My Perfect Automobile » Ford

Electric Car Myths Still With Us

Larry Bell — Fri, 03 May 2013 23:58:02 +0000

Electric cars (Pictured: Ford Focus Electric interior)

As hybrid and electric vehicles continue to carve out market share, several electric car myths persist, according to new marketing surveys. Range anxiety tops the list. GM even applied for a trademark on the term, while uninformed consumers continue to list range as the number one reason they would hesitate to purchase an EV. The facts are contrary to the fears. While most electric cars offer a per-charge drive range of at least 70 miles, the average U.S. adult drives less than 40 miles per day. Ford’s C-Max and the Chevy Volt are but two range-extended electric cars that address the challenge head-on. Such cars pair an electric motor with a combustion engine.

Electric Cars: Video

Even Ford enthusiasts will learn something new from the video clip above, which discusses the Focus Electric. An official company production, the piece is the most thorough walk-through of a vehicle in recent memory. The narrator starts out with basics like range, battery size, exterior styling and other key characteristics of the Focus EV. From there, the five-minute rundown unravels a long list of other standard and optional features. Ford has put a lot into the Focus Electric, hoping to differentiate it from other EVs on the market. Overall size and interior styling are two of the more obvious qualities. In addition, Ford’s first all-electric car is equipped with an astounding array of safety and communications technology.

Electric Cars

Besides range, the two most common myths about electric cars are related to charging and cost. Consumers who are unfamiliar with EVs tend to view charging as a hassle, not realizing that plug-in electric cars and hybrids can use standard outlets or quick-charge docks. There are now almost 6,000 public charge points in the U.S., and that number is growing rapidly. Consumers who say cost will keep them from purchasing an EV typically think that electric cars cost $100,000 or more. In the last two years alone, EV costs have entered the realm of normalcy, with the upcoming Smart Electric Drive carrying a sticker price of $25,000 before federal and state tax credits.

For more about the Ford Focus Electric, see the automaker’s official site for the car:
http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/trim/electric/

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Used Cars or New Cars? Experts Give Buying Advice

Larry Bell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 01:45:26 +0000

Used or New? (pictured: a new LaFerrari hybrid)

Car buyers often fret at the prospect of choosing between a new vehicle and a used one. Lately, many experts in the automotive press have been making the case for used cars, especially in a challenging economy. Because mainstream models now last much longer than in days past, and because buyers can find certified pre-owned cars at respected dealerships, used cars have been gaining in reputation and sales numbers. In fact, certified pre-owned vehicles are among the most popular choices on dealer lots in major cities. Improved reliability and longer product life mean a used car might very well have 10 or more solid years of usage in its future.

Used Cars: Video

Whether you are searching for a new or used car, the above video clip will be of great interest to hybrid fans especially. It lists ten of the best hybrids available. The venerable Chevy Volt made the cut of course, as did Honda’s attractive Insight and one of the genre’s new stars, the Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Lincoln MKZ hybrid, the Lexus CT 200h, along with Toyota’s Camry hybrid, all made the list as well. In fact, Korean automaker Hyundai gets special mention as being one of the most reasonably priced of the bunch, while Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI is the lone diesel model in the elite ten. Buick’s LaCrosse eAssist wins kudos for its luxurious interior and over-35 mpg fuel efficiency. That’s nine in all. Watch the video and see what the author listed as his number-one pick of the hybrid segment. You might be surprised.

For those in the market to buy or sell a used car, the classified section of MyPerfectAutomobile has something for every automotive taste. Browse the huge selection and use the online tools to drill down to your specific favorite. The direct link for MPA’s classifieds is:
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

Hottest Concepts at Shanghai Show

Larry Bell — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:35:43 +0000

Shanghai auto show (pictured: Venucia ViWa electric concept car)

The Shanghai Auto Show is in full swing and already has made headlines with its vast array of concept vehicles inside the gigantic, 17-auditorium facility. Besides the show-stealing Buick Riviera wireless plug-in concept car (see this site’s main page for a full article on the new Buick), at least a half-dozen other sleek, hot concept vehicles are getting the attention of international media outlets. Nissan’s Friend-Me concept car is perhaps the most unusual looking of the bunch, while the Acura SUV-X marks the first time Acura has debuted a car outside the U.S.

Shanghai Cars: Video

For a fascinating look at the Shanghai show direct from the floor of the event, see the newscast coverage in the video clip above. Several industry experts agree that the Shanghai show could easily become the largest such expo in the world. As the Chinese auto market continues to grow rapidly, so does the nation’s appetite for exhibitions, trade meetings, and car shows. Already, according to a Japanese official who offers his opinion, the Chinese show is at least twice as large as its Tokyo counterpart, one of Asia’s premier vehicle showcases. This is the first year that Shanghai will fill all 17 halls of the exhibition center. The city alternates with Beijing as host, which means that 2014’s extravaganza will be heading to one of the world’s largest cities for more surprise unveilings, concept car revelations, and everything car-related.

Shanghai Auto Show

Honda’s Concept M minivan is made for the Chinese market only, much like the amazingly sporty Ford Escort concept car that looks nothing like the old U.S. version of that car. The Shanghai Auto Show runs through April 29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center.

For further information about Nissan Motor Co., see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.nissanusa.com
For more about Dongfeng Motor Corp., see the company’s official English language website:
http://www.dfmc.com.cn/dfmczg/main_en.aspx
For the official website of the Shanghai Auto Show, see the event’s site at:
http://www.autoshanghai.org/En/Index.aspx

Larry Bell

Canadian Green Car of the Year: Ford Fusion Hybrid

Larry Bell — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 23:27:27 +0000

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford’s Fusion Hybrid has taken the first annual Canadian Green Car of the Year trophy, awarded by the Automobile Journalists of Canada. The U.S. automaker’s Canada product marketing manager, Steve Ross, noted that Ford was extremely honored to accept the first such award by AJOC, in a competition that rates entrants based upon not only clean emissions and fuel economy but also the amount of recycled materials used in a car. In addition, carmakers who build vehicles in green assembly facilities are given credit for that achievement as well. All those factors are tallied up for each car in order to decide on a winner.

Green Car of the Year: Video

To see a short clip of the official ceremony, in which the Ford Fusion Hybrid took home Canada’s Green Car of the Year award, see the video above. The car has made a name for itself in Canada and elsewhere as a fuel economy workhorse, boasting 47/47 mpg ratings along with plenty of high-tech safety features. Though aesthetic design is not part of the judging criteria, the Fusion Hybrid has won rave reviews in consumer surveys for its attractive styling.

Green Car of the Year

Other finalists in this year’s Green Car of the Year contest included Mazda3, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel, Hyundai’s Sonata Hybrid, and Ford’s other entry, the C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder hybrid engine features CVT, navigation system, stability control, traction control, Bluetooth, iPod connection, and satellite radio. The SE trim level starts at $27,200 in the U.S.

For more information about the Ford Fusion Hybrid, winner of the Canadian Green Car of the Year award, see the automaker’s official site for the vehicle:
http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/
For all else about Ford Motor Co., see the main corporate site at:
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

Ford: Hybrid Sales Surprise

Larry Bell — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:07:46 +0000

Ford Fusion hybrid

Ford’s hybrid sales hit a quarterly high through the first three months of 2013, with the U.S. automaker posting a record 21,080 hybrids sold. That is the first time Ford has reached past the 20,000 mark in the segment. Now looking to make significant gains on arch-competitor Toyota, the nation’s most successful hybrid car seller, Ford has brought five fresh hybrid models to market since 2011.

Ford Hybrids: Video

For a complete review of Ford’s C-Max hybrid, especially as it compares to the Prius V, the video clip above covers all the bases. A flurry of recent auto sales data has shown Ford hybrids doing very well for the U.S. automaker. Even in a less than robust economy, Ford has managed to position its hybrid lineup wisely, gaining traction against very formidable competition. Since the most similar car in today’s market is the Prius V, the video spends most of its time doing a point-by-point listing of what the C-Max offers compared to the famous Toyota.

Ford Hybrid Car Sales

Customers who buy hybrid cars, Ford has discovered, also are more apt to purchase some of the pricier options. As opposed to buyers of the company’s combustion vehicles, hybrid enthusiasts seem to demand add-ons like the $650 MyFord Touch tech system. A company spokesperson noted that hybrid drivers tend to opt for such technology, saying, “Demand for these options is a direct reflection of the customer who’s attracted to hybrid and plug-in technology. We are seeing some of the most affluent consumers walking into the showrooms and inquiring about the Fusion and C-Max hybrids.”

While Toyota is the clear leader in hybrid sales, Ford has made significant gains on Toyota in less than a year’s time. The Japanese carmaker sold 83,559 hybrids during the first quarter of 2013.

For more information about all the vehicles Ford makes, see the company’s official corporate website:

http://www.ford.com

For more about Toyota, see:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

Ford, Maserati Ready to Show New Models

Larry Bell — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:49:27 +0000

Maserati’s Ghibli will have a diesel version

Maserati and Ford will have new vehicles on display at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show. In Maserati’s booth, the company’s first diesel variant, the 2014 Ghibli, will make its show debut. Ford, on the other hand, has surrounded its latest concept model with equal measures of mystery and promotion. The U.S. automaker is not providing any information except to say the model is an “exciting concept vehicle,” which will show its face for the first time in Shanghai. One of the largest exhibitors at the Asian event, Ford’s 21,000-square-foot space will feature the Mondeo, CTCC race car, the Fiesta ST, plus a variety of safety displays and fuel-efficient vehicles.

Concept Cars: Video

In addition to Ford and Maserati, Japanese automaker Acura will host a huge display area at the Shanghai event. Earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, Acura showed off its crown jewel of the moment, the NSX Hybrid concept car. The brief video clip above offers a 360-degree walk-around of the stunning 2015 hybrid, which will be produced in Marysville, Ohio.

The scientific wonder of a ride has no official price as yet, though Honda spokespersons have hinted that the sticker will almost certainly be in the low six-digit category. When the NSX reaches showrooms in time for the 2015 model year, it will mark the first specialty sports vehicle that Honda has manufactured outside Japan. The all-wheel drive beauty will feature a mid-engine design and a hybrid powertrain.

Shanghai Auto Show

The 2014 Maserati Ghibli will be the brand’s first-ever diesel vehicle. Even though the company has already unveiled the new Ghibli, Shanghai will mark its official auto show debut. Ghibli will be offered with a choice of all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, but Maserati spokespersons are mum on pricing info for now. Total driving range and mileage ratings are also expected to be announced during or shortly after the Shanghai Auto Show.

For more information about Ford and Maserati, see the carmakers’ official corporate websites:
http://www.ford.com
http://www.maserati.com

Larry Bell

Canadian Green Award Finalists Revealed

Larry Bell — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:29:41 +0000

Canadian Green award finalist Hyundai Sonata hybrid

Finalists for the Canadian Green Car of the Year Award have been announced. The prize is being handed out for the first time ever and is jointly sponsored by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada and Green Living Enterprises. The finalists are:

Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Mazda3

Ford C-Max Energi

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZROVtTrBik

Hyundai has been having a successful run with its popular TV commercials for the Sonata Hybrid. The above clip is one of the funniest of the bunch, showing several people caught in bizarre situations with appliance batteries that are about to expire. (Our vote for best predicament goes to the lady with the dying flashlight who has just spotted a rat in her garage). The whole point being that Hyundai’s Sonata offers a 10-year, 100,000-mile hybrid system warranty. The Korean automaker has nailed the concept of delivering a very serious point in a humorous way.

Canadian Green Car Award

The AJAC Green Car Award steering committee chair, Peter Gorrie, noted that competition is close, especially among five cars that all have so many green credentials. He said, “The judges found the choice difficult because all the entrants are worthy, and they incorporate such differing routes to greener driving.”

Another committee member pointed out that driving is the primary way consumers use energy each day. The judges intend to put a spotlight on vehicles that have low emissions and offer economical operation. Each car on the list has already won at least one green-related award within the last year, so the judges have their work cut out for them. Ford has the best statistical shot at winning since it notched two of its hopefuls among the final round of voting.

For a bit more information about each of the Canadian Green Car finalists, see the companies’ official corporate websites below:
http://www.hyundaiusa.com
http://www.vw.com
http://www.ford.com
http://www.mazdausa.com

Larry Bell

Ford Fusion Gets ‘Best Family Hybrid’ Award

Larry Bell — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:52:32 +0000

Best family hybrid: Ford Fusion

Ford’s Fusion Hybrid walked home with the prestigious ‘Best Hybrid Car for Families’ trophy after the dust settled on the U.S. News & World Report awards for 2013. Judges look for a combination of family-friendly qualities in the 19 categories, including interior space, special features and overall quality. This year, 13 car brands were represented, with GM earning bragging rights in more categories than anyone, six in all. The company’s Chevy Suburban, Chevy Cruze, Buick Verano, Buick Lacrosse, Cadillac Escalade and Chevy Traverse were category winners. Three-peat winners, those cars that have come away with top honors three years in a row, were the Honda CR-V, Toyota’s Highlander and the Lexus RX-350.

Ford Fusion Hybrid: Video

See the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid up close in the short video review below. Boasting a redesigned grille, halogen headlamps and family-friendly storage space with back seats that fold down, the 2013 Fusion Hybrid was designed with families in mind. The 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine works with an electric motor to deliver 47/47 mpg. Total power is 188 hp. To maximize mileage, drivers can use the efficiency leaves, a brake coach and a driving coach. Smart operation of the brakes and gas pedal will return the highest possible fuel efficiency. The MyFordTouch system allows for easy access of phone, climate, navigation, and radio via voice commands. Watching the review, it is easy to understand why U.S. News voted this vehicle the top family hybrid on the market.

Ford Fusion Hybrid

Of the 19 categories, U.S.-made automobiles took 10 awards while foreign carmakers netted the remaining nine. The 2013 Best Cars for Families winners included a few first-timers, notably Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Lincoln, Jeep and Chevrolet. None had won a Best Cars for Families award before this year.

For more about the U.S. News award-winner for Best Family Hybrid, see Ford’s dedicated page for the Fusion Hybrid:
http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/trim/hybrid/

Larry Bell

EV, Hybrid Car Sales Up for Feb.

Larry Bell — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:02:32 +0000

Car sales (pictured: Ford Fusion Energi)

Partly due to rising gasoline prices, U.S. sales of plug-in hybrid and electric cars rose in February. Nissan and GM both reported improved sales numbers for their alternative-fuel offerings. Nissan’s Leaf EV showed a 36 percent sales increase compared to the same month in 2012, while GM said its Volt sales data are a full 60 percent better than last year’s numbers. Month-to-month car sales are considered a reliable indicator of brand popularity. Ford has not yet released car sales data for February.

Ford Car Sales: Video

For those who have any lingering doubts about Ford Motor Co.’s commitment to succeed in the area of alternative fuel vehicles, spend two minutes with Ford Canada’s president and CEO Dianne Craig, as she gives the overall view of her company’s place in the 2013 automotive marketplace. She notes that Ford is the only automaker with the ability to react quickly to consumer demand, whether it is for more hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, or other fuel-efficient powertrains. Ford’s Fusion, she notes, is the only mid-sized sedan in the world that is available in five separate powertrain varieties. Ford has always paid close attention to its corporate and fleet sales, and the new offerings for those customers include a wide array of cargo and delivery vans. Craig’s summary of Ford’s current position in the global marketplace is informative and upbeat.

Car Sales

Nissan Motor Co. sold 10,000 Leaf electric cars last year, with about half of those car sales coming in the final quarter of 2012. For its part, GM’s Chevy Volt car sales data also showed significant improvement compared to January statistics. Whether Nissan and GM will see better sales for the Volt and Leaf during all of 2013 is an open question.

For more about Nissan, Chevrolet, and Ford vehicles, see the official websites below:
http://www.nissanusa.com
http://www.chevrolet.com/volt
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

Honda Widens Fit EV Market

Larry Bell — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 13:19:30 +0000

Honda Fit EV

Honda Motor Co. announced that it would soon offer its Fit EV electric vehicle in New Jersey, Maryland, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Beginning last summer, the automaker placed the car in Oregon and California markets only. The Fit EV can travel 82 miles between charges, and is available for lease at $389 per month. The car is currently not offered for sale. A spokesperson for Honda pointed out that the East Coast rollout is part of a planned phase-in for the car, which at present is the company’s only all-electric vehicle.

Honda Fit EV: Video

The review video below shows the Honda Fit EV in action, on the road. The driver honestly lists the features that he finds most convenient, and then tells us how it feels to drive the attractive electric Honda. Note that the car is still not available for outright sale in the U.S. market, but is only available as a lease. Honda wants to examine the cars and their driving data after the first round of users are through. That way, the Japanese automaker can tweak various systems and components, assess customer feedback, and develop a better product. The Fit EV is neither a sports car nor a luxury vehicle, but it looks stylish, delivers a solid ride, and handles well. Once Honda begins selling rather than leasing, the Fit EV is likely to be a big help to Honda’s bottom line.

Honda, Ford Expand Markets

Honda’s announcement comes on the heels of a similar move by Ford Motor Co. to expand its EV availability. Last week Ford announced that it would be pumping up its EV dealerships to the tune of 900 locations nationwide. At the end of 2012, Ford only had 200 or so dealerships that were certified to sell the Ford Focus EV, C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid

For more about Honda and Ford vehicles, see the automakers’ official corporate websites below:
http://www.honda.com
hppt://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

Ford EV Dealerships Will Be 900 Strong

Larry Bell — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 14:20:28 +0000

Ford C-Max Energi

Ford Motor Co. announced this week that it plans to have at least 900 dealerships certified to sell the company’s plug-in hybrid and electric cars by mid-year. Ford will be selling three alternative-fuel vehicles in 2013, all of which are versions of cars it already sells. The Focus Electric will be joining the C-Max Energi plug-in and the Fusion Energi plug-in models as the U.S. automaker attempts to play catch-up in the green niche, which is already heavily contested by General Motors, Nissan, and others.

Ford EV: Video

The official Ford video clip below walks through several of the newest features on the Fusion Energi, primarily the car’s ability to learn an owner’s frequent destinations after a few weeks of driving. You can clear the memory at any time or disable the entire system if you wish. The Driver Assist mode allows the use of traction control. A driver can switch into ECO Cruise mode, or the EV+ mode. ECO Cruise operates like normal cruise control but works to save fuel by carefully modulating uphill speed and acceleration.

Ford EV Dealerships

Fusion Energi will be joining Ford’s first plug-in, the C-Max, before summer. The company’s plug-in hybrids utilize similar drivetrains, while the Focus Electric is a fully electric vehicle. Sales for the C-Max hybrid stand at about 2,700 units since that model’s debut. The carmaker is facing stiff competition in the EV segment, with Nissan’s Leaf priced significantly below the Focus Electric’s $40K entry sticker. Nissan has just recently announced a major price reduction for its Leaf electric car, which some say will spur Ford to offer even more financial incentives on the Focus Electric. When the Chevy Spark EV comes into the marketplace later this year, the U.S. will see at least a four-way battle for EV market supremacy among Focus, Leaf, Spark, and Mitsubishi’s iMiEV.

For more about Ford vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell

Ford Focus EV Rates 5 Stars for Safety

Larry Bell — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:18:24 +0000

Ford Focus Electric

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has given the Ford Focus Electric its top safety rating, a five-star designation. NHTSA’s New Car Assessment program measures diverse parameters of vehicle safety, including side-impact and front crash testing. The Focus Electric is the first all-electric model Ford has produced. The car has a unique system of airbags which react to individual passengers and include air vents to prevent collateral injury from the bags themselves.

Ford Focus Electric: Video

For a fascinating look behind the scenes at Ford, check out the video clip below, in which a Ford engineer shows exactly how the company came up with the instrument cluster design in the new Focus EV. After many hours of surveys, researchers sat people down in a simulator and recorded their reactions to various road conditions. In order to decide what to show on the readout screen, Ford’s team looked for a way to tell drivers not only how much charge was remaining, but how to manage stored electricity from regen braking. The “brake coach” system on the Focus tells the driver what percentage of energy has been captured for re-use. As the engineer explains, after a few driving sessions, people are very motivated to get 100 percent of the available energy, which can only be done by gradual braking. In essence, the brake coach on the Ford Focus teaches drivers how to operate the car in an efficient manner.

Ford Focus EV

Ford Motor Co. now offers a full array of alternative fuel vehicles. Besides the all-electric Focus, the automaker offers the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, as well as the C-Max. The company’s popular plug-in vehicle, the Fusion Energi rates 100 mpg-e, which is one of the highest fuel-efficiency marks in the industry.

For more about Ford Motor Company, see the U.S. automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.ford.com

Larry Bell