Ford Teams up with University on Vehicle Communications

Posted on November 7, 2012 by randall
Ford Researches Vehicle to Vehicle Communication

Ford Holds College Competition as Part of Research into Vehicle to Vehicle Communication

Ford is at it, again! They’re looking for innovative new ideas and asking those who are usually on the side of learning to help teach them about what people want in the future from their vehicles and communication.

Ford and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) are offering undergraduate college students a chance to contribute to the future of Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications.

Stop and think about this. Students have the opportunity to innovate for safety and sustainability using vehicle communications technology that allows vehicles to talk to each other… wirelessly. Can you imagine that?

“The competition encourages the development of new mobile applications on the connected vehicle platform that we hope will generate creative thinking about how to grow the potential for V2V technologies in the future,” according to Paul Mascarenas, the chief technology officer at Ford and vice president of research and innovation for the automaker. “This research is pivotal to the delivery of the next generation of Ford driver assistance technologies and will globally benefit Ford customers, other road users and the environment.”

Ford is seeking to develop new applications and features that will allow their future customers to drive more safely and have better information to reduce their travel times and fuel consumption.

“While connected technology has been fundamentally aimed at safety, it presents a platform for many other applications from mobility to the environment; from emissions and energy efficiency to the economy,” said Peter Sweatman, director UMTRI. “We are confident that the greatest innovation will come from students who have essentially grown up using technology. They see connected technology and automatically think how it can be used to make the greatest impact. This is a chance for them to be part of the future of transportation.”

Real World
According to Ford, this competition is running concurrently with Safety Pilot Model Deployment, a $25-million pilot that establishes a real world test site in Ann Arbor, Mich. to study wireless communications among vehicles and roadside equipment for use in developing future safety measures and technologies. Nearly 3,000 vehicles are to participate in the test, which will evaluate this technology in real-world conditions. Ford has fully equipped eight Taurus SHO vehicles with integrated V2V and data acquisition systems for the year-long test. Automotive supplier Denso is also providing support for the competition.

The Challenge
Multidisciplinary teams of students are challenged to advance dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) through the development of new and innovative applications that benefit road users in the areas of safety, mobility and sustainability. The teams are not limited to personal cars or trucks. Rather, they are encouraged to include the full spectrum of road users including commercial vehicles, transit buses, motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Backgrounds in electrical, mechanical and computer engineering are important, but interdisciplinary teams will be required to develop holistic applications.

The teams are going to be given access to UMTRI’s V2V lab during the project, as well as a UMTRI and Industry research mentors. Two two-way DSRC devices, including antennas and cabling, are to be supplied to each team, as well as protocol and installation documentation for the devices. Teams will be given appropriate access to one or more vehicles on which devices can be installed and a stipend of up to $2,500 to offset additional costs.

Idea submissions are due December 1. Ford will participate in the judging for the competition, with the award announcements in late April.

The winning team earns $5,000, while second place receives $2,500 and third place gets $1,250. At least one award will recognize modes other than passenger vehicles.

I cannot wait to see what comes from this competition and what lies down the road for the future of Ford and car communication!

Source: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=37341

 

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Ford Racing Mustang Cobra Jet concept revealed at SEMA

Posted on November 1, 2012 by randall

Ford Racing Reveal Ford Cobra Jet Concept at SEMA

Wow! Just take a look at this car. Ford revealed the Ford Racing Mustang Cobra Jet concept this past Tuesday at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

In the ongoing race to stay in front of the competition, Ford is upping their game. For the first time ever, Ford Racing has equipped its factory-built turn-key drag racer with a turbo-charged engine. It is adopted from the same award-winning technology found in Ford’s popular EcoBoost engines.
Check it out…

Read the full story from Ford: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=37294

 

 

Posted in Dallas Ford, Ford, Ford History, Ford Racing, Ford Technology, Ford Turbo, Houston Ford, mustang cobra, Parts and Accessories, SEMA | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Return of Iconic Ford ’40s Hot Rod

Posted on October 29, 2012 by randall
1940 Ford Coupe Hot Rod Body

1940 Ford Coupe Hot Rod Body

This is too cool. News from Ford: One of the most cherished and collected classic cars of the pre-World War II and hot rod era – the iconic 1940 Ford Coupe – is the latest addition to Ford Motor Company’s growing stable of officially licensed all-steel reproduction car bodies.

That’s right! It is now available to order. Like the ’65-’70 Mustang bodies now available, the 1940 Ford Coupe body is made of modern, high-strength steel and is assembled using modern welding techniques. It comes rustproofed from the factory, and it is ready to be assembled as a custom hot rod or you can build it as a faithful tribute to the original model.

At the upcoming Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ford will be displaying a custom 1940 Ford hot rod built using a reproduction body and a new bare body shell to demonstrate the high-quality of construction.

Price Tag?

You can get one starting at $11,900 (plus shipping). The full body shell as well as individual steel panels are available through Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts, http://www.dennis-carpenter.com.

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Ford’s Final Random Acts of Fusion, American Idol Contest

Posted on October 18, 2012 by randall
Final Random Acts of Fusion

Ford’s Final “Random Acts of Fusion” take place around the country on Nov. 15th for Go Further with Ford Night.

You can be part of Ford’s final Random Act of Fusion. Ford has announced that dealerships across the country are banding together for a spectacular, one-night-only fundraising event.  It’s called Go Further with Ford Night and takes place on Thursday, Nov. 15. The event will benefit local communities and engage consumers in a unique American Idol® experience.  Those in attendance will get a  personal introduction to the all-new Ford Fusion.

“Go Further with Ford Night” is the fun finale to Ford’s Random Acts of Fusion, a unique series hosted by Ryan Seacrest.

“Random Acts of Fusion has captured America’s imagination,” said Lew Echlin, Fusion Marketing manager. “Go Further with Ford Night is our way of pairing that imagination with reality by offering consumers the chance to give back to their local communities, have a lot of fun, enjoy the final random act – which will test their judging skills to win a unique VIP American Idol experience – and meet the all-new Ford Fusion in person.”

Ford Cares

When each person visits a participating Ford dealership on Nov. 15, dealers will donate $10 – up to a total of $500 – to a local charity.

While at the dealership, consumers will also have the chance to compete to win a special VIP experience with American Idol. A computer with a webcam will be set up in the dealership to allow consumers to view a special message from Seacrest and test their judging skills on camera, in true American Idol style. American Idol premieres in January 2013 on FOX.

Those entries are going to then be sent to Ford’s program headquarters where a experts will evaluate and select one winner to receive an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Hollywood and a unique VIP experience with American Idol.

Consumers who are 18 years and older that are interested in participating in Go Further with Ford Night may preregister for the event at www.RandomActsofFusion.com and be entered for a chance to win tickets to a live taping of American Idol. Additionally, registrants at dealerships on Nov. 15 will be entered into a prize drawing to win an all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. No purchase is necessary and other restrictions apply. See full official rules online for details.

New 2013 Ford Fusion
Have you seen the new Fusion?  It’s sleek new design brings the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford to life.

In addition to its fresh new look, the Fusion offers the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost® four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions. It also includes innovative technology, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, MyFord Touch® and much more!

 

Posted in American Idol, Dallas Ford, ford fusion, Ford Technology, Houston Ford, hybrid car, hybrid ford, In the Community, MyKey, Reed Factor, SYNC, Talent Search | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Motor Trend Sings Praises of 2013 Ford Explorer

Posted on October 12, 2012 by randall

2013 Ford Explorer available at Prestige Ford in Garland – serving the greater Dallas area.

Motor Trend is singing the praises of the 2013 Ford Explorer for a myriad of updates conducted by Ford.

The magazine list a number of items they feel Ford has improved upon that, in their opinion, has improved it’s noise factor, ride, handling and technology — including the MyFord Touch.

Motor Trend reviewed 2013 Explorer LTZ, and in just two model years, they say Ford has done a surprising amount of work.  In the years prior, they shared criticism for the handling. However, this year they state in their article: “…the power assist feels more natural and the added weight feels purposeful.”

They also praise the body control, saying that it is greatly improved and “it leans on its suspension without drama.” They also compliment the ContiSportContact tires that “hold the road surprisingly well…. For as big and heavy as it feels going around a turn, the 2013 Explorer Sport hangs on better than you’d think.”

And the thanks goes to? According to Motor Trend, it is in part to its retuned all-wheel-drive system. While there’s no sport setting on the Terrain Management control, Ford says all the standard settings have been reprogrammed in an effort to sport-up its handling. The system can now send up to 50 percent of engine power to the rear wheels by locking all the differentials, up from about 35 to 40 percent on standard Explorers.

Then there is Ford’s Curve Control. Motor Trend says the technology brakes the inside wheel to help pull you around a corner. “I’ve felt Curve Control intervene before on the new Escape, but it was never noticeable on the Explorer Sport.”

Overall, the magazine reports the ride quality has improved. “Most bumps are soaked up with a soft thump that is audible and felt in the chassis.”

Read the full story from the source: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1210_2013_ford_explorer_sport_first_drive/viewall.html

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Ford Warriors in Pink T-shirt Inspired by James Denton Revealed

Posted on October 5, 2012 by randall

Chances are you have seen the Ford Warriors in Pink, the Ford program working to raise awareness and fund raise in the fight against breast cancer. Now they have created a new limited-supply t-shirt that is inspired by James Denton, a film and TV actor who is also a supporter of the fight against breast cancers.

For every t-shirt sold, 100 percent of net proceeds will go directly to the Pink Fund.  Newly added as a charity partner to Ford Warriors in Pink, the Pink Fund is an organization that provides short-term financial aid to people during active treatment – giving them time to fight, heal and get back on their feet.

“The last thing someone with breast cancer needs to worry about is how they are going to pay their bills,” says Denton. “With the muscle of Ford Warriors in Pink behind the Pink Fund, we think we can really accomplish something for people.”

The shirt inspired by Denton showcases symbols of a warrior and illustrates the fight that it takes to battle the disease. You can find it now at fordcares.com.

The t-shirt, along with the latest collection of Ford Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories, is created for women, men and children, featuring symbols of hope and  strength in the fight against breast cancer. “Warriors in Pink is all about the courage and strength it takes to fight this disease,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Primary Brand Experiential Marketing manager. “We are thrilled to be working with James Denton and the Pink Fund, as this partnership is just one more way for us to raise awareness and continue the fight.”

The Ford commitment runs well beyond raising funds. The company is dedicated to making a difference 365 days a year by encouraging women to become informed and visit their doctors, educating them that early detection saves lives. 2012 marks Ford Motor Company’s 18th year of support, having dedicated more than $115 million to the cause to date.

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Ford Fusion’s 47 Challenges, 47 Days, 47 MPG

Posted on September 18, 2012 by randall

Ford Fusion Ad Campaign with Ryan Seacrest Ryan Seacrest Fusion

A new chapter of Ford’s Random Acts of Fusion opens as the number 47 takes center stage in Times Square. Introduced by TV and radio host and producer Ryan Seacrest, the latest chapter, “47 Challenges, 47 Days,” is inspired by the 47 mpg fuel economy rating achieved by the 2013 Fusion Hybrid.

The challenges all involve the number 47, and fun and simple photos that participants can take and upload. Each day, a new challenge is unveiled on www.RandomActsofFusion.com. Three winners will be chosen throughout the challenge.

This addition offers new, interactive content to the program and will give consumers multiple chances to win an all-new Ford Fusion. Check it out here!

 

 

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Survey Says! Americans Go Slower and Choose Green Goods Like New Ford Fusion EcoBoost

Posted on September 13, 2012 by randall

A recent survey shows 82 percent of Americans are paying more upfront for green products that save money over the long term. In addition, many drivers reported driving  slower and taking other steps to conserve fuel along the ways. This is all per a Ford-commissioned survey by leading market research firm Penn Schoen Berlandalso.

It found consumers are shopping for energy-efficient washers and dryers, solar panels, and vehicles like the fuel-efficient 2013 Ford Fusion. In addition,  many American drivers are slowing down, coasting more to stops, and in some cases even slipstreaming behind larger vehicles to save gasoline.

One greener good that drivers are shopping include the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. It offers hybrid-based Auto Start-Stop technology that shuts off the engine at stops to reduce fuel consumption in stop-and-go driving conditions.

If 50,000 customers add the $295 Auto Start-Stop Fusion option, they could help save more than a whopping 14 million pounds of CO2 emissions and nearly 1 million gallons of gasoline annually.

The all-new Fusion is the first vehicle ever to offer the power of choice with fuel-efficient EcoBoost®, EcoBoost with Auto Start-Stop, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

 

 

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Laguna Seca: Motor Trend’s 2012 Best Driver’s Car Contender

Posted on September 10, 2012 by randall

The Laguna Seca was one of contenders lined up and honored to be part of Motor Trend’s 2012 Best Driver’s Car competition. Pro driver Randy Pobst hot laps the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 around Mazda Raceway. The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is one of nine contenders competing for the title of 2012 Best Driver’s Car. Check out this car that has automotive enthusiast everywhere talking.

Our favorite quote from Pobst: “Some horsepower right there, people. We are liking that!”

Check out Motor Trend to see who takes top honors, and why the hosts of the entire program share why they would love to own any of the nine competitors.

Posted in 2012 Best Driver's Car, Dallas Ford, Ford Shelby GT500, Laguna Seca, Motor Trend | Leave a comment

MLB Advanced Media At Bat app Hits the Road with Ford SYNC® AppLink

Posted on September 5, 2012 by randall
  • Baseball fans, listen up! This just in from Ford and just in time to follow pennant races and playoffs, you can now access the award-winning MLB.com At Bat app for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad using simple voice commands with Ford SYNC® AppLink™.

“The combination of Ford’s award-winning connectivity system SYNC AppLink and MLB.com At Bat will give baseball fans an unprecedented opportunity to keep track of their favorite and rival teams while on-the-go,” said Julius Marchwicki, SYNC AppLink product manager. “MLB Advanced Media has been a leader in providing sports fans with everywhere access to live games and SYNC AppLink compatibility now extends that to the car.”

With Ford SYNC AppLink, Ford drivers can control a range of select entertainment and information apps running on their smartphones and tablets using  voice commands while keeping their hands on the steering wheel and eyes on the road ahead.

Some simple voice commands include:

  • {Team Name} – Simply say a team name to easily go to your favorite team’s game details or audio feed
  • List Games – Will read out all of the latest scores or details for the entire league
  • Teams – Allows drivers to select games or news from any of the 30 clubs
  • Next Feed/Previous Feed – Let’s drivers choose home or away live radio broadcast streams
  • Play/Pause – pause the game so as not to miss any of the action

To download the MLB.com At Bat app, fans can g to their iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad and subscribe to At Bat 12 for a one-time seasonal fee of $9.99 or a $2.99 per month fee with monthly recurring billing. SYNC AppLink is available on a range of 2012 and 2013 model Ford vehicles including Fiesta, Fusion, F-150, Super Duty, E-Series, Mustang and Expedition.

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