Ford F-150, Fusion among vehicles to get Sync AppLink

AppLink, the software that lets Ford owners with the Sync system stream the Pandora Radio application while driving, is coming to more 2012 models.

Ford says the 2012 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT 500 will offer the system, along with the 2012 Mustang.

Currently, the Sync-enabled apps are Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBreak, but as we've reported, Ford is looking at other uses for the phone/car interface.

Ford also announced that it is working with Nuance Communications to help Sync better understand the intent and meaning of what a driver is asking. 

The idea is that users won't have to speak with stilted syntax to get the information they want from Sync. 

That’ll be important when the day comes that the system that's giving you the pollen count is also telling you your sports scores.

Ford Limits Orders on Black and Red Paint Colors

Since Japan’s earthquake and tsunami, we’ve learned a little more each day about where many of the materials for our cars come from. Even the paint that coats cars and trucks is impacted, at least on Ford and Nissan vehicles.

Ford is telling its dealers not to order vehicles in Tuxedo Black paint or in three variations of red, according to USA Today.

The pigments for those paints come from a Japanese supplier. Vehicles optioned with these colors are the Ford F-150, Super Duty pickups, Explorer, Expedition, Taurus, Focus and Lincoln Navigator and MKS, according to a Ford spokesman.

Nissan also might experience shortages of some exterior color options, according to reports.

Ford to dealers: No more black, red paint due to Japan crisis (USA Today, via Bloomberg News)

Ford Adding Cash Back to 0% Financing on 2010s

Ford’s 2011s are rolling into dealer showrooms and that means the 2010s are going to get some better incentives to make room for the new arrivals. Ford is offering 0% financing plus $1,000 cash back on many 2010 models, including the Mustang and Focus. While the promotion on Ford’s consumer website also features the 2010 Taurus in this deal, it didn’t show up in all of the regions we searched. In Florida, for example, the 2010 Taurus' incentive is 0% financing for 36 months plus $500 cash back, but in Southern California you could get the full $1,000 on top of 0% financing for 36 months.

Make sure you research the incentives on Ford’s site before heading to a dealer. The deals are good through Sept. 7; the Transit Connect, hybrids, Taurus SE, Edge SE AWD and Mustang Shelby GT500 are excluded from these incentives.

Cars.com’s Current Incentives

2010 Ford Lineup 20% More Efficient; Turbo Four-Cylinder Confirmed

Today, Ford took the wraps off its 2010 model lineup and made some pretty significant announcements, despite most models not seeing major changes. The biggest news that will grab headlines is the fact that the 2010 Ford lineup is 20% more fuel-efficient than the 2009 lineup. And this is without dropping any large vehicles from the lineup.

Significant chunks of that mileage improvement come from the Ford Fusion family of cars, including the 2010 Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. The base Fusion and Milan, for example, see their combined mileage increase from 23 mpg to 25 mpg. Even a base 2010 Mustang now gets 21 mpg combined, compared with 20 mpg in 2009. The V-8s also add 1 mpg. The Edge crossover also adds 1 mpg in combined mileage. Even the 2010 F-150’s V-8 adds 1 more mpg to its highway or city rating, depending on transmission.

Big news on the new-product side of things is confirmation from Ford of a new turbo four-cylinder engine.  

Recall Alert: 2009 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator

Ford has issued a recall for 1,357 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles from the 2009 model year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The brake stop lamp switch may be adjusted incorrectly, which could cause a delay in the brake lights’ illumination.

In other words, the brake pedal could be depressed and the lights could either illuminate late or not at all. The failure of brake lights could endanger the vehicle’s occupants or other drivers on the road.

Dealers will adjust the brake stop lamp switch for free. Owners may contact Ford at 866-436-7332 or the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236.

2009|Ford|Expedition

2009|Lincoln|Navigator