Auto Zone 2012: Ford

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Ford May Make Electric Cars in China: Mulally

Ford Motor Co. (F) may make electric cars with its partner in China as the auto industry moves toward producing more fuel-efficient vehicles, Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally said.
“Our plan is to make the vehicles people want and value, in China and around the world,” Mulally, 66, said in a Bloomberg Television interview on Sept. 24 in Chongqing, China. “As we move to more electrification you’re going to see more hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric.”

Mulally, who was in China to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of an engine transmission plant at its venture with Changan Automobile Group, didn’t provide a schedule for building electric cars. Rivals Daimler AG (DAI) and General Motors Co. (GM) have announced plans to add alternative-energy vehicles in China as the country, the world’s largest polluter, seeks to reduce emissions. The government aims to have 1 million electric- powered vehicles on the road by 2015, according to the Ministry of Science.

GM on Sept. 20 signed an agreement to develop electric cars in China with its partner SAIC Motor Corp. GM, which plans to introduce the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt in China in the fourth quarter, will not give SAIC or the Chinese government intellectual property for the Volt as part of the agreement, GM Vice Chairman Steve Girsky said.

Ford Transit Connect

2011, Ford, Ford Transit, Ford Transit Connect, New Car 1:19 AM

Ford Transit Connect is a compact van panel is designed and Ford Europe design Peter Horbury, introduced in 2002 to replace older Ford Escort and Fiesta based Courier van range, which ceased production in the same year.

Ford Tourneo Connect, recreational vehicle, a Transit Connect with side windows and rear seats. All North American Transit Connect destined for the United States are imported as a car to get around 25% of the "chicken tax" on imported trucks light .

Transit Connect uses front-wheel drive Ford C170 platform of the original Ford Focus-International same platform with used Ford Focus North America 2012 model. Besides the name, it shares some components with the Transit. Connection is made by Otosan in all new plant in Gölcük near Kocaeli, Turkey, and in September 2009 in the Romanian Automobile Craiova.

Ford Transit Connect was awarded "Van of the Year 2004" Professional Van and Light Truck Magazine. In his first year in North America, Transit Connect was awarded "North American Truck of the Year 2010" at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

Since mid-2009, Transit Connect has been imported into the United States and Canada. It was first shown in the U.S. in 2008 and 2010 Chicago Auto Show the production model was presented at the exhibition next year on February 11, 2009. The introduction of the North American version has coincided with a mid-cycle facelift which includes a restyled front grille, deeper front bumper and a new dashboard with the image of the device and the instrument pod on the C307 Focus.

Initially, only the long-wheelbase version of the van, equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine and 4-speed automatic transmission was offered in North America and in other places, 1.8L diesel engine and 5 speed manual transmission was only available transmission. An electric version is to follow in about a year after launch, Azure Dynamics Corporation is converted at the facility in the U.S..

To create interest and awareness in North America, the Transit Connect as a specially equipped "mobile showrooms" were delivered to the industrial parks and other appropriate locations in 13 U.S. urban areas in May 2009 to offer a 3000 test drives for small business owners.

Starting in 2011, Ford will offer the Transit Connect XLT Premium Wagon in the U.S. and Canada, more stylish and personal version of a utilitarian wagon. It will include a room for five, the rear windows that are open for ventalation, BLIS blind spot awareness, rearview camera, large alloy wheels, body-color grille, and front fog lights. Universal Transit Connect will be the first Ford vehicle with a 2007 cease Freestar, but it is closer in size to a standard length Ford Aerostar for sale from 1986 to 1997.

Conversion to cargo van

To circumvent the 25% tariff on imported trucks light, Ford transit connect all imports as cars with rear windows, rear seats and rear seat belts. Vehicles exported from Turkey to cargo ships owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics, arriving in Baltimore, and turn to commercial vehicles WWL Vehicle Services Americas LLC object: .. rear windows replaced with metal panels and the rear seats removed (except for cars) removed parts, and then reworked exploits a loophole in the process of determining the customs cargo van. As the load does not require seat belts or the rear window, the availability of these items exempt from the commercial vehicle status of the vehicle. The conversion process costs hundreds of dollars a Ford van, but it saves having to pay thousands for a chicken tax. Partly because of this, only with a long wheelbase, high roof configuration is exported to North America. In most places, high-roof Transit Connect, Ford, like most vans Econoline, can not access the multi-storey parking lot because of his height (6'-6 ").

Taxi

Transit Connect was one of three finalists (along Karsan V-1 and winner of the Nissan NV200) for a taxi in New York tomorrow. Winning model was unveiled in early May 2011 and will be awarded a 10-year contract to exclusively serve the city.

Transit Connect Electric
In 2009 Chicago Auto Show, Ford has confirmed the development of battery-powered version of the Transit Connect. Later in the Geneva Auto Show that same year, Ford showed a prototype electric version of the Ford Tourneo Connect passenger van, which is closely related to the Ford Transit Connect. Ford initially announced Smith Electric Vehicles will install electric powertrain and lithium-ion batteries in vehicles, but they later collaborated with Azure Dynamics Corporation instead, Johnson Controls-Saft as a supplier of batteries.

Production
Ford Transit Connect has an electric all-electric range of up to 80 miles (130 km). Production began in December 2010 and will reach full capacity in April 2011 to 600 to 700 units per year. Transit Connect is manufactured using electrical vehicles glider (a vehicle produced no transmission) in the Transit Connect assembly plant in Kocaeli, and then sent to the Azure Dynamics U.S. upfitter, AM General in Livonia, Mich., where the group Drive ™ electric drive and other components are added to the vehicle. Azure Dynamics has partnered with Johnson Controls-Saft to produce lithium-ion batteries used in the Ford Transit Connect Electric.

Sales and prices
The first units were delivered to several companies in the U.S. and Canada in December 2010, including AT & T, Canada Post, the New York Power Authority and Southern California Edison. Transit Connect Electric costs U.S. $ 57 400, which is more than twice the price of gas-powered version, even after the federal and any state or local incentives for electric vehicles is discounted.

The test fleet of 14 will be exported to the UK for Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator program of the Government.

Ford Transit Connect X-Press
Ford Transit Connect X-press is much faster version of the Ford Transit Connect. It was created by a group of engineers using the Ford 212BHP engine from the Ford Focus, RS, as shown on Fifth Gear.

2011 Ford Transit Connect
2011 Transit Connect Wagon is a 4-door, 5-passenger full size van, available in two trims, XLT and ... read more XLT Premium.

After the introduction, both trims are equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 136-horsepower engine that achieves 21 miles per gallon city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway. 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2011 Transit Connect Wagon is rolling in 2010.

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

Ford, Frankfurt Auto Show, road bicycles 9:32 AM

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

If you are in Frankfurt are bathed in an atmosphere of all these concepts and supercars, and you happen to see a futuristic look at the bike showroom, not to be confused, because the bike is actually a part of Frankfurt as part of Ford.

Bike called E-Bike and is presented as a concept electric bike, which may well be the future of bikes, as we know it. Apparently, the bikes will be equipped with engines of its own. Go figure.

In any case, Ford E-Bike comes with aluminum and carbon frame that weighs only 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds). This frame comes with a giant 110mm SLR Carbon stem and Selle Italia SLR XC saddle. It also has Shimano Alfine 11 speed internal hub transmission, 2012 Shimano Rapidfire shift, and where the old bike chain before, E-Bike now has a drive belt system Carbon.

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

We never thought that we associate a "bicycle" with the word "power", but incredibly, E-Bike concept is powered by a front wheel hub motor that produces 350 watts output with a maximum speed of 25 km / h (15.5 miles / h ) to electrical energy. The electric motor is connected 340Wh, 36V, 9.3Ah lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of up to 85 km (53 miles), and the batteries can be re-charged to 85% capacity in just two hours, and 100% within three to four hours.

Ford gave no indication of whether this concept bike will be given the go signal for the production. Given all the technology present in the general setting the bike, we venture to suggest that we do not see a production version soon.

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept and iPhone

2011 Ford E-Bike Concept

Ford Fiesta ST Concept com 180 cv

Ford 9:33 AM

A Ford apresentou no Salão Automóvel de Frankfurt o conceito do da versão esportiva do Fiesta.

O Ford Fiesta ST Concept vem equipado com um motor EcoBoost de 1,6 litros, a gasolina, com 180 cv que o leva de 0 a 100 km/h em apenas 7 segundos chegando a velocidade máxima de 220 km/h.

Fotos AutoBlog

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Ford, Ford Mustang 8:49 AM

The Shelby Mustang SVT Cobra was a pony car built by Ford Motor Company and Shelby Special Vehicle Team It is a high performance version of the Mustang built by Ford, sitting in the model range above the Mustang GT model. On three occasions, Ford also produced a higher-performance Cobra R variant.

The 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was launched during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show. It was the premier vehicle of Ford's newly established SVT division, designed to showcase SVT's four hallmarks of Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. The exterior of the 1993 SVT Cobra does not represent a radical departure from the year's GT model: However, there are subtle differences, as explained below.

The true redesign and upgrade occurred beneath the bodywork: The powertrain was driven by a 302 CID V8 (5.0L) motor, producing 235 hp (175 kW) and 280 ft·lbs (380 N·m) of torque. According to Road & Track, this could send a Cobra through the 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds at a trap speed of 98 mph (158 km/h). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 5.9 seconds. The drivetrain received an upgraded transmission, rear disc brakes, and for the first time on a factory Mustang, 17" unidirectional wheels. The suspension was not neglected, either: Cobra models received a softer, more compliant ride compared to the GT model. This was accomplished with model-specific springs and sway bars.

The 1993 SVT Cobra's short block (cylinder block, crankshaft, rods, and pistons) was carried over from the GT model. To this, Ford SVT engineers added the following performance items:

Cylinder Heads: GT-40 "High Flow" Cast Iron heads were installed. They were milled for 62.5cc combustion chambers. Valves measure 1.84" (46.7mm) intake, and 1.54" (39.1mm) exhaust. The valves are actuated by Cobra-specific 1.7 ratio roller rockers, constructed of aluminum and produced for Ford by Crane Cams. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-6049-B (head), F3ZZ-6507-A (intake valve), F3ZZ-6505-A (exhaust valve), F3ZE-6529-AB (rockers).
Intake Manifold: The Cobra upper manifold was unique to the 1993 Cobra and had a 2.75" (70.0mm) diameter round throttle body opening, diverting air into (8) round staggered ports, each 1.64" (41.7mm) diameter. The lower manifold was identical to the GT-40 manifold used by Ford Racing; it redirects airflow to a rectangular port configuration as needed by the cylinder heads. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-9424-C (upper manifold),F3ZZ-9424-D (lower).
Camshaft: The cam is of the hydraulic roller type (same as the GT). However, the Cobra cam has unique specifications of 0.479"/0.479" (12.2mm/12.2mm) intake/exhaust lift, (209°/209°) duration at 0.050" (1.27mm), and a lobe separation of 118.3°, Part Number: F3ZE-6250-CA.

Air/Fuel Delivery: The increased airflow and fuel consumption of the Cobra required these upgraded components: Larger (compared to the GT) 24 lb/hr fuel injectors, 2.75" (70.0mm) MAF meter, 2.56" (65.0mm) throttle body, and matching EGR plate handle the increased breathing of the motor. A specially calibrated X3Z EEC-IV engine control unit runs the system. Part Numbers: F1TZ-9F593-C (injectors), FIZF-12B579-AA (meter), F3ZF-12A650-CA (ECU).
Accessories: The crankshaft pulley diameter decreased by 14% (as compared to the GT) in order to under-drive the alternator, A/C, and smog pump, all to increase power. The water pump pulley also decreased in diameter by the same amount in order to preserve the ratio of pump speed, and thus coolant flow. These smaller accessory pulleys necessitated a shorter serpentine belt. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-6A312-A (crank pulley), F3ZZ-8509-A (water pump pulley), F3ZZ-8620-A (belt).
Exhaust: To extract the maximum amount of power from the Cobra's powerplant, Ford engineers used tuned mufflers with lower restriction (as compared to the GT). While the factory headers and H-pipe remained the same, the tailpipes were similar to that of a Mustang LX 5.0L (Sport) model in that they had straight stainless steel tips (instead of turn-down tips on the GT). This is because the Cobra had a revised rear fascia, allowing (unlike the GT) for an exposed dual exhaust. Part Numbers: F3ZZ-5230-A, stamped F3ZC-5230-CC (RH muffler), F3ZZ-5230-A, stamped F3ZC-5232-DC (LH muffler)

In the wake of the '93 R’s unexpected success, SVT engineers developed a more powerful R-model based on the 1995 Cobra. Top priority became addressing customer requests for a larger, more powerful engine and more fuel capacity. In response to those requests, SVT replaced the Cobra’s 5.0 L V8 with an SVT modified version of Ford’s 5.8 liter Windsor V8, re-engineered to produce 300 horsepower (220 kW) and installed a Kevlar 20 U.S. gallons (76 L) fuel tank. To handle the torque of the more powerful engine, a Tremec 3550 5 speed manual transmission was installed. See also 5-speed T-5 manual. Again, weight-savings was targeted, so there was no back seat, radio, power windows/seats or air-conditioning—not even fog lights, which were omitted to provide ducts for getting cool air onto the front disk brakes. Heavy-duty progressive-rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace helped improve handling on the racetrack. Only 250 vehicles were built, available only in white with saddle cloth interior, each with a unique center-tiered fiberglass hood tall enough to clear the engine and induction system.

With the introduction of the "new edge" Mustang in 1999, came a new SVT Cobra. All 1999-2001 Cobras featured independent rear suspension, unique to the Cobras. They were not supercharged like the 03 and 04 were. They also used a newer returnless fuel system which helped Ford meet tightening emission standards. The new Cobra had an upgraded 4.6L DOHC engine with 320 hp (239 kW) and 317 ft·lbf (429 N·m) of torque. The 4.6 L Cobra was not produced in 2000. Ford replaced the intake manifold, exhaust and computer components to produce 320 hp (240 kW). The Cobra came back in 2001 with the same power rating, close to its GM competition, the Camaro SS and Pontiac Trans Am Ram Air WS6 package that produced 325 hp (242 kW). While the 2001 Cobra shares almost all the same components of the 1999, some changes were made including:

The engine block was changed from the Teksid block to the Windsor Aluminum Plant or WAP block. The WAP block is regarded to be weaker than the previous Teksid block. Some 2001s received the Teksid, either from the factory or as a replacement motor
Revised cylinder heads.
Cobra-specific seats with a combination of leather and alcantara [suede-like microfiber] inserts - 1999 Cobras had normal Mustang seats.
A rear bumper that reads "COBRA", instead of "MUSTANG", as the 1999 Cobra had.
A rear badge on the trunklid was changed to say "SVT" instead of "SVT Cobra" as the 1999 Cobra had.
The wheels for the 1999 and 2001 are 17x8. The '99 & '01 were sold with silver powdercoated aluminum wheels. The 2001 had the option of polished wheels in the same style.
The T-45 transmission in the 1999 model was replaced by the 3650 in the 2001 model.
The axleshafts and differential were changed from 28 splines in 1999 to 31 splines in 2001.
The spoiler was redesigned.
The CD player was upgraded to a 6 disc unit.
The center console and trim were redesigned.
The emergency brake was fitted with a 'boot' of leather to cover the hole in the console where it protrudes.
The headlights were changed from a chrome background to a black background. The newer headlights are sometimes referred a "smoked" or "tinted" but this only refers to the black background. The actual lenses are clear and identical to that of the 1999.
The color of the odometer digits and instrument cluster lighting was slightly changed.

In the pictures at right showing the two blocks of the SN-95 2 SVT Mustang Cobra, note the extra ribs designed to impart strength to the weaker WAP. Also, note the hatching in valley of the Teksid is square, while the WAP has diagonal hatching.

A similar Cobra model was produced in the US in 2002 for export to the Australian market.

Ford Ranger 2012

Ford 10:29 AM

A Ford anuncia a Ranger 2012 com a nova cor cinza Novara e mais itens de acabamento e conforto.

A Ranger 2012 continua com motor a gasolina quatro-cilindros 2.3 16V de 150 cv e a diesel, com o 3.0 16V turbo de 163 cv.

As versões XLT e LTD ganharam estepe de roda de liga leve e novos tecido nas portas e bancos. A versão XLT ganhou novos encostos de cabeça e um alojamento para o fixador dos cintos de segurança no encosto do assento traseiro.

Além da cor cinza Novara a Ranger traz também o preto Gales, cinza Ubatuba e azul Mônaco, e as perolizadas, sólidas branco Ártico e vermelho Itália e da metálica prata Geada.

Os preços da Ranger 2012 partem de R$ 46.800 na versão XL 4x2 cabine simples e vão até R$ 105.690 na CD 4x4 Limited a diesel.

Ford C-Max

Detroit Auto Show, Ford, Ford C-Max, minivans vans 11:41 PM

The Ford C-Max (written Ford C-MAX and often called the Ford Focus C-Max) is a compact MPV produced by Ford in Saarlouis for Europe since 2003 and in North America from 2011. Although C-MAX was initially available only in Europe, the first generation was partially available in New Zealand. The North American model will launch with the second generation. With the introduction of the new large MPVs S-Max and Galaxy, the C-Max is the smallest multi-purpose vehicle of Ford's lineup.

C-Max Mk I was the first product to use the Ford C1 platform, also used by the Ford Focus Mk II and the compact MPV Premacy/Mazda5. Its internal code name is C214.

It seats five passengers and has a large amount of cargo space, which can be increased by folding the rear seats flat. Some models feature diagonally sliding outer rear seats. It also shares the control blade independent rear suspension from the Focus.

Engines and transmissions

The available four-cylinder engines are the same as the Focus.
1.6 L Duratec was the basic engine for C-Max, 1.6 L Ti-VCT Duratec was also available.
1.8/2.0 L Duratec HE are the rest of available petrol engines
1.6/2.0 L Duratorq Ford/PSA made diesels were available along with Ford's 1.8 L Endura engine which is upgraded and named Duratorq

Transmissions matted with engines are Ford IB5 (1.6/1.8 Duratec), Ford Durashift (2.0 Duratorq), MTX-75 (2.0 Duratec / 1.6-1.8 Duratorq) manual and Ford Powershift double-clutch transmisison available with 2.0 Duratorq. Only automatic transmisison available was 4F27E matted with 2.0 Duratec.

In December 2006, the facelifted version of the C-Max was revealed at the 2006 Bologna Motor Show and went on sale in late spring 2007. The pre-facelift version of the car (2003–2007) was called the Ford Focus C-Max. The name change to C-Max is attributable to Ford's MPV strategy of creating a 'Max' branded line of MPVs, starting with the Ford S-Max, launched in 2006.

The facelift brought the car in line with Ford's 'Kinetic Design' design language, evidenced through its twin trapezoidal grilles, large wheel arches and angular headlights. However, as the car does not have a bodyshell originally designed for 'Kinetic Design,' Ford officially states that the car contains only 'elements' of the design language.

Alongside the third generation Ford Focus Mk III, the second generation C-Max (C344) is built on Ford's new Global C platform. The appearance is inspired by the Iosis Max concept, shown at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. In addition, Ford added a long wheelbase, seven-seat variant of the C-Max, the Ford Grand C-MAX

The vehicle was unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Early European models include 5 seats, and 7-seat models entered the market at the end of 2010 (except Russia, where there is only the 7-seat model). At the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Ford announced a 7-seat C-MAX for the North American market. However, this model was cancelled prior to launch.

Features

The new MK III platform is the first in its class to support Torque Vectoring Control (TVC).

The redesigned C-Max features flat folding third row seats, a hands free power lift gate, rear view camera, park assist, and panoramic sunroof. HD Radio, Sirius XM, Sync, dual-zone climate control system, and navigation system come as standard or as available options on the different trim lines.

The aerodynamics (drag coefficient, cw) of the car has been improved, being 0,30 for the 5 seater and 0,32 for the Grand C-Max.

Engines and transmissions

Like the previous C-Max new also comes with range of petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines which are shared with Focus.
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT is available in two spec, 105 hp (78 kW) and 125 hp
1.6 L EcoBoost comes with 150 hp (112 kW) or 182 hp (136 kW) variant, same as in Focus
1.6/2.0 L Duratorq Ford/PSA made diesels are upgraded, Ford's 1.8 L Endura engine is not availabe any more.

Transmissions matted with engines are Ford IB5 (1.6 Duratec Ti-VCT), B6 (1.6 EcoBoost/1.6 Duratorq), Durashift MMT6 (2.0 Duratorq) manual and Ford Powershift double-clutch transmisison available with 2.0 Duratorq.

Ford unveiled the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid and the C-Max Hybrid at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, which are scheduled for market launch in 2012 in North America and 2013 in Europe. The C-Max Energi has a projected driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km). Like the conventional C-Max, the C-Max Energi and Hybrid are five-seat only. They replace the Mercury Mariner Hybrid since Ford discontinued the Mercury brand after the 2011 model year. For the North American market, the C-Max Energi and C-Max Hybrid will be assembled alongside the 2012 Focus and Focus Electric at Ford's Wayne plant in Michigan. All European versions will be built in Valencia, Spain.

Production

C-Max production takes place in Valencia, Spain, to allow lower production costs, and the production of the electric hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric versions will take place in Wayne, Michigan.

Ford C-Max
Manufacturer    Ford Motor Company
Production    2010-
Assembly    Valencia, Spain
Predecessor    First generation C-Max
Body style    5-door MPV
Platform    Ford Global C platform
Engine
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi I4
Transmission
5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase    2,648 mm (104.3 in)
Length    4,380 mm (172.4 in)
Width    1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height    1,626 mm (64.0 in)
Curb weight    1,374–1,550 kg (3,030–3,400 lb)
Related    Ford Focus MkIII

Ford Grand C-Max
Manufacturer    Ford Motor Company
Production    2010-
Assembly    Valencia
Body style    5-door MPV
Platform    Ford Global C platform
Engine
1.6 L Duratec Ti-VCT I4
1.6 L EcoBoost I4
1.6 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.0 L Duratorq TDCi I4
2.5 L iVCT (NA only)
Transmission    6-speed automatic
Wheelbase    2,788 mm (109.8 in)
Length    4,520 mm (178.0 in)
Width    1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height    1,684 mm (66.3 in)
Curb weight    1,477–1,697 kg (3,260–3,740 lb)
Related    Ford Focus MkIII

Johnson Controls says it will build another EV battery factory

Battery News, Ford 6:28 PM

Johnson Controls Inc. will build a second factory to build lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric and plug-in electric vehicles, the company announced Thursday.

A location for the factory has not been announced, the company said in a statement.

“Once a location is identified and the facility constructed, it would add nearly 300 additional jobs when at full capacity,” the company said.

Plans for a new factory were announced as company executives welcomed President Barack Obama to its Meadowbrook factory in Holland, Mich.

Obama said administration policies aimed at reducing oil imports are part of an effort to invest both in research and new technology.

“That’s why we’re investing in clean energy,” he said, according to a transcript provided by the White House. “That’s why I brought together the world’s largest auto companies who agreed, for the first time, to nearly double the distance their cars can go on a gallon of gas. That’s going to save consumers thousands of dollars at the pump.”

For more on Obama's appearance, click here.

The Michigan factory that Obama toured will be the first in the country to produce complete lithium-ion battery cells and systems for hybrid and electric vehicles, producing battery systems for automakers such as Ford’s Transit Connect plug-in electric delivery vans.

Johnson Controls and U.S. stimulus package each invested $299.2 million in the Michigan factory, while the state of Michigan provided $168 million in incentives

The Michigan plant will employ 320 people at full capacity, the company said.

“These projects are great examples of public-private partnerships that use innovation and technology to produce products that reduce fuel consumption and create jobs,” said Steve Roell, company chairman and chief executive, in a statement.

Across the Midwest, Johnson Controls Inc. is adding 700 jobs and retaining another 400 through its investment in advanced lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, Roell said.

"Through innovation and investment in technology and people, Johnson Controls is a leader in the energy storage industry,” he said. “We are investing more than $460 million in our advanced battery business for manufacturing and technical facilities here in Michigan and the U.S. These investments will lead to over 700 new jobs, retention of another 400 and approximately 1,000 construction jobs," Roell said.

In addition to the new factory and the one now opening, the company also recently opened its expanded battery technology and test center in Glendale, which created 60 jobs.

Finally, in June the company announced it would invest $138.5 million at its battery factory in Toledo, to convert it and expand it to produce advanced lead acid batteries that deploy start-stop technology. This technology enables vehicle engines to turn off at intersections, turning back on when the gas pedal is pushed.

A new greenhouse gas and fuel economy program announced last week by the Obama administration will give credits to companies that deploy the start-stop technology, for which Johnson Controls has a leading market share.

The Toledo investment will retain 400 jobs and create 50 jobs, Johnson Controls said.

The investments are part of a plan by Johnson Controls to secure a leadership role in advanced batteries as the automotive industry moves to electrify the vehicle powertrain. The Glendale firm is the world's largest maker of lead-acid batteries, producing them for automakers and for retailers like Sears and Wal-Mart Stores Inc.

Ford lança série especial da picape F-150 Harley-Davidson

Ford 9:41 AM

A Ford lançou uma nova série especial da F-150 Harley-Davidson nos Estados Unidos, picape personalizada que dá sequência à parceria de sucesso entre as duas marcas, iniciada em 1999. Desde então, a Ford já produziu 17 versões Harley-Davidson da Série F – a linha de veículos mais vendida do mundo –, que somaram mais de 70 mil unidades.

A Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson 2012 traz detalhes de acabamento em couro de cobra, novo grafismo nas laterais, novas rodas e pintura especial. Isso tudo combinado com muita tecnologia e um nível sem igual de potência e estilo. Seu motor V8 6.2 desenvolve 416 cv e 60 kgfm de torque, com avanços que incluem duplo comando de válvulas, duas velas por cilindro e duplo sensor de detonação. O câmbio automático SelectShift tem uma função que permite total controle nas trocas de marcha.

A frente da picape, poderosa, tem grade de seis barras cromadas, com o emblema "Harley-Davidson", aparência rebaixada e rodas de alumínio de 22 polegadas. A carroceria vem nas cores clássicas preto Tuxedo e branco Platinum da Harley-Davidson – esta última oferecida pela primeira vez na linha.

Os grafismos laterais da carroceria têm textura especial imitando couro de cobra. Eles são inspirados nos apliques de couro de cobra usados no tanque das motos premium da Harley-Davidson. O interior combina detalhes em preto Tuxedo de alto brilho, alumínio escovado, cromo acetinado e apliques de couro de cobra na direção, na tampa do console e nos bancos. Cada veículo traz uma placa numerada de identificação da série limitada.

A picape também oferece uma série de opções de tecnologia, incluindo uma tela de 4,2 polegadas no painel controlada por botões na direção e uma tela de 8 polegadas "touch screen" para o sistema de navegação, temperatura e rádio por satélite Sirius, com comandos de voz. É equipada ainda com teto-solar, câmera de visão traseira, bancos traseiros aquecidos, iluminação ambiente, sistema de partida remota, tomada de 110 V e pedais com ajuste elétrico.

Fonte Ford

Ford Focus Electric will offer solar home option

Battery Electric Car, Ford, Renewable energy 11:55 AM

Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging.

Ford and SunPower team up to provide a high-efficiency rooftop solar system that will provide Focus Electric owners enough renewable energy production to offset the energy used for charging. The 2.5 kilowatt SunPower system will produce an estimated 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. SunPower systems are backed by a 25-year warranty.

Ford's aggressive electrification strategy includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. The new Focus Electric is a zero-emissions, gasoline-free version of Ford's popular global Focus model.

Ford and SunPower Corp have teamed up to offer customers a rooftop solar system that will allow Focus Electric owners to "Drive Green for Life" by providing customers with enough clean, renewable energy to offset the electricity used to charge the vehicle.

"Under the 'Drive Green for Life' program, Focus Electric owners can reduce their total cost of ownership by generating enough energy from their high efficiency SunPower rooftop solar system to offset the electricity required to charge the vehicle at night," said Mike Tinskey, Ford director of Global Vehicle Electrification and Infrastructure. "It's an eco-friendly solution that perfectly complements our plug-in products and other green initiatives."

"SunPower's innovative partnership with Ford is a win-win for customers, providing a comprehensive sustainability program," said Tom Werner, SunPower president and CEO. "By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles."

The 2.5 kilowatt rooftop solar system is comprised of the SunPower® E18 Series solar panels that produce an average of 3,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. These high-efficiency solar panels generate approximately 50 percent more electricity than conventional panels and utilize a smaller footprint on the roof. The system was sized to accommodate a customer who drives about 1,000 miles per month.

The complete SunPower solar system is offered at a base price of less than $10,000*, after federal tax credits. Local and state rebates, along with other incentives, may drive the system cost down even more, depending on a customer's location. Included in the purchase is a residential monitoring system, which includes the ability to track the performance of their solar system on the web or through an iPhone application. Affordable financing options for the solar system are available through SunPower. This price point does not include local sales tax.

Interested Focus Electric customers will be contacted by a participating SunPower dealer who will visit their home to begin the installation process. SunPower leads the industry with more than 400 dealers in the U.S., and can support the initial Focus Electric roll out in all 19 markets.

In addition to the Focus Electric, the SunPower rooftop solar system will be compatible with the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle Ford is rolling out in 2012.

Two Complementary Charging Solutions for Focus Electric Owners
By partnering with SunPower, Ford now offers Focus Electric owners two complementary charging solutions to make the overall experience of owning an electric vehicle easier. In January, Ford announced an agreement with consumer electronics leader Best Buy to offer a 240-volt home charging station for the Focus Electric and future electric vehicle owners.

"The goal of working with both SunPower and Best Buy was to offer Focus Electric owners solutions to charging needs that help lower the vehicle's overall cost of ownership," said Tinskey.

The Power of Choice

Electrification is an important piece of Ford's overall product sustainability strategy, which includes the launch of five electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and in Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and will launch the all-new Focus Electric later this year. In 2012, these models will be joined in North America by the new C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid. This diverse range of electrified vehicles allows Ford to meet a variety of consumer driving needs.

*This offer assumes normal installation conditions, not including modifications to a roof, electrical service panel or excessive wire requirements.

University of Michigan and Ford researchers see plentiful lithium for EVs

Battery News, Ford 5:40 AM

Researchers from the University of Michigan and Ford Motor Co. have assessed the global availability of lithium and compared it to the potential demand from large-scale global use of electric vehicles. The research findings, published in the current issue of the Journal of Industrial Ecology, conclude that sufficient resources of lithium exist for the next 90 years to supply a large-scale global fleet of electric vehicles through at least 2100.

The researchers compiled data on 103 deposits containing lithium, with an emphasis on 32 deposits that have a lithium resource of more than 100,000 metric tons each. Lithium is a key ingredient in the development of certain types of batteries, and is a key element of batteries used in hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

The data collected included deposit location, geologic type, dimensions and content of lithium, as well as the current status of production. Using the definition of a lithium "resource" as a deposit from which production is currently or potentially feasible economically, the researchers estimated a global lithium resource of about 39 million tons.

The second part of the study examined lithium demand for the same 90-year period (2010-2100). Demand was estimated under the assumption of two different growth scenarios for electric vehicles and other current battery and non-battery applications.

Areas studied related to demand were lubricating grease, frits and glass, air conditioning and portable batteries, as well as batteries for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric and battery electric vehicles. The total demand for lithium was estimated to be in the range of 12-20 million tons, depending on assumptions regarding economic growth and recycling rates.

"Even with a rapid and widespread adoption of electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries, lithium resources are sufficient to support demand until at least the end of this century," the researchers conclude in the paper.

The study's main authors were Paul Gruber and Pablo Medina. They conducted the research as part of a graduate student research project before graduating in 2010 from the U-M School of Natural Resources and Environment. The research partner was Ford Motor Co., the global automobile manufacturer based in Dearborn, Mich.

"We believe our assessment is a timely and comprehensive study that settles the question of whether the global resources are sufficient for electric vehicles using lithium-ion technology," said Gruber.

Other co-authors were U-M professors Gregory Keoleian of SNRE and Stephen Kesler, a professor emeritus of geological sciences, and two researchers from Ford: Mark Everson, the technical leader of the Manufacturing and Purchasing Strategy research group, and Timothy Wallington, technical leader of the Sustainability Science research group at Ford's Research and Innovation Center.

Ford Focus Electric Will Hit 19 Markets in Spring of 2012

Battery Electric Car, Ford 9:51 PM

Ford today clarified launch plans for its forthcoming Focus Electric, saying that the despite reports to the contrary the car has not in fact been pushed back and will see a limited release in New York and California as scheduled, by the end of this year.

“Ford remains on schedule to deliver the initial Focus Electrics by the end of the year. As previously communicated to dealers, the first few months of Focus Electric production will be concentrated on delivering vehicles to California and New York. Our dealers in those areas will be the first to have their retail orders scheduled and receive the Focus Electric. We will be rolling out to the remainder of the initial Focus Electric markets starting with production ramp up in Spring 2012.”

Transit Connect Electric Vans enter Oxford to London Eco Rally

Battery Electric Car, Ford 7:22 PM

Two Transit Connect Electric vans have successfully completed a 75-mile route from Oxford to London in a convoy of electric, hybrid and low-emission vehicles, as part of the 2011 Bridgestone Eco Rally.

The rally took place on Sunday 31st July, this year starting from Broad Street, Oxford and finishing in the UK's largest sustainable transport exhibition at The Mall in London.

The convoy comprised more than 30 of the latest low and zero emission vehicles including cars, motorbikes, vans, trucks and taxis.

Graham Hoare, executive director powertrain engineering, Ford of Europe, said: "Ford is developing a portfolio of electric vehicles that offer customers affordable, environmentally friendly technologies in vehicles they want and value. The Bridgestone Eco-Rally is a great opportunity to showcase the first of these vehicles to go on sale, the Transit Connect Electric."

The Transit Connect Electric, developed in conjunction with Ford's electric vehicles partner, Azure Dynamics, is the first of five electrified Ford models to be made available in Europe. It is a pure electric-powered version of the award-winning Transit Connect light commercial vehicle. It has a proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drivetrain powered by an advanced battery pack from Johnson Controls, carrying a range of up to 80 miles with a payload of up to 500kg.

Ford has committed to introduce five full-electric and hybrid models in Europe by 2013 as part of its global electrification strategy. These include the Transit Connect Electric this year, the next generation Ford Focus Electric in 2012, followed by hybrid and plug-in hybrid derivatives of the all-new C-MAX and another hybrid-electric model in 2013.

King George V and Queen Mary visit the Ford stand at the Empire Exhibition, 1925

celebrity, Ford 5:54 PM

King George V and Queen Mary visit the Ford stand at the Empire Exhibition. Wembley; London. 1925

found on http://historyfan.tumblr.com/

How It Works: The All-Electric Ford Focus [video]

Battery Electric Car, Ford, TV 7:26 PM

Ford have released a short video animation of The Focus Electric. The car runs exclusively on a 23 kWh battery, which means it never needs a drop of gas.

- Powered by a 23 kwh high-voltage, lightweight lithium-ion battery system.
- Regenerative Braking captures energy during braking and recycles it to recharge the battery.
- Charges with the available 240-volt charging station or standard 120-volt convenience cord