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Ever wondered about the psychology behind road rage? Read on to find out more!
So what do you think of when you hear the term "road rage"? It's one of those catch phrases everyone has heard, and yet there is no common definition we can all use. Often, people use terms like "road rage" and "aggressive driving" interchangeably.
And while some might say that aggressive driving includes everything from cutting someone off on purpose to tailgating to making obscene gestures andcursing at other drivers, others might claim road rage refers only to incidents where violence erupts between drivers and passengers -- in or around cars. (There are just as many who might reverse those two definitions.) One thing is certain -- road rage is a dangerous phenomenon that can happen to any one of us, either as a perpetrator or a victim.
Driving a car is stressful -- it's inherently dangerous because even if you're the safest driver in the world, there are a lot different variables that you can't predict, like weather, traffic, accidents, and road work. And what about all those other people on the road? Some of them aren't just bad drivers, they're engaging in risky behavior. Some of them even do things specifically to make you angry or prevent you from getting to where you need to go.
That's the thought progression someone might have just before switching into road-rage mode, leading a driver to make irrational decisions very quickly. All of a sudden, you might be thinking: They need to know that what they're doing is dangerous and stupid, and you should show them. In fact, you should punish them.
There's no denying that driving can be a risky and emotional experience. For many of us, our cars are an extension of our personality, and it might be the most expensive possession we own. When we drive, we're aware that there's potential for injury and property damage. Driving might be an expression of freedom for some, but it's also an activity that tends to increase our stress levels, even if we're not aware of it at the time. Driving is also a communal activity. You might think of driving in terms of your own individual experience. But once you pull into traffic, you've joined a community of other drivers, all of whom have their own goals, fears and driving skills. Psychologists Dr. Leon James and Dr. Diane Nahl say that one factor in road rage is our tendency to concentrate on ourselves while dismissing the communal aspect of driving. It's very easy to perceive another driver's actions in terms of how it affects us, which in turn makes it easy to transition into anger [source: James, Nahl]. Once an expert witness to Congress on traffic psychology, Dr. James, known as "Dr. Driving," believes that the core cause of road rage isn't due to traffic jams or more drivers on the road -- but how our culture views aggressive driving [source: Dr. Driving.org].
In our culture, children learn that the normal rules regarding behavior and civility don't apply when driving a car. They may see their parents engage in competitive-driving behaviors, maneuvering the car with multiple lane changes or traveling at high speeds in a rush to get to a destination. Some popular films and television shows portray aggressive driving as a positive, or at the very least, an exciting activity. To complicate matters, for years pop psychologists suggested that the best way to relieve anger and stress was to vent your frustration, essentially giving into and feeding your negative emotions. However, psychological studies show that venting doesn't help relieve anger at all. In a road rage situation, venting can help escalate an incident into a violent encounter. Americans also tend to view a person who backs away from confrontation as a coward, creating a sense of pressure on a driver to not give up any ground even when no one is judging him. With that in mind, it's no surprise that violent encounters happen occasionally. Almost everyone is predisposed to engaging in irrational behavior while driving -- Dr. James even goes so far as to say that most people are emotionally impaired when they drive [source: James]. The key, psychologists say, is being aware of your emotional state and making the right choices, even when you are tempted to act out emotionally.
Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/car-driving-safety/accidents-hazardous-conditions/road-rage1.htm
Great news for parents! Would you use this technology for your children?
The safety of teen drivers remains a top priority for Ford, with the automaker’s manager of Safety Planning and Strategy, Andy Sarkisian, recently saying: “We are continually listening to our customers and responding to parents’ desire to make sure their kids are paying attention to the road, not their cell phone.”
The latest Ford effort? Building on its innovative MyKey system, which already has made a name for itself by helping parents eliminate potential driving distractions when teens are behind the wheel, the company will launch an innovative “Do Not Disturb” functionality on the 2012 Ford Explorer. This new feature operates in tandem with MyKey and Ford SYNC to block incoming cell phone calls and texts, allowing young drivers to keep their attention where it belongs—on the road. Phone calls are sent to voicemail, while texts are saved. And the system still allows voice-activated out-going calls, including, if necessary, those from SYNC’s 911 Assist emergency-calling feature.
MyKey also retains parent-friendly functions like the ability to:
- Limit a vehicle’s top speed
- Set audible alerts for the driver if the vehicle surpasses a certain speed
- Mute the audio system unless/until front occupants buckle their safety belts
- Block adult programming from satellite radio channels
- Limit the maximum volume of the sound system
- Prevent deactivation of the vehicle’s traction control system
- Turn on the low-fuel warning light with 75 miles of driving range remaining, providing an early notification that it’s time to fill up
“Adding Do Not Disturb to MyKey is yet another way Ford is helping parents to encourage their kids to drive safer,” added Sarkisian. “Our dealers tell us that when they have a buyer with kids in the house and they mention the MyKey feature, every single one of them says, ‘How do I turn that on?’ Customers are very happy with the feature.”
Follow the link for a video explaining Ford MyKey
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford%E2%80%99s-do-not-disturb-technology-helps-teens-focus-on-driving/
Good Taste! Pittsburgh will be held on Saturday, November 5th from 9 am to 5 pm at the Monroeville Convention Center.
GoodTaste! Pittsburgh showcases food as entertainment and the kitchen as theater in a one-day foodie and lifestyle fest that promotes the region. Featuring national and local chefs, cookbook authors,workshops, food and wine sampling, local restaurants, product sales and more!
General admission tickets are $15 at the door and $10 if ordered online. Some of the workshops offered are Saving Dollars with Extreme Couponer Nathan Engels, Do you have Dairy, Nut, Egg or Gluten Allergies?, Cake Decorating Taught by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Meghann Walsh, Set the Table with Crate & Barrel, Spice It Up – Indian Style to name a few.
Visit http://www.showclix.com/event/56361 for more information.
Keep your pet safe while driving, not only for your animal’s health and well-being, but for your wallet’s sake as well!
States Cracking Down On Dogs Behind The Wheel
If it's any indication of the danger free-roaming pets face in a vehicle, New Hampshire, the country's only state that does not have a mandatory seat belt law, actually requires dogs to buckle up.
Live free or die, goes the state's motto, but Spike and Spot don't have that liberty. And with due reason. Seven other states, Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, Nevada, Washington, Oregon and Rhode Island require owners to kennel or tether animals because of the severe danger the sudden stops and potential collisions pose to pets. An unrestrained dog can land you with a ticket between $50 and $200.
Animal lovers would almost always rather take their pet with them to run errands or on a road trip than leave them at home or at a pet motel. But for all that love for canines, most drivers have seen "dog people" take things too far, driving with their dogs in their laps or lying around their shoulders like a neck pillow and, yes, sometimes at the wheel.
And it's a double dose of danger: for the distracted driver and the unrestrained animal.
Find out more here: http://autos.aol.com/photos/driving-doggie-style-the-best-vehicles-for-pets/
All the more reason to buy a Ford!
For Darrell Edwards, chairman and founder of Strategic Vision—one of the auto industry’s top resources for quality research—determining the quality of a vehicle involves a comprehensive analysis of everything that goes into satisfying customers: “Decades ago, we decided to measure ‘Quality’ from the ‘Total’ perspective of the driver/owner, because this is how people actually judge ‘Quality’ in terms of the decision to purchase or not. The number of complaints is considered, but there is absolutely justification—even requirement—for also considering the total positive experience created for the owner/driver.”
Which helps explain why Edwards recently called the Ford Motor Company “a quality leader” in Strategic Vision’s 2011 Total Quality Index, which rated the company the No. 2 full-line automaker in the industry.
Helping Ford achieve this strong performance were five vehicles that were top-rated in quality in their segments:
- Ford Mustang Coupe—Specialty Coupe
- Ford Mustang Convertible—Convertible
- Ford Flex—Mid-Size Crossover Utility
- Ford F-150—Full-Size Pickup
- Ford F-250/F-350—Heavy-Duty Pickup
Also scoring highly in their individual categories were the Ford Fiesta Sedan andFocus (Nos. 2 and 3, respectively, among Small Cars), Ford Fiesta Hatchback (No. 4 in the Small Multi-Function segment), Ford Taurus (No. 2 in the Large Car group), Ford Fusion (the No. 5 Mid-Size Car) and Ford Expedition (the third-highest scorer in the Large Utility category).
The bottom line according to this new research: While Ford owners did report 4 percent more “problems” than the industry average, “the strength of [the company’s] design, other important quality cues and innovation, along with brand strength, kept sales and Total Quality scores high.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-lauded-in-2011-total-quality-index/#more-2810
How cool is this?
Using more than 380,000 LEGO bricks, a full-size version of the Ford Explorer made its debut at the Blue Oval’s Chicago Assembly Plant this week. The eye-catching Explorer recreation marks a new partnership between Ford and the LEGOLAND Florida theme park.
Twenty-two designers were needed to create the LEGO Explorer, which sites atop a 768-pound interior aluminum base. For now, it will be featured at the historic Chicago plant that produces the Explorer, but soon it will make the journey Florida where it will remain parked at LEGOLAND.
“Ford is excited to support the alliance between LEGOLAND Florida and the Southeast Ford dealers. The LEGOLAND Florida Explorer and the Ford Driving School attraction are great opportunities to showcase our products and safety messages to families and visitors in a unique way,” said Tracy Magee, Ford Experiential Marketing manager.
LEGOLAND Florida is slated to open on October 15. The park will be home to exhibits using more than 50 million LEGO bricks, including the new Explorer. It will also feature the Ford Driving School for children, which will give kids the thrill of driving their own vehicle. The idea for the school came from Florida-area Ford dealers that wanted to support the brand while promoting responsible driving skills.
“We’re less than a month from opening and the anticipation level is incredibly high,” said LEGOLAND Florida General Manager Adrian Jones. “This is the only park of its kind in the world built exclusively for kids ages 2 to 12, and it will be a total departure from anything families with young children have seen before. It’s a completely immersive experience, engaging kids’ imaginations and their sense of adventure through interactive play.”
To watch the video of this being built or to read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-explorer-gets-reinvented-with-lego-bricks/#more-2788
Are we approaching an era of self-driving cars?
“Fred Flintstone had a car that he had to power with his own feet; by that standard, all of today's cars are pretty easy to use. But cars are becoming even more user-friendly -- so user-friendly, in fact, that they may not even require a user at all. That's because much of the new car technology involves taking over the role of the driver.
For instance, no longer does a driver need to mind the blind spots, as certain cars come with detection systems that will alert the operator to obstacles in other lanes. If a driver should start to drowse off and drift into another lane, the steering wheel will shake or a voice will alert the driver to what's happening. Gone are the days of manually changing the cruise control speed when the car in front of you slows down -- now, adaptive cruise control uses radar to track the speed of that car and adjust the speed on its own. And since cars with adaptive cruise control can sense just how much space separates them from other cars, they can go into panic mode when cars ahead start hitting their brakes.
But you needn't fear a world of self-driving cars just yet. According to a survey conducted by Harris Interactive, drivers want features that improve safety, but they're not ready to turn over complete control of the road to a machine just yet [source: Adams]. In other words, while drivers may like alerts about a car in their blind spots, they want to be the ones that adjust their cars to account for it. And the same survey found that drivers are willing to keep their eyes on the road despite the goodies that new cars are offering; fancy features like WiFi or temperature-controlled cupholders are at the bottom of drivers' wish lists, perhaps indicating that drivers know they need to focus on driving, not on checking the latest sports scores online.
While today's drivers may be wary of cars that do too much for them, that doesn't mean they don't appreciate a little help and convenience. Keyless ignition systems save drivers the hassle of looking for their keys, new fuel tank caps that don't require a lot of turning can save time at the gas station, and self-repairing paint, which covers a scratch as soon as it occurs, eliminates the ordeal and expense of the body shop.”
Read more: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/trends-innovations/cars-more-user-friendly.htm
Is rustproofing your car worth it? In short, yes!
Rust is a car’s natural enemy. More than just a discoloration of metal, rust is the corrosive result of a chemical reaction between oxygen and iron. Though rust technically corrodes just the surface of iron or an iron-based alloy (such as steel), fresh iron is exposed during this process of corrosion, which in turn can become “infected” with rust. Given enough time, this cycle will repeat over and over to the point when the rust completely disintegrates the metal.
Put simply: Rusted metal is not as structurally strong as rust-free metal. Since most cars are made of metal (especially steel) we can rightfully guess that a car with a rust problem is not as structurally sound and, therefore, more dangerous than a rust-free car. Rust isn’t much of a problem for those who live in dry, arid climates. However, cars constantly exposed to wet weather, humidity and corrosive road salts are more likely to suffer from potentially disastrous rust problems.
To combat vehicle rust, many manufacturers use a variety of rust-proofing techniques to keep rust at bay. Often, rust proofing measures will include the use of galvanized steel (steel that is coated in rust-unfriendly zinc) and PVC-based undercoatings. Paint itself is also considered a rust proofing measure, as it acts like a protective barrier against the elements. Some aftermarket rust-proofing treatments -- including wax-based surface treatments -- are also available.
RUST PROOFING ON AM
Though there is no way to completely eliminate the threat of rust, rust proofing is the best way to extend the life of a vehicle and all its components. As we mentioned earlier, rust will structurally weaken any piece of metal it has infected, so rusty car parts are often dangerous car parts. Rust proofing helps ensure that our vehicles won’t suddenly disintegrate as we drive down the freeway.RUST PROOFING FACT
Sometimes, the best way to rust proof a car is to keep it clean. Waxing your car does more than just make it look good; a good wax job will serve as an extra layer of protection between the sheet metal and oxidizing elements like oxygen, salt and water. For those who live in snowy climates, not tracking massive amounts of snow (which will melt and form pools of water in a vehicle’s crevices) into the car is a good way to prevent rust build-up. Though it’s tough to do in the winter, keeping a car’s undercarriage free of road salts will also extend the life of any factory-engineered rust-proofing methods. A quick rinse of the undercarriage can do a lot of good.
Read more: http://www.askmen.com/cars/keywords/rust-proofing.html
Check out the following tips for driving in the rain from Smart Motorist.
- First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
- Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
- Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased in wet weather.
- Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
- Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.
- Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake lights in front of you.
- Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down.
- Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
- Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.
- Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
- Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.
- Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your car could be swept off the road.
- When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
- Avoid splashing pedestrians.
- If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.
Slow down! This should be obvious but it also very important. People are so used to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.
Before you go - Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering, clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly.
How are your tires? - Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your tires run over water, the water is displaced and it needs somewhere to go quickly. The best place is between the treads of your tires. If your tires are bald, the water has no place to go and you end up riding on a layer of water, like a boat. (See Hydroplaning, below.)
Turn on your wipers - Replace your wipers regularly, at least once a year. Wiper blades in bad condition don't clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view. Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced. The arms bend over time and sometimes can't keep enough downward pressure to clear the windscreen, even with new blades installed. Wipers will often clear light rain from the windscreen with a few sweeps, then run on an almost-dry screen and leave smears of drying dirt. Don't be afraid to use the windscreen washers liberally: the fluid is cheap (99 cents a gallon) and the safety benefit is high. Carry extra during the winter.
Don't follow large trucks or buses closely. Splash and spray from these vehicles can obscure your vision, creating a potentially disastrous driving situation. Keep your distance, and your windshield wipers on, when other traffic is in front of you.
Read more: http://www.smartmotorist.com/driving-guideline/tips-for-driving-in-rain.html
Ford aims to create a world-class in-car experience for consumers.
Ford is determined to transform the in-car experience. Consumers are increasingly demanding integrated communications, voice-controlled operations, and more in-car entertainment options — and Ford is happy to deliver on those requests.
But to truly develop the most innovative in-car experience possible, Ford isn’t relying on its own skilled engineers in Europe and the United States. The Blue Oval continues to forge partnerships with leaders in the consumer electronics industry to bring new features to consumers faster — and cheaper — than ever before.
“By harnessing the experience and expertise of the finest hardware and software manufacturers from a variety of fields, Ford is developing a system that is far ahead of the game and will continue to be thanks to its upgradeable design,” said John Schneider, chief engineer, Ford Global Multimedia and Infotainment.
Ford has already partnered with Gracenote, Microsoft, NAVTEQ, Nuance Communications, Sony Corporation, TeleNav and ViaMichelin, to name a few. These companies have worked together with engineers at Ford to bring new functionality to SYNC, Ford’s award-winning infotainment system. Each of these partners possesses their own unique experience and know-how in individual fields, and together they’ve helped develop a uniquely capable and comprehensively equipped system.
Each of these renowned companies brought something special to SYNC:
- Gracenote – Provides technologies and music data that will enable SYNC with MyFord Touch to release the full potential of digital music players.
- Microsoft – Developed Microsoft Windows Embedded Automotive, a powerful and reliable software platform that allows SYNC to connect drivers and passengers to their digital lifestyles.
- NAVTEQ – NAVTEQ’s data is designed to support more precise guidance, to help driver orientation and generally improve the overall navigation experience.
- Nuance Communications – Provided SYNC with unrivaled voice control capability through innovative speech technology.
- Sony – Developed the high-quality audio systems on numerous Ford vehicles.
- TeleNav – Provided an easily updateable navigation solution that includes regional and local information such as languages, guidance and maps.
- ViaMichelin – Provides SYNC with MyFord Touch users with Michelin’s celebrated hotel and restaurant guide.
Schneider added, “Developing a system as advanced as SYNC with MyFord Touch required expertise outside of the traditional car manufacturer remit, but the experience being gained from the project will continue to benefit Ford customers as our company develops as a producer of world-class technology.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-aims-to-create-a-world-class-in-car-experience/#more-2727
Recently, Ford debuted the 2012 Harley-Davidson F-150.
A full-size pickup that offers a full-size dose of performance, style and power.
As is always the case when these two brands get together, the new H-D F-150 offers a bold and aggressive look, in this case highlighted by exterior details like a six-bar billet-style bright chrome grille with “Harley-Davidson” badging, 22-inch machined-aluminum wheels, deployable running boards, and a choice of two premium paint schemes: The traditional Tuxedo Black and, for the first time, White Platinum Tri-Coat. Especially eye-catching will be unique bodyside graphics that feature a snakeskin-like texture that echoes the real snakeskin inserts available on premium Harley motorcycles—and the snakeskin trim that adds a striking appearance to the truck’s interior.
The upscale cockpit of the Harley-Davidson F-150 also boasts standard technology that includes a 4.2-inch LCD productivity screen and a voice-activated navigation/climate/satellite audio system with an 8-inch touchscreen, as well as features such as ambient lighting, heated front- and second-row seats, handmade cloisonné badges, a rearview camera, power moonroof and more.
Of course, the truck wouldn’t be wearing the “Harley-Davidson” name on its sheet metal if it wasn’t wearing a potent powerplant beneath that sheet metal. In this case, the heart of the matter is Ford’s 6.2-liter V8—the same one found in the SVT Raptor. This high-performance engine makes a best-in-class 411 hp and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, courtesy of powertrain advances that include a single-overhead-cam valvetrain with roller-rocker shafts, dual-equal variable cam timing, two spark plugs per cylinder and dual knock sensors.
“This is a great pairing of two icons of the open road: Ford and Harley-Davidson. Both brands appeal to truck owners and motorcycle enthusiasts alike,” said Marc Lapine, Ford F-150 marketing manager. “For 2012 we worked with Harley-Davidson to continue to push the styling envelope while still delivering the durability and power that F-150 is known for and that our collective customers expect. It perfectly captures both brands.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/harley-davidson-f-150/#more-2730
Is texting while driving really worse than drunk driving? That’s the question that Christopher Neiger from “How Stuff Works” asked. Read more to find out his conclusion.
Texting, or short message service(SMS), is a quick form of communication that allows users to send 160 characters or less to and from their cell phones and smartphones. A study by the Pew Research group in 2009 and 2010 reported that out of the number of Americans who have cell phones, 58 percent of adults and 66 percent of teens use them to text [source:Motavalli]. With these high percentages of Americans using text messaging every year, many are bringing the habit along with them when they drive. The same Pew study showed that 34 percent of teens who use their phone for texting said they've done it while driving, and 47 percent of adults who texted said they had done it while driving, too [source: Motavalli].
In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that almost 6,000 fatalities and over half of a million injuries were due to accidents caused by drivers who were distracted [source: Motavalli]. The study wasn't focused on texting, but it does show the seriousness of driving while distracted. Like many other driving distractions, texting involves a certain amount of mental attention as well as physical application which may be why 28 states have banned drivers from texting while operating a vehicle [source: Motavalli].
But is there really proof that texting while driving is more dangerous than drunk driving? Even though research is just now being done to measure the effects of texting while driving, some in the automotive industry and others in research circles say that texting is definitely more dangerous than drunk driving. Mainly because taking a driver's eyes off the road significantly cuts down on his or her ability to react to changes.
In 2009, Car and Driver conducted a driving test with their editor-in-chief and an intern to prove or disprove that texting while driving was more dangerous than drunk driving. The first step of their experiment was to test and measure the reaction times of both drivers while driving sober with no distractions, and then while reading and sending text messages on their cell phones. A light mounted to the front windshield simulated a car braking in front of them [source:Austin].
As they read and sent text messages, their response time was measured based on the time it took between when the brake light came on and when the driver applied the brakes at both 35 miles per hour (56.3 kilometers per hour) and at 70 miles per hour (112.7 kilometers per hour) [source: Chang]. Both drivers had a longer response time while reading and sending the text messages when compared to driving without any distractions. After the initial test, both drivers then consumed alcohol and reached the legal driving limit for intoxication in their state. After running the same test again while driving drunk, response times for both drivers were better when the driver was drunk, compared to when they were reading or sending text messages while sober. Car and Driver writers mentioned that the test was performed on a closed airport runway, with no road signs and no turns. Although this test was performed on a closed course, slow response times due to texting could result in serious consequences in real-world driving situations.
Another test conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory in London took it a step further. It found that drivers who texted had slower response times, were more likely to drift in and out of lanes and even drove worse than those who were driving while high on marijuana [source: Nugent]. The study found that reaction times for those who texted while driving were 35 percent worse than when they drove without any distractions at all. When driving while intoxicated, the reaction time was only 12 percent worse than when the driver was sober and driving without any texting distractions [source: Nugent]. The researchers also found that there was a significant decrease in ability to maintain a safe driving distance between vehicles while texting and steering control dropped by 91 percent compared to driving without distraction [source: Nugent]. One of the study's commissioners eventually concluded that texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things a driver could do while behind the wheel of a car.
Read the full article: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/texting-while-driving-worse-than-drunk-driving.htm
U.S. News and World Report Names Ford Fusion “Best affordable family car.”
Although the Fusion is largely unchanged for the 2011 model year, it does feature attractive new features such as Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors and HD Radio. The interior is otherwise well-engineered and well-appointed.
Families will especially appreciate two exciting technologies on the Fusion — MyKey and SYNC. MyKey comes standard on the Fusion, and it keeps young people safe by limiting their top speed to 80 mph, limiting radio volume to 45 percent, chiming continuously when seat belts aren’t buckled and providing low-fuel warnings. SYNC is Ford’s award-winning infotainment system that allows drivers to control smart phone apps and mp3 players through voice commands.
Interestingly, U.S. News & World Report is just one of many publications to recently sing the Fusion’s praises:
- ” The Fusion is much improved from bumper to bumper, and it’s better prepared than ever to meet the high expectations of mid-sized sedan buyers.” — Car and Driver
- “Before you write off the 2010 Fusion as a warmed-over version of the previous model, we suggest you take one for a test-drive. The old Fusion was already a pretty good midsize sedan, and thanks to Ford’s determination to rectify its flaws, the new one’s even better.” — Edmunds
- “For a reasonable price you can pick up a decently equipped, nicely sized, attractive sedan that can accommodate a family of four in comfort, yet still be fun to drive.” — Autoblog
- “Regardless of which model suits your fancy, Ford’s midsize sedan offers a depth and breadth of trim levels, powertrains, and features that few rivals can match.” — Consumer Guide
- “Although much of the basic platform engineering on this front-drive/all-wheel drive four-door remains shared with its former Mazda stable mate, the MAZDA6, both its exterior and interior have be transformed to reflect a more youthful and contemporary flavor.” — Kelley Blue Book
Many car reviewers and journalists agree that the Ford Fusion is a great vehicle for small families. If you’re looking for a vehicle that’s got good looks, offers safety and strong fuel economy, and won’t break the bank, the Fusion is worth a look.
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-fusion-named-best-affordable-family-car/#more-2707
Five Ford’s named 2011’s “Most Wanted American Cars” by Motor Trend.
After all, fully half of the entries on the list (which only considered American-branded vehicles) were built by the Blue Oval, including:
Fiesta—The top choice in the Subcompact category, the Fiesta, was a huge hit, with MT editors writing that: “You know that solid CRACK a baseball makes when it meets an oak bat, sweet spot to sweet spot? The Fiesta does that in two significant areas: styling and build quality. Everywhere we took the Fiesta, eyebrows rose and admiring glances caressed the car. This is clearly a good-looking automobile, a shot glass brimming with European taste.”
Focus—In the Compact segment, the winning vehicle was the Focus, which “has vaulted from forgettable to formidable in one fell swoop. The improvements to the new car are night and day compared to what we had, and we’d expect no less from an all-new car. With both sedan and hatchback models available and an impressive-looking electric model on the way (and possibly a wagon as well, if the rumors are true), Ford has planted a very large flag on the compact sedan hill.”
Mustang—Ford’s modern-day muscle car actually took home honors in two different classes, with the V6 model earning top ratings as “Coupe under $25,000” and the Boss 302 besting all rivals in the “Coupe over $25,000” group. The former was lauded as “nearly as quick as last year’s V8-powered GT,” while of the latter, MT said it was “hands-down the best Mustang [Ford] has ever produced.
Edge—One of the best-selling crossovers in the country was the No. 1 choice in the segment for MT editors, who praised its extensive upgrades for the 2011 model year: “Pick nearly any aspect of the popular mid-sized SUV and the Blue Oval’s engineers probably tweaked, restyled, or replaced it. It looks and sounds like an all-new edition.”
Which means that for customers who want the best American automakers have to offer, it looks and sounds like their local Ford dealership is the right place to start.
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/five-fords-named-among-mts-most-wanted-american-cars/#more-2696
Red-light cameras may seem technologically cut-and dry, but that's far from reality. They've saved lives, but they've also stirred up more controversy that most other traffic control devices on the roads to date. See how knowledgeable you are about some of the more picayune and esoteric aspects of this growing debate.
Follow the link to get started: http://auto.howstuffworks.com/red-light-camera-quiz.htm
Ford Motor Company and Toyota Motor Corporation – the world’s two leading manufacturers of hybrid vehicles – today announced they will equally collaborate on the development of an advanced new hybrid system for light truck and SUV customers. Ford and Toyota have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the product development collaboration, with the formal agreement expected by next year.
“This agreement brings together the capability of two global leaders in hybrid vehicles and hybrid technology to develop a better solution more quickly and affordably for our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “Ford achieved a breakthrough with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, and we intend to do this again for a new group of truck and SUV buyers – customers we know very well.”
Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota executive vice president, Research & Development, said: “In 1997, we launched the first-generation Prius, the world’s first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid. Since then, we have sold about 3.3 million hybrid vehicles. We expect to create exciting technologies that benefit society with Ford – and we can do so through the experience the two companies have in hybrid technology.”Under the MOU agreement, the two companies will bring the best of their independently developed hybrid powertrain technology and knowledge to a new co-developed hybrid system, which will be used in rear-wheel-drive light trucks arriving later this decade. Specifically, Ford and Toyota will:
•Jointly develop as equal partners a new rear-wheel drive hybrid system and component technology for light trucks and SUVs
•Independently integrate the new hybrid system in their future vehicles separately“By working together, we will be able to serve our customers with the very best affordable, advanced powertrains, delivering even better fuel economy,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is the kind of collaborative effort that is required to address the big global challenges of energy independence and environmental sustainability.”
Toyota President Akio Toyoda added: “Toyota is extremely proud to join Ford in developing a hybrid system for pickup trucks and SUVs. Not only is this tie-up clearly one aimed at making automobiles ever better, it should also become an important building block for future mobility in the U.S. By building a global, long-term relationship with Ford, our desire is to be able to continue to provide people in America automobiles that exceed their expectations.”
Ford SYNC hits a home run with consumers.
With pennant races beginning to heat up—in the major leagues as well as their fantasy equivalents—Ford has introduced an all-new SYNC feature designed just for fans of America’s national pastime. Now, leveraging the comprehensive SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information Services system, SYNC users can get hands-free access to a Fantasy Update featuring the weekly hitting and pitching leaders in both the American and National Leagues.
After giving a quick and simple series of voice commands— “Sports,” “Baseball,” then “Fantasy Update”—a wide range of information will be provided verbally by SYNC, including hitting statistics like batting average, home runs, RBIs, stolen bases and runs scored, along with pitching stats such as won-loss records, saves and strikeouts.
“It’s been estimated that nearly 7 million people play fantasy baseball, and all of them scramble to get any kind of information about the very best players they should be putting in their lineups,” said David Gersabeck, SYNC Services product manager. “This is all about giving our customers what they want. The Fantasy Update feature on SYNC gives our customers fantasy baseball updates quickly and concisely using easy voice commands.”
And that’s in addition to the steadily growing number of other cloud-based, on-demand voice-activated features and information available through SYNC Services, such as:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Business search
- Traffic updates
- News coverage
- Sports reports
- Weather forecasts
- Stock prices
- Horoscopes
- Movie listings
- Connections for travelers to some 150 airlines, 50 hotel chains and 11 of the biggest U.S. rental car companies
Another bonus: Because SYNC Services works by being mated to a user’s Bluetooth-enabled phone, instead of being tied to a vehicle, all of this information can be accessed anywhere there’s a cell-phone signal—and without additional charges.
Check out these hot weather tips for your car.
The prolonged hot weather we've been having is hard on vehicles, but a little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring that you don't wind up stranded on the side of the road withering in the heat while waiting for a tow truck.
Cars are complicated beasts and, of course, anything can go wrong at any time. But experts say there are four main problem areas that crop up as the mercury rises: batteries, tires, radiators and air conditioners.
"The extreme heat makes the acid and the fluid inside of them (car batteries) expand, which can cause them to start leaking," says Jim Kilgo, a supervisor at Austin's Groovy Automotive and Groovy Lube. "That causes battery failure in the long run."
Sarah Schimmer, AAA Texas public affairs representative, recommends that drivers keep in mind the age of their vehicles' batteries, especially in hot weather. "If it's older than 2 to 3 years, have it tested and consider having it changed out," she suggests.
Heat raises tire pressure, which is why manufacturers recommend checking their inflation before driving. And worn treads compound the effect. "As you drive during any month of the year, your tires' PSI (pounds per square inch) will raise from 5 to 8 pounds," Kilgo explains. "When it gets hot like this, it's going to raise even more. If you've got weak tires — worn tires — you've got a better chance of having a blowout."
Here's a bonus: Properly inflated tires in good condition (don't forget your spare) will improve your gas mileage.
If you see a car stranded on the shoulder and it's not up on a jack, chances are it has overheated. Your car is already working harder than normal in extreme heat, and low coolant levels can spell disaster for its engine. Belts stretch and hoses deteriorate with age; long periods of extreme heat can accelerate the process.
"A hose failure can cause an engine to blow almost before you can shut it down in this heat," Kilgo says.
"If you've got worn hoses that haven't been replaced in a while, you've got a better chance of a hose rupturing now than you do at any other time."
Read more: http://www.statesman.com/life/hot-weather-car-care-tips-1579503.html
With its powerful and fuel-efficient 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the 365-horsepower Ford F-150 EcoBoost® is outselling all other competitive six-cylinder trucks combined.
"Both of our new V6 powerplants are changing the way customers think about truck engines," said Doug Scott, Ford's truck group marketing manager. "The 3.7-liter has more horsepower than two of the three V8 engines we offered in last year's F-150. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, at 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. torque, is in a class of its own – no one has anything even remotely close to this engine, which can tow as much as 11,300 pounds and deliver 22 mpg."
Fuel efficiency, along with best-in-class performance, is another reason the two new Ford F-150 engines are rewriting the book on V6 truck sales. The 3.7-liter F-150 carries an EPA rating of 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the F-150 EcoBoost is EPA certified at 16 mpg city and 22 mg highway, making it the most fuel-efficient truck with more than 350 horsepower on the market.
The hot-selling F-150 EcoBoost is now the highest volume vehicle in Ford's growing global family of cars, trucks and SUVs available with the company's patented fuel-saving technology.
EcoBoost combines engine downsizing with turbocharging, direct injection and other technologies to deliver both performance and fuel efficiency gains as high as 20 percent over the larger engines they replace. Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology and has launched a family of EcoBoost engines globally in sizes ranging from 1.6 liters to 3.5 liters.
Read more: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=35026
The J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. The study reveals that the industry average APEAL score in 2011 increases by 3 index points from last year—to 781 (on a 1,000-point scale) from 778 in 2010. The 2011 APEAL Study is based on owner evaluations of more than 90 vehicle attributes, and complements the recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2011 US Initial Quality Study (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership.
The APEAL Study measures owner satisfaction in 10 categories:
The 2011 Ford Fiesta was named the highest ranked sub-compact car. While the 2011 Ford F-150 was the highest ranked large pickup. On a side note, all of of Ford's newest retail vehicles earned fuel efficiency ratings above the segment average.
Read more: http://www.jdpower.com/autos/articles/2011-APEAL-Study-Results/
Ford Edge with EcoBoost gets EPA-rated 30 MPG highway.
The Ford Edge has long been one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in its class. However, with the all-new 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, the Edge now boasts an EPA-rated 30 mpg highway and 21 mpg city. The new EcoBoost engine will complement the best-in-class Edge V6 fuel economy, giving customers expanded fuel efficient choices.
With 30 mpg on the highway, the Edge EcoBoost bests all SUVs its size or larger. Even cars that are far smaller, like the Honda Civic Si and the Saab 9-3 automatic, don’t get 30 mpg highway. Other features that enhance the crossover’s efficiency include variable-displacement air conditioning compressor, a unique six-speed automatic transmission, and category-exclusive active grille shutters to improve aerodynamics.
EcoBoost has been successful at attracting new, more upscale customers to Ford showrooms. Taurus SHO and Flex models have long benefitted from the EcoBoost, and now it’s even available on the popular F-150 pickup. With its balance of power and fuel-efficiency, Ford plans to add the EcoBoost to 90 percent of its lineup by 2013.
“Fuel efficiency is important to our customers,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Large Cars and Crossovers. “Adding the EcoBoost engine to the new Ford Edge crossover makes for 13 vehicles delivering 30 mpg or more in the Ford showroom.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-edge-with-new-ecoboost-delivers-30-mpg/#more-2637
Check out the tips below on how to properly wash and wax your car.
More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives and additives. And almost half of motorists don't ever wax their vehicles.
"Waxing at least twice a year is recommended for maximum protection, yet surveys show that 48 percent of motorists don't wax their vehicles at all," said Jeffrey Webb, director of retail marketing at Turtle Wax, Inc.
Motorists should avoid dish detergent, which contains harsh chemicals that, intended to cut through grease, will strip away the wax finish on your car. Some are hard to rinse off and leave streaks. For best results, a formulated automotive wash is recommended, one that gently lifts the dirt and grime while protecting the finish.
Washing an automobile on a regular basis protects it from the natural elements that harm the finish. The Car Care Council recommends the following dos and don'ts when it comes to a do-it-yourself car wash:
- Don't wash cars in direct sunlight. Do wash cars in shade or in cooler temperatures in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Don't use dish detergent. Do use a formulated car wash.
- Do fill your bucket with warm water.
- Do use a soft terrycloth towel or washing mitt.
- Do spray the car often with water.
- Don't scrub the car all at once. Do complete one section at a time, rinsing repeatedly to prevent the soap from drying on the paint.
- Do use soft terrycloth towels or scratch-free fabric to dry the vehicle.
- Don't neglect waxing the vehicle. Do prep the car for waxing using cleaner/polish to remove contaminants.
"The myth of not having to wax your car because you have a clear-coat finish is just that, a myth," Webb said. "Clear-coat finish is only as thick as a piece of paper and can become damaged from the effects of sunlight, UV radiation, acid rain, salt, dirt and air pollution."
Today, President Obama announced the next phase in One National Program for fuel economy standards that will help significantly improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while protecting jobs and the economy.
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, along with other industry and government leaders, joined President Obama in Washington today for this announcement on a framework for standards for 2017 through 2025. Although more work remains, this important step allows us to move toward a formal proposed regulation this fall and a final rule by July 2012 that all stakeholders can support. And continuing with One National Program, rather than a patchwork of state-by-state regulations, gives Ford and other automakers the regulatory certainty we need in the decade ahead.
While meeting these tough new regulations will require significant financial resources and continued technological advancements, Ford is fully committed to not only meeting the national standard but also delivering on our commitment to continuously improve the fuel efficiency of all of our cars and trucks.
Just yesterday, we announced that the completely reinvented Ford Explorer powered by EcoBoost delivers a class-leading EPA rating of 28 mpg on the highway, besting Honda Pilot by more than 20 percent and Toyota Highlander by 12 percent. We're delivering great fuel economy across our line up with 14 vehicles now offering best-in-class fuel efficiency. And this agreement ensures that we keep the "work" in work trucks, and that is especially important for the economy and our customers. It will ensure hard-working Americans have access to the vehicles they need to get the job done. We contribute to this by offering an F-150 with EcoBoost that provides best-in-class towing capability of 11,300 lbs combined with up to 20 percent improvement on fuel economy. Already, more than 40 percent of F-150s sold are equipped with EcoBoost engines.
And, of course, Ford's global electrification strategy will deliver a suite of five new electrified vehicles in North America and Europe by 2013 and builds on the company's overall vision of offering the widest possible range of fuel-efficient, low-emission technological solutions.
Significantly improving fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are core to Ford’s mission to deliver great products, a strong business and a better world.
Thanks for you continued commitment to Ford.
The all-new Ford Explorer has been a tremendous success, as it’s a far cry from the model it replaces. The hot-selling new model also boasts ample power and class-leading efficiency thanks to its standard 3.5-liter V6 engine.
However, the latest Explorer will set a new standard for SUV fuel efficiency with the launch of the all-new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, the first application of this advanced engine in North America.
The EcoBoost will the help the Explorer deliver a class-leading EPA rating of 28 mpg on the highway, besting the Honda Pilot by more than 20 percent and the Toyota Highlander by 12 percent. In the city, the Explorer is rated at 20 miles per gallon.
Best of all, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost provides fuel efficiency without sacrificing power, as it provides 240 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. This balance of responsive power and efficiency is attributed to a number of technologies such as gasoline injection, twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT), and a unique 6F35 six-speed automatic transmission developed to reduce friction and increase efficiency.
“Today’s SUV buyers place a high priority on miles per gallon, so Explorer has expanded its portfolio of fuel-efficient engines with an all-new EcoBoost offering,” said Amy Marentic, Ford group marketing manager. “SUV buyers deserve efficiency with their capability, so Explorer now offers best-in-class V6 and four-cylinder fuel efficiency.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/2012-ford-explorer-2-0-liter-ecoboost-to-get-28-mpg/
Parents.com in conjunction with Edwards.com Names Three Ford Vehicles “Best Family Cars of 2011.”
The goal was to find only those vehicles that could handle a family with young children, handle their cargo, too, and do it all while fitting into a “tight budget.” And while those requirements narrowed the field considerably, Ford still had three vehicles on the list—no other automaker had more.
The completely redesigned Ford Explorer led the way, earning honors in the Big Car segment for its “modern and quiet” cabin, “crisp” ride and high levels of family friendly standard content, including four power outlets, overhead reading lights in all rows, award-winning inflatable safety belts for rear outboard positions and the SYNC hands-free, voice-activated connectivity and entertainment system. And the fact the Explorer offers the highest highway fuel-economy rating in its class—25 mpg—doesn’t hurt either.
The all-new Ford Fiesta garnered kudos in the Budget segment, with Parents.com noting the car can be kitted out with up-level features like SYNC, push-button start, ambient lighting and more, and still boast a price tag of about $16,000. Ford’s compact is surprisingly roomy and stable on the highway, too, and it delivers hybrid-like EPA ratings of up to 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined.
Among the Eco-Friendly vehicles, the Ford Fusion Hybrid was called out as a “Best Family Car” for its combination of premium amenities—Parents.com specifically noted the Fusion’s power seats, dual climate controls, backup sensors and two standard power outlets—and standout fuel efficiency: The Fusion Hybrid can achieve EPA ratings of 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway/39 mpg combined, yet drivers can still enjoy “the same fluid feel” that the site says makes the traditional Fusion such “a pleasure to take on long trips.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/family-friendly-fords-honored-by-parents-com/#more-2593
Ford Receives 2011 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
The honor—sponsored by the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)—was first introduced 16 years ago and is the highest employer-recognition award given by the Department of Defense.
Ford support for its employees who are serving (and have served) this country is wide ranging and long standing. For example, the company has an ongoing relationship with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) that dates back to 1922. That’s when Henry Ford organized a 50-strong squad of Model T’s to help disabled vets from throughout the nation make it to that year’s convention, held in San Francisco. More recently, Ford has donated more than 150 vehicles to DAV since 1996 to assist the group’s Transportation Network, and also continues to provide annual support for DAV’s winter sports clinic and youth scholarship volunteer program.
“We are proud of our employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve and it is our privilege to support them,” said Mike Bannister, Ford executive vice president, chairman and CEO of Ford Motor Credit Company, and executive champion of the Ford Veterans Network Group. “We thank ESGR and the Department of Defense for this recognition. We appreciate the honor, and we deeply appreciate all the men and women involved in military service.”
Summer is here, which often means that road trips are ahead. As you tackle screaming kids, traffic, road work, and scorching weather, safety should always come first. By taking a few extra precautions you’ll ensure your trip is fun and that you and your family remain secure.
Ford in particularly understands the importance of safety. New vehicles from the Blue Oval not only have been earning coveted safety awards, but they also offer some innovative safety technology that’s only available on Fords.
If you have a summer road trip planned, you might want to look over some helpful safety advice directly from Ford, including:
- Buckle up and do it right: Ensure that the belt tightly encircles your hips, not your waist, but don’t ever 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
- Ensure that the tilt and height of all head rests are correctly adjusted Active headrests will prevent injury in the event of a crash when properly positioned and adjusted
- Avoid placing objects over the airbag cover: The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear at all times
- Know your car’s condition and its safety features: Items to check before heading off on a road trips 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
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-offers-safety-tips-for-summer-road-trips/#more-2531
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Names Ford F-150 SuperCrew 2011 “Top Safety Pick.”
It’s a significant accomplishment, as the IIHS recently implemented new, more rigorous testing procedures for the 2011 model year, including one that evaluates roof strength as a measure of rollover crash protection. To be named a “Top Safety Pick,” the F-150 SuperCrew scored the best possible rating in this test, as well as tests of front-, rear- and side-impact crash protection, and offers electronic stability control, too. The latter is standard on the popular F-150—it’s still the best-selling vehicle of any kind in America—as are a wide range of other safety features.
Notably, the F-150 SuperCrew is now the 11th 2011 Ford Motor Company vehicle to be named an IIHS “Top Safety Pick.” The others are the Ford Edge (built after February 2011), all-new Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus, Ford Fusion, Ford Fiesta (built after July 2010), Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Lincoln MKX (built after February 2011) and Lincoln MKZ.
“Safety ratings are important markers customers can use to evaluate vehicles, so we are proud Ford has the most top U.S. safety ratings of any automaker ever,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The F-150’s innovative safety technologies and this new Top Safety Pick award further demonstrate Ford’s commitment to safety.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-f-150-detroits-only-full-size-pickup-top-safety-pick/#more-2463
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I love to see the starry flag
That floats above my head.
I love to see its waving folds
With stripes of white and red.
“Be brave,” say the red stripes.
“Be pure,” say the white.
“Be true,” say the bright stars.
“And stand for the right.”
Author Unknown
Great tips on saving for a car from ehow.
Before you can decide how much you should save up for a car, determine which car fits your needs. Buying a car that doesn't do what you need it to do will end up causing you frustration and lost time/money. Do you commute to work every day and need something gas efficient like a Toyota Prius hybrid? If you haul lots of cargo, how about a Ford F150? Can you save more money buying it used? Buying a used car that is just 2-3 years old (or 10-40,000 miles) is very smart because it allows the first owner(s) to take the major depreciation hit during the first few years while the car still likely has 3/4ths of its lifespan left. Whatever you decide on, make sure this is a purchase that you won't regret. Do your research.
Now that you've done your homework, you know an estimate of how much the car will cost you total out the door (OTD). How much do you need to save for a down payment? Or maybe you want to save up for all of it?
If you're going to finance the car with an auto loan, it is recommended that you pay at least a 20% down payment for no longer than 36 months. While longer loans reduce the monthly payments, they will cost you more in the end.
So now you know your savings goal. Take a look at your monthly budget and calculate how much you can spare per month for a car payment. Let's say it is $300 and your savings goal for a down payment is $3000, so that is 10 months. Each month, put this money into a savings account (preferably one with a high APY so you can gain some interest) as if you are already making payments on a car. After your down payment, what will your monthly payments be? It should be no more than $300 a month since that is all you can spare. Make sure you take insurance, gas, and maintenance into account.
After your savings goal is reached, you are ready to buy. Shop around banks like Bank of America, Capital One, or Wells Fargo, and credit unions for the best rate on an auto loan. Then shop around dealers for the best price on your car. Never fall for buying a car you can't afford.
A few years later, after you have paid off your loan, it may be a good idea to continue putting the $300 in your savings account as though you are still making monthly payments. This will help in case you need it for car repairs or you can even pay off your next car in full, costing you no interest.
Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_5107611_save-up-car.html#ixzz1QUuQ7zK1
Ford launches new virtual showroom on PlayStation Home.
The Blue Oval is the first automaker to launch a space within the North American version of PlayStation Home, which currently has more than 20 million users. PlayStation Home is a free-to-play, dynamic social game platform developed for the PlayStation 3 system and can be accessed by users via the PlayStation Network.
“The Ford Showroom gives players an opportunity to check out our vehicles in an environment where most people wouldn’t expect to see Ford,” said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. “It’s another example of how we’re providing customers with ways to engage with Ford on their own terms in their own way.”
“The Ford Showroom in PlayStation Home is the perfect place for people to explore, interact with and share these highly recognizable and popular vehicles,” said Amy Carney, president of advertiser sales for Sony Pictures Television. “Their SYNC technology also has strong synergies for creating highly interactive and engaging game experiences.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-brings-virtual-showroom-to-playstation-home/#more-2408
As Ford dominates the World Rally circuit, the Blue Oval is eager to get fans more involved, and has invited Fiesta RS WRC enthusiasts to choose exciting one-off roof liveries for Ford’s world rally championship challenger.
Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team fans have the unique opportunity to choose unique roof artwork for cars competing in next month’s Rally Finland. Fans simply need to visit the team’s Facebook page and vote for one of the three designs that will grace the Fiesta RS WRCs driven by Jari-Matti Latvala, Mikko Hirvonen and Khalid Al Qassimi.
“Up until now the Ford Abu Dhabi Team Fiesta RS WRCs have simply featured the Ford logo,” said Will May, Motorsport Marketing Manager for Ford of Europe. “So we’re inviting our Facebook followers to vote for one of several designs we’ve developed under one theme – which is ‘the food that fuels you’.
Whichever design receives the most “likes” is the winner, and it will be immediately applied to the Fiesta RS WRCs driven in Finland. Fans have until the end of June to select their favorite design.
“We have a great number of Facebook followers and we’re delighted to give them the chance to directly influence how the Fiesta RS WRCs will appear in Finland,” added May. “The roof designs will be highly visible from overhead and because they will only feature on the Finland cars, they will appeal to model collectors too.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-wants-fans-to-design-world-rally-team-fiestas/#more-2366
The National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) Names Ford Taurus On Its 2011 “Must Consider List.”
It’s an annual roster of vehicles that are known for flying under most people’s radar while still offering the kind of value that simply can’t be overlooked.
According to the NADAguides team, the Taurus Limited earned its place on the list thanks to features like:
“The Ford Taurus has made leaps and bounds with its sporty new look, and the addition of advanced technology such as the Ford SYNC,” said Troy Snyder, director of product development for NADA guides. “It not only impresses the eye but its safety features are top notch. It has earned its place in the spotlight.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/nada-honor-means-everything-to-the-ford-taurus/#more-2351
Ford is quickly adding its fuel-sipping EcoBoost powertrains into every vehicle it sells in North America, and the automaker will soon add a new 1.0-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder – the smallest engine Ford has ever built – to the lineup as well.
“In the last five years, we have made a record investment in new powertrains and fuel-saving technologies,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. “Today, we have the freshest powertrain lineup in the industry. And there is plenty more coming.”
Ford’s 1.0-liter EcoBoost and eight-speed auto will help strengthen the company’s lineup of fuel-efficient vehicles. Already, Ford offers four vehicles that deliver at least 40 mpg, which according to Ford is a feat no other automaker can match.
“No one’s ever built a three-cylinder engine quite like this. Not only is it one of the most technically advanced and efficient engines we’ve ever designed, but it will introduce a number of new technologies to the Ford engine lineup,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Global Powertrain Engineering.
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-confirms-three-cylinder-ecoboost-8-speed-auto/#more-2339
The Ford Focus was named “Top Safety Pick” By the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It also received the five-star overall safety rating from the Euro NCAP.
Both IIHS and Brussels-based Euro NCAP independently test the safety levels of vehicles and present major safety awards and rankings based on their findings. In all tests, the Focus performed well thanks to a strong body structure engineered to meet global safety standards.
Other standard safety features for the 2012 Ford Focus include:
- AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control
- SecuriLock® passive anti-theft system
- SOS Post-Crash Alert System™
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Today’s compacts are brimming with style, technology, and amenities. But for Los Angeles Ford customers, the Focus stands for its efficiency, quality, and of course its safety.
“We were committed from the beginning with the new Focus to design and engineer a vehicle that leads the way both in terms of technology and safety,” said Gunnar Herrmann, Global C Car vehicle line director. “The inherent strength of the new Focus is the structural rigidity of the body and its extensive use of high-strength steels.”
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/all-new-ford-focus-wins-top-safety-pick-award/#more-2309
Ford demonstrated its vehicle-to-vehicle communication system in Europe.
The goal of this innovative research project is to develop the systems and infrastructure that would allow vehicles to update each other with hazard, driving condition, and traffic information. Using localized radio frequencies and the latest mobile phone network technology, Ford’s vehicle-to-vehicle communication system allows individual cars to broadcast messages to other vehicles.
During the demonstration, Ford used two S-MAX vehicles to show how vehicle could “talk” to each other. When one S-MAX began to brake hard, it triggered an emergency signal that was subsequently displayed inside the following S-MAX within less than 100 milliseconds.
“The notion of talking cars may immediately bring to mind thoughts of children’s movies, but the reality is that vehicles capable of speaking the same language could result in significant safety and convenience benefits for drivers,” says Christian Ress, connectivity technical expert, global driver assistance and active safety.
Read more: http://www.fordinthenews.com/ford-demonstrates-the-future-of-car-to-car-communication/#more-2295
How are you planning to celebrate/ honor Memorial Day weekend? Is the holiday a chance to barbeque and hang with friends, or is it a more solemn occasion as you remember a loved one? Share with us!
But no matter how you choose to spend your weekend, we want you to stay safe. Here are some tips for grill safety this weekend:
- Keep food covered or refrigerated until ready to be cooked. Cook meat to 170 degrees Farenheit as a minimum.
- Cooking (by any method) of meats (particularly red meat and chicken) at very high temperatures until surface charring occurs can cause cancer causing substances (Heterocyclic Amines (HCA)) to form. To avoid this, use marinades and turn frequently.
- Inspect your grill before you ignite to ensure everything is in working order.
- Don't use a grill indoors including garages, overhangs and canopies.
- When using a grill, you should use a 10-foot perimeter from anything combustible, including your house.
- Do not allow children and pets to play near a grill.
- Only use approved ignition fluids – don't use gasoline to ignite a grill.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of sand nearby to douse a grill fire.
These tips are from: http://bbq.about.com/od/grillinghelp/tp/grillsafety.htm
