First Ford Fiesta Movement Car Stolen in the U.S.

The guy pictured above with the kitsch sunglasses that we're absolutely sure you're just dying to make a comment about, is Jake Bronstein and he is the first person among the 100 Fiesta Movement agents to have his car stolen. FoMoCo confirmed Jake's story through Scott Monty, head of social media at Ford. According to Monty's twitter feed, the stolen 'hot magenta' Fiesta is equipped with a GPS homing device so unless the thief finds a way to deactivate it, it shouldn't take long for authorities to catch up with him.

But even in the rare case that the police doesn't find the car, we're willing to make a bet that Ford will have made up for the loss with all the publicity it's getting on the matter...

Twitter feeds: Jake Bronstein & Scott Monty, Via: Jalopnik

Ford Issues Warning on Phishing Scam Claiming 2010 Fusion Hybrid is up for Sale at $15,000

It seems that scammers are targeting FoMoCo once again as the American automaker issued a statement concerning a 'phishing' email claiming that Ford is offering 2010 Fusion Hybrids for $15,000 a piece as part of a special program. "The email sender does not represent Ford and no such program exists. We recommend people receiving the email delete it without opening the attachment," said Ford in an official statement. For the record, the base sticker price for the new Fusion Hybrid is $27,270.

Ford Fusion 2010 a partir de R$ 84.900

A nova geração do Ford Fusion chega ao mercado na versão 2010 com duas opções de motores: a versão V6 3.0, que desenvolve a potência de 243 cavalos; e a 2.5 16V, com quatro cilindros em linha com 173 cavalos.

Segundo o presidente da Ford Brasil e Mercosul, Marcos de Oliveira, o Novo Ford Fusion foi concebido para ter o melhor custo-benefício do segmento. "Agora traz também alta tecnologia a preço acessível", destaca.

Uma das grandes mudanças está nos faróis com lentes escurecidas e ângulos mais retangulares e a grade dianteira de três barras longitudinais, que ganhou estilo mais moderno e esportivo em um desenho contínuo, mantendo a mesma linha do utilitário esportivo de luxo Edge. Para reforçar a robustez, novos faróis de neblina na grade trapezoidal com contornos cromados.

A versão de entrada (2.5 4 cilindros) sai por R$ 84.900, com teto solar o preço sobe para R$ 88.900. Já o preço da topo de linha (V6) é R$ 99.900 e, com teto solar, R$ 103.900.

New Ford Focus RS Scooped in the USA

The holy grail of all Ford Focus aficionados, the 305HP Euro-spec Focus RS, has been spied here in the States and in particular, in Royal Oak, Michigan, by FocusFanatics forumer, 2004SVTAutoXer. No one has any idea what the M-plated white Focus RS was doing in the area, but before you get all hyped up and everything, let us say that from what we know, Ford has no intention of importing the current generation of its scorching Euro hatch to the U.S.

Source: FocusFanatics , Via: Jalopnik

New Ford Fiesta Sport Edition with Chassis Upgrades Launched in Europe

Ford is spicing up the new Fiesta's European range with the introduction of a new Sport trim level that will be available on the three-door models equipped with the 96HP 1.4-liter and 120HP 1.6-liter gasoline engines as well as with the 90HP 1.6-liter TDCi turbo diesel. Unlike most proposals of the sort where changes are limited to cosmetics and enhanced equipment levels, the Sport model actually benefits from a series of chassis upgrades that promise to further improve handling.

These include a nine millimeter lowered sports suspension with stiffer springs and new shocks, a modified steering wheel system and the addition of an electronic stability programme (ESP) that can be switched off completely.

Visually, the three-door Fiesta Sport is distinguished by a different lower grille treatment, dark headlamps, front apron, chunky side skirts, a rear apron with an integrated diffuser and new 16-inch alloys wrapped in beefier sport tires.

Inside, buyers can opt between two different trim colors (anthracite or blue) with special features including the front sport seats, leather sport steering wheel and gearshift knob and the enhanced equipment that includes a height-adjustable driver's seat, an on-board computer, electric windows and locks, and air conditioning.

Ford's U.S. Sales Drop 31 Percent in April, Hybrids up 21%

Ford Motor Company today reported that combined sales of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands in April totaled 129,898 units in the U.S., down 31 percent compared with the same month a year ago. The group's retail sales were down 32 percent compared with a year ago and fleet sales were down 30 percent. On a bright note, this is the smallest decline in 2009 for Ford as in each of the previous three months of the year, the automaker's sales were more than 40 percent down.

Furthermore, the company stated that in April, combined sales of all hybrid models in the Ford group totaled 2,299 units, an increase of 21 percent versus a year ago.

"Sales of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ and hybrid versions exceeded our plan and customers also are equipping our new products with levels of content and features that are higher than we expected," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing.

Ford Fusion vs Herd of Bison: Fusion Wins, American Buffaloes Die, Ford Celebrates

This is the kind of tale you expect to read on a random forum and not on the official media site of Ford, but apparently times are changing and automakers are leaving no stone unturned in order to create some buzz around their products. Ford released this photo along with the story the owner of the 2007 Fusion sedan, Maureen Edgerton, 51, from Montana, who had an unfortunate encounter with a heard of bison near Yellowstone Park as she was driving home on April 11, 2009.

According to Ford, the 55-mile-per-hour (about 90km/h) impact killed several of the migrating "American buffalo" on the snowbound highway but Edgerton managed to leave the scene with only minor scrapes and bruises, all thanks of course, to the "tough 2007 Fusion", as FoMoCo proudly claims.

"While Ford Motor Company does not have specific requirements to protect customers in collisions with bison or other animals (so you don't say...), all of the company's vehicles are designed and tested to meet rigorous crash safety requirements," said Ford in a statement released to the press. "These requirements help protect occupants in all sorts of collisions, even with bison, which can grow to more than 6 feet tall, 11 feet long and more than 2,200 pounds."

And if you're curious to find out what Edgerton had to say about the incident, here's what she stated: "The crash was like a war scene. By the time it was over the hood was smashed in, the mirrors were ripped from the doors and the windshield was shattered, but the interior of the car wasn't affected whatsoever. And the car was still running and not leaking fluid. Not even the tires were deflated. Everyone who came to the scene asked 'what kind of car is this?' because they couldn't believe it was possible to walk away from such a crash."

Unfortunately, neither Ford nor Carscoop managed to contact any of the surviving the members of the family of the American Buffaloes that were involved in the accident.

1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3: Giga 1/8th Scale Die-Cast Model

Being somewhat of die-cast model collectors ourselves, we couldn't bypass the chance to tell you about this giga-sized, 1/8th scale replica of the 1971 Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase III from 'Icon Models' that will be produced in a limited run of 1,000 units each priced at a hefty $1,295 AUD - that's about €700 or US$925. For non-Australian readers, the GTHO Phase II Falcon is one of the most iconic muscle cars from the land 'Down Under' reputed at its time to be the fastest production saloon in the world.

The actual '71 Falcon XY GTHO Phase III was powered by a modified 351 Cleveland V8 engine that produced somewhere around 380HP. Mated to a 4 speed manual-gearbox, the rear-wheel drive Falcon was said to reach 60mph (96km/h) in 6.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds while its top speed was close to 230km/h (143mph). Only a mere 300 examples of the GTHO Phase III were built and fewer than 100 survive today. The past few years, prices for the much sought after Ford have skyrocketed to as high as AUD$800,000.

As for the die-cast version of the Aussie muscle car, the 60cm or 23.6-in. long 1/8th scale replica looks the part from the photos featuring many realistic details, but we'd like to see one up close before spending a grand on a die-cast model. According to the maker, the Ford Falcon XY GTHO Phase 3 will be available during the thrid quarter of the year.

Link: Icon Models

Ford Posts 'Only' $1.4 Billion Net Loss in Q1 2009, Significantly Lower than Q4 2008

Losing money is never a good thing, but in Ford Motor Company's case, the $1.4 billion first quarter net loss was positive news as it was lower than analysts had anticipated and more importantly, significantly improved over the fourth quarter of 2008 when the automaker posted a $5.9 billion net loss. On an after-tax basis, Ford's first quarter operating loss, excluding special items, was $1.8 billion, compared with a profit of $477 million a year ago. Unlike Chrysler and General Motors, Ford continues its restructuring plan without a government aid.

"Our results in the first quarter reflected the extremely difficult business environment and weak demand for autos around the world," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally in a statement issued by the company. "Despite the challenges, Ford made strong progress on our transformation plan by gaining share with strong new products, slowing operating-related cash outflows, reducing outstanding debt, lowering our structural costs and reaching new agreements with the UAW."

The company also said that based on current planning assumptions, "it remains on track to meet or beat its financial targets, including the target for its overall and North American Automotive pre-tax results to be breakeven or better in 2011, excluding special items."

Quarter Million New Ford Fiestas Produced After Nine Months

In spite of the fact that the European market is experiencing a continuing decline in car sales, Ford's new Fiesta hatch has proven a runaway success for the ailing automaker becoming the fastest-selling model ever to wear that Fiesta name plate. In April the 250,000th example of the new Fiesta rolled off the firm's assembly line in Cologne, Germany, just nine months after the car went on sale in the Old Continent. According to Ford, no other previous generation Fiesta has reached this milestone in such a short period of time.

And the trend seems to be very positive for Ford as in March, the Fiesta's European sales climbed to 52,800 units, making it the best-selling car of the month according to automotive business consultancy, JATO Dynamics.

"The new Fiesta has been a tremendous hit with consumers since it went on sale all over Europe," said Ingvar Sviggum, vice-president of marketing, sales and service, Ford of Europe. "Customers are attracted to Fiesta by its design, the driving experience and affordability of the car."

Currently, Ford has shipped 100 five-door Fiestas in the U.S. that have been loaned for a period of 6-months to selected drivers / bloggers (generally people who are active in social media sites) that participated in the "Fiesta Movement" project. North Americas sales of the new Fiesta in will begin in 2010.

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.

Vídeo comemorativo dos 45 anos do Mustang

Um dos mais famosos muscle car esta comemorando 45 anos (mas com corpinho de 20), no dia 17 de abril. O Mustang foi lançado em 1964 e é produzido até hoje.

O nome Mustang teve inspiração em um avião da segunda guerra, o P-54 Mustang. Quando lançado a Ford tinha a expectativa de venda de 100 mil unidades ano, mas esta meta foi superada e alcanço a marca de 400 mil unidades e em 1966 mais de um milhão de unidades já estavam nas ruas, ou seja, um sucesso total.

Mas chega de bla, bla, bla veja o vídeo comemorativo dos 45 anos do Mustang.

Classic Tribute to Ford Mustang Advertisements from 1964 to 2004

On Friday, April 17, the Ford Mustang will be celebrating its 45th birthday and we thought we'd get you into the mood with these classic pony car advertisements that cover the first four generation models of the 'Stang from 1964 to 2004. Since the introduction of the Mustang on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair, Ford has sold more than 9 million pony cars from a total of six generation models, the latest of which was unveiled at the LA Show in November 2008.

GM and Ford offer NY Auto Show Visitors $50 to take a Test Drive

And just when we thought that we had seen it all, Ford Motor Company and General Motors went ahead and announced that they're willing to pay consumers to test drive their new vehicles... Both companies are giving away $50 gift cards to anyone that signs up to test-drive a car at this year's New York International Auto Show, which runs at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, until Sunday, April 19.

"Programs like the $50 gift card offered by GM and Ford help continue conversations between auto show visitors and new car dealers," said Mark Schienberg, president of the Greater NY Automobile Dealers Association, the organization that owns and produces the New York Auto Show.

"This is a great way to get engage customers and gets them behind the wheel of some amazing new vehicles," Schienberg concluded.

Just so you know, while Ford's $50 can be used -slash- spent anywhere, GM's gift card is only good for purchases on "Restaurants.com."

Beware: Ford Warns Against Malware Attack on Google Searches with its Name

Ford Motor Company issued a warning today to protect internet users against a so-called " black hat Search Engine Optimization (SEO) attack" that uses the firm's name as bait to download malware on computers. According to PandaLabs, there are more than one million links pointing to malicious pages on the net specifically targeting FoMoCo. These links are promoted to the top of the search results. Once the user visits one of these pages he or she is prompted to download and install a malicious "codec" which in turn installs a 'fake' anti-virus program

If downloaded, the fake antivirus software then warns the users that their computers have been infected by malware prompting them to buy the full program or else their PC's will not work properly.

Ford said that it is working in collaboration with Google and other search engine to 'mitigate the impact' of the attack.