• Ford adding new fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers to North American product lineup
• Six European small vehicles coming to North America from global B-car and C-car platforms
• Three large truck and SUV plants converting to small cars; retooling begins this December
• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup to be almost completely upgraded by end of 2010
• Ford plans to be the best or among the best in fuel economy with every new product in its segment
• Hybrid vehicle production and lineup to double in 2009
• Capacity for North American four-cylinder engines to double by 2011
• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury confirmed in company’s North American brand portfolio

Ford Motor Company today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

The actions represent a considerable shift in Ford’s North American product plans and investments toward smaller vehicles and fuel-efficient powertrains in both the near- and mid-term in line with rapid changes in customer buying preferences.

In addition to bringing six small vehicles to North America from the company’s acclaimed European lineup, Ford is accelerating the introduction of fuel-efficient EcoBoost and all-new four-cylinder engines, boosting hybrid production and converting three existing truck and SUV plants for small car production, beginning this December.

“We continue to take fast and decisive action implementing our plan and responding to the rapidly changing business environment,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “Ford is moving aggressively using our global product strengths to introduce additional smaller vehicles in North America and to provide outstanding fuel economy with every new product.”

Mulally said the company is more focused than ever on its transformation plan, which calls for:

• Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix
• Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value
• Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet
• Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford’s global assets

“The progress we have made in working together to create a ‘One Ford’ global enterprise during the past two years gives us a unique competitive advantage in today’s environment,” Mulally said. “We are in a stronger position than ever to leverage Ford’s global assets to address the North American business environment. We also are building on the past few years of progress in continuously improving our quality, reducing our cost structure and introducing strong new products.”

Aggressively Restructuring
Ford will convert three existing North American truck and SUV plants for small car production, with the first conversion beginning this December.

The moves are in addition to Ford’s announcements in May and June that it is reducing its North American production plans for large trucks and SUVs for the remainder of 2008, as well as increasing production of smaller cars and crossovers.

“We are transforming Ford’s North American manufacturing operations into a lean, flexible system that is fully competitive with the best in the business,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “We remain committed to matching our capacity with real consumer demand, and we are equipping nearly all of our assembly plants with flexible body shops, ensuring we can respond quickly to changing consumer tastes.

“In addition, we are adding four-cylinder engine capacity to meet the growing consumer demand, while expanding production of our new EcoBoost engines, six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving technologies,” Fields said.

Among the manufacturing realignment actions:

• Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich., which currently builds the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs, will be converted beginning this December to production of small cars derived from Ford’s global C-car platform in 2010.
• Production of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator will be moved to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky., early next year.
• Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico, which currently produces F-Series pickups, will be converted to begin production of the new Fiesta small car for North America in early 2010.
• Louisville (Ky.) Assembly Plant, which builds the Ford Explorer mid-size SUV, will be converted to produce small vehicles from Ford’s global C-car platform beginning in 2011.
• Twin Cities (Minn.) Assembly Plant – which was scheduled to close in 2009 – will continue production of the Ford Ranger through 2011 to meet consumer demand for the compact pickup.
• As previously announced, Kansas City Assembly Plant this year will add a third crew to its small utility line for the Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid.

In tandem with the realignments, Ford will continue to offer targeted hourly buyouts at its U.S. plants and facilities, working with the UAW to secure competitive employment levels. Ford also said it remains on track to reduce salaried-related costs by 15 percent in North America by Aug. 1.

Ford North America still expects to reduce annual operating costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 – at constant volume, mix and exchange, and excluding special items – compared with 2005. In addition, the company said it plans to continue to reduce structural costs beyond 2008.

The company also confirmed Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will remain in its North American brand portfolio. Ford said it will work with its dealers to broaden and accelerate its dealer consolidations, which will result in a dealer network that reflects the changing industry size and model mix.

Ford also updated its current North American planning assumptions, which include:

• U.S. economic recovery to begin by early 2010
• U.S. industry sales to return to trend levels as the economy returns to health
• Product mix changes are permanent, but some recovery will occur from the current share-of-industry for full-size pickups – though not back to levels experienced previously – as the economy and housing sector recover
• Oil prices to remain volatile and high
• No near-term relief from current level of commodity prices
• About 14 percent U.S. market share for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands

Accelerating New Products
Ford is adding several new North American products in the near- and mid-term, and shifting from a primary emphasis on large trucks and SUVs to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. By the end of 2010, two-thirds of spending will be on cars and crossovers – up from one-half today.

“We are accelerating the development of the new products customers want and value,” Mulally said. “We sell some of the best vehicles in the world in our profitable European and Asian operations, and we will bring many of them to North America on top of our already aggressive product plans.”

The new products include six European small vehicles to be introduced in North America by the end of 2012. Ford’s acclaimed European products are set apart by their world-class driving dynamics, exciting design and outstanding quality.

“While we have no intention of giving up our longtime truck leadership, we are creating a new Ford in North America on a foundation of small, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers that will set new standards for quality, fuel economy, product features and refinement,” Fields said.

The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury line will be almost completely upgraded by the end of 2010, including:

• 2009 Ford F-150, on sale in late fall with the most capability, most choice and most smart features of any full-size pickup, and with more than a 7 percent fuel economy improvement
• 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ sedans, on sale in early 2009, with Fusion’s and Milan’s four-cylinder fuel economy expected to top Honda Accord and Toyota Camry
• 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, beginning production late this year and on sale in early 2009 – with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid
• New Ford Mustang – coupe, convertible, and glass-roof models – in early 2009
• New Ford Taurus sedan – with EcoBoost engine and even more advanced safety and convenience technologies – in mid-2009
• New European Transit Connect small multi-purpose van in mid-2009
• New Lincoln seven-passenger crossover – with EcoBoost engine – in mid-2009
• New European Ford Fiesta, in both four- and five-door versions, in early 2010
• New European Ford Focus, in both four- and five-door versions, in 2010
• New Mercury small car in 2010
• New European small vehicle that will be a “whitespace” entry in North America in 2010
• Next-generation Ford Explorer – with unibody construction, EcoBoost, six-speed, weight savings and improved aerodynamics for up to 25 percent better fuel economy – in 2010

With every new product, Ford expects to be the best or among the best for fuel economy. This is aided by one of the most extensive powertrain upgrades ever for Ford. By the end of 2010, nearly all of Ford’s North American engines will be upgraded or replaced. In addition, within two years, nearly all of Ford’s North American lineup will offer fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions.

The improvements build on several Ford fuel economy leaders today, such as:

• 2009 Ford Flex, which is the most fuel-efficient standard seven-passenger vehicle on the market, topping the 2009 Honda Pilot
• 2009 Ford Focus, with highway fuel economy of up to 35 mpg – better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa SL and a key reason Focus retail sales are up 50 percent
• 2009 Escape, with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission delivering best-in-class highway fuel economy of 28 mpg – ahead of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V
• 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, delivering 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle available

Coming in 2009 are the first applications of Ford’s new EcoBoost engines. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger-displacement engines.

EcoBoost V-6 engines will be introduced on several vehicles next year, beginning with the Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus sedans, and Ford Flex crossover. Four-cylinder EcoBoost engines will debut in 2010 in both North America and Europe. Ford will offer EcoBoost on more than 80 percent of its North American lineup by the end of 2012.

Ford also plans to double capacity for North American four-cylinder engines to more than 1 million units by 2011, to meet the consumer trend toward downsized engines for fuel economy. The smaller engines will deliver significant fuel savings.

In addition, Ford plans to double its hybrid volume and offerings next year – and is looking to expand further going forward. Production of the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid begins in December – with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid.

With these new models, the Ford Escape Hybrid – now in its fifth year of production – and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford will offer four hybrid vehicles. That will make Ford the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America, second only to Toyota in sales volume.

Ford also is introducing six-speeds with PowerShift that offers the fuel economy of a manual transmission and convenience of an automatic; start-stop engines that shut off when the vehicle stops; electric power steering; direct injection, and Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing engines. These technologies will be progressively introduced within the North American lineup by 2012.

“One Ford”
Driving Ford’s product transformation is the company’s “One Ford” global product development vision, which will deliver more vehicles worldwide from fewer core platforms, further reduce costs and allow for the increased use of common parts and systems.

In the next five years, Ford will build more than 1 million vehicles a year worldwide off its global B-car platform and nearly 2 million units worldwide off its global C-car platform.

“Ford is investing most where consumer growth is taking place – and that’s in highly fuel-efficient global small cars,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “One of every four vehicles in the world today is a ‘C’ or Ford Focus-sized vehicle, and we expect the segment to grow more than 20 percent to 6 million units in North America and 25 million worldwide by 2012. We see similar strong growth in the B-segment, where the Fiesta competes.”

With Ford’s global product development plan, all of the company’s vehicles competing in global segments will be common in North America, Europe and Asia within five years. In addition to B- and C-sized small cars, the company’s Fusion- and Mondeo-sized C/D cars and utilities will be common globally. The same will be true for commercial vans.

Ford said it is uniquely positioned to take advantage of its scale, already acclaimed global products and the strength of the Ford brand around the world to respond to the current changing marketplace and to begin to grow profitably. The company said its success in growing market share and profits with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in Europe is now the template around the world.

Speeding down memory lane: Area resident was part of original staff for Shelby American race team

By Dana Cole
Herald/Review

Published on Tuesday, July 22, 2008

In Reversal, Ford Veers From SUV's

By Bill Vlasic
July 22, 2008

DEARBORN, Michigan: Ford Motor, which devoted itself for nearly 20 years to putting millions of Americans into big pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles, is about to drastically alter its focus to building more small cars.

The struggling automaker, reacting to what it sees as a rapid and permanent shift in consumer tastes brought on by high gas prices, plans to unveil its new direction on Thursday, when it will report quarterly earnings.

Among the changes, Ford is expected to announce that it will convert three of its North American assembly plants from trucks to cars, according to people familiar with the plans.

And as part of the huge bet it is placing on the future direction of the troubled American auto industry, Ford will realign factories to manufacture more fuel-efficient engines and produce six of its next European car models for the United States  market.

The company will also end speculation about its Mercury division by making the brand an integral part of its new small-car strategy, according to these people, who spoke on the condition that they not be quoted by name because of the timing of the official announcement on Thursday.

In 1968, Ford took the NHRA Winternationals by storm with the Cobra Jet Mustang. Only 50 units were built and released to Ford Dealers and Ford racers, and in its first appearance, the Cobra Jet won.

Forty years after this historic event, Ford Racing is happy to announce that they are exploring the development of a new NHRA-legal race car - the 2008 Cobra Jet Mustang. Some details of this exciting program have already begun to surface, and we want to ensure you hear about it from us first.

The 2008 Ford Racing Cobra Jet Mustang (FR500CJ) will be a factory-built race car, ready for the drag strip with only minor additional prep required. While details are intentionally limited at this time, the following should help you assess the product and its appeal.

Ford Racing Part Number: M-FR500-CJ

Program Intent:

• Provide a Mustang that is a true A Stock competitor
• 50 units initial build
• Off-road only (VIN replaced by serial number)
• Estimated pricing, $64,990 WD, $69,990 MSRP
• Model Year 2008 designation
• Build in December 2008, vehicles delivered February 2009

Vehicle Content:

• 400 hp (est.) 5.4L DOHC supercharged engine
• 6-speed manual transmission standard; optional automatic TBD
• NHRA legal to 10.00 sec ETs
• NHRA Stock Eliminator legal interior
• Lightweight - 3,300 lbs (est.)
• Unique trim and appearance package
• Drag race wheel/tire combination
• Cobra Jet graphics package

Orders/Feedback:

• Vehicle orders should be placed with the Ford Racing warehouse at 1-800-367-3786.
• Priority delivery will be given to orders of multiple vehicles.
• Priority delivery will be given to orders of multiple vehicles
• This order is a placeholder; dealers will not be billed until delivery of the vehicle to the dealer
• An “off-road only” competition release will be required prior to delivery of a Cobra Jet to the dealer
• Only 50 units are under consideration for 2008, so dealers are encouraged to submit their orders before June 30. Delivery will be prioritized based on order entry date.

The Cobra Jet Mustang (M-FR500-CJ) joins Ford Racing’s two successful road racing Mustangs, the M-FR500-C and M-FR500-S, as turn-key race cars available only from Ford Dealers. We encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to help rewrite history by ordering and campaigning this new race car.

 

Ford’s Peter Horbury: "We have a car which I think is more suitable for the times than the Challenger and the Camaro." By RICK KRANZ, AUTOMOTIVE NEWS In an environment in which a big car might be viewed as a gasoline hog, Ford Motor Co.'s intention to make the next-generation Ford Mustang look smaller may be politically correct. "We have a car which I think is more suitable for the times than the Challenger and the Camaro," said Peter Horbury, Ford Motor's North American design director. "Especially the Challenger--it is a huge car when you see it on the road." The restyled, re-engineered 2010 Mustang goes on sale early next year. The 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 went on sale this spring. Overall, the Challenger is 10.1 inches longer and 1.8 inches wider than the 2008 Mustang. The dimensions of the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro have not been released, but the Camaro concept is 1.4 inches shorter and 5.7 inches wider than the 2008 Mustang. Speaking of the 2010 Mustang, Horbury said the overall length and width are the same as those of the 2008 Mustang "By cleverness in design, we've been able to make it look like the wheels are further out, further forward and further rearward," Horbury said during an interview at a Ford event last month in New York. "The center line is the longest part" of the next Mustang, he said, "and the widest part of the car is the middle. From there on, you can tuck it in and bring the apparent size down."

 

Watch Out for Old Tires By Larry Carley c2007 . Recent news reports about old tires failing has experts asking if tires should have expiration dates the same as many other products. Why? Because old tires are failing and killing people! In a letter released September 22, 2003, a private safety group called Strategic Safety asked the National Highway Traffic & Safety Admin. (NHTSA) to investigate the problem of tire aging. The group says they have documented at least 20 accidents caused by old tires blowing out, 10 of which resulted in fatalities. Most of the lawsuits involving these tread separation accidents have been on tires that were six or more years old. The group says the NHTSA should have a new rule requiring tire manufacturers to put expiration dates on all new tires. REPLACE OLD TIRES Strategic Safety says based on their findings, motorists should replace tires that are more than ten (10) years old, including ther spare tire. (Note: In Europe, vehicle manufacturers typically recommend replacing tires that are more than six (6) years old.) The group also says tire retailers should NOT sell tires that have been in storage for more than six years since the date of manufacture. Tires deteriorate over time, even if they are not used or driven on. The tires may appear to be in like-new condition on the outside, but inside the rubber is slowly deteriorating. This may dangerously weaken the tire and increase the risk of a blowout at high speed or during hot weather. In one such incident, the owner of a 1964 Sunbeam Tiger was returning from an antique car show. The tires only had 4,000 miles on them and looked good as new on the outside, but the tires were 11 years old. On the way home, one of the tires blew out causing the car to crash. The passenger suffered permanent brain injuries as a result of the accident. This 15 year old tire was rotten and failed at 70 mph on the highway. Fortunately, the driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and did not crash. Others have not been so lucky. Another view of the same tire. You can see how rotten this tire was and how easily it just fell apart. NO TIRE EXPIRATION DATES The Rubber Manufacturers Association, to which tire manufacturers belong, has responded by saying tire expiration dates may be hard to determine because there are so many variables that affect tire aging. "It's not so simple to just slap a date on it," said Dan Zielinski, a spokesman for the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Zielinski said a discussion of expiration dates would be worthwhile, but said NHTSA should not act without collecting some solid scientific evidence. Zielinski said tire manufacturers worry that consumers wouldn't pay any attention to the an expiration warning anyway and would not replace old tires with new ones. "People might think, 'Here's the tire industry trying to get us to buy more tires by stamping a date on them,'" he said. NHTSA issued new tire performance standards in June 2003 but put off an aging test because experts couldn't agree on how to conduct such a test. NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson said the agency hopes to have a new proposal on tire aging at some point in the future. Tire makers say expiration dates would complicate their distribution systems because new tires often sit on shelves for two years or more. They also say tires vary in chemical makeup, so one expiration date would not fit all tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says additional research is needed to come up with an appropriate aging test for tires. Click photo to see larger image of date code DETERMINING TIRE DATE CODES How old are the tires on your vehicle? The date of manufacture is indicated by the last group of digits in the DOT manufacture code on the sidewall of the tire. The number is often stamped in a recessed rectangle. The DOT code tells who manufactured the tire, where it was made and when. The last group of digits in the code is the date code that tells when the tire was made. Before 2000, the date code had three digits. Since 2000, it has had four. The first two digits are the week of the year (01 = the first week of January). The third digit (for tires made before 2000) is the year (1 = 1991). For most tires made after 2000, the third and fourth digits are the year (04 = 2004). In the photo above, the date code is 8PY806. The 8PY is a manufacturing shift code, and the date the tire was actually made was 0806, which is the 8th week (08)in the year 2006 (06). The date of manufacture is essential information for car owners and tire buyers because tires deteriorate even if they are not used. European automobile manufacturers recommend replacing ANY tire that is more than six (6) years old, including the spare tire. No such recommendations have yet been made by domestic vehicle manufacturers. CHECKING TIRE WEAR Tires have wear bars (flat spots)in the tread grooves to visually indicate wear. If the tread is worn down so the wear bars are flush with the surrounding tread, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced. If you see cords showing through the rubber, the tire is unsafe to drive on and is on the verge of failure. Replace the tire without delay! The same advice goes for any tire that has bulges, deep cracks or the tread is separating from the casing. Tread wear can be measured using a penny. Place the penny with Lincoln's head upside down in a groove between the treads. If you can't see the top of Lincoln's lead, the tire is okay and still has some wear left in it. But if the top of Lincoln's head is flush with the tread, the tread depth is 2/32-inch (1.6mm) or less, indicating the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced. Some experts now say the same test should now be done with a quarter. If the top of Washington's head is flush with the tread when you place a quarter upside down in a groove, the tread depth is 4/32-inch (3.2mm). Though the tire still has some tread wear left, braking, traction and handling are significantly reduced compared to a tire with more tread on it. Because of this, many experts now recommend replacing tires when the tread depth is worn down to 4/32-inch or less. NEWS UPDATE: January 10, 2007 TEST FOR AGED TIRES GAINS TRACTION Source: SEMA eNews, Vol. 10, No. 2 Officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believe that they have developed a test for determining the durability of aged tires. It reportedly involves subjecting a tire to high temperatures (up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit) for 8-to-10 weeks in a high oxygen environment. The test was given a stamp of approval by �The Aged Tire Durability Task Group,� a 33-member task force which includes representatives for tire makers, the auto industry and safety groups. The Task Group was formed in 2002 to establish a tire durability test. The Task Group also endorsed its own, separate durability test that would run tires at about 75 miles an hour for more than 30 hours. NHTSA is required to report its tire durability test findings and recommendations to Congress by August 2007. At issue is the claim that some rubber compounds degrade over time, even if unused. NHTSA has been in the process of studying the topic but has found that it may be difficult to establish a uniform time limit that does not take into account other contributing aging factors such as climate, handling and storage. Several auto companies are backing a 6-year tire expiration date and a number of safety advocate groups are urging NHTSA to institute a regulation. While supporting tire expiration research, SEMA believes it is important that regulators and lawmakers have the best science available before making any decisions on this topic. They should also consider the associated environmental, social and economic costs if expiration dates lead to premature tire scrappage. If a regulation were proposed, SEMA would likely seek a provision that exempts limited production tires (15,000 or less annually) and other specialized tires, similar to that already included in a California law requiring replacement tires be as fuel efficient as OE tires. (The law has yet to be implemented.) Meanwhile, SEMA urges consumers to also focus on critical safety issues such as tire inflation and overloading of vehicles. In a separate but related rulemaking issued several years ago, as of September 2009 tire manufacturers will be required to print the tire's manufacture date in an easy-to-read, four-digit code on the outside of tires. The date is currently printed on one side of the tire but coded in a fashion that it is difficult to decipher by most consumers and frequently facing inside when the tire is mounted. For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org. NEWS UPDATE: May 10, 2008 20/20 RUNS SPECIAL REPORT ON DANGERS OF OLD TIRES On Friday, May 9, 2008, the ABC news show 20/20 ran a special report on the dangers of old tires. The news show used undercover reporters to purchase "new" tires from various retailers and tire stores. Some of these so-called new tires were anywhere from four to 14 years old! The report said these old tires are "ticking time bombs." As rubber ages, it increases the risk of the tread separating from the tire, causing a sudden blowout and loss of control of the vehicle. The average consumer assumes that when they buy new tires for their vehicle, they are getting new tires, not old unsold tires that may have been sitting in a warehouse for years. The date code is not obvious, and if you don't know how to read it, it is just a meaningless number on the side of the tire. The 20/20 report said that because there is no expiration date on tires, it creates a potential hazard for consumers who buy new tires but are actually getting old tires that may be too dangerous to use. The 20/20 report said some experts are now recommending an expiration date of only 6 years from the date of manufacture, whether a tire has been in use on a vehicle or has been sitting in a warehouse. Ford Launches Ford Performance Site

With the passing of the famous SVT (Special Vehicle Team) in recent times, Ford has now rekindled a fire for the performance-minded Ford Mustang fan base, as well as other Ford Racing organizations.  The newest site in the blue-blooded portfolio is FordPerformance.com, an arena dedicated to connect the fans to each other, as well as the aftermarket.  Hinged upon a friendly web portal, the interactive site is poised to bridge the experience from the legacy’s past to the present and onward into the future.  We recognize the important role that Ford loyalists play in raising consumer awareness of Ford Motor Company,” noted Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Group Several clubs and organizations, such as MCA, SVTOA, and IMBOC, are already taking part in the project.  Through the meeting via FordPerformance.com, clubs & organizations will gain a “plugged-in” knowledge of Ford and Ford Racing visions, initiatives, and spine-tingling news. “We recognize the important role that Ford loyalists play in raising consumer awareness of Ford Motor Company,” noted Jamie Allison, Manager, Ford Racing Performance Group, “and performance enthusiasts tend to be the most passionate, active and influential customers of all. This new web-based asset allows us to consolidate our communications with them under one virtual roof. It will also enhance our all-important relationships with Ford-based clubs, coordinate our contact with Ford-centered events and help showcase the exciting new performance offerings from Ford – all in one place.  In fact, just like we'd done with Bullitt, we plan to keep www.FordPerformance.com on the inside track for information supporting the launch of the next-generation Mustang.”  Other key features about the new site are:  Regular feature stories about Ford-based clubs, members, events and products Ford-oriented enthusiast club and membership info, with links to club sites A Ford performance vehicles “heritage” archives section Ford Performance Info Center contact and merchandise information Portal to Ford Racing, Performance Parts and Ford Vehicles web sites Exclusive Ford performance vehicle “deep-dive” info and photos Sounds good, right?  Then it's time to take a closer look at all of the features and offerings avilable on the Ford Performance website.

AMERICA’S FAVORITE MUSCLE CAR HITS 9 MILLION MARK; SPECIAL MUSTANG MAKES ITS HOME IN IOWA

AMERICA’S FAVORITE MUSCLE CAR HITS 9 MILLION MARK; SPECIAL MUSTANG MAKES ITS HOME IN IOWA

STORY CITY, Iowa, May 6, 2008 – Iowa farmer Thomas Krumm went to his local Ford dealer to order a Mustang GT convertible and unwittingly ordered a piece of history – his Mustang is the 9 millionth built by Ford Motor Company.

He discovers that today when he picks up his milestone Mustang at Gookin Ford in Story City, Iowa.  

Krumm, a farmer from rural Story City, became interested in Mustangs through his daughter, Rachael, a Mustang enthusiast who saved enough money to buy her first Mustang at age 17.

"Having been a Mustang fanatic my entire life, I couldn't be more excited that my dad is receiving the 9 millionth Mustang," said Rachael Krumm, who also is a member of the Iowa National Guard.  "I am thrilled that I get to see his Mustang GT and its cool new features before I leave for Iraq."

Mustang is Ford Motor Company's longest-running nameplate.  It was introduced on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair.

 "Mustang is an icon, and the 9 millionth Mustang is a milestone we're very proud of," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager. 

"So many people have contributed to Mustang's proud 44-year heritage possible – from incredible Mustangs owners and enthusiasts to our partners at AAI where Mustangs are built to Ford's Product Development and Ford Division teams," he said.

About the Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is one of the most widely recognized vehicles in the world.  Today, one of every two sports cars sold in America is a Mustang. 

Mustang sales hit an astounding 419,000 in its first 12 months on the market, and topped the 1 million mark in its first two years, shattering the sales records of any single model in the history of the automobile. 

Today, Mustang leads the nearly $1 billion aftermarket parts and accessories industry as the most personalized vehicle of all time, and has been recognized by SEMA as the most accessory-friendly new vehicle.

Coming this summer are two special Mustangs – one with a glass roof option and another with an upgraded "Warriors in Pink" package, whose sales help support breast cancer research.

# # #

10 Best Restomod Ideas for Mustangs

Vintage Mustangs Restored to Original Condition will Always Have Their Place. But for Street-Driven Early Ponies, These Ideas will Greatly Enhance the Driving Experience.

By Miles Cook (Mustang Monthly)

It's evident that many of our readers have fully restored vintage Mustangs that have made the rounds on the judged show-and-shine circuit. That's all well and good, and we don't want it to change for a number of reasons, two of which are the preservation of Mustang history and retention of the core readership of this magazine.

This '69 fastback has several of our favorite restomod tricks: a T5five-speed, 16-inch wheels with 50-series radial tires, a PerTronixignition, and basic, but sound, suspension upgrades. With a littledetail work, it'll be an ideal and fun daily driven street car.

But what if you own such a car and want to do something different with it, like take it on a road trip or hit a string of weekend summer cruise nights? If you're thinking what we are, you're thinking about the best restomod ideas to turn your car into a more enjoyable driver. Most of what's presented here is well known. Enthusiasts have been installing better brakes, wheels, tires, transmissions, and lots of other bits since Hot Rod magazine began back in 1948. But, as applied to a classic Mustang, a review is in order for veterans and those who are relatively new to the Mustang hobby.

Many Mustangs are ideal candidates for modern upgrades, such as overdrive transmissions and safer disc brakes, the two most significant upgrades on the list. Of course, we don't advocate taking, for example, an all-original Boss 429 or a '67 K-code convertible and restomodding it to the max. But why not make improvements to a more pedestrian coupe, fastback, or convertible you'd like to drive to work more than once a month? Or even one that's been extensively restored? After showing a restored car on the judged show circuit for many years, what would be the harm in swapping in an AOD or a T5 trans and adding a set of front disc brakes so you can enjoy the car on the open road? We think, absolutely nothing.

In the final analysis, it's up to you. These ideas are presented to get your mind churning in case you want to take your car off the trailer and show field and put it on the road. We've tried to think of ideas that can be reversed easily or are nearly invisible on the outside, such as an overdrive trans. We don't think you should hot-rod a rare show car just for fun. But why not install a set of 16-inch Vintage 45 wheels and modern radial tires on your show-quality Boss 302 when you can go back to the original Magnum 500s and repop bias-ply tires in a matter of minutes? If you can change it back again, all the better.

In fact, the first five upgrades we mention are essentially invisible to the show judge's eye. A judge will never know you have an AOD trans, a PerTronix ignition, and a set of 3.50 gears in your '65 GT convertible unless he looks under the car or removes the distributor cap. Since this doesn't usually happen, you'd have the ideal dual-purpose car. We don't think you should trick show judges, but if the update is invisible and the car is more enjoyable to drive, there's certainly nothing wrong with that.

9,000,000th Mustang Rolls Off The Line Story by Sam Haymart On a quiet day in Flat Rock on the eve of Mustang's 44th birthday, a new car is born.

04-22-08: According to sources, Ford has built the 9,000,000th Mustang. A 2008 model, the car rolled off the assembly line on Wednesday, April 16th in Flat Rock, Michigan. The milestone Mustang is said to be headed to a dealership out in America’s Heartland. No information was available at post time about the car itself, which model it was or which color. Mustang has enjoyed many of these high points in its history. In 1964 it's unlikely that anyone knew that we would be here 44 years later with the Mustang still galloping through our lives. Few nameplates have survived as long as Mustang. Those which have been with us as long can be counted on one hand. Throughout its storied history, the Mustang has had both its high water marks and its lower points. 1966 saw the first million Mustang’s built. The coming years brought larger more powerful Mustangs including the BOSS 302 and 429, Mach 1, and Shelbys. It all ended in 1974 when the Mustang II was introduced in the era of the first gas crunch. While car enthusiast’s gave the Pinto based Mustang a solid thumbs down, the car buying public made it a phenomenal sales success. The Fox bodied Mustang brought back the life in 1979. Shortly thereafter the 5.0 V8 was back in action and performance once again ruled the showrooms. But all was not well. In the late 1980’s Ford was seriously considering letting Mustang die. Sales were down and efforts to replace the Mustang with a front wheel drive car based on a Mazda were roundly squashed by enthusiasts. Forces within Ford including John Coletti helped bring about the new SN-95 Mustang in 1994 which started a new era for Mustang. Of course recent history is much easier to contemplate as our memories are still with us. Though the 1990's were not long ago, it seems like eons when we look at the new 2008 Shelby GT-500 with 500 horsepower sitting before us. Who would a thunk it? Mustang has come a long way. That would be 9,000,000 cars away from the day Lee Iacocca dawned his darling. Congratulations Ford for sticking with the pony car through thick and thin!

Well known Dearborn landmark coming down...

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To all those who own a Cougar with a plant code of "F" you might want to tell your car that its mother just died!!  Thats right, the old Dearborn Assembly that had seen many different vehicles roll off its line, everything from Eagle boats from WW 1, Fordson tractors, Model A, Ford "shoebox", Thunderbird, Mustang (for 40 years), and last but not least our beloved Cougars, is in the process of demolition that started in the middle of March. I am fortunate enough to have a front row seat of the sadness and have taken some pictures of the catastrophe.

PS: Anyone ever go through or used to work there that would like to add to this epitaph feel free to share some memories.

Return of the 5.0 Ford Mustang 

The rumor mill seems to have picked up a little wind to keep churning intel regarding the next Ford Mustang and its potential powerplant. Facing contenders, the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger, Ford has to do something progressive to keep the fire burning inside every Mustang fan. Stuff.co.nz recently conducted an interview with Bill Osborne, President of Ford Australia, and sniffed out some details regarding Ford's initiatives for putting the 5.0L V8 (from the Aussie Ford Falcon) into the next S197 Ford Mustang.

Nothing solid has come from this interview from the Motor City, but with Ford's promises of bringing more rear-wheel drive tech from the land down-under to the states, we have to believe this could be a promising endeavor. After all, what better way to attract one of the strongest Ford Mustang followings, the 5.0 Fox Mustang crowd, toward the newest generation of Ford Mustang? This might just be the golden ticket, straight from the chocolate factory.

If the 5-oh reaches the 2010 Ford Mustang, there are many choices Ford will have to make. Will they drop the motor straight in from the Falcon? Will they utilize a cammer concept or perhaps something from the Saleen Parnelli Jones Limited Edition Mustang? Best yet, will the 5.0 reach every GT or will it be limited to a new Mach 1 or even..gasp..a new-generation Boss?

CALL OUT THE BUCKET BRIGADE, MCQUEEN FANS: MUSTANG INFERNO™ LIGHTS THE STREET AFIRE IN 2009:

2009 Mustang Inferno

• Advanced horses: Featuring the latest in Ford Racing Technology, The Inferno's Towering powerplant is a supercharged 5.4 liter Diesel V8, producing 550 horsepower and 500 foot-pounds force of torque.
• Priority mission specific custom design accessories available in extruded aluminum and stainless steel
• Rated for Safety: All trays, shelves, and tool boards certified to ratings
• Inspired by the Academy Award Film: "Chief O'Hallorhan Red" paint calls back the original movie safety vehicles. Ford sound engineers deliver an alarm note that matches the fire trucks of the film.
• Latest technologies using advanced multiplexed electrical network
• Featuring Microsoft's "Dispatch Sync" technologies, to support everything from your RED(PRODUCT) iPod to your Motorola MOTOMESH(tm) XTS® 5000 Digital Portable Radio.
• Optional bolted in accessories for future growth
• Optimum Safety-tuned Suspension: Modified chassis and suspension improves an already competent and capable chassis to deliver the most balanced fire fighting vehicle ever.
• Legacy of Mustang magic: Inferno is the latest in a line of special editions that the Mustang platform hot. Plus, it delivers on the Mustang tradition of unique products that fit customers’ individual preferences: a steed for every need and one for every "hose head."
• Supreme Value: Inferno carries on the Mustang tradition of affordable performance with a $59,075 Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). A limited production run of 9,911 units is planned (for 2009.) To ensure collectibility, future runs are planned of no more that 770,700 units will be produced each year, through 2012.


SAN FRANCISCO , Apr. 1 – Three decades after hitting the big screen and redefining the heroism of firefighters everywhere, the Ford Mustang Inferno returns to the streets in 2009, blending the best Mustang ever, the latest in Ford Racing technology, and the most advance public safety platform on the market.

This modern classic delivers a balance of power and performance, thanks to special chassis, safety, and suspension tweaks as well as the 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque that Inferno delivers through its 5.4 liter Diesel V8 engine.

“The 2009 Mustang Inferno embodies the true spirit of the 1974 movie vehicles,” said Doug Roberts, group vice president, Global Safety Product. “Like the original Fire Trucks in the Towering Inferno, this car dials the driving dynamics up a notch for Mustang enthusiasts who love the performance, handling, safety, and the sweet sound of emeregency sirens that only Mustang Inferno can deliver. The Inferno continues Ford's rich tradition with the McQueen mystique. It started with the BULLITT in '01 and '08, and continues with the Inferno in '09. We also hope to bring addition McQueen-themed vehicles to market in the coming years: the Junior Bonner Taurus X Rider Edition, the Tom Horn F150, and the Great Escape Escape."

The 2009 Inferno arrives in dealers early next year, with a starting MSRP of $59,075 (including destination and delivery) and limited production of 9,911 units for the U.S. No Canadian units will be shipped until the Maple Leafs make the playoffs; Canadian versions of the Inferno will have very limited availability.

The launch of the limited edition 2009 Mustang Inferno coincides with the 35th anniversary of the release of the Warner Bros/20th Century Fox film that inspired the car's name. In the movie, legendary actor Steve McQueen commands a "Blazer Red" 1974 American LaFrance that gained cult status among Fire Fighting enthusiasts, thanks to a 1-minute scene that film and car buffs believe defined the modern Fire Vehicle "Lights and Sirens" arrival for all time.

The 2009 Mustang Inferno will be built at AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Mich. It goes on sale late this year. Press materials and visuals of the new 2009 Mustang Bullitt will be available soon at Media.Ford.com:.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn , Mich. , had absolutely nothing to do with this press release, as it was a pathetic attempt at 04/01 humor. Neither did Microsoft, Motorola, or Warner Bros., 20th Centrury Fox, or the Estate of Steve McQueen. Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln , Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit Ford Vehicles: Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. I like cheese.

 

FORD AND SHELBY TO BUILD 2009 SHELBY GT500KR MUSTANGS TO MEET WORLDWIDE DEMAND

DEARBORN, Mich., March 20, 2008 - To compliment the 1,000 2008 40^th anniversary Edition Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustangs, Ford and Shelby Automobiles announce that an additional 746 units will be built for the 2009 model year to help meet worldwide demand of the supercar. Of that total, 571 units will be available for U.S. customers thus equaling the 1,571-unit production run of the original Shelby GT500KR. The remainder of the units will be for countries that did not receive 2008 models.

“The response to this car has been overwhelming, so I’m glad we can share it with more Mustang enthusiasts,” said Carroll Shelby. “This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we can deliver a Mustang that will compete with the best in the world.”

Like the 40^th anniversary limited edition, the 2009 Shelby GT500KR will feature a 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning.  Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and unique striping.

The unique 40th anniversary badging will only be featured on the 2008 special edition.
 
The Shelby GT500KR or “King of the Road” Mustang is the fourth limited-edition Mustang that Shelby Automobiles and Ford have brought to market since resuming their collaboration in 2001. It builds on the performance and success of the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500 – the most powerful production Mustang ever.

“If you drive a Shelby Mustang, you are part of something special: a 40-year history of legendary racing and street cars,” says Robert Parker, Ford Division Car marketing manager. “That’s what is driving interest in the GT500KR among enthusiasts around the world.”