Tag Archives: Ford Motor Company

2014 FORD MUSTANG COBRA JET PROTOTYPE SELLS FOR $200,000

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Ford Mustang JET

2014 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Last weekend at the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company’s Las Vegas sale, the 2014 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet prototype fetched $200,000. Ford Motor Company auctioned it at no reserve with proceeds benefitting the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The organization assists those living with this unpredictable and often disabling disease of the central nervous system.

After spirited bidding that electrified the auction block, an anonymous bidder purchased the Cobra Jet. The winning bidder is not only the proud owner of the NHRA-legal vehicle, but they are now an honorary member of Team Mustang with full backstage passes to the Ford Product Development Center, Ford Design Studios and Ford Racing. The winning bid also made an important contribution in the fight against MS.

“Watching the car cross the block in support of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society was very rewarding,” says Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer. “It is an amazing competition-ready car that will make any team an instant force in its class. This Mustang Cobra Jet will be an inspiring reminder for anyone who sees it on the drag strip to continue working to combat the effects of MS.”

This Ford is powered by a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 mated to a T4 racing transmission, and boasts an optional traction “wheelie” bar, 8.50 ET certified chrome-moly safety cage, exclusive Cobra Jet-branded Weld wheels, three-link rear suspension, lightweight racing brakes, 9-inch rear axle, and custom Cobra-branded Recaro seats. The purpose-built factory race car was the prototype for the 2014 model year racer, and carries a unique serial number of #2014 BJMS CJXX1. Clad in a fiery orange satin finish with dark gray reflective stripes, it also bears a distinctive license plate with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s logo.

The winning bidder also received Training at Roy Hill’s Drag Racing School in Sophia, N.C., their experience captured for a future Mustang book and documentary, and video of the vehicle build, testing and the action from Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas

“We cannot be more grateful to the entire team at Ford Motor Company for their tireless work for our cause,” said Elana Sullivan, president of the Michigan Chapter of the National MS Society. “Because of the incredible outcome of this auction, we will be able to move even closer to creating a world free of MS.”

“We’re pleased this Mustang Cobra Jet captured so much attention at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas sale,” says Steve Ling, North America car marketing manager for Ford. “Ford’s long-standing relationship with Barrett-Jackson gives us the opportunity to help charities such as the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; Brain Injury Association of America; Carroll Shelby Foundation; and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through unique vehicle sales.”

Cited: http://ford.to/15QOQOJ

For all of your Ford Mustang needs visit www.ReedHasIt.com

Ford Mustang II the “Unsung Hero”

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mustang dallasFord Motor Company has been successful in creating a unique culture and following around the famous Mustang.  Throughout the years the Mustang has been through numerous changes both inside and out with various reactions to different models.  Ford calls the Mustang II an “Unsung Hero.” The new 1974 design that some may say helped marked the end of the muscle-car glory days was actually a big seller.

While not the most popular of all the ‘Stangs; 40 years later, Ford is celebrating the ’70s version of this American Icon.  The 1974 design was a drastic change from the previous models. It was smaller, economic and a complete deviation from its well-known, hotrod roots.

Weighing in at 500 pounds less than it’s predecessor and 19 inches shorter, the trimmed down version was actually a return the svelte roots of the original 1964-1966 models. The 1973 model had grown large and heavy to some earlier Mustang enthusiast.

Regardless of what people think of this car of yesteryear, the numbers speak volumes. Per a Wall Street Journal article, it outsold other Mustang models and kept the nameplate alive until it could be revived in the 1980s.

What do you think of this ‘Stang of days gone by? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.  To shop online for a new or pre-owned Ford Mustang, visit www.ReedHasIt.com!

Read the full Wall Street Journal story: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/09/24/ford-touts-unloved-1974-mustang-ii-as-unsung-hero/

Ford and Lincoln Gain Momentum as Consumer Choice

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Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion help boost August growth in sales.

Ford is on a roll!  According to WardsAuto, Ford is continuing its sales momentum with an 8.1% gain in August on a daily-rate basis, and the outlook for Ford, is looking even better.

With the average age of vehicles on U.S. roads pushing 11 years, the publication says consumers are looking to replace their old cars. In addition, since many have higher mileage vehicles, the option of a new car, truck or SUV can be even more appealing.

“When consumers come in (to dealerships), they have the choice of high-mileage used vehicles or new vehicles with low interest rates,” Ken Czubay, Ford sales chief said. He said that he believes that will help sustain and build momentum of new-vehicle sales.

So, how popular is the Ford lineup?  Ford sold 216,017 vehicles in August, with 79% of those deliveries representing retail sales. That is the highest percentage since 2006.

Small vehicles are big! Overall Ford small-car deliveries were up 30%, compared with year-ago with the Fiesta surging 55.7% and Focus rising 3.0%.

Other hot sellers include the Fusion and Explorer. These vehicles posted increases of 9.6% and 8.7%, respectively. The Fusion’s performance marked its best-ever August/

Ford says things could have been even better for the Focus, Fusion and Explorer but there were inventory  constraints. There is good news, Ford recently began production of the Fusion at its Flat Rock, MI, assembly plant to boost inventory.

As for the ever-popular Ford F-Series pickup, it was another great month. Sales climbed 18.6%, compared with like-2012, to 66,728 units.

Look at Lincoln

According to WardsAuto, things are looking good for Lincoln’s MKZ. Once again, it was the volume leader with 3,652 deliveries, a 5.8% year-over-year increase. The MKS and Navigator were up 7.3% and 9.3%, respectively.

As you can see, when you buy a Ford, you’re in good company.  Hundreds of thousands of savvy consumers agree that Ford and Lincoln have a great lineup that offers power, performance, technology and style. When you’re ready to shop a huge selection, check out www.ReedHasIt.com.

Source: http://wardsauto.com

Ford Motor Company Uses Thermal Imaging Technology to Detect Interior Leaks

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Thermal imaging cameras that help detect air leaks in vehicles, helping create quieter cabins.

Thermal imaging cameras that help detect air leaks in vehicles, helping create quieter cabins.

The engineers at Ford Motor Company are now utilizing technology that has traditionally been used by law enforcement and our military to catch high-level criminals. They  are using this technology to help them find leaks and help improve the overall interior quietness of the vehicle.

Thermal imaging cameras capture the radiation present then display it as an infrared image. The engineers then use this information to look at hot spots where the heated air escapes from the vehicle.

Ford Vs. Competition

According to data from Ford’s U.S. Global Quality Research System, the 2013 Ford Fusion earned a 67 percent approval rating for interior quietness compared to 58 percent for the 2012 Toyota Camry.*

“Ford is redefining our vehicles through many innovations – both features to improve the driving experience and fuel economy, and advanced new tools to help engineer better vehicles,” said William Dedecker, noise, vibration and harshness engineering supervisor. “We are using thermal imaging to further improve quietness so customers can enjoy the other features our vehicles offer, such as audio systems… and even the sounds of silence.”

Closing the Gap

Not only does this help Ford reduce noise and control air leaks; it helps increases heating and cooling efficiency by reducing energy loss, similar to how sealing a home prevents leaks of heated air in the winter and air conditioning in the summer.

Before thermal imaging, Ford engineers relied on sensory findings to prevent air leaks. They would fill the car with smoke, then watch for the smoke to exit from small holes. They also walked around a vehicle and would feel for air leakage. In addition, they relied on non-medical stethoscopes to try to hear air leaking from the cabin, a method they still rely on to some extent.

While successful, these approaches were not as consistent. With the use of thermal imaging, engineers can speed up development time by finding results at a faster rate.

Engineers have identified several key areas that are vulnerable to air leaks and letting noise into a vehicle, including moonroofs, window glass, door trim, trunk lids and liftgates, doors and the base of the windshield.

Check out the full Ford lineup at www.ReedHasIt.com!

Read the whole store here: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=38210

 

Hybrid Face-off: 2013 Ford Fusion vs 2013 Toyota Camry

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2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

As hybrid technology becomes easier to produce, the demand for these eco-friendly vehicles continues to increase year over year. That puts the pressure on the manufacturers to step up and focus their efforts on both producing the most efficient and the more stylish hybrids.

Ford Motor Company has emerged as the industry leader with their completely redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Fusion has a 2.0L engine with a total 188 horsepower that produces 47 miles per gallon for city, highway and combined. According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2013 Ford Fusion ranked #1 in the most affordable midsize car and hybrid car. Not only is the Ford Fusion affordable with excellent fuel economy, but it also comes with Ford EcoGuide which coaches you to get the best MPG. Other technology available includes MyFord Touch, which allows drivers to access to their phone, navigation, climate and entertainment all hands-free.

2013 Camry hybrid Dallas

2013 Toyota Camry Hybrid

The 2013 Toyota Camry hybrid didn’t fall too short, and took the #2 spot as the most affordable midsize car, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Camry has a 2.5L engine and gets up to 43 city and 39 highway miles per gallon — which is less than the Fusion. Toyota offers the Entune infotainment system, which syncs with your smartphone and uses your data plan to access things like Bing and Pandora.

Overall it’s pretty clear the Ford Fusion is the winner in this segment based on exterior, interior performance and technology. When you have made up your mind, visit ReedHasIt.com to schedule a test drive of the 2013 Ford Fusion.