DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 25, 2010 – The all-new Ford Focus will take dynamic driving to new levels with optionally available handling packages on SE and range-topping Titanium model.

Driving dynamics and responsive handling have been elevated across the entire all-new Focus range for 2012. All Focus models feature standard specifically tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, independent Control Blade rear suspension and torque vectoring control. These features combine to make Focus more agile and confidence-inspiring for enthusiast and normal drivers alike.

“Our enthusiast customers told us exactly what they want in an all-new Focus,” said Mark Rushbrook, Ford vehicle dynamics manager for the 2012 Ford Focus. “They asked us to give Focus more responsive handling, and they asked that we develop and offer a factory-engineered handling package with beefier suspension hardware. We’ve done just that, fine-tuning a pair of available packages for mid-level SE and up-range Titanium models.”

The automotive enthusiast community should appreciate the sharpened handling offered in the volume-series Focus SE four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. The SE Sport Package features sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch aluminum wheels, sport seats, four-wheel disc brakes, piano black grille, metallic interior trim accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel and standard five-speed manual transmission.

Focus SE Sport Package four-door models add a rear spoiler, while all SE Sport Package models with the PowerShift™ dual-clutch transmission add SelectShift Automatic™ functionality for manual override gear selection. SE Sport Package is the only mid-level Focus model to offer premium Yellow Blaze Metallic Tri-coat paint, as well.

Two additional wheel packages are offered with the Focus SE Sport Package. A 16-inch machined alloy wheel with painted pockets is offered as an upgrade, while serious enthusiasts may wish to add the 17-inch machined and painted alloy wheel option.

The range-topping Focus Titanium model is fitted with the sport-tuned suspension as standard equipment. This includes stiffer springs and dampers.

Enthusiast buyers specifying a Focus Titanium sedan or hatchback can add the Titanium Handling Package with optimized suspension components, special 18-inch alloy wheels, low-profile summer performance tires and a trunk-mounted full-size spare.

“Focus enthusiasts spoke and we listened, providing them with additional packages,” said Rushbrook, an active amateur Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racer. “Serious drivers looking for even more grip in the corners will really appreciate the SE Sport and Titanium Handling Packages.”

North American Ford Focus hatchback and sedan with optional handling packages will go on sale – in SE and Titanium trim series levels – at Ford dealerships in early 2011.

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Dearborn, Mich., Oct. 22, 2010 – Ford F-Series trucks have long been known for their definitive power and capability, but they’re also admired for the versatility of the platform, which can be adapted to everything from off-roading to low-riding. At the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show in Las Vegas Nov. 2-5, the versatility of F-Series will again shine in the industry spotlight.

“These trucks sell imagery across the board,” said Melvin Betancourt, Ford specialty design manager. “Customers in the truck world want to go off-roading, or at least have the image that they can, or have a truck they can cruise in. We have trucks that fit everything in those categories.”

F-Series trucks have not only been a major presence at SEMA, but they have also garnered three awards in the past five years, including the Accessory-Friendly Truck design award. They have also been awarded Motor Trend’s Truck Trend Top 5 Trucks from SEMA for the 2009 Ford F-150 Heavy Duty DeWalt Contractor Concept. Additionally, Ford F-Series is the best-selling line of trucks in the marketplace for 33 years running and the most customized trucks in the $31.85 billion aftermarket industry.

The 2011 Ford F-150 offers an all-new powertrain lineup, including a new 3.7-liter V6 engine that is projected to deliver best-in-class 23 mpg highway, pending final EPA certification. A new twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ engine with Ti-VCT also will be available, and has been torture-tested for tough truck use in the lab and on the road. The new 5.0-liter V8 engine is projected to deliver best-in-class 21 mpg highway pending EPA certification.

The F-Series dynamic duo is rounded out with an all-new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty, with the first Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-manufactured heavy-duty diesel 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 turbocharged engine. This versatile Ford diesel is a key reason why the 2011 F-Series Super Duty has best-in-class payload of 7,070 pounds and best-in-class towing capability of 24,400 pounds.

F-Series project trucks showcased at this year’s SEMA show include:

2011 Ford F-150 by Godfather Customs
Godfather Customs is demonstrating that going green can still mean style with its Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine. Modifications include a 2.5-inch cowl induction hood, bumper cover and roll pan and handle relocator. A tonneau bed cover and liner and halo taillamps round out the customizations

2011 Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories
This Ford F-150 by A.R.E. Accessories promotes the mission of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to educate, honor and preserve the history of professional football. Featuring hall of fame styling, the truck is painted with a stadium silhouette and features pigskin leather and materials reminiscent of the gold hall of fame jackets inside. The bed will display notable hall of fame memorabilia, while a wrap on the interior of the bed will simulate the hall of fame enshrinement gallery.

2011 Ford F-150 by Mickey Thompson
The Mickey Thompson Project TTC F-150 is the perfect off-road vehicle, with the new 35-inch Mickey Thompson Baja Claw TTC Radical tires, Fabtech 6-inch suspension, PIAA auxiliary lighting and Warn Industries winch recovery gear. The interior comes with Katzkin leather and aftermarket audio, video and navigation enhancements. For additional utility, the truck features a BedSlide cargo management system and AMP Research power steps.

2011 Ford F-150 by The Custom Shop
On this Ford F-150 with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine by The Custom Shop, shaved handles, lightweight tonneau cover, lightweight rims and low-rolling-resistance tires help enhance looks and mileage. The green theme carries into the styling, with a custom show paint job with a detailed pinstripe border using a low-VOC-emissions DuPont paint. The interior matches the exterior styling with custom Katzkin tan and black leather.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Rize Industries
This Ford F-350 is a motocross concept that uses top-quality products with the highest standards in craftsmanship. The truck features a Rize Industries 8-inch quad-link suspension that offers additional ground clearance. The bed comes complete with a built-in loading ramp, power washer, air compressor, built-in motorcycle stand and storage space for riding gear.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms
Cars by Kris and Airhead Kustoms delivers the Pit Boss, the ultimate tow and support vehicle built off a Ford F-350 Super Duty platform. Built to haul a race car to the track and serve as a mobile pit, the truck offers a bed-mounted tire cage and custom swing-case toolboxes. The interior features custom headliner and leather upholstery, along with sound-deadening material and an in-dash computer system.

2011 Ford F-350 Super Duty by Skyjacker Suspensions
Skyjacker Suspensions’ Ford F-350 Super Duty is made to appeal to the active lifestyle of the Super Duty owner. A Skyjacker-developed 8.5-inch suspension offers a bold lift for work and play, and will let the owner go deeper into the field. Heavy-duty front and rear Fab Fours bumpers are added along with a Warn Industries winch and lights to round out the tough look.

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By Bengt Halvorson Deputy Editor October 6th, 2010

Ford Motor Co. [NYSE:F] is planning to consolidate its Lincoln dealerships, and asking those that stay with the brand to upgrade.

Earlier this week, at a gathering of Lincoln dealers at the company’s headquarters, details for the plan were announced. Although they remain secret, the automaker confirmed that it will likely lose some of its Lincoln dealerships.

Some sources—including the LA Times—have reported that Ford plans to eliminate about 175 dealerships—nearly 15 percent—of current Lincoln dealerships.

Dealers will have one of three options. If now with the discontinuation of Mercury they’re currently selling only Lincoln, they’ll need to invest in expanded facilities, or choose to make an exit. Otherwise, if they currently sell Lincoln and Ford, they can opt to keep their facility as-is and continue selling Ford but not Lincoln.

Company spokesman Christian Bokich said that about 88 percent of Lincoln vehicles are sold in the country’s 130 largest markets, and the brand intends to focus on those markets.

That likely means larger, more consistently styled showrooms, with a level of service that’s on par with Lexus, Audi, or Mercedes-Benz dealerships. Currently, some Lincoln dealerships are too small or outdated, or combined with higher-volume Ford dealerships.

Lincoln plans to introduce seven new products over the next four years, with the first of those, the 2011 Lincoln MKX, already reaching dealerships.

“Lincoln is going to become a world-class brand” that will take on the best from Japan and Europe as well as Cadillac, said Bokich, so the company is telling its dealers that they have to move in a new direction.

“We don’t have a target list,” said Bokich, who explained that it’s a matter of who’s willing to follow the brand upmarket. “At the end of the day, dealers need to make a choice whether they’re willing to invest in the brand.”

Dealers will be meeting with factory reps in the next several months, and any decisions are to be made in the first half of 2011.

[LA Times; Ford Motor Co]

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Ford has created a test drive like no other to kick-start the launch of the next-generation Ford Focus. The company is inviting digital influencers – established and aspiring alike – to participate in the inaugural global test drive of the next-generation Ford Focus. Winners will be among the first in the world to drive the all-new Focus ahead of its arrival in European and North American dealerships in early 2011 – and raise money for their favorite charities in the process.

The Focus Global Test Drive – Start More Than a Car program is another concrete example of the ongoing commitment by Ford to involve customers in the product development process and encourages them to tell the Ford story.

Beginning shortly after the 2010 Paris Motor, test-drive applications will be accepted to attend this first-of-its-kind event via Facebook on the Global Drive tab.

“The Global Test Drive gives us an opportunity to reach out to consumers around the world and involve them in the launch of our new Focus while giving to their local charity,” said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’ve learned through our previous social media initiatives that turning the brand over to consumers early on helps build awareness and interest in the product.”

Applicants will be asked to submit a video clip to the Focus Facebook page explaining why they should be selected to participate in the event and how they might “Start Something More” with a charitable cause in their community with a donation from Ford.

Each driver will be awarded the local-market equivalent of $10,000 (USD) for a charitable cause, with up to $500,000 (USD) in total contributions around the world.

Participants will be chosen based on a combination of their reach in social networks, content creation skills and volume of “likes” generated, among other factors. Ford also will invite established bloggers and online influencers.

The Focus Global Test Drive event will be held in early 2011 in southern Europe. Behind-the-wheel activities will be designed to give the participants an early yet comprehensive look at the next new car from Ford in fun and unusual ways. Participants will be asked to capture and document their experiences for sharing within their individual social network spheres.

Click here to visit the Ford Focus Facebook page and see more details.

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