All-New Ford Focus to be Built Exclusively in Germany, C-Max only in Spain

The European market version of the next-generation Ford Focus that launches in 2010 will be produced solely at the company's Saarlouis plant in Germany, while the new Focus C-Max MPV which also goes into production next year, will be built in Valencia, Spain, Ford announced today. The current Focus is built in Saarlouis and Valencia while the C-Max minivan, only in Germany.

Ford added that the Valencia plant will produce the C-Max for all European markets and potentially for markets outside Europe. Both the Focus and its minivan version were previewed earlier this year at the Geneva Salon with the Iosis Max concept study.

"Our objective is to return to sustainable profitability as soon as we can," said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO. "We've already shown that we will make the necessary decisions and do whatever is required to ensure that Ford of Europe emerges from the downturn as a leaner and stronger company, ready to take on the opportunities presented once the economic situation finally improves."

Ford's Agency Tries to Lure Carscoop and Other Blogs into Writing about their Cars to Enter a Draw for a Media Test Drive...

In all the years I've been in the media business, I've seen and heard some really weird things but automakers and their marketing agencies never cease to amaze me with their ignorance and dubious promotion methods. Earlier today I received an email from a representative of the Social Media Group, an independent agency handling a Ford account.

In brief, the email stated that Ford is hosting the exclusive media event "2010 Model Year Drive" in Dearborn, on July 21st but since the number of people interested in attending the event are more than the available places, Ford decided to create a draw in which a winner will receive two all-expense paid tickets for the test drive event. And yes, there's a catch...

To participate in the challenge, the Social Media Group representative told us that we'd have to create a post on Carscoop on the theme "Ford in 2010" and link it back to from "Opportunities with Ford - Ford in 2010 on Connect2Ford.com". But wait, it gets even better. We are told that we can enter as many times as we like as the more posts linked back to Conect2Ford.com, the bigger our chances to win a place in Ford's 2010 Model Year Drive event.

Now here's my personal take on the matter. First of all, I really don't care who sent the email, for me it wouldn't have made any difference if it was signed by Ford's CEO himself. The agency represents Ford - period.

And while I may understand the need to promote the company, there's no way I can agree to these type of marketing methods even for casual blogs that rant on numerous subjects, let alone for a weblog that specializes on automobiles like Carscoop. We've received plenty of "regular" media invitations - even though for logistical reasons, we cannot attend many of them, but this is something entirely new, and not in a good way.

I'm guessing that the winner would probably have to state something in the article(s), but still, it's unbelievable whichever way you see it - to take part in a media test drive you have to write about our cars and participate in a draw! Guess we'll have to add this to our list of shame alongside the first test drives and first photos of vehicles that many automakers hand out to specific publications and websites well before the official release...

As one fellow blogger - journalist put it (yes the media test drive offer was sent to many sites,) "even if you won, you'd be the jackass of the event".

Ethics aside, it's clearly evident that these people are completely ignorant of the fact that (sure there are plenty of exceptions) the thin line between the so-called traditional media (magazines, news sites etc) and blogs is diminishing every day with both sides trying to incorporate elements from one another.

And if anything else, just because a site is labeled as a blog, it doesn't mean that the writers (professionals or not) don't respect their readership. Feel free to express your thoughts on the subject in the comment section below. - John (Photo created by Carscoop)

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Super Snake: Available with 630HP and 725HP

For that small percentage of buyers that aren't satisfied with the 2010 Ford Mustang-based Shelby GT500 that packs a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 with 540 ponies under the hood, Caroll Shelby and his team have prepped an even more hardcore package called Super Snake. Due to go on sale in August, Shelby offers the Super Snake package on the GT500 in two guises, with outputs of 630 and 725 horsepower, the latter offered only on the coupe model.

Shelby achieves the power upgrades with a different supercharger kit and a new exhaust system while other mods include a cold air intake system and a custom drive shaft on the 725HP variant

To improve handling, the Super Snake package adds a race-spec suspension system with adjustable dampers, a short throw shifter and a Baer brake system with 6 piston calipers and cross drilled and ventilated discs. Customers can also opt for a more hardcore Eibach handling pack.

On the aesthetics side, Shelby adorns the basic GT500 with a unique fiberglass hood with a larger air scoop, specific stripes, numerous carbon fiber body components, sequential tail lights, quarter window scoops and of course, new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Pirelli P-Zero rubber.

For the interior, the basic Super Snake package adds center gauge cluster, satin door lock knobs and headrests embroidered with the Shelby logo which also appears on the center console.

Once you bring in your GT500, Shelby will charge you $29,495 for 630HP package and $33,495 for the 725HP kit. In both cases, prices including installation but not the donor car - just to make it clear.

European and Asian Automakers to Build More Cars than Detroit's Big Three in N. America by 2012

According to a new study from financial advisory firm Grant Thornton LLP, European and Asian automakers will churn out more cars in North America than Detroit's 'Big Three' by 2012. The study expects that after the completion of the restructuring of the domestic auto industry, the combined capacity of General Motors, Chrysler Group LLC and Ford in North America will fall by more than 4 million units or a 35 percent reduction compared to 2008, for a total of 7.5 million units in 2012.

At the same time, all other foreign automakers combined are expected to increase their North American production by around 1.5 million a year or 20 percent, to more than 8 million units.

"A new order is emerging where the Detroit companies may no longer be the volume leaders in their home market," said Grant Thornton LLP Principal Kimberly Rodriguez, co-leader of the firm's global automotive practice.

Grant Thornton LLP reports that Volkswagen and BMW will nearly double their combined production, increasing their output capability to around 1 million units a year while Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Hyundai are projected to expand their combined production by 20 percent, or nearly 1 million units.

The study finds that the dramatic shift in production will have a large impact on North American parts suppliers that will need to secure more business from European and Asian makers.

"Suppliers largely dependent on Detroit OEMs will have to present a new value equation to potential customers from Europe and Asia if they want to participate in the accelerated shift that is coming," said Kimberly Rodriguez.

Source: Grant Thornton LLP

Ford Gets $5.9 Billion Gov. Tech Loans, Says Electric Focus will Arrive in 2011, Plug-in Hybrid by 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that Ford has been approved for a $5.9 billion government loan to develop fuel-saving technologies that will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil. Ford, which is the only American automaker not to receive emergency federal aid, said that it intends to apply the loans on a variety of fuel-saving technologies.

These include the development of hybrid-electric systems, alternative-fuel power plants, direct-injection engines as well as new dual clutch transmissions, aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction measures through platform efficiencies and greater use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel.

Ford also outlined its electric and hybrid car strategy that accelerates with the introduction of a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and a BEV Focus in 2011, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.

Both the electric Transit Connect, which Ford is developing with Smith Electric U.S and the electric Focus that will be produced in collaboration with Magna at the Michigan Assembly Plan, are expected to have a range of up to 100 miles or 160 kilometers.

"This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years."

"Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements," Mulally concluded.

Lee Iacocca's Ford Mustang 45th Anniversary Silver Edition with up to 400HP

The father of the Ford Mustang, Lee Iacocca, has introduced a coach-built version of the American pony car called '2009 1/2 Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang' that will be produced in a strictly limited run of 45 units. Now in his mid-80s, Lee Iacocca was the president of the Ford division when the company introduced the original Mustang in 1964. The special edition Mustang is the result of the collaborative work of Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and California-based coachbuilder, Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters.

The limited production model that is based on the 2009 Mustang platform will be offered with two power plant options, a normally-aspirated 4.6-liter Ford V8 rated at 320 horsepower and an optional supercharged version delivering 400 horsepower. Both V8s are linked to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Sliver Mustang's suspension has been uprated with a Ford Racing Handling Package that adds firmer springs and re-valved shock absorbers while an optional 14-inch Ford Racing Braking Package is also available.

Designer Michael Leone reworked the car's exterior that features a unique front-end treatment with deep-set headlights and a more prominent fastback look. As the Mustang's name suggests, the only available exterior color is silver.

Inside, the Iacocca Silver Mustang gets special Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with the "I" logo and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

All 45 units of the Iacocca Silver Mustang will be offered exclusively at Southern California's Galpin Ford dealership, with prices set to be revealed at a later date.

Source: iLegacy , Via: Autoblog.com

Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang – Specifications

Engines

4.6-liter V8 with 320 HP (Ford Racing Cold Air - under WARRANTY)

4.6-liter V8 with 400HP Supercharger Optional (Ford Racing Supercharger - under WARRANTY)

Drivetrain

5-speed stick shift transmission (there might be automatics)

Suspension

Ford Racing Handling Package (Ford Racing Package - under WARRANTY)

14-inch' Brakes Optional (Ford Racing Package - under WARRANTY)

Wheels & Tires

Iacocca Design 20" Chrome wheels with "I" Design center cap

20''x 9 ½ " (F), 20"x 9 ½ " (R)

Goodyear Eagle RSA 245 X 45 X R20

Interior

Iacocca Diamond Design Leather Seats with Embroidery Stitching

Iacocca Signature Dash Plaque with Serial Number

Iacocca Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with "I" badge

Iacocca Aluminum Door Still Plates

One-Touch Up/Down power Windows

Two Power Outlets

Variable-Speed Windshield Wipers

Rear Window Defroster

Air-Conditioning

Exterior

Iacocca DESIGN FASTBACK

Iacocca Design Hood Emblem

Iacocca Design Trunk Cap "I" Emblem

Iacocca Design Trunk Lettering