Ford Is Recalling More Vehicles Over Fire Problem

The Ford Windstar

Addressing concerns over fires, Ford is conducting a recall of 4.5 million vehicles in the United States equipped with speed control deactivation switches from Texas Instruments. The switches have already been the subject of six recalls.

Recalls began in 1999 and covered some 10 million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles from 1992 to 2004.

This means that more than 14 million Ford vehicles have been recalled for this problem, a record number for a single problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The earlier recalls involved the Texas Instruments cruise-control deactivation switch, which was powered at all times and could develop a short circuit. That could cause a vehicle to catch fire even while it was parked and the ignition was off.

The agency issued a consumer advisory in February 2008 because vehicles were continuing to catch fire and in some cases were burning down garages.

These 4.5 million vehicles with the same switch were not part of those recalls because the switch wasn’t powered at all times. At the time, Ford and the agency said there was no evidence of a problem in those vehicles. The Center for Auto Safety was critical of both the automaker and the agency for not including them anyway.

4.5 million Fords are recalled

Cruise control switches can overheat, burn

Ford Motor Co. is recalling 4.5 million vehicles because of a switch that can overheat and catch fire. It's the automaker's eighth recall in a decade involving the same switch, which has resulted in the recall of more than 14 million vehicles.

Ford announces deal with UAW

Ford (F) has announced a tentative agreement with the United Auto Workers that should help sustain its return to profitability in the coming months.

The company noted that the deal must still be ratified by UAW-Ford membership and that details will not be discussed until after that process is complete.

However, a report by the Detroit Free Press cites some provisions as including a $1,000 bonus for current full-time employees "in recognition of recent quality and productivity gains." Other items reportedly include a wage freeze for entry-level workers hired through September 2015 and various commitments for adding jobs and other investments to Ford plants.

Ford also indicated this week that it is showing new strength in international markets. For example, the company reported that it had achieved record sales in China for the third quarter of 2009, along with eight consecutive months of growth in that market.

Also, the company reported that it had achieved a market share of 10.1 percent last month in its 19 European main markets, indicating further strength for Ford products overseas.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Car

HIGHLIGHTS: The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid features a smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride battery. Driving the 2010 Fusion is fun and probably the best Ford Hybrid ever built.

Car Specifications For 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize automobile on the market. The Ford Hybrid It has a MPG rating Of 41 MPG city and 36 MPG highway. It can go over 700 miles between fill-ups, which for the average commuter translates into a stop at the pump once a month. The 200 Fusion offers a starting price of $27,625.

With a wider and more sportier look, the Ford Fusion has improved aerodynamics. Ford's attention to detail on the Fusion begins with a new design that gives the car a look that is both sportier and more upscale as well as improved aerodynamics. The car's newly designed front end, including a powerfully domed hood, and new headlamps, grille and larger fog-lamp area further enhance the sporty nature of the 2010 Fusion.

Aerodynamic enhancements and new under body shields further boost Fusion's fuel economy. This sporty new look helps to make the Ford Fusion more appealing to consumers who are seeking fun-to-drive Hybrid cars. This new interior design features a more contemporary look with metallic new finishes.

The new instrument panel is finished with a soft upper and lower skin which carries through the center console, doors, and steering wheel. The leather wrapped steering wheel was completely redesigned with form fitting palm swells and a new shifter. The seat actually conforms to you, offering more side support with smoother bolsters and comfort.

Earth-friendly cloth fabric in the Fusion Hybrid is made from 85 percent post-industrial materials, polyester fibers that would otherwise have ended up in landfills. This is another great way to be friendly to our environment. Using natural materials, the 2010 Fusion is one of the best eco cars on the planet.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid can operate for up to 47 mph in the pure electric mode. Recently, Ford drove the Fusion for more than 1,400 miles on only one tank of gas. This was done while using driving techniques to conserve fuel.

With the vehicle's enhanced electronic throttle control, it reduces airflow on shutdowns. Additionally, it reduces fuel consumption on restarts. The Ford Hybrid has wide-band lambda sensors that analyze the air-fuel ratio and will adjust the lean/rich mixture accordingly to keep the system in balance and to minimize emissions.

The Hybrid Ford Fusions all uses a smaller and lighter nickel-metal hydride battery. By using these batteries, they are able to produce 20 percent more power. Improved chemistry allows the battery to be run at a higher temperature, and it is cooled using cabin air. It is also equipped with a new high-efficiency converter to provide 14 percent increased output to accommodate a wider array of vehicle features.

If you are shopping for a new vehicle, you should try out the 2010 Ford Hybrid. The Hybrid car offers several incentives including a rebate. Several Ford Fusion owners have reported greater fuel economy than the EPA estimates.

Toyota Prius vs. Ford Fusion hybrid

Readers debate which is the better hybrid, the Toyota Prius I reviewed last week or the Ford Fusion hybrid.

"As good as this car is, and I believe it to be a good car, I would prefer the VW TDI for the long haul. My primary reason is 'green' -- what are we going to do with these old batteries used in Prius?"

"I've driven a Prius and I've driven a Fusion hybrid. It's no contest. Give me the Ford. It's a more reasonably-sized auto than the Prius, is much quieter, and has a feel of quality and safety."

Ford Fiesta to debut at L.A. Auto Show

Ford will unveil the North American version of its popular Fiesta compact at the L.A. Auto Show in December.

The five-door hatchback won’t look much different from the handful of German-built Fiestas that have been in the hands of a few select U.S. drivers since May. There will be a four-door model just for the North American market.

The Fiesta will be the first of Ford’s next-generation small cars to hit these shores. It’s the No. 2 selling car in Europe, according to Ford, where the current 2010 model debuted to positive reviews last year.

The North American Fiesta will be in showrooms next summer and will carry a 2011 model year designation.

Americans may remember the Fiesta from the Carter years — a three-door hatchback version was sold in the United States from 1978-1980.

Ford designed an innovative marketing campaign around the Fiesta launch that included doling out cars to select drivers who auditioned for the honor by posting short videos on YouTube. The automaker said more than 50,000 people applied.

The L.A. Auto Show is scheduled to run Dec. 4-13 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Ford Steps Up Ad Campaign

Ford Motor Co. has made progress with its "Drive one" advertising campaign since its launch 18 months ago by persuading some U.S. shoppers—sometimes at the expense of its bailed-out competitors—to buy its vehicles based on improvements in quality, fuel economy and safety.

But Ford officials admit they have made fewer gains persuading would-be buyers that they will feel clever and savvy if they drive off in a Ford—the kind of emotional purchase-triggers that could outweigh the more rational ones.

Starting Monday, Ford is launching a new chapter of its "Drive one" campaign, featuring 15-second spots using real customers talking about the "cool" features of their new Fords. It comes as the car maker plans to boost its fourth-quarter ad budget 10% from a year ago.

"It's all about what real customers are saying," said Matt VanDyke, Ford's director of marketing communications. Ford will air 30 to 40 spots over the next 26 weeks that have a grainy, home-video feel. Mr. VanDyke said they are meant to showcase owners' testimonials as "believable, honest and authentic."

"Drive one" has given Ford a consistent theme after years of changing slogans as often as once a year. But the company still needs to find ways to lure import buyers.

At the same time, Ford's competitors are boosting their ad presence, convinced that the last three months of the year could mark the beginning of a recovery in the car industry.

Slammed by declining sales and disappearing profits, Toyota Motor Co. is preparing a $1 billion marketing effort to prime the U.S. market in the quarter. The world's largest auto maker needs to turn around its North American business after acknowledging it expects to report a loss in its current fiscal year, which would be its second annual deficit in a row.

The $1 billion plan is 30% to 40% more than Toyota typically spends in the quarter.

Ford's recent challenge has been to entice buyers to reconsider the brand, a problem Toyota doesn't face. But as the industry suffered its worst slump in a quarter century and General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC reorganized in bankruptcy aided by government cash, Ford's message over the past year has also been tailored to remind Americans the car company shunned a bailout.

In a variety of venues from public speeches to Internet postings, Ford began to preach the message that "Ford is different"—a not-too-subtle jab at its cross-town competitors.

But Jim Farley, Ford's global marketing chief, insisted at the Frankfurt motor show last month that the company's "Drive one" slogan remains paramount.