DEARBORN, Mich., July 15, 2011 – The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a truly unique “Blue Angels” edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction July 28, during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2011 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration.
All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992 while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.
Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.
“The precision, discipline and excitement that define the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight team are qualities we celebrate at Ford,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s board of directors. “With this year’s beautiful ‘Blue Angels’ edition Mustang GT, we’ve captured those qualities and paired them with the innovation Ford design and engineering team members build into all of our vehicles. Through this project, we take great pride in continuing our support for EAA and the Young Eagles organization.”
The Ford “Blue Angels” Mustang pays tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, which will be celebrated all week at AirVenture 2011 as part of the show’s Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy tied to its yearlong Centennial of Naval Aviation festivities. The car will be on display inside the Ford Hangar throughout EAA AirVenture.
The exterior of Ford’s “Blue Angels” Mustang GT was inspired by the acclaimed naval aviation performance demonstration team and the F-18 Hornet aircraft it flies. The car’s custom rear spoiler’s vertical tailfins, the “screaming yellow” gloss accents, inclusion of the Blue Angels script and crest all are drawn from the Navy aircraft. The unique chrome blue paint, courtesy of Creations n’ Chrome, is unlike anything available on a production vehicle anywhere in the world.
With the Blue Angels crest stitched into its leather Recaro racing seats, the car’s interior also features offset stripes inspired by pilot flight suits.
Additional unique details of the “Blue Angels” Mustang include cluster graphics, performance gauges, navigation screen images, safety belt fabric, instrument panel appliqués, rear seat-delete and cross-brace, Blue Angels script in the illuminated sill plates and puddle lamps that project jet images when the doors open.
Under the hood, the “Blue Angels” Mustang is all performance with a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 624 horsepower. The Ford Racing components also include a handling pack, performance exhaust and racetrack brakes.
Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak lead the design and engineering teams that developed the “Blue Angels” Mustang.
The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles at the EAA AirVenture Museum. The Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and innovators – the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.
“Ford is a longtime supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. “The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the ‘Blue Angels’ Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA’s ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts.”
The “Blue Angels” edition joins three other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction in recent years, each generating excitement among aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike. Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support Young Eagles.
Other unique vehicles produced by Ford in support of EAA Young Eagles include the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 “Raptor,” which in 2008 helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, Ford’s AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, two automotive icons – Carroll Shelby, formerly a U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet.
During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology at the Ford Hangar, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular Cruisin’ Legends area on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport. Ford activities include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds of thousands of aviation fans in attendance.
To participate in the auction, candidates must prequalify by contacting Matt Miller in the EAA Development Office at (800) 236-1025 or by email, mmiller@eaa.org, by July 25. Visit www.AirVenture.org/gathering for more information.
To stay connected to all Ford EAA AirVenture news, connect with the Ford EAA AirVenture team on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FordAirventure or visit http://www.FordAirventure.com.
For more information on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011, visit http://www.AirVenture.org
Friday, July 22, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
HYUNDAI ASSURANCE EVOLVES TO FEATURE ALL-NEW GUARANTEED TRADE-IN VALUE
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 04/20/2011 - Renewing its industry-leading focus on consumer protection, Hyundai today announced the introduction of the all-new Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee. The Guarantee is a direct result of Hyundai’s sensitivity to consumer preferences and is made possible by the strength of Hyundai’s residual values, now among the highest in the industry.
This newest addition to the Assurance suite of programs eliminates concern about depreciation by giving Hyundai owners a guaranteed value for their vehicle in months 24 through 48 of ownership. The program will be applied to all new vehicles purchased on or after May 1, 2011 at no additional cost to consumers. Because of the exceptional quality of its vehicles, Hyundai offers more car for the money now, and more money for the car later, under this guaranteed trade-in program.
All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the complimentary Hyundai Assurance program, which currently includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and now Trade-in Value Guarantee.
“Hyundai Assurance is a partnership with our owners in their purchase of a vehicle,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Depreciation is the single highest cost of car ownership. While Hyundai’s depreciation is now among the lowest in the industry, Assurance will remove many of the barriers and concerns about vehicle ownership. Through Assurance, we share in our owners’ investment, and the Trade-in Value benefit extends this partnership from the initial purchase all the way through what we hope will be the consumer’s next purchase of another Hyundai.”
Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee is valid for all new cars sold through participating U.S. Hyundai dealerships. The guaranteed trade-in value is determined by the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) forecast of future value. Customers can trade in their qualifying vehicle towards the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle during months 24 through 48 of ownership. At the time of trade-in, the customer’s vehicle will be assessed to determine the current market value and compared to the guaranteed value. If the assessed value is higher than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to apply that value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle. If the assessed value is less than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to use the guaranteed value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle financed through Hyundai Credit.
At time of trade-in, the customer must show proof of vehicle maintenance at the recommended intervals through authorized Hyundai dealerships. Coverage is only applicable when the current market value of a vehicle drops below the guaranteed trade-in value of the vehicle. Lease vehicles are not covered by the Trade-in Value Guarantee.
For a full list of eligibility requirements, please visit: www.Hyundai.com. For additional questions, please contact Winner Hyundai in Dover.
This newest addition to the Assurance suite of programs eliminates concern about depreciation by giving Hyundai owners a guaranteed value for their vehicle in months 24 through 48 of ownership. The program will be applied to all new vehicles purchased on or after May 1, 2011 at no additional cost to consumers. Because of the exceptional quality of its vehicles, Hyundai offers more car for the money now, and more money for the car later, under this guaranteed trade-in program.
All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the complimentary Hyundai Assurance program, which currently includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and now Trade-in Value Guarantee.
“Hyundai Assurance is a partnership with our owners in their purchase of a vehicle,” said John Krafcik, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “Depreciation is the single highest cost of car ownership. While Hyundai’s depreciation is now among the lowest in the industry, Assurance will remove many of the barriers and concerns about vehicle ownership. Through Assurance, we share in our owners’ investment, and the Trade-in Value benefit extends this partnership from the initial purchase all the way through what we hope will be the consumer’s next purchase of another Hyundai.”
Hyundai Assurance Trade-in Value Guarantee is valid for all new cars sold through participating U.S. Hyundai dealerships. The guaranteed trade-in value is determined by the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) forecast of future value. Customers can trade in their qualifying vehicle towards the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle during months 24 through 48 of ownership. At the time of trade-in, the customer’s vehicle will be assessed to determine the current market value and compared to the guaranteed value. If the assessed value is higher than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to apply that value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle. If the assessed value is less than the guaranteed value, the customer will be able to use the guaranteed value toward the purchase of a new Hyundai vehicle financed through Hyundai Credit.
At time of trade-in, the customer must show proof of vehicle maintenance at the recommended intervals through authorized Hyundai dealerships. Coverage is only applicable when the current market value of a vehicle drops below the guaranteed trade-in value of the vehicle. Lease vehicles are not covered by the Trade-in Value Guarantee.
For a full list of eligibility requirements, please visit: www.Hyundai.com. For additional questions, please contact Winner Hyundai in Dover.
Hyundai and RMR Reclaimed the World Record for Time Attack 2WD Class at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb
The RMR Hyundai Genesis Coupe’s record time of 11:04.9 was achieved with Pikes Peak legend Rod Millen behind the wheel.
Rod was the former overall world record holder for 13 years, from 1994 through 2007. Rod beat his best friend and main rival, Jeff Zwart by three seconds, with Zwart piloting a factory-modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Rhys Millen also had an outstanding run, with an Unlimited class time of 10:09.24, nearly achieving the elusive goal of breaking the 10-minute barrier.
Driving the RMR PM580 unlimited class race car, Rhys beat his former personal best by nearly one minute and was second only to “Monster” Tajima driving the heavily-modified Suzuki hillclimb racecar.
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Rod was the former overall world record holder for 13 years, from 1994 through 2007. Rod beat his best friend and main rival, Jeff Zwart by three seconds, with Zwart piloting a factory-modified Porsche 911 GT2 RS. Rhys Millen also had an outstanding run, with an Unlimited class time of 10:09.24, nearly achieving the elusive goal of breaking the 10-minute barrier.
Driving the RMR PM580 unlimited class race car, Rhys beat his former personal best by nearly one minute and was second only to “Monster” Tajima driving the heavily-modified Suzuki hillclimb racecar.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Audi wins International Engine of the Year Award 2011 for 2.5-liter TFSI
A jury of 76 motoring journalists from around the world has voted the Audi 2.5-liter TFSI as the “International Engine of the Year 2011” in the 2-liter to 2.5-liter category. This engine therefore retains the award that it won last year.
The 2.5-liter unit fitted to the Audi RS 3 Sportback and TT RS Coupé and Roadster features both turbocharging and FSI direct gasoline injection technology, two of Audi’s core technologies. With a displacement of 2,480 cubic centimeters, this engine produces 250 kW (340 hp) between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,600 to 5,300 rpm.
International Engine of the Year jury members said of the 2.5-liter engine: "This is certainly the best turbocharged engine in recent years. Torque, power, and great sound – this engine has it all! It is a powerful, visceral reminder of the original quattro rally racing engine that put Audi on the map.”
Developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi TT RS Coupé can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds (Roadster: 4.4 seconds) and both the Coupè and Roadster have an optional top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).
Audi now offers the same engine that powers the two TT RS models in the RS 3 Sportback. It takes 4.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) – a best-in-class performance figure. Its governed top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
This is the seventh category win in a row at the International Engine of the Year Awards for Audi TFSI technology. Between 2005 and 2009, the Audi 2.0-liter TFSI engine has won the award in the 1.8 to 2.0-liter category.
The 2.5-liter unit fitted to the Audi RS 3 Sportback and TT RS Coupé and Roadster features both turbocharging and FSI direct gasoline injection technology, two of Audi’s core technologies. With a displacement of 2,480 cubic centimeters, this engine produces 250 kW (340 hp) between 5,400 and 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) from 1,600 to 5,300 rpm.
International Engine of the Year jury members said of the 2.5-liter engine: "This is certainly the best turbocharged engine in recent years. Torque, power, and great sound – this engine has it all! It is a powerful, visceral reminder of the original quattro rally racing engine that put Audi on the map.”
Developed by quattro GmbH, the Audi TT RS Coupé can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds (Roadster: 4.4 seconds) and both the Coupè and Roadster have an optional top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).
Audi now offers the same engine that powers the two TT RS models in the RS 3 Sportback. It takes 4.6 seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) – a best-in-class performance figure. Its governed top speed is 250 km/h (155 mph).
This is the seventh category win in a row at the International Engine of the Year Awards for Audi TFSI technology. Between 2005 and 2009, the Audi 2.0-liter TFSI engine has won the award in the 1.8 to 2.0-liter category.
Audi A1 e-tron wins Silvretta Electric Car Rally
Audi is this year’s overall winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally in Austria’s Montafon region. The 2011 victory of the A1 e-tron follows the R8 e-tron’s win last year. The second Audi in the rally, a Q5 HFC with a fuel cell finished in sixth place. A total of 32 electric vehicles were evaluated.
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After three days, 307 kilometers and a total altitude difference of 11,541 meters, the A1 e-tron bearing the number 206 was named the winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally Montafon. The event took place from July 7-9 as part of the 14th Silvretta Classic. The name Silvretta refers to a group of mountains in the eastern Alps of Austria. The Audi A1 e-tron won against 31 competitors in a rally, that was held on highly taxing mountain roads with inclines up to 15 percent, presenting a special challenge to electric vehicles. The Audi Q5 HFC, which was also entered by Audi, achieved sixth place. This was the best final result of all cars with a fuel cell.
The A1 e-tron contains technology that Audi’s development engineers are using to study the mobility requirements for such a future-oriented concept. The technological basis includes an electric motor with a maximum output of 75 kW that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery features a 12 kWh capacity and can be completely charged in 30 minutes (quick charge), or in less than three hours (standard charge). It offers a range of 50 kilometers. To prevent drivers from being stranded by an empty battery, the A1 e-tron also comes equipped with a combustion engine, which can charge the battery as needed. The one-disc rotary engine (254 cc) is located under the trunk floor; it provides 15 kW of output intended solely to charge the battery, rather than to directly power the wheels.
The A1 e-tron is designed with a local emission-free electric drive system, which is ideally suited for driving in a city.
During the rally the A1 e-tron was driven by Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electromobility Strategy at AUDI AG. Long-time Audi employee Gerhard Gruber took on the important role of co-driver. “Sending an electric car into the Alps is one of the toughest challenges you can present it with. The fact that the A1 e-tron proved so impressive here is especially gratifying to me and it proves we’re on the right track with our electric mobility approach of combining an electric motor with a combustion engine . Many thanks to our dedicated team for making our second overall victory in a row possible,” said van Meel after crossing the finish line.
Van Meel then went on to describe the rally itself: “On the first day we drove cautiously and despite a distance of just over 100 kilometers we finished with a lot of electricity left in the battery. On the second day we were better prepared and we were able to win the day; on day three we came in second, and in the end that was enough to win the overall victory. The car ran flawlessly. We’re now looking forward to the 2012 rally. We already have a few ideas about the kind of concepts we’ll enter with, of course.”
Visit Audi Wilmington in Delaware to learn more about Audi.
After three days, 307 kilometers and a total altitude difference of 11,541 meters, the A1 e-tron bearing the number 206 was named the winner of the second Silvretta Electric Car Rally Montafon. The event took place from July 7-9 as part of the 14th Silvretta Classic. The name Silvretta refers to a group of mountains in the eastern Alps of Austria. The Audi A1 e-tron won against 31 competitors in a rally, that was held on highly taxing mountain roads with inclines up to 15 percent, presenting a special challenge to electric vehicles. The Audi Q5 HFC, which was also entered by Audi, achieved sixth place. This was the best final result of all cars with a fuel cell.
The A1 e-tron contains technology that Audi’s development engineers are using to study the mobility requirements for such a future-oriented concept. The technological basis includes an electric motor with a maximum output of 75 kW that is powered by a lithium-ion battery. The battery features a 12 kWh capacity and can be completely charged in 30 minutes (quick charge), or in less than three hours (standard charge). It offers a range of 50 kilometers. To prevent drivers from being stranded by an empty battery, the A1 e-tron also comes equipped with a combustion engine, which can charge the battery as needed. The one-disc rotary engine (254 cc) is located under the trunk floor; it provides 15 kW of output intended solely to charge the battery, rather than to directly power the wheels.
The A1 e-tron is designed with a local emission-free electric drive system, which is ideally suited for driving in a city.
During the rally the A1 e-tron was driven by Franciscus van Meel, Head of Electromobility Strategy at AUDI AG. Long-time Audi employee Gerhard Gruber took on the important role of co-driver. “Sending an electric car into the Alps is one of the toughest challenges you can present it with. The fact that the A1 e-tron proved so impressive here is especially gratifying to me and it proves we’re on the right track with our electric mobility approach of combining an electric motor with a combustion engine . Many thanks to our dedicated team for making our second overall victory in a row possible,” said van Meel after crossing the finish line.
Van Meel then went on to describe the rally itself: “On the first day we drove cautiously and despite a distance of just over 100 kilometers we finished with a lot of electricity left in the battery. On the second day we were better prepared and we were able to win the day; on day three we came in second, and in the end that was enough to win the overall victory. The car ran flawlessly. We’re now looking forward to the 2012 rally. We already have a few ideas about the kind of concepts we’ll enter with, of course.”
Visit Audi Wilmington in Delaware to learn more about Audi.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Ford Helps Prevent Fuel Theft as Reports of Illegal Gas Siphoning Increase Along with Price at the Pump
DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2011 – The only thing worse than paying more for gasoline is paying more for gasoline and having it stolen out of your gas tank. As reports of fuel theft continue to rise, Ford owners can feel a little more secure knowing their vehicles have fuel system innovations such as the Easy Fuel® (capless fuel filler) feature.
The Ford Easy Fuel feature is designed to easily let fuel in and make it difficult to get fuel out.
That’s important as gas prices hover at the $4 per gallon mark, and demand remains high with drivers in the United States consuming about 400 million gallons of gas daily.
“Our first goal is to make the refueling process as easy and trouble-free for the customer as possible,” said Brian Aitken, supervisor, Fuel Systems. “But if it also slows down would-be thieves. Ford customers benefit that way as well.”
Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States, from New Jersey to California. The West Sacramento, Calif., Police Department, for example, issued a warning to residents about a rise in fuel theft that it attributed to the increase in fuel prices.
One report from Atlanta centered on a man who was caught running a garden hose from his house to a nearby car he didn’t own.
“It’s not a shock that illegal siphoning is rising with the sharp increase in the price at the pump,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, an independent website that monitors the fuel industry. “Criminals will do anything for money, and that includes trying to take liquid gold out of your gas tank.”
Ford’s capless full filler deters gas theft two different ways. With Easy Fuel, a spring-loaded flapper door is held closed by latches that can only be released by a standard-size fuel nozzle. This eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap. When the proper nozzle is inserted into the filler neck of the system, the latches release, and the nozzle pushes the spring-loaded flapper door to the open position. When the nozzle is removed, the flapper door automatically is forced closed by the spring.
Easy Fuel has a unique mis-fueling inhibitor to reduce improper refueling and siphoning. The inhibitor consists of a fuel nozzle detector that guides the nozzle to the opening. If a nozzle or foreign tube of a different size – a diesel nozzle or plastic hose, for example – is placed in the filler neck of a gasoline-powered vehicle, the latches will not release.
“Unless they understand how the mis-fueling inhibitor works and come prepared, many would-be fuel thieves are unsuccessful in siphoning fuel from Ford vehicles,” said Aitken.
Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is associated with the on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system. The main purpose of the system is to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process. Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is an inlet check valve that is part of the on-board refueling vapor recovery system. While the valve is primarily designed to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process, it also can thwart siphoning efforts because it closes automatically after the fueling process. It does so by detecting the pressure of liquid fuel as it passes. On many Ford vehicles, this valve will thwart the siphoning effort by thieves.
Still, Aitken said that despite the fact that technologies built into Ford vehicles may prevent siphoning, not all fuel thieves will be deterred.
“For another level of deterrence, a customer can purchase a locking cover,” Aitken said. The locking covers are available for purchase from Ford and Lincoln dealers.
The Ford Easy Fuel feature is designed to easily let fuel in and make it difficult to get fuel out.
That’s important as gas prices hover at the $4 per gallon mark, and demand remains high with drivers in the United States consuming about 400 million gallons of gas daily.
“Our first goal is to make the refueling process as easy and trouble-free for the customer as possible,” said Brian Aitken, supervisor, Fuel Systems. “But if it also slows down would-be thieves. Ford customers benefit that way as well.”
Reports of gasoline theft have been rising across the United States, from New Jersey to California. The West Sacramento, Calif., Police Department, for example, issued a warning to residents about a rise in fuel theft that it attributed to the increase in fuel prices.
One report from Atlanta centered on a man who was caught running a garden hose from his house to a nearby car he didn’t own.
“It’s not a shock that illegal siphoning is rising with the sharp increase in the price at the pump,” said Patrick DeHaan, a senior petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, an independent website that monitors the fuel industry. “Criminals will do anything for money, and that includes trying to take liquid gold out of your gas tank.”
Ford’s capless full filler deters gas theft two different ways. With Easy Fuel, a spring-loaded flapper door is held closed by latches that can only be released by a standard-size fuel nozzle. This eliminates the need for a fuel tank screw cap. When the proper nozzle is inserted into the filler neck of the system, the latches release, and the nozzle pushes the spring-loaded flapper door to the open position. When the nozzle is removed, the flapper door automatically is forced closed by the spring.
Easy Fuel has a unique mis-fueling inhibitor to reduce improper refueling and siphoning. The inhibitor consists of a fuel nozzle detector that guides the nozzle to the opening. If a nozzle or foreign tube of a different size – a diesel nozzle or plastic hose, for example – is placed in the filler neck of a gasoline-powered vehicle, the latches will not release.
“Unless they understand how the mis-fueling inhibitor works and come prepared, many would-be fuel thieves are unsuccessful in siphoning fuel from Ford vehicles,” said Aitken.
Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is associated with the on-board refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system. The main purpose of the system is to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process. Another deterrent in Ford vehicles is an inlet check valve that is part of the on-board refueling vapor recovery system. While the valve is primarily designed to prevent vapors from escaping during the fueling process, it also can thwart siphoning efforts because it closes automatically after the fueling process. It does so by detecting the pressure of liquid fuel as it passes. On many Ford vehicles, this valve will thwart the siphoning effort by thieves.
Still, Aitken said that despite the fact that technologies built into Ford vehicles may prevent siphoning, not all fuel thieves will be deterred.
“For another level of deterrence, a customer can purchase a locking cover,” Aitken said. The locking covers are available for purchase from Ford and Lincoln dealers.
Make summer driving a breeze with tips from Ford
Dearborn, Mich., June 30, 2011 – Screaming kids, congestion, road work, scorching weather: While we all like to get away for the summer, issues such as these can make for a lot of stress for people who are driving long distances, especially during the busy Fourth of July weekend.
But Winner Ford of Dover has some helpful safety tips for travelers heading out on the roads for the holiday season, to ensure that the trip is memorable for all the right reasons – even if the kids keep asking “Are we there yet?” from the minute you take off.
Top safety tips from Ford:
- Buckle up and do it right: The seat belt remains the most important piece of safety equipment. Ensure that it tightly encircles your hips, not your waist. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm
- Keep small children belted in safety or booster seats: Children under four-feet-four-inches tall who weigh less than 79 pounds should by regulation be fitted in child safety seats or booster seats and properly belted. The safety seats need to be securely fitted to the rear seat – and the latest Ford cars are now designed with ISOFIX fittings, which provide a rigid and robust connection between the vehicle and the seats
- Ensure that the tilt and height of all head rests are correctly adjusted
- Avoid placing objects over the airbag cover: Do not place any object between an occupant and an airbag or near any other airbag covering. The airbag may not inflate properly and might force an object into that person, causing severe injury or death. The instrument panel grab handle should never be used for storage. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear at all times
- Do your homework. Know your car’s condition and its safety features: Check for basic maintenance and items in your car before heading off for a trip. Items to check include tire tread depth, tire pressures, and ensuring oil and water levels are correct
- Be responsible and know the speed limits: If you’re traveling across the country, be aware of the speed limits and road laws of the states you will travel through. Always carry your driver’s license with you
- Give yourself enough time to complete the journey: Plan for stops along the way. Drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions and leave sufficient space between the vehicles around you
- Pack heavier items in lower areas of the vehicle: When filling up the cargo areas of the vehicle, always place the heaviest items close to the vehicle floor or truck bed so that in the event of a quick stop, those items remain in place and do not move forward in the vehicle where they can collide with passengers or other materials
- Use a voice-activated, hands-free connectivity system like Ford SYNC® to control your mobile phone or navigation system: Ensure the system is ready to go before you set off
- Don’t drink and drive
- Don’t drive when you’re tired: It is recommended that you take regular breaks on a long journey
Technology that can help
Ford offers a variety of technologies in its vehicles that can support the driver on long journeys – and hopefully make such trips more enjoyable and less stressful:
Ford offers a variety of technologies in its vehicles that can support the driver on long journeys – and hopefully make such trips more enjoyable and less stressful:
- SYNC:SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system for Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones that allows hands-free calling among its many available features
- MyFord Touch™: MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides an intuitive way for drivers to connect in-car technologies and their digital lives
- Active park assist: An advanced new system that automatically guides the vehicle into parallel parking spaces. The system uses two ultrasonic sensors to scan for a suitable space between parked cars. Once a space has been identified, which can be as little as 1.2 times the length of the vehicle, the driver is informed and clear instructions are shown in the center display. The driver controls the accelerator and brake pedal, and selects a forward or reverse gear, while the steering system is automatically controlled by the vehicle
- Auto high beams: This feature is designed to detect light sources ahead and automatically switch the headlamps between main and low beam to avoid glare and help maximize visibility when driving at night
- Adaptive cruise control: A radar-based cruise control system that helps to maintain a preset cruising speed as well as a preset distance from vehicles ahead. If the system detects the vehicle in front is slowing down or is too close, it decelerates automatically. Once the road is clear again, it will accelerate back to the chosen cruising speed
And a few things you might not know…
- Bothered by bugs? Going on a long trip and don’t want to face a windshield and/or bumper full of dead insects by the time you arrive? Wipe down your windshield with a tumble dryer sheet; bugs won’t stick to the glass as easily. Also, give your bumpers the once-over with cooking spray
- Sheets: If your trunk looks like a linen closet before you leave, then you’re prepared. Pack bed sheets – you can drape them over car seats that have become baking hot in the sun
- Tennis, anyone? Slice open a tennis ball and use it to cover your tow bar when you’re not using it. It will protect it from scratches, and will keep the moisture out
- Don’t forget your shades: Troubled by sun glare? Add a few pairs of sunglasses (in case you lose one) to your travel bag before you leave
- Don’t scratch it; smear it: Can’t get that sticker from the amusement park or beach parking lot off your window? Saturate it with cooking oil before you start scrubbing.
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