Ford Bullish on Small Cars

Ford kick-started the SUV revolution with the introduction of the Explorer SUV in the '90s, but the next big opportunity it sees is in small cars. That's according to Ford sales analyst George Pipas, who spoke to a gathering of Chicago-area media recently. Who are the buyers that will drive growth in this segment? Pipas says it’s Millennials, a demographic that wasn't even driving when the Explorer debuted.

It's easy to see why Ford is focused on Millennial buyers, which it counts as those born from 1980-95. Every day about 11,000 Millennials become old enough to drive in the U.S., according to Ford. With 50 percent of first-time buyers choosing small cars, there are sales to be had, Pipas said.

For Millennials, though, small doesn't necessarily mean basic. "[Millennials] want more than an econobox in a small car," he said. "They will give up something else to get what they want on the car."

Ford Introduces Inflatable Seat Belts

For 20 years we’ve seen leaps in car-safety innovation from the airbag to electronic stability control. Today, Ford announced one more piece of technology that aims to reduce even more injuries. The company will roll out inflatable seat belts for the rear seats in future models, starting with the next-generation Ford Explorer that’s transitioning from a body-on-frame SUV to a crossover when it goes on sale in 2010.

Inflatable seat belts will reduce the trauma that standard seat belts can inflict on both young children and seniors. Ford says the new system will reduce head, neck and chest trauma.

The airbags deploy within 40 milliseconds of a crash; otherwise they work the same as standard seat belts and will be compatible with child-safety seats.

The seat-belt airbags will fill quickly with a cold compressed gas instead of using a heat-generating chemical reaction like traditional airbags.

Ford says the system will be introduced in future models down the line but gave no specifics on when it would hit family-friendly vehicles like the Flex and Taurus.

Ford Rolls Out Year-End Incentives

Ford’s year-end sales event includes several worthwhile deals like 0% financing with a $1,000 cash-back offer that’s available on popular new models like the Taurus. Additional deals on 2010 models include a $2,500 cash-back offer on a 2010 Ford Focus, $1,500 cash back on a 2010 Ford Fusion (but not the hybrid), $2,500 cash back on the 2010 Ford Flex, and $3,500 cash back on the Ford F-150 SuperCab or SuperCrew models.

Buyers must get to Ford dealerships by Jan. 4, 2010, to qualify for the deals.

Check after the jump for a listing of the most generous deals. To see a full listing of Ford’s incentives, click here.

Straits Not as Dire for Ford, GM

The term “back from the brink” has been making the rounds these days as the economy struggles back from its darkest hour. Perhaps nowhere is there a more surprising example of this than Ford and GM.

First, Ford posted a profit of nearly a billion dollars in the third quarter, shocking most analysts and giving the Blue Oval its first profitable quarter in more than four years. Ford owes the Cash for Clunkers program for some of the bump in sales during August and September that helped it earn $997 million, but the company also attributes its success to cost cuts and higher net pricing for vehicles. Ford expects to return to full profitability by 2011.

Meanwhile, GM CEO Fritz Henderson visited Capitol Hill to update its major shareholder — namely, us, the taxpayers — on its progress. According to Henderson, GM will not require any more aid. But will the government be getting back its $50 billion in loans and equity by 2015? Yes, says Henderson, and in addition, “We are looking at all kinds of ways that would actually accelerate that.”

While Henderson’s words are nice, GM is still a long way off from making good on this promise.

Nevertheless, there was a time last winter when people were seriously discussing the possible collapse of the U.S. automotive industry. After facing down a crushing year, these two companies have to be feeling good that they now stand a few feet — and in Ford’s case, even yards — back from the brink.

No More U.S. Aid Needed, Says GM Chief (Washington Post)

Ford Asks Students to Bring Social Media to Sync

When it comes to figuring out what’s next for in-car technology, Ford is turning to an outside group: University of Michigan students.

The project, American Journey 2.0, will give students unlimited access to a developmental operating system where they can test Ford programs. This will allow the automaker to figure out how to add social media experiences to its popular Sync communications and entertainment system.

Does this mean Facebook will pop up on your windshield at the push of a button? Not quite. Ford wants to see how young people will use a car’s technology to communicate and share information with the outside world. What form this will take remains to be seen (OK, Facebook Windshield is still a possibility).

Cars.com Reviews the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO

With an added kick from its EcoBoost engine, Ford has revived the Taurus SHO for 2010. Not normally associated with an exciting driving experience, the Taurus SHO takes its best shot at those looking for a sedan with some oomph. Cars.com reviewer Joe Bruzek discovers if the car lives up to its heritage for the performance-minded buyer.

2010 Ford Taurus SHO Review

2010|Ford|Taurus SHO

Toyota, Ford Are 2010 EPA Headliners

The Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy have released the updated 2010 Fuel Economy Guide, which is the final word on mileage numbers and estimated fuel costs for the 2010 model year.

The 2010 guide doesn’t have too many earth-shattering changes. The Toyota Prius remains the most fuel-efficient vehicle and has even added a few miles per gallon to its lead with 51/48 mpg city/highway. The big move comes from Ford: It has two vehicles — the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid — tied in second place with ratings of 41/36 mpg for both vehicles.

Rounding out the top 10 are the Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Lexus HS 250h, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

The guide’s vehicle listings also provide estimated annual fuel costs, which can help you determine how much gas your perspective new car will suck down, but it’s based on the national estimates for annual mileage and fuel prices — two fluctuating variables. Therefore, don’t expect that number to be spot-on.

You can also input local gas prices and your driving habits in to the guide’s online version to find a more personalized estimate of your yearly fuel costs.

2010 Ford Mustang Gets 0% Plus Cash Back

In the excitement about the all-new Chevrolet Camaro hitting the streets, many people have overlooked the 2010 Ford Mustang’s significant overhaul. While new engine offerings may be in the pipeline for later next year, the 2010 still beat out the Camaro and the Dodge Challenger in our recent face-off.

For some reason, folks have forgotten about the ‘Stang, so Ford has put a nice incentive on it to help grab peoples’ attention. You can get 0% financing for 36 months, plus $1,000 cash back. If you opt for the more popular 60-month option, the financing rate is 1.9%. The deal is good through Nov. 2.

Ford Recalling 4.5 Million Vehicles

The Detroit News is reporting that Ford will recall 4.5 million vehicles over a faulty cruise control deactivation switch. It is the same defect that was at the heart of previous recalls now totaling 14 million vehicles. There have been more than 1,500 complaints and at least 550 vehicles fires due to the faulty part. 

The new recall includes these vehicles:

• 1995-2003 Ford Windstar 
• 2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesel
• 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty diesel
• 1992-2003 Ford Econoline
• 1995-2002 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer
• 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Ranger
• 1994 Ford F53 Motorhome vehicles equipped with the Texas Instruments speed control deactivation. 

This has been a black cloud for Ford for nearly 10 years. The automaker recalled 9.6 million vehicles between 1999 and 2008 and is still battling dozens of lawsuits over the issue. 

Ford recalls 4.5 million vehicles for faulty switch (Detroit News)

2011 Ford Fiesta to Debut at LA Auto Show

The North American version of the Fiesta subcompact will debut at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in early December. Ford made the announcement today and added that the new car, a 2011 model, will go on sale next summer.

No additional information was revealed, however, we do know the U.S. will get a sedan and two-door hatchback. The Fiesta sedan sold in China is shown above. It’s still not known what the Fiesta’s powertrain will be; that information will be revealed at the December show.