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Everything You Need to Know About the 2022 Ford Ranger

Posted on December 23, 2021 8:00 am by admin

One Turbo Gasoline And Three Turbo Diesels, Including A New 3.0 V6 Diesel

One of the main highlights of the new 2022 Ford Ranger is the introduction of a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine. Unfortunately, Ford did not give any horsepower figures for this engine, or for any engine to be offered for that matter. The only detail that the company shared is that it “feels really tough in the sense that it’s got endless power and torque, which is exactly what our customers wanted”.

Considering that diesel engines are not that popular here in North America, the chances of Ford offering this engine on our market are slim. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t hurt for us to imagine what a torquey diesel-fed V-6 Ranger would feel like.

As for the other diesel engines, this will be a 2.0-liter diesel in single- and twin-turbo configurations. In the outgoing Ranger, the single-turbo motor produced 180 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque, while the twin-turbo diesel produced 210 horsepower and 370 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

Ford will also continue to offer the 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbo gasoline engine, though just like the other engines, Ford did not provide any power figures. For the outgoing model, it produced 269 horsepower and 310 lb-ft (410 Nm) of torque.

Transmission options for the new 2022 Ford Ranger include a 10-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual.

Upgraded T6 Platform, Increased Capability

The new 2022 Ford Ranger rides on an upgraded T6 platform that offers increased capability and better comfort, and it can also support electrification in the future

Ford confirmed that the Ranger rides on an upgraded T6 platform that features a 50 mm (1.97 in) longer wheelbase and a 50 mm (1.97 in) wider track compared to the outgoing model. The company also says it has a hydro-formed front-end structure that’s designed to accommodate the bigger V6 engine while also allowing a high degree of electrification. Additionally, this structure enables more airflow to the radiator, which helps keep operating temperatures low when towing or carrying heavy loads.

Ford also improved the Ranger’s ride and handling through its 1.97-inch longer wheelbase and 1.97-inch wider body, revised suspension, among other structural improvements

Ford also made improvements to its ride and handling capabilities. By moving the front wheels forward by 50 mm (1.97 in), its approach angle and wheel articulation has been improved. The rear leaf spring suspension dampers have also been moved outboard of the frame rails as a way to improve its ride both on- and off-road. Off-road recovery is also made easier with the prominent dual recovery hooks in the front bumper.

Two four-wheel drive (4WD) systems will be offered—an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced full-time 4×4 system that Ford says has a “reassuring set-and-forget mode”.

Lastly, two four-wheel drive (4WD) systems will be offered—an electronic shift-on-the-fly system and an advanced full-time 4×4 system that Ford says has a “reassuring set-and-forget mode”.

If The Ford Maverick And F-150 Had A Child, The Ranger Would Be It

From the outside, the new 2022 Ranger looks like the lovechild of the Maverick and the F-150, with its C-shaped lights, horizontal grille, sculpted hood, and imposing front end.

From the outside, the new 2022 Ranger looks like the lovechild of the Maverick and the F-150. It’s not a bad thing, mind you, because the pickup looks properly modern and sleek. Shown here is the global model, though whichever region the Ranger will be sold, all models now have a more imposing front end that’s characterized by a horizontal grille that’s flanked by C-shaped headlights. Higher variants even come with LED daytime running lights and headlights with Matrix LED technology.

The side profile is more on the evolutionary side of things, while the rear end gets a more sculpted tailgate, new taillight designs, and an integrated step on the sides of the rear bumper

Covering its engine bay is a more prominent hood, while the side profile is more on the evolutionary side of things. Moving towards the rear, there’s a new set of taillights, with higher variants featuring LED lighting. The tailgate is also more sculpted than before, and for the first time, the global Ford Ranger has an integrated step board at the sides of the rear bumper.

A Modern And Technologically-Advanced Interior

Ford calls this pickup the “smartest, most versatile and most capable Ranger ever”. The “smartest” part is evident in the interior, where it debuts a number of firsts for the Ranger nameplate.

Whereas the Ranger pretty much arrived in the North American market with an outdated interior, that isn’t anymore the case with this new model. Most variants come with the latest SYNC4 infotainment that first debuted in the Mustang Mach-E. In the case of the new Ranger, this is controlled via a 10.1- or 12-inch portrait touch screen. Despite having a larger screen, Ford still kept its hard buttons, which is what you would prefer to interact with especially when going through rough roads.

Working in conjunction with the SYNC4 infotainment system is a fully-digital instrument cluster, though Ford has not given any details on how big the screen is. There’s also a built-in modem for the FordPass telematics system that lets owners control vehicle functions and access Ford’s concierge service via their smartphones. Other interior features that the Ranger has are a wireless charging pad and more clever storage solutions, though Ford did not release full details yet on how these work.

Other new features for the 2022 Ford Ranger include a small electronic gear shifter and an electronic parking brake

Apart from these tech features, the new 2022 Ford Ranger’s overall interior design looks far more interesting and appealing compared to the outgoing model. One of its highlights is its small electronic gear shifter and electronic parking brake, for better or worse. There are also various interior color and trim choices available depending on the variant.

The Ford Ranger Is Ready For Your Next Adventure

Thanks to the 1.97-inch increase in width, Ford is proud to highlight that despite being an incremental increase, this provides a noticeable improvement in cargo volume. Ford, however, did not say how much has the bed size increased over the outgoing model, but they say it’s enough to add another “sheet of building plywood or a full-size pallet”.

Speaking of the bed, the new Ranger offers a cargo management system that consists of dividers that can hold various items. Owners can create different compartments using a system of ultra-strong spring-loaded cleats that clip into rails bolted to each side of the cargo box. The tailgate can also double as a mobile workbench with an integrated ruler and clamp pockets, just like in the F-150.

Lastly, the 2022 Ford Ranger comes with Zone Lighting, which provides exterior lighting on all four corners of the Ranger that can be controlled via the FordPass app or the SYNC4 infotainment

Lastly, the Ford Ranger is also available with a feature called Zone Lighting, which first made its debut in the F-150. This set of lights that surround the vehicle can be controlled via the FordPass app or the SYNC4 infotainment system, and this can be useful in your next camping adventure or your construction work.

When Will It Go On Sale?

Swipe up to know more about the new 2022 Ford Ranger and what it has in store

Production of the 2022 Ford Ranger will begin in 2022 in Thailand and South Africa. Ford has not yet revealed when it will arrive in the North American market, but we expect it to arrive for the 2023 model year and look slightly different from the global version. The next-generation Volkswagen Amarok will also be based on the new Ford Ranger, which means its unveiling should also happen quite soon.

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged Ford Ford Ranger midsize cars new cars pickup trucks
Tug Of War: Ford Bronco Badlands vs Land Rover Defender

Posted on December 22, 2021 6:30 pm by admin

Overview

In his latest video, YouTuber Sam CarLegion subjected these two potent off-roaders in a series of tug-of-war battles

The contenders? Well, they’re amongst the best off-road rigs that are currently on sale, i.e popular Ford Bronco Badlands against the mighty Land Rover Defender P400. Let’s look at specs to see how these two top-tier off-roaders stack up against each other before they battle it over four rounds with their various off-road modes.

2022 Ford Bronco Badlands

In the grey corner, we’ve got the Ford Bronco Badlands, which features a 2.7 liter EcoBoost V-6, that produces 325 hp & 399 lb-ft of torque paired to a 10 speed auto box with 4WD

In the grey corner, we have the popular Ford Bronco in Badlands spec. Under the hood lies a 2.7-liter turbo V-6 EcoBoost engine that produces 325 horsepower and 399 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco features a 10-speed automatic transmission with a four-wheel drive. The Badlands sits pretty much at the top of the Bronco range with only the Edition One doing one better.

The Badlands pretty much sits at the top of the Bronco range and the one seen here is sitting on proper off-road tires. It can two about. It has a dedicated tow mode and cal haul 3500 lbs

Ford designed it to be the ultimate off-roader with its GOAT mode system also including the rock crawl mode. You’ve got differential lockers on the Ford as well. The Bronco Badlands can tow 3500 pounds and tips the scales at 5320 pounds. The Badlands sits on 17-inch rims wrapped in proper 35 inch off-road tires.

2022 Land Rover Defender P400

In the blue corner, we have Land Rover’s latest generation P400 Defender that features a 3.0-liter inline-six, which produces 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 8 speed auto with AWD

Next, in the blue corner, we have the latest generation of the Land Rover Defender P400 from across the pond. Under the hood lies a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, that produces 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to an eight-speed auto box sending power to all four wheels.

Unlike the previous old-school Defender, this latest model is loaded to the gills with a lot of high-tech off-road hardware like an electronic differential and Land Rovers legendary Terrain Response System. This particular example of the Defender can tow 8201 pounds and has a curb weight of 5035 pounds. The Defender comes wrapped in standard off-road tires with much larger rims.

So having looked at the specs, the Defender has the higher horsepower and can tow more, but the Bronco is on proper off-road knobbly tires and even though it can tow lesser, it has a dedicated tow mode. Let’s see how things pan out in this tug-of-war.

So on paper, the Defender has more power but can that compensate for the Broncos off-road tires on snow?

Tug-Of-War: Land Rover Defender P400 vs Ford Bronco Badlands

Well, lets find out as these two thoroughbreds go head to head over four rounds

Both Sam, who is sat in the Bronco, and Richard in the Defender buckle up to battle out in a series of tug-of-wars lasting four rounds. For round one, they decide to do just have the SUVs in their 4×4 automatic mode.

For round one, both SUVs are in their automatic 4WD modes. Both drivers take their foot off the brakes and gradually begin to apply pressure on the gas pedal

With that, they take their foot off the brakes and begin to gradually hit the gas pedal. Well, despite the extra power on the Defender, it, unfortunately, began to spin its wheels and struggled to put those 395 ponies to the ground. The Bronco was had better traction and as a result, managed to pull the Defender to the other side. So that’s round one to the Badlands.

For the second round, Richard in the Defender decides to engage his differential with low range and switches it up to the dedicated off-road mode. Will that make a difference? The short answer was no. It was more wheel spin for the Defender this time round as well.

For the final two rounds, Sam has the Badlands set to its most extreme settings with traction off, both differential lockers activated with four-wheel low. It was no contest this time around and the Ford pulled the Defender well beyond the midway point. So the Bronco takes the final two rounds as well.

Final Thoughts

At the onset, we wanted to know if more power could compensate for better traction? Well, you have your answer. To sum it up, Sam says that they could do this all day long and it was the better tires that were helping the Bronco in this face-off.

Now, although he feels that the Defender offers a far more refined on-road experience of the two, the Land Rover is more suited for a more mature audience. The Bronco meanwhile is most likely to be cheaper to both buy and run and he wouldn’t hesitate to give it some stick when he’s out with it in the elements.

You can watch both off-roaders battle it out in Sam’s video below

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged Ford Ford Bronco fullsize cars Land Rover land rover defender suv
Toyota Expanding Indiana Assembly Line, Adding Two New SUVs

Posted on April 29, 2021 9:32 pm by admin

Toyota is moving production of the Sequoia to Texas and bringing two new three-row SUVs to its Indiana plant.

Toyota Motor will add two new, three-row SUVs to its already large line-up of sport-utility vehicles, the automaker announced.

Though Toyota revealed only a few details, it indicated one of the new models will be sold through the Toyota division, the other through Lexus. To bring them online, meanwhile, the Japanese giant plans to invest $803 million to upgrade its plant in Princeton, Indiana.

Since it was opened in 1998, Toyota has spent $6.6 billion on the Princeton factory, known as TMMI. It currently produces three Toyota-branded light trucks, the full-size Sequoia, the latest-generation Sienna minivan that is produced solely as a hybrid, and the Highlander SUV which is produced both in hybrid and conventional gas versions.

The plant soon will have a bit more space available, even without the upgrade. Production of the Sequoia model will be transferred to Toyota’s San Antonio plant in 2022. That’s part of a broader shift in its manufacturing footprint coinciding with the launch of a new Alabama factory that will operate as a joint venture with Mazda.

New SUVs will target growing families

Toyota is investing $803 million into its Princeton, Indiana plant to build two new large SUVs.

The new models going into TMMI will be “designed with the active Gen Y American family in mind,” Toyota officials said, meaning they will be offered with three rows and seating for up to eight. Today, the flagship brand offers four different three-row SUVs, the Highlander, 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Sequoia. Lexus offers three rows in its LX, GX and RX utility vehicles.

Both new models will be “electrified,” though Toyota did not say whether that means conventional hybrids, like the Highlander, or more advanced plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime. Neither of the new models is expected to offer an all-electric drivetrain, though the automaker announced in February plans to introduce three battery-electric vehicles for the U.S. market by mid-decade. At that point, Toyota previously said, it expects to offer electrified options for virtually every product in its line-up.

“This investment and new vehicle lineup will allow us to continue our work with electrification, expand our portfolio to about 70 models globally by 2025, and meet the needs of our customers while we accelerate toward carbon neutrality,” Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor America, said in a statement.

Toyota’s Indiana plant produces the Highlander and Sienna before adding the two new vehicles.

Plenty of tech for Gen Y buyers

The new SUVs will use some of Toyota’s newest technologies, starting with a smartphone-as-key system allowing a motorist to operate it through an app, rather than a conventional keyfob.

The app also will allow the new models to park remotely, letting a driver exit before trying to squeeze the SUV into a tight space. And while it is unclear where the technology will first be used, the SUVs also will “allow for hands-free driving in certain conditions.” That sounds similar to semi-autonomous technologies now coming to market such as Tesla’s Autopilot, General Motors’ Super Cruise and the upcoming Ford Blue Cruise. Toyota has not offered details, such as whether it will charge a subscription fee as its competitors do.

Toyota has invested heavily in autonomous vehicle research and this week revealed it will buy the self-driving vehicle arm of ride-sharing service Lyft for $550 million.

The plans for the TMMI plant are expected to create another 1,400 jobs. This also will mark the first time a Lexus model will be built at the factory.

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📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged *Daily News* Automakers Automobiles Autonomous Driving Business Crossovers/CUVs Electrified Vehicles Ford GM Hybrids Lexus Markets plug-in hybrids Safety Sales Semi-autonomous Driving suv SUVs Technology Tesla three-row hybrid TMMI Toyota toyota prime Trends U.S./North America
GM Grows Board of Directors’ Diversity with New Whitman, Tatum

Posted on March 25, 2021 5:11 pm by admin

Meg Whitman, a technology leader and former head of Hewlett Packard Enterprise, will join the General Motors Board of Directors.

What was already the most diverse board of directors in the automotive industry just go a little more so, General Motors Co. expanding its board, adding Meg Whitman and Mark Tatum to fill the spots.

The move grows GM’s board from 12 to 13 members. Adding Whitman, a former Republican gubernatorial candidate in California and CEO of Quibi Holdings LLC, a media startup, results in women filling seven of the posts on the board. It makes GM the only automaker where women comprise a majority of the board.

Tatum, who is of Asian and African-American heritage, is the National Basketball Association’s deputy commissioner and chief operating officer. Diversity within the company has been a priority for Chairman and CEO Mary Barra since her appointment in 2013.

Diversity is a strength

GM quickly pointed out that the diversity of the company’s newly expanded board isn’t just limited to gender or ethnic background.

Diversity has been a theme during Mary Barra’s tenure as GM’s Chairman and CEO.

The company’s 12 independent directors have senior leadership and board experience in information technology, digital commerce, retail, higher education, investment management, international affairs, defense, transportation, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals, among others.

“Our diverse Board of Directors is a competitive advantage for GM as we work to deliver a better, safer and more sustainable world,” said GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra. “Mark and Meg will bring unique experiences to the Board, especially in technology, brand building and customer experience that will help us drive value for shareholders and other GM stakeholders now and into the future.”

Diversity is a focus in the company’s executive ranks as well. Barra’s overseen a significant shift of women into higher level roles at the company during her tenure. Some of those include Dhivya Suryadevara as Chief Financial Officer, the first-ever woman to hold the job, and Alicia Bolder Davis as the Head of Global Manufacturing.

Others include Ann Cathcart Chaplin, corporate secretary and deputy general counsel; Margaret Curry, vice president, Tax and chief tax officer; Julia Steyn, head of urban mobility and Maven; Kimberly Brycz as senior vice president, Global Human Resources; and Pamela Fletcher, vice president, Global Electric Vehicle Programs. Both Boler Davis and Suryadevara left the company for other opportunities in the last 18 months.

Results are showing

Mark Tatum, deputy commissioner and chief operating officer of the National Basketball Association, will join the General Motors Board of Directors.

The push to diversify, at least by gender, is beginning to get noticed. GM was the top ranked company in the U.S. on the Gender Equality Global Report & Ranking for 2021. It was No. 5 globally, with a score of 71%, up from No. 11 and a score of 68% last year. GM was the only automaker in the Top 100.

Researchers noted GM achieved gender balance at the board level (at the time the report was issued, there were six women on GM’s board). Additionally, women represent 20% of the executive team, 32.2% of senior management and 21.8% of the workforce.

“They offer a living wage and flexible work arrangements to their employees. General Motors is the only company in the U.S. and globally that publishes a mean, unadjusted gender pay gap of less than 3% in all pay bands, and they have a strategy to close the gender pay gap. General Motors also publishes all eight of Equileap’s recommended policies that promote gender equality,” the report noted.

It is compiled by Equileap, a data research firm, which researched 3,702 companies based on 19 gender equality criteria, including gender balance from the board to the workforce, as well as the pay gap and policies relating to parental leave and sexual harassment. The average score for the Top 100 companies globally was 64 percent, an increase of 2 percentage points from last year.

Other automakers making moves

Alexandra Ford English has been nominated for the Ford Motor Co. board of directors.

GM’s top domestic rival, Ford Motor Co., currently has three women on its board of directors and nominated a fourth, Alexandra Ford English, daughter of current Executive Chairman Bill Ford Jr., who is virtually assured of election to the board later this year.

Ford English, 33, recently accepted another board position that elevated her profile. She took on the role as Ford Motor Co.’s representative to the Rivian board of directors. Ford Motor owns an equity stake in the EV maker. She’s held roles in corporate strategy at companies like Tory Burch and Gap Inc. as well as the automaker, which she joined in 2017.

The company’s global workforce is 28% female and 20% of its leadership comprises women. Some of it is top officers include Joy Falotico, president, The Lincoln Motor Co.; Lisa Drake, chief operating officer, North America; Suzy Deering, chief marketing officer; Dianne Craig, president, International Markets Group; Elena Ford, chief customer experience officer; Cathy O’Callaghan, vice president, Controller; and Kiersten Robinson, chief people and employee experiences officer.

Falotico, Drake and Deering have all moved into their roles in the last 12 months with the first two moving from other jobs within the company. Deering arrived at the automaker in January from eBay, where she was global chief marketing officer. She actually took over for Falotico, who now focuses solely on running Lincoln.

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📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged *Daily News* Asia Pacific Automakers Automobiles Business China Coupes Crossovers/CUVs Europe Executives Ford General Motors' board majority women GM GM expands board of directors GM grows diversity of board of directors gm news Markets Middle East/Africa NAFTA Personalities Pickups Sedans South America SUVs thedetroitbureau.com U.S./North America
Ford CEO Forgets Job Title, Pitches Puma ST

Posted on February 18, 2021 6:45 pm by admin

<img data-attachment-id="1752890" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/02/ford-ceo-forgets-job-title-pitches-puma-st/fords-first-performance-suv-in-europe-all-new-puma-st-delive/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/FORD_2020_PUMA_ST_01.jpg" data-orig-size="4385,2923" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"5.6","credit":"","camera":"Canon EOS-1D X Mark II","caption":"The all-new Ford Puma ST introduces acclaimed Ford Performance driving dynamics to the compact SUV segment for the very first time in Europe.","created_timestamp":"1600923600","copyright":"","focal_length":"76","iso":"50","shutter_speed":"0.066666666666667","title":"Ford\u2019s First Performance SUV in Europe: All-New Puma ST Delive","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Ford’s First Performance SUV in Europe: All-New Puma ST Delive" data-image-description="

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Ford CEO Jim Farley announced his fondness for the Puma ST at the start of the week, going so far as to state that he wished the crossover was available in North America and other markets. This resulted in a steady stream of outlets suggesting that he’s totally forgotten his role within the company. As head of the brand, Farley would indeed have meaningful influence in regard to Ford’s distribution choices.

But he probably already knows that and we’re wondering if his social media musings about the rowdy little Puma — which borrows the Fiesta ST engine — were more about testing the waters on a global market push. While we don’t want to rule out the possibility of Farley kissing a photo of the crossover on his nightstand every night as he wonders how to spread its glory, something tells us there may be alternative scenarios.

Ford discontinued the Fiesta (and Fiesta ST) for several major markets in 2019 due to claims that the markets were more prone toward pickup trucks and SUVs. The vehicle allegedly didn’t mesh with the automaker’s push toward becoming “America’s Truck Brand” and a pocket of hatchback enthusiasts went into mourning. But the Puma ST is technically a crossover, suggesting there may be a place for it somewhere in the North American lineup.

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That’s undoubtedly a stretch. We’re not aware of any decisions indicating Ford that might bring the Puma stateside — though the vehicle is already assembled alongside the EcoSport in Romania, helping smooth out some logistical headaches. The duo also share a platform originally devised with some help from Mazda and have overlapping powertrains. However, the Ford EcoSport is famously disliked by most people taking an interest in automobiles and the Puma is basically a cuter version of the same car with some upgraded features.

This would result in a higher MSRP than the $20,000 EcoSport, for a vehicle that sacrifices interior space and general utility for a decidedly more interesting and upscale package were the Puma to come stateside. But any shortcomings are said to be less noticeable in the 200-horsepower ST variant.

<img data-attachment-id="1752892" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/02/ford-ceo-forgets-job-title-pitches-puma-st/fords-first-performance-suv-in-europe-all-new-puma-st-delive-2/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2020_FORD_PUMA-ST_26.jpg" data-orig-size="5000,3750" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"11","credit":"","camera":"GFX 100","caption":"The all-new Ford Puma ST introduces acclaimed Ford Performance driving dynamics to the compact SUV segment for the very first time in Europe.","created_timestamp":"1600923600","copyright":"","focal_length":"23","iso":"100","shutter_speed":"30","title":"Ford\u2019s First Performance SUV in Europe: All-New Puma ST Delive","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Ford’s First Performance SUV in Europe: All-New Puma ST Delive" data-image-description="

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Europeans have the option of fitting the crossover with the Focus’ 1.5-liter EcoBoost, Pilot Sport 4S tires, 19-inch wheels, a Quaife limited-slip differential, torque vectoring, and more standard technology when they choose the performance option. This is the model Farley claims to want to see embraced by the world and it makes a far more compelling case than the base Puma.

At the end of the day, this is the kind of vehicle Ford often claims is best for the United States but probably won’t import — much like the Focus Active. The Puma also looks like something that could have come from another manufacturer (specifically Mazda) now that Ford has culled all cars that aren’t the Mustang. While that could be a good thing, helping the model stand out at dealerships, we’d honestly just rather see the Fiesta ST make a comeback.

<img data-attachment-id="1752896" data-permalink="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2021/02/ford-ceo-forgets-job-title-pitches-puma-st/ford-fiesta-st-edition-mit-einstellbarem-fahrwerk-und-besonderer/" data-orig-file="https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/2020_FORD_FIESTA_ST_12.jpg" data-orig-size="3543,2362" data-comments-opened="1" data-image-meta="{"aperture":"8","credit":"Charlie Magee","camera":"Canon EOS-1D X Mark II","caption":"Ford pr\u00e4sentiert eine ST-Edition seines vielfach preisgekr\u00f6nten Kompaktsportlers, die ihn in ein veritables \u201eTrack Tool\u201c f\u00fcr engagierte Ausfl\u00fcge auf abgesperrte Rundkurse verwandelt. Das von Ford Performance entwickelte limitierte Sondermodell der in K\u00f6ln-Niehl produzierten Erfolgsbaureihe eilt dank eines auf der Nordschleife des N\u00fcrburgrings entwickelten, in Zug- und Druckstufe einstellbaren Edelstahl-Gewindefahrwerks mit drei verschiedenen Fahrprogrammen nochmals ambitionierter durch die Kurven. Auf Wunsch steht auch ein mechanisches Sperrdifferenzial von Quaife f\u00fcr die angetriebenen Vorderr\u00e4der zur Verf\u00fcgung. F\u00fcr m\u00e4chtig Vortrieb sorgt weiterhin der 1,5 Liter gro\u00dfe Ford EcoBoost-Dreizylinder mit 147 kW (200 PS). Er beschleunigt den agilsten Ford Fiesta ST aller Zeiten in 6,5 Sekunden auf 100 km\/h und erm\u00f6glicht eine H\u00f6chstgeschwindigkeit von 230 km\/h. Die Ford Fiesta ST Edition ist ab sofort bestellbar und kostet ab 32.000 Euro.\rFoto: Ford","created_timestamp":"1600785060","copyright":"charliemagee.com","focal_length":"35","iso":"200","shutter_speed":"0.04","title":"Ford Fiesta ST Edition mit einstellbarem Fahrwerk und besonderer","orientation":"1"}" data-image-title="Ford Fiesta ST Edition mit einstellbarem Fahrwerk und besonderer" data-image-description="

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Wish this came to NA and other markets! https://t.co/QpcXk2zokN

— Jim Farley (@jimfarley98) February 16, 2021

[Images: Ford Motor Co.]

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📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged Fiesta ST Ford Ford Fiesta ford motor co Ford Puma News Blog Product Planning PUMA Puma ST
Ford Loses $2.8B in Q4 as Restructuring, Pandemic Hit Bottom Line

Posted on February 4, 2021 11:59 pm by admin

Ford CEO Jim Farley expects the company’s restructuring will begin to produce positive results.

Ford Motor Co. ended 2020 posting a loss for the final quarter of the year as well as for the full year as the pandemic wreaked havoc on the company’s already difficult financial position.

The automaker reported a net loss of $2.8 billion, or 70 cents per share, on revenue of $36 billion during the fourth quarter, pulling the full year’s results down to a net loss $1.3 billion, or 32 cents per share, on revenue of $127.1 billion.

In the midst of a corporate-wide restructuring process to improve its profitability, the company was also hit hard — like most automakers — by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the numbers weren’t great, it’s a means to an end.

“We are profoundly changing the trajectory of our earnings power,” said John Lawler Ford’s chief financial officer, “unlocking the tremendous value Ford can create for customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.”

Sticking to the plan

Ford CFO John Lawler said the automaker could lose 10% to 20% of its Q1 production due chip shortages.

That earnings power is focused on securing an 8% adjusted EBIT margin, specifically 10% in the U.S. and 6% in Europe with the rest of the company’s regional operations turning a profit too. Lawler said the company’s third and fourth quarter results “provided evidence of progress” in the company’s effort to improve profitability.

Despite the losses, Ford did improve its overall liquidity, finishing 2020 with $31 billion in cash and a total liquidity of almost $47 billion.

On an adjusted basis, the company’s EBIT of $1.7 billion, up from $485 million during the year-ago period. The automotive EBIT margin was 3.8%. The company noted that the gains were “broad-based and largely resulted from improved pricing and lower structural costs, as well as the overlap with UAW contract-ratification costs in 2019.”

Company officials acknowledged the year wasn’t what they hoped and were optimistic about 2021. Ford’s Lawler said the company was on course to earn $8 billion to $9 billion in adjusted EBIT – including a $900 million non-cash gain on its investment in Rivian – and generate $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion in adjusted free cash flow in 2021.

Semiconductor shortage may hit bottom line

This optimism comes despite an ongoing issue with semiconductor availability. Lawler said the company was diligently monitoring the situation, but it is “so liquid” that it’s tough to determine what the impact on the bottom line will be.

He did estimate the company could lose as much as 20% of its first quarter production as plants are forced to shut down temporarily, and that those losses could continue throughout the first half of the year. It’s possible to make up some of that in the second half, he noted, but it was too early to tell.

The shortages could lower Ford’s 2021 adjusted EBIT by $1 billion to $2.5 billion, he said. He added the company expects full-year cash and EBIT effects to be about equal – with quarterly cash implications more volatile, given the mechanics of company working capital.

📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged *Daily News* Asia Pacific Automakers Automobiles Business China Crossovers/CUVs earnings Europe Executives Financials Ford Ford CEO Jim Farley Ford earnings news Ford loses $1.3 billion in 2020 Ford reports 2020 earnings Markets Middle East/Africa NAFTA Personalities Pickups Sales South America SUVs Technology thedetroitbureau.com U.S./North America
2021 Ford Bronco Delayed Until Summer 2021

Posted on December 4, 2020 11:06 pm by admin

The automotive world’s most anticipated product is now delayed again. No, not the All-New Ford EcoSport. In a communication to dealerships, Ford confirmed that the 2021 Ford Bronco would be delayed until Summer 2021. The rollout change was forced by COVID-19 challenges that some of Ford’s suppliers are facing. In a communication sent to dealers that a tipster provided to TTAC, Ford also provided an update on some Bronco options.

Originally, order banks for the 2021 Ford Bronco were going to open on Monday, December 7. That date has now moved to mid-January. The conversion window, which is the period of time a Ford dealer and the buyer have to place a 2021 Bronco order, has been moved to mid-January through March 19, 2021. Orders must be placed by dealers, and customers will receive a delivery window in May 2021. First customer deliveries will now begin in summer 2021 instead of spring 2021.

Ford has made it clear that this delay is tied to a supplier issue. Coronavirus challenges have had a significant impact on a number of Bronco suppliers. Ford has not named these suppliers. Due to a high number of Bronco reservations, and COVID-19 related delays, Ford anticipates some Bronco reservations will be pushed into the 2022 model year. Previously, Bronco orders placed by September 18, 2020, would be built for the 2021 model year. Ford has not indicated if that date will change, but they have said that reservations will still be fulfilled in approximately the same order received.

This delay has also pushed back one of the 2021 Bronco’s most mythical options; the Sasquatch Package and manual transmission configuration, or Mansquatch, will not be available for 2021. If a buyer wants a 2021 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package, it will be automatic-only. The seven-speed manual transmission will still be available on the 2021 Ford Bronco. However, much like Bigfoot, no one will ever see a 2021 Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package and manual transmission. That is, unless someone camps outside of Michigan Assembly Plant with a 16mm camera and films a grainy Patterson-Gimlin film style motion picture.

The other piece of Bronco news in today’s communication should please First Edition reservation holders. Ford has added a black interior option to the First Edition Bronco. To many First Edition reservation holder’s dismay, Navy Pier was originally the only interior option for First Edition Broncos. Ford would not confirm that Bronco Navy Pier interiors were Mercury Villager Nautica Edition interiors found in a Detroit area warehouse.

The 2021 Ford Bronco delays are unfortunate for customers, dealers, and Ford Motor Company. Enthusiast customers are growing impatient with the process, and want their vehicles. At the same time, Ford Dealers and Ford Motor Company would like to turn on the money printer that is the Ford Bronco.

The silver lining in the delays is that Ford may once again be focused on making Quality Job One. After the disastrous launch of the Explorer and Aviator, Ford needs to make sure core product launches are not plagued with quality issues. We’ll have to wait until next summer to see if they’ve figured it out.

[Images © 2020 Adam Tonge/TTAC]

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Ford Outperforms GM, FCA in Third Quarter Sales

Posted on October 3, 2020 2:50 pm by admin

Ford said the F-Series finished the third quarter strong with a 17.2% increase in September.

Ford Motor Co. outscored its Detroit rivals, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler during the third quarter by reporting a smaller sales decline and picking up share in the pickup market.

Ford, reporting a day after GM and FCA, was down 4.9% compared to a year ago. GM and FCA reported 10% declines during the third quarter as the industry showed signs of recovering from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic, which stalled sales last spring.

“Despite the challenging pandemic environment, our retail unit sales were down only 2 percent and we had our best third quarter of pickup truck sales since 2005,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford vice president of sales marketing and service. “F-Series finished the quarter on a high note with September sales up 17.2% with over 76,000 F-Series pickups sold. This is a testament to our winning product portfolio and the performance of our great dealers.”

(U.S. new car sales show signs of life in September.)

Volvo Cars enjoyed its best September sales results since 2004.

FCA’s Ram pickup deliveries slipped 3.4% year over year to 156,157 pickups during the third quarter as the Chevrolet Silverado pickup from GM fell 5.4% to 145,525 units. Subaru and Toyota reported sales gains in September as actual sales gains versus the previous year.

Volvo Cars USA maintained its upward momentum trend announcing its fourth consecutive month of year-over-year growth. Retailing 10,274 cars in September 2020, the strong result represents 10.2% growth over the same period last year and marks the best September result for the brand since 2004.

Honda brand sales climbed 11% as trucks set a September record with a 20.4% jump, while Acura September sales increased 16.6% on strong performances from MDX, RDX and ILX. “September marks a high-water mark for Honda sales this year with double-digit gains and our first month in positive territory since the pandemic began,” said Dave Gardner, executive vice president of National Operations at American Honda.

(Automakers expected to report strong September sales.)

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total September sales of 24,237 vehicles, an increase of 28.7 percent compared to September 2019. Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA) today reported third-quarter 2020 sales of 24,857 vehicles, an increase of 1.5% over the same period in 2019, and up a significant 49% over the previous quarter of 2020.

Mitsubishi Motors saw sales rise 1.5% versus last September and a 49% compared with the second quarter of 2020.

Volkswagen of America reported its sales 7.6% and Porsche Cars North America Inc. said third quarter U.S. retail deliveries rose 5% from the same period a year ago, continuing a recovery trend from coronavirus lockdowns in the first half of 2020.

September 2020 sales benefitted from two extra sales days, and the Labor Day holiday weekend, which fell in August for 2019 results. Incoming figures from reporting automakers are reflecting year-over-year improvements for the month, and on an unadjusted volume level the sales tally for the month is expected to be up 2-3% year over year the first time since February 2020 the market will realize a monthly y/y improvement,” noted IHS analysts Stephanie Brinley.

(Tesla hits quarterly delivery record but Wall Street is not impressed.)

“The SAAR reading for the month is expected to improve from the 15.2 million unit reading in August, possibly bumping against a 16-million-unit pace. But this would still be well below the 17.2 million unit reading of September 2019,” she said.

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Ford Cutting Mustang Mach-E Price Up to $3,000

Posted on October 1, 2020 2:09 pm by admin
The new Mustang Mach-E is set to arrive in showrooms shortly — with a price cut.

If cost is keeping buyers from getting into a new electric vehicle, Ford is apparently trying to change a few minds, slashing as much as $3,000 off the sticker price of its new 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric car.

The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker has been tweaking different parts of its first long-range electric vehicle since showing it to the world late last year. The price cuts, which don’t affect the $7,500 federal tax credit, is just the latest touch up.

Only the GT model doesn’t see any kind of price cut as the new EV is set to start rolling into dealerships later this month.

(Ford will let you customize your new Mustang Mach-E before taking delivery.)

Only the GT model doesn’t see a price cut, which are as large as $3,000, depending upon the model.

The move, which were revealed in a dealer memo by MachEforum.com, is designed to help the vehicle “remain fully competitive in a segment that is seeing dynamic price changes.” In short, Ford is keeping with Tesla — specifically the Model Y.

The new pricing is as follows:
- Select RWD from $43,895 to $42,895
- Select AWD from $46,595 to $45,595
- CA Route 1 RWD from $51,800 to $49,800
- Premium RWD from $50,000 to $47,000
- Premium AWD from $52,700 to $49,700
- First Edition from $59,300 to $58,300
(As order banks open, Ford upgrades Mach-E performance specs.)

The company noted it would reinvoice the existing vehicles and offer adjustments to customers where necessary. The pricing adjust is just the latest in a series of improvements to the EV Ford has been making as it nears its delivery date, which was already delayed due to the pandemic.

The new Mach-E is expected to begin arriving in dealerships later this month.

In June, it was announced that all versions of the Mach-E will get a boost in performance from what it had originally announced. The extended-range all-wheel-drive model, for example, will now be rated at 346 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, up from the previously announced figures of 332 hp and 417 lb-ft. It is now expected to be able to hit 60 in the mid-5-second range.

In May, Ford revised the charging time numbers for the Mach-E, revealing it boosted its charging capabilities by as much as 30%, getting an additional 61 miles of range in just 10 minutes using a 150 kilowatt-hour fast charger.

(Ford reduces charging time for Mustang Mach-E by as much as 30 percent.)

After that it announced that new owners will get 250 kilowatt hours of free charging through FordPass Rewards at Electrify America fast-charging stations. Electrify America has 13,500-plus charging stations across the country — the equivalent of about three “fill ups.”
📂This entry was posted in Uncategorized 📎and tagged *Daily News* Asia Pacific Automakers Automobiles Business China Crossovers/CUVs Electrified Vehicles Europe EVs Executives Ford Ford cutting Mach-E prices Ford Mustang Mach-E price cuts ford news Ford slashing up to $3K off Mach-E Markets Middle East/Africa NAFTA Personalities Sales South America Technology thedetroitbureau.com Trends U.S./North America
Ford Touts Expanded Partnership With Mobileye for Next-gen Driver Assist

Posted on July 20, 2020 2:31 pm by admin

Despite urging buyers to venture far from the beaten path with its new Bronco, Ford knows the bulk of its customers will want to keep their tires planted firmly on blacktop, and chances are they’d like the car to handle some of the responsibilities, too.

With that in mind, Ford reached a deal with Mobileye to develop and provide a key element of the brand’s driver-assist hardware. Note that we’re not calling it semi-autonomous, and with good reason.

Reaching Level 1 and 2 autonomy is for any automaker looking to advertise added safety and limited hands-off driving, but neither level equals “autonomous driving.” Drivers must remain aware of the road ahead and ready to take over in an instant. Tesla’s Autopilot and General Motors’ Super Cruise are among the Level 2 systems out there.

Ford’s recently-announced Active Driver Assist will join the fray in 2021, appearing on such vehicles as the Mustang Mach-E, F-150, and other new-generation models. Helped into existence by Mobileye’s EyeQ camera-based system, the tech suite will keep an eye out for oncoming obstacles and intervene if necessary. With the Mobileye deal in the bag, the firm’s logo and name will appear on vehicles’ infotainment screens.

Beginning life as an Israeli startup, Mobileye soon captured the attention of Intel, which bought the firm in 2017.

Mobileye’s sensors and related software is an essential dance partner for Ford’s lane-keeping and lane-holding features, as well as collision warning and pedestrian detection. The features, found in the company’s Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite, spans the company’s vehicle range. Active Driver Assist will proliferate through the lineup once that system comes aboard.

“While Ford and Mobileye have worked together for years, this marks the first time Ford is committing to the company’s technology for the entire lifecycle of its next-generation vehicles,” the automaker said in a release. “Both parties will work with designated Ford Tier 1 providers to supply the technology for vehicle integration.”

[Image: Ford]

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