Ford Motor Co. may save as much as $300 million on warranty costs next year because of improved design standards and manufacturing technology, the company’s top quality executive said Friday.

That will be in addition to $900 million in expenses Ford trimmed this year because of fewer dealer repairs after cars and trucks leave the factory, Vice President Bennie Fowler said in an interview.

“The numbers that we’re targeting, probably another $200 to $300 million, would be in line, certainly in line with the substantial improvement we made this year,” Fowler said of prospects for savings next year.

Ford is trying to win back buyers and end 11 consecutive years of U.S. market share declines. A survey commissioned by the Dearborn-based company found that its five-year effort to improve quality was cutting problems to near the level of Toyota Motor Corp., the industry’s perceived leader.

The survey of 60,611 new Ford car or truck owners from September 2006 through February 2007 found 1,427 reports of “things gone wrong” per 1,000 vehicles, 159 fewer than last year, Ford said in June.

The survey, by RDA Group in Bloomfield Hills, found Toyota owners reported 1,362 problems per 1,000 vehicles.

In June, Ford had four of the top 10 brands in the annual initial-quality survey by J.D. Power & Associates. Ford’s Lincoln brand ranked third, with Jaguar sixth, Mercury eighth and the namesake Ford brand 10th.

The warranty savings, now being used to offset losses after a record $12.6 billion shortfall last year, will eventually allow increased spending on future new models, Fowler said.

Ford Motor Co. unveiled its second Verve concept car at the Guangzhou auto show in China this week. The four-door notchback follows a three-door hatchback unveiled in Frankfurt in September and will be followed by a third model, which is slated to be unveiled in Detroit in January. Together, they are designed to show the direction Ford will take with its new global subcompact.

When it comes to the best of the best in the truck class, there is no better option than the Ford F-150. For over ten years, the Ford F-150 has been at the top of this class. Not only is this truck popular among ordinary people, but construction workers love the power and toughness that it has to offer.From the outside, the Ford F-150 has a great look. In the front it has the same look as the Explorer, which does it justice. And of course when you get around to the back you will notice a large bed that can help you haul a number of different items. Also, don’t overlook having your Ford F-150 equipped with the tow package. This will give you the ability to haul a trailer, boat, or u-haul with ease.

When it comes to the interior of the Ford F-150, you will not be disappointed. The front seat is quite comfortable, and the layout is easy to live with. If you opt for the full cab, your back seat riders will be able to travel in comfort.

On the road the Ford F-150 has no problem keeping up. And if you opt for four wheel drive you will be able to take your truck into almost any situation imaginable.

The Ford F-150 has always been a very popular truck. And as long as Ford continues to do what they are doing with the F-150, this will always be popular among truck buyers all over the country.

The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 – the most powerful factory F-Series truck ever – races onto streets this fall to help the famed motorcycle maker and automaker kick off their 105 th anniversary celebrations. The new, limited-edition truck is the third supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150, following the best-selling 2002 and 2003 models that were part of more than 60,000 of the specialty trucks sold since 1999.

“Ford Harley-Davidson™ trucks have turned a shared passion for open roads into one of the most successful alliances in the industry,” says Todd Eckert, Ford Truck and SUV communications manager. “The new 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson ™ F-150 perfectly blends the flexibility and capability of F-Series trucks with the free spirit and raw power of Harley-Davidson ® motorcycles – the principles that continue to drive both companies after 105 years.”

This anniversary edition F-150 honors the humble beginnings of two American icons in 1903. The truck is available as SuperCrew 4×2 or all-wheel-drive models and features a choice of Black monochromatic exterior with custom stripe running along the beltline or an available Black and Vintage Copper two-tone exterior paint.

The purposeful exteriors are complemented by other features that signal the truck’s connection to Harley-Davidson ® motorcycles. They include:

-Unique chrome billet grille and lower front valance.
-Body color bumper, mirror caps, ground effects, door and tailgate handles.
-Blacked-out headlamps with black bulb shield and dark tinted, smoked-out taillamps.
-Windshield with Bar & Shield logo dot pattern and Alliance logo.
-New 22-inch polished forged-aluminum wheels with the Bar & Shield logo on center caps.
-Forged aluminum “105 th Anniversary Harley-Davidson F-150” Medallions on the fenders and tailgate.
-Chrome dual exhaust tips and tie-down hooks.
-Rubber bed mat with HARLEY-DAVIDSON Bar & Shield logo.

The Vintage Copper and Black color scheme is carried onto the interior that features Black/Dusted Copper leather-trimmed front captain’s chairs and rear bench seat with die-cast Bar & Shield logos embedded in the leather.

Other interior features are: Two-tone leather shifter, console lid and steering wheel. High-gloss piano black floor console and center stack with the Bar & Shield logos, as well as chrome vent rings and unique instrument cluster. Serialized nickel plate displaying the production VIN and number. Brushed stainless steel pedals. The center stack, matching door-trim panels and lower part of the windshield feature numerous miniature Bar & Shield logos. In fact, the center stack panel was inspired by similar panels found on certain Harley-Davidson ® motorcycles.

Powertrain options include a standard 300 horsepower 5.4-liter Triton ™ V-8 or an available SALEEN intercooled, supercharged, V-8 that pumps out an impressive 450 horsepower and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. Along with the engine upgrades, the SALEEN performance package, available on the 4×2 only, includes an available gauge pod with boost and air-charge temperature gauges.

The 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson â„¢ F-150 truck is the tenth model to emerge from a Ford Harley-Davidson Alliance that began in 1999. The co-branding of the two storied companies has proven to be a successful formula with sales of Ford Harley-Davidson â„¢ F-Series trucks totaling more than 60,000 units.

Source : Automotive Blog Updates

Ford F-Series, America’s truck leader for 30 consecutive years, sets the standard for strength and toughness – with more trucks on the road with over 250,000 miles than any other brand. Ford continues to raise the bar to give truck customers more of what they’re looking for. The 2008 Ford F-150 introduces new models, features and options that take “Built Ford Tough” to a new level. Here’s a look at just a few of the ways the F-150 continues to lead full-size pickups:

Bolted Ford Tough: With 1,000 pounds more payload than the nearest competitor and a class-leading 11,000-pound towing capacity, the Ford F-150’s capability leadership can be measured down to the bolts. Ford has the largest, strongest bed and key suspension bolts in the segment to hold up to the abuse of customers who move these extreme loads. While its 300-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine, fully boxed frame and robust suspension get most of the credit, the bolts hold it all together over the long haul.

Check out the video at to see how the Ford F-150 handles grueling rough roads versus the competition.

One tough customer: The Ford F-150’s fully boxed frame is the strongest in the segment, providing the foundation for improved durability, driving dynamics, ride refinement and quietness. The result is increased stiffness and stronger attachment points for the brackets that attach the body and suspension to the frame – and minimal shake and shudder on rough roads. With a driving feel that is designed to be plush yet connected to the road, F-150 has a front suspension system that readily absorbs bumps but stands strong against steering forces. The frame also contributes to the F-150’s leading payload and towing capability.

Safety in numbers: The Ford F-150 is one of the only half-ton pickups to have earned NHTSA’s five-star crash rating for both driver and front passenger thanks to a solid structure and rigorous “Built Ford Tough” testing. The structure includes strong hydroformed front frame rails that are built with computer-designed front horns to help manage crash forces. In an impact, these areas of the frame are designed to collapse in an accordion fashion, dissipating energy before it reaches the passenger compartment.

Fuel-saving innovations: The Ford F-150 features the segment’s only 4×4 system with integrated wheel ends that automatically disconnect when the truck is shifted into 4×2 and re-connect when it is shifted into four-wheel mode. The system reduces fuel consumption by up to a half gallon per mile in 4×2 driving conditions compared to more traditional systems used by competitive trucks. Combined with fuel-saving engine technologies such as the 5.4-liter 3-valve V-8’s variable cam timing, the F-150 gets comparable real-world fuel economy while still delivering class-leading capability.

Eyes in the back of your bed: The 2008 Ford F-150’s new rearview video camera parking aid system enhances visibility at the rear of the box through an innovative video feed customers can conveniently see on the rearview mirror. The Rearview Camera System is mounted in the tailgate handle bezel and is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the self-dimming rearview mirror, a natural place for the driver to look while in reverse. This system gives truckers who tow the visibility they need to back up to their trailer and line up precisely to hook up the hitch. The industry’s only other truck application requires drivers to look down at the navigation screen as they’re reversing.

Six-door truck? Retail and fleet truck customers can choose an innovative Mid-box feature – a customizable box between the cab and bed – that provides lockable storage for tools and other valuable items. The rugged, steel construction features double-paneled doors that are accessible from both sides of the vehicle and lock and unlock with the same key that operates the driver’s door. Latches feature double-bitted keys and lock tumblers designed to provide additional security. Dent-resistant exterior door panels wear factory Ford door handles for a well integrated look and feature commercial grade sealing delivering a weather- and dust-resistant interior compartment. The Mid-box option is available on Regular Cab and Super Cab models.

The ultimate tool box: The 2008 Ford F-150 works even harder and smarter with a factory-installed feature that offers an easy-to-use solution for secure storage of all types of cargo. The base Cargo Management System comes with two side rails and four cleats. Additional options include a pair of bins, a pair of crossbars and a header bar. Extra bins and crossbars are easily added when extra capability and flexibility is needed. In the “Built Ford Tough” spirit, Ford engineered the system to handle more load and last longer than competitive systems. For example, the easily adjustable, cast-aluminum cleats can hold more than 600 pounds. Side-mounted, blow-molded plastic tool bins can hold up to 60 pounds and feature double wall construction, providing a watertight, thermal barrier that keeps beverages cold when used as a cooler.

Power play: The supercharged, 450-horsepower 2008 Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 is the most powerful F-Series truck ever and races onto streets this fall to help the famed motorcycle maker and automaker kick off their 105 th anniversary celebrations. The new limited-edition truck is the third supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150, following the best-selling 2002 and 2003 models that were among the more than 60,000 specialty trucks sold since 1999. This supercharged beast is available on both monochromatic and two-toned 4×2 models.

More choice: The Ford F-150 offers the industry’s widest variety of body configurations, including three cab choices, three box lengths, two box styles and five unique series. Ford further expands the leading lineup of more than 60 unique models and configurations with the addition of the 2008 Ford F-150 Lariat Limited and XL Super Crew. The Lariat Limited takes Ford’s “Tough Luxury” to a new level with a stunning White Sand Metallic monochromatic paint scheme and massive 22-inch wheels. The XL Super Crew offers the hottest truck model – four-door crew cabs – in a more affordable package. Why so many choices? Ford customers need different tools for different jobs. The competition only offers half as many combinations as the Ford F-150.

Paint by quality numbers: The Ford F-150’s frame is painted with a high-tech e-coat paint process that was perfected by Mazda and reduces paint waste. The unique paint job reduces the environmental impact by allowing a more uniform and consistent quality coating of paint to be applied to parts. This paint process uses electric energy to attract paint particles to a part, minimizing waste and overspray.

Here’s something you can brag about to your family the next time you get back from Las Vegas.

The city has added two hydrogen fuel buses from Ford Motor to its downtown bus routes. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman hosted an inaugural launch for the press on Monday.

Las Vegas adds two Ford H2 Ice E-450
buses to its fleet. (Credit: Ford Motor)

The city of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Valley Water District’s Springs Preserve have already been participating in municipal hydrogen pilot programs. The Springs Preserve hydrogen filling station makes its own hydrogen from water and electricity generated by the station’s solar panels.

Now tourists and citizens interested in hydrogen as an alternative fuel source can test out what it’s like to ride in such vehicles themselves. The buses will be part of the City Ride program and offer express rides between the city’s downtown area and the Las Vegas Premium Outlets shopping district.

The Ford E-450 model, referred to as the Ford H2 Ice, is not a hybrid using hydrogen to power fuel cells, but a vehicle with a 6.8-liter V10 engine that has been converted to run on hydrogen fuel. Las Vegas already has some trucks in its city fleet that were combustion engine vehicles converted to run on hydrogen fuel, but these are the first that will be frequented by tourists and average citizens.

The two buses, which are being leased for two years from Ford for $500,000, are being paid for by a U.S. Department of Energy grant that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid helped Nevada to get.

“First, they will encourage people to use public transportation downtown. Second, they rely on clean energy that won’t pollute our air. I am proud to see the city of Las Vegas taking even more steps to reduce Nevada’s reliance on oil,” Reid said in a statement.

Big jobs require Big Trucks. That’s probably why Ford’s previous generation of Heavy-duty pickups, the F-250 and F-350, has been such a huge success. Starting with the 1999 model, Ford built the Super Duty models on a chassis significantly different from the F-150’s. FoMoCo took the opportunity to increase nearly every dimension with the change, including a four-inch wheelbase stretch that translated directly into more interior room.

As expected in this class, there are many combinations of engine, drivetrain, cabin size, and bed length as well as special versions for RVs and commercial applications. The regular cab is offered with a long bed; the extended cab has four doors, the aft two hinged at the rear, with a short or long bed; and the SuperCab, with four full-size, front-hinged doors, also is available with either bed. Within those categories are various trim levels: There are too many combinations to list here, but the XL is base–and we do mean base, with vinyl seats and no standard air-conditioning–while XLT is above that and Lariat is at the top. There’s probably a combination of bed, cabin, and door count to fit any need.

Along with the wide range of choices in layout, you get to pick from a variety of engines. A 235-horsepower, 5.4-liter Triton V-8 is standard, with a 275-horsepower 6.8-liter V-10 as an option. The 7.3-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbodiesel makes just 235 horsepower, but has a mammoth 500 pound-feet of torque. For 2000, the 5.4-liter was boosted to 260 horsepower and 350 pound-feet, and in 2001, Ford upped the V-10’s output to 310 horses and 425 pound-feet and the turbodiesel’s to 250 and 505. In 2003, the 7.3-liter Power Stroke’s torque was pumped up again to 525, but by midyear, an all-new 6.0-liter variable-fin turbodiesel arrived, boasting 325 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque. Bring on the Sea Ray! Most models could be ordered with a four-speed automatic or a manual–five-speed was standard and six-speed optional until 2002, when the extra ratio was made standard.

Owners have reported a choppy ride, particularly with the 4WD option–which is to be expected in a 3/4- or one-ton truck. There are reports of injection problems on the gasoline engines, notably the idle-air control and EGR valves. Reports also show transmission issues on high-payload diesel versions, so it’s worth carefully checking the service history of any candidate–remember that tow vehicles can lead a hard life, even in a few miles.

Ford Motor Co., the second-biggest U.S. automaker, said it’s offering three-year, no-interest loans on all 2007 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles to start making room at dealerships for next year’s models.

The financing incentives run from today through July 9, spokeswoman Lydia Cisaruk said in an interview. On some models, customers can take cash rebates of $500 to $2,500 instead. The Dearborn, Michigan-based company also is offering an additional $2,007 rebate on 2007 pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles.

Ford is getting an early start on lot-clearing efforts after a 12 percent drop in its U.S. sales through May, while the industrywide total fell 1.2 percent. Automakers usually begin such offers closer to August, when many of the new models begin to arrive.

“Sometimes you need that shot in the arm,” said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst at Global Insight Inc. in Lexington, Massachusetts. “You need to get some of that inventory out.”

Ford shares rose 33 cents, or 3.6 percent, to $9.61 at 12:49 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. They have gained 28 percent this year.

The $2,007 rebate for pickups and SUVs doesn’t apply to so- called crossover wagons such as the Edge, Cisaruk said.

Ford’s sales have declined in part because of its plan to sell fewer vehicles to car-rental companies, which get discounts for buying in bulk. Ford in October stopped making the original Taurus sedan, sold almost exclusively for rentals, as it closed a plant in Atlanta. Taurus has since been revived as the new name for the Five Hundred sedan, produced at a Chicago factory.

The company also has been hurt by a 13 percent slide through May in sales of F-Series pickups, which account for about a quarter of Ford’s U.S. total.

GM Offers
General Motors Corp., the largest U.S. automaker, said on June 25 that it would offer no-interest loans of as long as three years, as well as $1,000 discounts on some 2006 and 2007 models. Those offers also run through July 9 and are tied to the July 4 U.S. holiday.

GM had a 3.2 percent U.S. sales decline in the first five months. The Detroit-based automaker reported an unexpected increase of 9.6 percent in car and light-truck sales in May.

GM also is reducing sales to rental-car customers. The automaker had a 2.1 percent increase in sales to individual buyers in the first five months of the year, spokesman John McDonald said in an e-mail. Such sales generally are more profitable than sales to rental-car companies.