Ford Makes Automotive Innovation Predictions

From Ford.com:

“Ford was founded on the innovative spirit of Henry Ford, and the opportunity today to reinvent the driving experience excites us just as it probably would have him,” said Paul Mascarenas, vice president and chief technical officer of Ford. “Technology is enabling Ford to bring a new level of awareness and intelligence that will dramatically enhance our customers’ time behind the wheel.”

 

As CTO, Mascarenas has been leading the team researching and developing new technologies for Ford vehicles, particularly in the area of driver assistance and mobile device connectivity.

 

“The new Fusion sedan demonstrates how we’re making the car smarter using attainable and affordable technology and thus helping create a better driver,” continues Mascarenas. “Fusion features an unprecedented level of sensors for its driver assist technologies, machine learning techniques to deliver more electric-only driving on the hybrids, and innovative graphical interfaces to help coach drivers to be as fuel efficient as possible.”

 

With more than 145 actuators, 4716 signals, and 74 sensors including radar, sonar, cameras, accelerometers, temperature and even rain sensors, the 2013 Fusion can monitor the perimeter around the car and see into places that are not readily visible from the driver’s seat. These sensors produce more than 25 gigabytes of data per hour which is analyzed by more than 70 on-board computers. The actuators combined with signal information from the driver assist sensors can alert the driver to potential dangers, and actively assist with parking and lane keeping.

 

According to Mascarenas’ predictions, top areas for car technology innovation in the coming years will include:

 

• “Big data” analysis and intelligent decision making: Ford is researching the use of real-time sensor data – radar and camera-based – that can help evaluate external factors affecting driver attention, such as traffic congestion, and thus limit potential distractions such as an incoming phone call
• Upgradeable, customizable hardware: Ford’s OpenXC research platform looks at the potential for open-source, community-driven innovation of plug-and-play hardware modules that provide infinite opportunities for rapid customization
• Seamless integration across cloud ecosystems: The success of Ford SYNC® has been linked to its open, agnostic platform strategy that has allowed for adoption and compatibility with the burgeoning mobile ecosystem; the next step is to do the same for the consumer shift toward cloud-based services
• Advanced machine learning: The new Fusion and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids utilize EV+, a feature that learns the typical locations of charging, such as home and office, and then automatically maximizes electric-only driving mode when nearing those locations
• Biometrics: Ford is researching biometric sensors, such as those embedded in a car seat, to measure stress levels for a more personalized response from driver assist technologies, because skill levels – and thus stress – can vary in certain situations
• Prediction: Ford researchers are looking at ways to predict driver behavior, such as a driver’s destination based on prior history, to help optimize and configure vehicle controls for improved performance such as better energy management
• Rapid data authentication: Ford sees significant potential in vehicle-to-vehicle communications and is actively researching the technology globally, including advanced Wi-Fi^® with rapid authentication capability so that cars can exchange information quickly and securely, helping drivers avoid potential collisions

Read entire article here.

Would you like to know more about the innovations available on current Ford models?  Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford and let us introduce you to these amazing vehicle features.

2013 Ford Fusion Named IIHS Top Safety Pick+

From Ford.com:

• The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion achieved an Acceptable Rating in the challenging new small overlap front crash test and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently named the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion a Top Safety Pick+, the highest recommendation the organization has for vehicle crash safety

• The all-new Fusion features the Personal Safety System, new safety belt technologies and a total of eight airbags, which are designed to protect the vehicle occupants. The Fusion has redesigned seat-mounted side airbags that deploy lower in the pelvis area and incorporate new venting technology to further enhance side impact protection

Read entire article here.

Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to see our selection of 2013 Ford Fusions.

2013 Ford Fusion Named "Best Redesigned Vehicle"

The 2013 Ford Fusion has received yet another honor....being named Kelley Blue Book's (kbb.com) "2013 Best Redesigned Vehicle".  Read more about it here.  Then stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to see the 2013 Ford Fusion in person!

Ford C-MAX Hybrid Off to a Quick Start

(photo courtesy:  Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

• Ford C-MAX has become the fastest-selling hybrid ever at launch, with 8,030 units sold in its first two months of sales in October and November, outpacing Toyota Camry Hybrid’s 7,300 sales in its first two full months in May and June 2006

• C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are selling three times faster than the combined launch sales of Toyota Prius and Honda Insight in 2000

• Ford achieved its best electrified vehicle sales month ever in November with 7,157 units sold, with C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid outselling Prius v and Prius Plug-in combined by nearly 10 percent

• Ford is projecting an all-time record quarter for hybrid sales at December close, with more than half of hybrid sales this year expected to come in the fourth quarter

Read entire article here.

Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to learn more about the Ford C-MAX Hybrid or view our C-MAX inventory here.

Oldest Surviving Ford Vehicle Returns Home

(photo courtesy:  Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

• Oldest surviving Ford production car, a 1903 Model A, recently purchased at auction by Bill Ford; car unveiled as part of an employee event to kick off the 150^th anniversary celebration of Henry Ford’s birth

• Community picnic, special program at Maker Faire are key events leading up to the 150^th birthday of Henry Ford on July 30, 2013

• New dedicated website, www.henryford150.com, launches to host an interactive timeline of Ford’s life, a calendar of activities and information, and efforts to preserve Ford’s legacy

Read entire article here.

Ford Fusion Named "Best Car to Buy 2013"

The 2013 Ford Fusion has been named "Best Car to Buy 2013" by Car Connection.  Read the details here.   Then stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to see the 2013 Ford Fusion and learn all about the features that make it a great buy!

2013 Ford Fusion Named Green Car of the Year

Green Car Journal recently named the 2013 Ford Fusion as 2013 Green Car of the Year.

David Mondragon, Ford general marketing manager, said Ford is “very honored” the 2013 Fusion has been recognized as Green Car of the Year. “From EcoBoost to hybrid and plug-in hybrid offerings, the new Fusion is delivering best-in-class fuel economy all wrapped in a dynamic package,” Mondragon said.

Read entire article here.

Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to see their selection of 2013 Ford Fusions and learn more about what makes it an award-winner.

2014 Ford Fiesta to Redefine Small Car

(photo courtesy:  Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

• New Ford Fiesta bursts onto the scene with an impressive lineup of powertrain options anchored by the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine that delivers a thrill-packed ride with unrivaled 40 mpg-plus 

• Fiesta is loaded with a dazzling array of features and technologies that proves small is smart

• Personalization features and hot new color combinations make the 2014 Ford Fiesta – on sale next year – a car that not only revels in the spotlight, but demands it

• Fiesta ST smokes the competition with the best performance in its class

Read entire article here.

GE to Buy 2000 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrids

(photo courtesy:  Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

• GE will purchase 2,000 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids – Ford’s largest-ever plug-in electrified vehicle fleet sale – as part of GE’s commitment to convert half of its global fleet to alternative fuel vehicles

• C-MAX Energi is America’s most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid with a 108 MPGe city EPA rating and a 620-mile single-tank range that will benefit GE’s sales and service professionals – many who drive more mileage daily than average commuters

• Ford will promote GE’s WattStation™ charging station and CNG in a Box™ natural gas fueling station with its commercial buyers. Ford will also supply new alternative fuel vehicles for use at GE’s Vehicle Innovation Center

• Georgia Institute of Technology researchers to study GE employee driving and charging habits through innovative MyFord® Mobile app to help optimize all-electric driving

Read entire article here.

Contact Big Mike Naughton Ford for more information on the Ford C-MAX line-up.

Car and Driver Looks at 2014 Ford Fiesta

(photos from Car and Driver)

Car and Driver recently looked at the 2014 Ford Fiesta which was unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.  Their article includes many details on the upcoming Ford Fiesta as well as photos.  Check it out here!

Would you like more information on the Ford Fiesta?  Contact Big Mike Naughton Ford!

Ford Fusion Features Stylish Interior

From Ford.com:  

Today’s fashion is expressive, sculpted, three-dimensional – rife with patterns and textures that create depth and visual interest. These runway trends are very similar to the creative new interiors appearing in vehicles like the all-new Ford Fusion.

 

“We’re getting more expressive with the diversity of color – just like you see in fashion,” says Susan Swek, group chief designer, Color & Material Design. “Our range is expanding in all sorts of color spaces; we’re going from lights to darks, both high and subtle contrasts, thoughtfully designed, harmonious colors.”

 

The similarities between aesthetic worlds isn’t terribly surprising, Swek explains. “Colors and materials – in any industry – are really about stimulating the senses,” she says. “They’re about sensory design along with complementing other design elements. They’re about detail and interest and texture, and about the way things come together.”

 

That trend continues even in the interior sculpting of the vehicle itself, according to senior designer Sewon Chun, a member of the Fusion interior design team.

 

“Humans are three-dimensional people,” he says. “It’s the nature of humans to want to see three-dimensionally – to want that highlight, that shadow.”

 

The center stack of the Fusion, for example, is not a flat surface like customers might see in other cars.

 

“Our goal was to make the car more structural,” Chun says. “So you don’t have a boring square. We use different materials so certain parts will jump out, and other areas will be the second or third thing the passenger sees. With layered dimensions we add space, interest and airiness to the interior.”

 

Read entire article here.

Learn more about the 2013 Ford Fusion at Big Mike Naughton Ford.

Award-Winning Ford EcoBoost Engine Coming to America

From Ford.com:

The new 2014 Ford Fiesta on sale next year will be the first vehicle available in the United States with Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine. Though the car has not yet undergone EPA testing, it is expected to be certified as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car available in the United States.

 

The smallest engine available in its class, Ford’s patented 1.0-liter EcoBoost won’t be short on power, torque or refinement. The smooth, quiet-running engine is projected to produce 123 horsepower and peak torque of 148 lb.-ft.

 

“Customers are going to be pleasantly surprised at what the smallest member of the EcoBoost engine family can do,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Most customers are not going to be thinking about the number of cylinders under the hood when they drive the new 1.0-liter EcoBoost Fiesta. They’ll notice an extremely smooth and quiet idle, terrific acceleration accompanied by a sporty sound at high revs, and – most importantly – outstanding fuel economy.”

 

The newest member of Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family, the 1.0-liter will join the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company’s history. Next year, Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double today’s total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.

Read entire article here.

Contact Big Mike Naughton Ford to learn more about the many fuel-efficient engine options currently available on Ford vehicles.

Join the Go Further With Ford Night at Big Mike Naughton Ford

Big Mike Naughton Ford will be hosting a Go Further With Ford Night on November 15, 2012 from 3 pm - 9 pm.  Join us to learn more about the Ford Fusion, enjoy food and beverages, and be entered to win a trip to American Idol or a 2013 Ford Fusion!  Register in advance on our website.  Ford and Mike Naughton together will donate $50 per person registered through our site to the victims of the Aurora shooting.  

Ford C-MAX Tops Plug-in Hybrids

(photo courtesy:  Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

• All-new 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi delivers EPA-certified 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway rating and 100 MPGe combined; estimated to save $7,000 in fuel costs over five years

• C-MAX Energi also delivers up to 620 miles of range on a single tank of gas and a fully charged battery – 80 miles more than what is delivered by Toyota Prius plug-in

• America’s most affordable plug-in hybrid, versatile Ford C-MAX Energi offers best-in-class passenger volume and 15 class-exclusive features such as the available hands-free liftgate

• C-MAX Energi is part of Ford’s power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup while tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013

Read entire article here.

Contact Big Mike Naughton Ford to learn more about the entire C-MAX line-up!

Current Service Specials at Big Mike Naughton Ford

Big Mike Naughton Ford's Service Department is currently offering two Service Specials:

$120 combined mail-in rebate on 4 select tires

$20 rebate on all dealer-installed Motorcraft batteries

Visit our website for details on each of these offers and to print required coupons.  Also, schedule your service appointment with our convenient online scheduling form.  

Ford C-MAX Hybrid Becomes Popular Choice

From Ford.com:  

• In its first full month of sales, Ford’s new C-MAX Hybrid outsells Toyota Prius v, 3,182 units to 2,769

• Ford sets record for hybrid sales in October with 4,612 units – double October 2011 hybrid sales

• C-MAX hybrids help Ford achieve strongest October small car sales in 11 years –a total 25,493 vehicles for a 54 percent increase year over year

• Nearly 70 percent of C-MAX Hybrid buyers are new to Ford, with 25 percent of sales in California as Ford continues to make in-roads on the coasts

Read entire article here.

Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to learn more about what makes the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid such a popular choice!  Check out our inventory here.

Ford Using Research to Fight Microbes

From Ford.com:

• Operating in a wide array of conditions, cars and trucks can become a breeding ground for a variety of microorganisms that cause odors and discoloration of vehicle surfaces

• Americans spend approximately $2.3 billion annually on air fresheners

• Researchers from Ford and the University of Michigan studied vehicle interiors to learn where microbes grow and evaluated antimicrobial additives for coatings

• Adding silver-ion-based Agion^® to paints may significantly inhibit microbe growth

The team focused their attention on three commonly used and EPA-approved antimicrobial additives including silver-ion, ammonium salt and polyolefin wax with a nano-silver coating. Panels painted with four different formulations were then evaluated back at the U-M lab to assess the growth rates of microorganisms.

 

Parts coated with paint infused with the silver-ion additive sold under the trade name Agion®, contained lower microbe growth than the control parts with the current production paint. Agion, based on elemental ions, works by starving, sterilizing and suffocating the microbes to prevent them from growing and reproducing.

 

Cars and trucks generally have a much longer life span than most antimicrobial-treated products, and they operate in a wider range of environmental conditions. Drivers expect features to continue working and surfaces to remain intact even after the vehicle has been on the road for many years. Peters and Nichols subjected the specially coated test panels to an accelerated aging process to evaluate their microbe-controlling properties after the equivalent of years of exposure to sun and heat.

 

Even after simulating many years of use, the microbe growth of the Agion-infused coating changed very little. The additive also had little impact on the gloss and color change of the surfaces over the test period. Parts with the antimicrobial-treated coating are now undergoing real-world testing in a number of Ford development vehicles, and the coating is being evaluated for potential use in future Ford vehicle programs.

 

“We can’t control everything that contributes to stains and odors in our cars and trucks,” said Peters. “But we’re doing our part to maintain a pleasant cabin environment for our customers over the long haul.”

Read entire article here.

Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to learn more about the small details that make Ford vehicles the right choice for you.

Ask a Technician at Big Mike Naughton Ford

Do you have a question about a Ford repair, service, or genuine Ford parts?  Use Big Mike Naughton Ford's Ask a Technician online form to get an answer to your question!

Ford F-Series Trucks Win TAWA Awards

(photo courtesy:  Ford.com)

From Ford.com:

The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has awarded Ford F-Series trucks and utilities with top honors in key categories after comparing the vehicles against competitors during the group’s annual Texas Truck Rodeo near San Antonio.

 

• 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty won Heavy-Duty Pickup Truck category
• 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor won Off-Road Truck category
• 2013 Ford Escape won Compact SUV category
• 2013 Ford Explorer Sport won Mid-Size Luxury Sport Utility category

Read entire article here.

Stop by Big Mike Naughton Ford to see the available F-Series trucks!

Diesel Cold Weather Operation Tips

As colder temperatures arrive in late fall, new challenges come with the changing seasons for the diesel owner. With proper preparation, cold weather starting and driving inconveniences are easily averted.  Here are a few recommendations from Mike Naughton Ford.

Diesel engines need to be spun fast enough to start, so it is of utmost importance that the starting and charging system be in top condition and the resistance from spinning the engine be minimized.  I recommend your batteries be tested prior to cold weather arriving and the battery cables and batteries be free of corrosion.  In order to reduce resistance, use of correct oil viscosities for diesel engines is very important. Check the owner’s manual for the recommend oil viscosity for the temperature range expected during the winter months.  Usually when the temperature falls below freezing, 10W-30 is preferred over the traditional 15W-40.  Using the lighter oil will allow your starter to spin the engine easier in cold temperatures.  Fresh engine oil is another step that will allow the engine to start easier.

Another important reason to have the starting and charging system in top working order is the glow plugs.  In order for you diesel engine to start, the engine must be pre-heated.  This function belongs to the glow plugs. The glow plugs require a substantial amount of electrical power to operate properly.  If the batteries or cables are not giving the proper amount of electrical power to the glow plugs, starting your diesel engine in cold weather is impossible.  Most diesel engines are equipped with an engine block heater.  When the temperature drops below 20 F, use of the engine block heater will allow the engine to start much easier.  Another benefit of the block heater, the defroster/heater will put out warm air much quicker.

Taking care of your fuel injection system is also an important step to successful cold weather operation.  Diesel fuel quality is critical for reliable engine operation, during the winter months a few extra steps must be taken.  Diesel can begin to gel when the temperature drops below 20 F. To avoid cold weather fuel gelling, use an anti-gelling additive from a reputable manufacturer.  Diesel fuel retains water; the water separator should be drained monthly or more often if a warning light comes on alerting that there is water in the fuel.  Regular fuel filter changes will also safeguard your injection system from harm. Using the good quality filters (not the cheapest) will keep impurities away from your fuel injectors.   Biodiesel will gel at a higher temperature that Number 1-D diesel fuel or “winterized” Number 2-D diesel fuel.  You may want to restrict the use of biodiesel during the coldest temperatures. 

Last, by not least, be sure to have your coolant protection level checked.  If the protection level proves to be inadequate or the coolant is contaminated, don’t hesitate to have the system serviced. Always follow the recommended service intervals found in the owner’s manual.

There are a few items that are not recommended, such as: Do not use starting fluid, such as ether, in the air intake system. Ether can cause immediate explosive damage to the engine and possible personal injury.  Do not add gasoline, gasohol or alcohol to diesel fuel. This could cause a fire hazard and cause engine performance problems.

Some of the best helpful ideas for cold weather operation will be found in the owner’s manual.   The hints are vehicle specific, which can be a big advantage for winter operation. Following the step outlined above, will help minimize diesel engine failure.

Jamie Kiefer                                        Mike Hesskamp

Service Manager                                 Master Technician

Mike Naughton Ford                          Mike Naughton Ford

October is Ford truck Month

October is the time to but your new 2012 Ford truck!  We have BIG rebates and great discounts - up to $8425 OFF a new Ford truck. PLUS each comes with an extended 5 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty!

Visit BigMike.com for more details

Includes trade assist, customer cash, and you must finance with FMC.  Stk# 120338.  2012 Ford F-150 XLT, 5.0L, super cab, 4x4, must qualify for all rebates.

Ford Escape Hunger Drive at Mike Naughton Ford

Stop by Mike Naughton Ford on Thursday, October 18 between 2 pm - 4 pm to learn more about the Ford Escape Hunger Drive.

Big Mike Naughton IS Ford!

Some quick facts about Big Mike naughton Ford in Aurora, Colorado:

- Nobody sells trucks for less... No ifs, ands, or buts!

- We have a professional sales staff with over 100 years of
  combined experience.

- Family owned and operated for 35 years.

- We offer financing for all types of credit. 

- Guaranteed approval with approved down payment.

- Huge new and preowned inventory!

- If we don't have it it probably doesn't exist!

- Proud supporter of the Vets Cars program.

Visit us at BigMike.com

Welcome to our new blog

Welcome to Mike Naughton Ford's new blog!  We hope to use this forum to keep our valuable customers informed about interesting information related-to Ford, Aurora, Colorado, and Big Mike Naughton Ford.

Visit BigMike.com today!