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.

Ford Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect Facelifted

Ford has updated its European market Transit Connect LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) and the passenger-carrying version of the van, the Tourneo Connect. Both models have been updated with styling changes in and out, new features and according to the automaker, higher quality levels. The 2009MY Transit and Tourneo Connect are distinguished on the outside by the new trapezoidal shape to the front bumper and grille echoing the design featured on the company's latest passenger cars, plus new headlamps and tail-lamps. The new side moldings and alloy wheel designs complete the changes.

We don't have any photos of the interior yet, but Ford claims to have redesigned the dashboard influenced by the S-MAX MPV. The 2009 models also feature new seats and interior colors along with the use of higher quality materials throughout the cabin.

Ford's successful Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect have undergone extensive changes with a new fresh look, new features and higher quality levels. With all of these changes in design, safety and quality, the Connect range will be on sale in Britain this summer.

In compliance with the new European that law that will go into effect in 2011, Ford is upgrading the active safety features of the Transit/Tourneo Connect by offering Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard across the entire range. There's also a new braking system electronics with ventilated discs at the front and rear solid discs for all versions while Ford's Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is also now standard.

The Connect models are offered with a 1.8-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine available with three different power outputs: an entry-level version delivering 75HP at 4,000rpm and 175Nm of torque at 1,800rpm; a 90HP version producing a maximum torque of 220Nm at 1,750rpm (increasing to 240Nm in the "transient overboost" mode) and a top-of-the-range version with 110HP at 3,500rpm (max. torque 250Nm at 1,500 to 3,200rpm and 280Nm in transient overboost mode). All of these engines are combined with a five speed manual transmission.

Sales of the facelifted Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect will begin in Europe this summer.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Lipstick on a Pig: Ford's Transit Connect People Carrier Concept

Borrowing the catch phrase of the past American elections, we fail to see what's so cool about adding two extra rows of seats along with leftover fluorescent lights from a saggy Pimp My Ride episode to a van that was built to be and will always be a light commercial vehicle. Ford goes as far as to say in its press release that the Transit Connect Family concept was "designed for the coolest mom". Now honestly; who comes up with these things? But anyway, the Transit Connect Family Concept will make its premiere at Ford's New York Auto Show stand on April 9.

The commercial version of the Transit Connect -without any of the concept car's wannabe cool-mama gimmicks- is scheduled to go on sale in the States this summer with prices starting at $21,475, including destination. According to FoMoCo, the Transit Conncet is rated at 22mpg city and 25mph highway.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com