Ford E-news: August 11, 2010

[68fastback]

Summary for the week:

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The following is new content from Ford Motor Company Newsroom
:
AUGUST 11 FORD E-NEWS (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33097)



http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_top.jpg


http://media.ford.com/images/10031/081110_enews1.jpg (http://ford.wieck.com/db/*query?11F150&source=FRD)2011 F-150 getting all-new engine lineup
Ford F-Series has a long and proud history, and now the 2011 F-150 is getting its most extensive powertrain makeover in more than 60 years. Three new engines – each mated to a six-speed automatic transmission – will be available at launch, with the first truck application of the award-winning EcoBoost™ technology joining the lineup soon after. Each engine will help deliver the class-leading towing and payload capability F-150 customers demand.
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_more.jpg (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33096)


http://media.ford.com/images/10031/081110_enews2.jpg (http://ford.wieck.com/db/*query?11HarleyF150&source=FRD) New 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson delivers the best of two iconic companies
The newly unveiled 2011 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 combines two rich traditions into an extraordinary package for customers who crave capability and long for the open road. With authentic styling, a new standard 6.2-liter V8 engine and plenty of technology upgrades, the truck is the most powerful and capable Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 yet. It also comes complete with many custom Harley-Davidson touches, including the seats and console lid, which feature handmade cloisonné badges produced by the same company that makes badges for Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_more.jpg (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33093)


http://media.ford.com/images/10031/081110_enews3.jpg (http://ford.wieck.com/db/*query?11Explorer&source=FRD) Explorer goes green with better fuel economy, more eco-friendly material
When it arrives later this year, the all-new Ford Explorer is expected to set a new benchmark for sustainability in the SUV segment. Two new engines – a responsive, fuel-efficient V6 and a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 – will deliver from 20 to 30 percent better fuel economy. Explorer also will make significant use of soy-foam seat cushions, recycled fabric and carpet, and fender baffles made from recycled F-150 scrap metal.
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_more.jpg (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33085)


http://media.ford.com/images/10031/081110_enews4.jpg (http://ford.wieck.com/db/*query?AllIn&source=FRD) Ford launches ALL IN multicultural advertising campaign
Ford is telling its turnaround story in a new advertising campaign that speaks directly to African American consumers. The new campaign, called ALL IN, demonstrates Ford's leadership as it relates to quality, technology, the environment and the community. In addition to print ads, radio spots and event integrations, the campaign includes web videos that feature CBS Sports personality James Brown and Ford executives discussing their personal success stories.
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_more.jpg (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33086)


http://media.ford.com/images/10031/081110_enews5.jpg Ford does its homework, partners with universities for progress
Some of the world's most renowned academics are working with Ford scientists to explore new ideas and technologies that could benefit future vehicles. The newly added three-year research projects range in scope from testing thermoplastics modified with nano materials and developing an in-vehicle safety alert system for diabetic drivers, to studying the environmental and economic impact of batteries for electric vehicles. This year, Ford awarded 13 grants to 12 universities around the globe as part of its University Research Program. Since beginning the program in 1989, Ford has invested more than $60 million in university research projects, providing more than 500 grants to 100 schools around the world.
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_more.jpg (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33090)

[Johnny Dangerously]

...
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/081110_enews5.jpg Ford does its homework, partners with universities for progress
Some of the world's most renowned academics are working with Ford scientists to explore new ideas and technologies that could benefit future vehicles. The newly added three-year research projects range in scope from testing thermoplastics modified with nano materials and developing an in-vehicle safety alert system for diabetic drivers, to studying the environmental and economic impact of batteries for electric vehicles. This year, Ford awarded 13 grants to 12 universities around the globe as part of its University Research Program. Since beginning the program in 1989, Ford has invested more than $60 million in university research projects, providing more than 500 grants to 100 schools around the world.
http://media.ford.com/images/10031/enews_more.jpg (http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=33090)
This is an excellent type of program. NGC does stuff like this, a lot of it for R&D, some of it for current applications. The universities tend not to have all of the red-tape that large companies do. Plus you get people who are not jaded (typically) working on things & they see better solutions quicker than the company guys.


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[68fastback]

agree...

...esp the jaded and red-tape parts ...university kids are great becuase they sort of have no box to think outside of.

IBM has a lot of academia alliances too -- prolly most tech companies, I would think.

Some of the Sync apps that came out of the Ford/UoM/MS accredited program were pretty cool.

[Johnny Dangerously]

Especially when the people designing the stuff are likely the same people that will buy it when it comes to market a few years lateer.


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[68fastback]

Very true. And with something like cars, everyone sort of has a need and is a potential customer and therefore has an opinion.

How Ford handled the Fiesta pre-launch was really cutting edge. WIll be interesting to see how many of the pre-quals convert to sales. Dunno that Ford will release follow up info but they did on the pre-quals, so maybe they will (if not viewed as giving away valuable info to a competitor).