States. This car appealed to a younger crowd that was looking for a sport design, and also looking for an alternative to Japanese rivals. The press did not give these early 90’s Escorts good reviews, stating that the engine was undersized, and that the reliability was not good. This did not stop loyal Ford buyers from giving this car a chance. By 1995 all of the kinks seemed to be worked out, and the GT was again selling at a modest number, bringing Fords small cars sales to the top. In 1996 the Ford Escort was remodeled again for a more modern look. This was needed to keep up with the other cars in its class from Toyota, Honda, and Chevrolet. The Ford Escort GT did a good job of that and its sales continued to climb throughout the end of the decade. This was in large part thanks to the Ford Escort engine which did a great job of making this a sporty car.

Generally, Ford Escort GT has been a great thing for Ford. It has brought in a lot of revenue, and has also held a strong following over the years. If you are looking for a good, reliable, used car, take a strong look at a late 90’s Escort GT. You will be sure to enjoy the ride, and the immense power of the engine that has made this car so popular for the last 40 years. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you know that the Ford Escort GT can provide you with that rush. Screaming down the long roads in the Ford Escort GT can make you realize the full power that this machine can handle.

Following the success of Ford Escape Hybrid Technology Clinic in the city of Portland, Ford Motor Company will soon be traveling hundreds of miles to the south to conduct the same event which will take place at the capital city of California. Just as the technology clinic conducted in Portland a few days ago, hybrid engineers of Ford Motor Company along with the representatives from the City of Sacramento will also host a technology clinic for the Ford Escape Hybrid that will showcase the benefits of automotive hybrid technology. They would also most especially show off the technological advantages and economical benefits of the Ford Escape Hybrid.

The Ford Escape Hybrid will be the main attraction in the technology clinic because Ford fanatics in the City of Sacramento will have a chance to share their concerns and ask some questions about the Escape Hybrid. Although Ford Escape parts will not be featured in the said event, the technology clinic will feature the economic and environmental benefits produced by hybrid vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid. Some of these benefits of the Escape Hybrid were first demonstrated in some areas in the United States when these hybrids were used for various purposes such as the taxicabs in New York City and San Francisco. According to the drivers and passengers, the Ford Escape Hybrid offers a huge passenger and cargo volume capacity making it a truly reliable vehicle.

Other benefits of the Escape hybrid include clean exhaust emission, improved fuel economy, and an extended gas mileage. The Ford Motor Company describes the Escape Hybrid as the very first vehicle that combines the excellent ability of an SUV and the outstanding fuel economy and environmental benefits of hybrid vehicles.

The second Ford Escape Hybrid Technology Clinic will take place at the Marriott Hotel off Sunrise Blvd., Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, CA on Wednesday, August 2, 2006. The event will start at 10:00 AM. Another related event, which is the Ford Escape Hybrid owner clinic, will start from 6:00 down to 8:00 PM on the same location.

$250 million is surely a big amount. But it seems to be worth everything for the Ford Motor Company. In fact, this auto manufacturer from Dearborn, Michigan has decided on investing $250 million for production of new cars and vehicles in Russia. This is according to a statement released by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry of Russia.

The company has decided on investing a huge amount as part of the investment agreement that it went into. The production of new Ford vehicles and cars would be done in the province of Vsevolzhsk which is located in the northwestern part of Russia. And according to the agreement, Ford would be investing the amount on the production and assembly of the Ford Mondeo and the Ford Maverick. As much as parts are also important, Ford Fairmont auto parts are not part of the agreement and would not be produced in the country.

The Ministry further states, “The planned volume of additional investment under the project will amount to $250 million.” And so far, the Ford Motor has already invested ninety two per cent of the agreed amount. It still has to add up some $20 million more to complete their part of the investment.

The plant in Vsevolzhsk would be also completed and once ready, it would soon be able to create and produce some 30,000 Ford Mondeo units. Along with that, it would also be making 20,000 Ford Maverick vehicles. The plant in Russia is also producing Ford Focus cars and the company plans on increasing the units completed from the current 60,000 to an additional 40,000 Ford Focus units.

The Ford Mondeo is also marketed under other names like the Ford Contour and the Mercury Mystique and it has been in production since 1993. It is a midsized vehicle built as a hatchback, wagon, and sedan. As per the Ford Maverick, this vehicle has been produced since the 1970s.

Lots of surprises from Ford Motors Company will astound the populace as it delivers new car designs, capabilities and prices at the last quarter of 2006.

The flagship American pickup truck by the name of Ford F-150 is having a new body style that is capable of towing 600 pounds greater. In addition, it is also given a new warranty with roadside assistance. The price of Ford F-150 is lowered to $1,400 including destination charges.

Ford F-150 FX2 Sport, on the other hand, will be priced at $29,470. This new vehicle from Ford features a dark billet grille, athletic and deep front valance, as well as transparent headlamps with platinum bezels. Ford bumper filler, side mirror caps, door handles, chairs, center console as well as the floor shifter match the appearance and capabilities of this new Ford.

In regard to cabs, the price reductions offered by Ford Motors are $720 for Regular Cab models, $830 for SuperCabs and $949 for SuperCrews. Prices begin at $19,120 for the F-150 XL Regular Cab 4

If you have a Ford follower, a Ford fanatic, or simply a person who just adores vehicles, then you certainly are going to love this new book that was created and written by Randall Olson.

This book is titled ?Ford in Miniature’ and it has just been published and released just this month in the United Kindom. Priced at only

Ford Motor Co. has earlier unveiled its all-new lineup F-Series Super Duty truck lineup which includes 2008 F-450. The latest lineup will be couple with the biggest pickup production ever made by the automaker.

Early next year, Ford’s redesigned version of huge pickup vehicles will be having their debut. To add extra charisma to Ford Super Duty trucks, the automaker has added towing capacity, refined suspension, innovative tailgate, 6.4-liter diesel engine and other exceptional features.

Some analysts expressed their impression about the debut of the latest Ford trucks. Erich Merkle, an analyst with IRN Inc. noted, “The Super Duty is incredibly important for Ford because, not only does it represent some pretty serious volume for them, (but) it’s also quite profitable. Of course, these days, every launch is critical for Ford.”

On one side, some analysts have noted their concerns regarding the risk of economic environment for selling commercial trucks. Others are also saying that Ford is only left with little choices so the automaker opted to upgrade Super Duty trucks to bring back its footing in the market.

Ford Super Duty has outsold other heavy-duty trucks. From the year 2000 to 2005, Ford has sold about 750,000 heavy-duty pickup trucks. Further, the sales of Super Duty accounts for 40 percent of the overall F-Series sales.

Pete Reyes, chief engineer of the Super Duty line said, “The biggest challenge with the 450 was making it a legitimate pickup. The challenge with a pickup is providing excellent ride, excellent handling and excellent stability — both empty and fully loaded. It’s tough luxury.”

General Motors, Ford’s rival, is also releasing new models of heavy-duty pickup trucks. Hence, to make a good competition, Ford is releasing its mighty F-450. It can be recalled that Ford F-350 Super Duty pickup parts have already established its standing. As a fact, F-350 was given a best-in-class payload and weight ratings. To boost further what F-350 has achieved, the automaker is giving F-450 a towing capacity in excess of 24,000 pounds and a payload capacity in excess of 6,000 pounds.

Clearly, a less important concern – for the moment-than Ford Windstar recalls might be what Levine Breaking News reported March 14, 2006: an anti-gay/conservative Christian group are seeking retribution by boycotting Ford Motors…because Ford advertises in gay publications.

Tell me when did we give up the right to spend our hard-earned money on costly advertising, top-class merchandise, and any ^%$# publication we wish to read, write for, subscribe to, publicize in, or be a demographic target for? Okay. Hold on. Before I get all involved in who has what – ahem – RIGHTS, I should calm down, digress, and recoup to the more significant concern or issue: Ford Winstar recalls. There are several of them, that vary from safety and other recall issues (and usually getting increasingly lessened by year), but a mention here will suffice, as other investigations thoroughly cover by describing and explaining.

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2003

-Seats: mid- and rear-assembly

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2002

-Seats: mid- and rear-assembly

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2001

- Mid- and rear-seat assembly
- Windshield wiper/washer motor
- Electrical system: air conditioner
- Air bags frontal sensor control module
- Accelerator pedal
- Seat belt assembly
- Trailer hitch

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 2000

- Structure: body/hood
- Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
- Glass: side- and rear-view mirrors
- Electrical wiring under dash
- Electrical system wiring; windshield wiper/washer motor
- Seat belts
- Trailer hitch

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1999

- Structure: body/hood
- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings
- Master cylinder
- Electrical: air conditioning system; interior/under dash wiring
- Windshield wiper/washer motor

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1998

- Structure: body/hood
- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings
- Front wheel suspension springs and coils
- Automatic trans/power train
- Exterior lighting
- Steering: gear box/shaft
- Child seat

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1997

- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings
- Front wheel suspension springs and coils
- Automatic trans/power train
- Exterior lighting

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1996

- Structure: body/hood
- Automatic trans/power train/gear position indication
- Exterior lighting
- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings
- Front wheel suspension springs and coils

FORD WINDSTAR RECALLS, 1995

- Structure: body/hood
- Electrical system wiring
- Hydraulic brake foundation: hoses, lines, piping, fittings
- Front wheel suspension springs and coils
- Alternator/generator
- Gasoline storage tank assembly

With all of or despite all the recalls, I am still a huge Ford fan-having brought up around, in, and looking at and listening to hot rods and trucks made by Ford Motor Corp.. What’s more, I would still fight for the right to sell, buy, advertise, drive, think about or talk about any damned material item I please. Go Ford!

Toyota Motor Corp. is expected to gain enough to take over Ford Motor Co. as the second largest automaker in the United States next to General Motors. According to some auto analysts, they saw large sales in December on the part of Ford. This is perceived to be in favor of the struggling Japanese automaker.

Edmunds.com tracked auto sales data and stated that Ford could suffer a remarkable 19.6 percent drop in December compared to last year’s record. On the one hand, Ronald Tadross, Bank of America analyst, expects that Ford would drop by 10 to 12 percent range. Also, several analysts expect that Toyota has the nerve to unseat the ailing Ford.

If auto analysts’ prediction would turn into reality, it would happen for the second month in a row and the third month of 2006. Jesse Toprak, chief economist for Edmunds, said Toyota likely will claim the No. 2 spot for the year in 2007, although Ford could bounce back for a few months during the first half of the new year. Toprak added, “They’re [Ford] going to be down in pretty much every single segment. They really did not have any new products that will bring excitement and showroom traffic to a great extent.”

Toprak also noted that the sales drop of Ford is attributed to the cessation of Taurus production. Taurus is a midsize front wheel drive vehicle. The car was introduced in 1985 to replace the Fairmont. Taurus auto parts are known for their reliability. No wonder why the car is loved by a lot of aficionados even up to this present time.

Toprak also expects that the sale of Ford’s bread and butter trucks will also decline. One of Ford’s pride vehicles is the F-150, the best-selling pickup in America. This is the very reason why Ford is meticulously supervising the manufacture and assembly of auto parts Ford F-150. “We cannot be distracted about things like that,” said George Pipas, Ford’s top sales analyst. He added that Ford is focused on returning its business to profitability.

It can be recalled that Ford has lost $7 billion during the first three quarters of 2006. Moreover, more declines in sales are expected to overwhelm the automaker. Toyota, on the one hand, is expected to yield a 7.3 percent increase in December.