Land Rover North America announces changes in the Land Rover Marketing department. Pete Wendy is appointed Relationship Marketing Manager and Natalie Bow is appointed Advertising and Media Manager, both reporting to Andrew Polsinelli, General Manager of Marketing Communications for Land Rover North America.
In his new position, Mr. Wendy will be responsible for all direct marketing efforts including the management of all things related to the Land Rover ownership experience. He returns to the Land Rover Marketing department after holding the position of Retailer Affairs Manager for Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America where he was responsible for product placement in film and TV. Previous to this position he was the Manager of Shows, Events and Exhibits for Land Rover North America. Mr. Wendy holds a bachelor's degree in communications and advertising from Boston University. He replaces Natalie Bow who has been appointed Advertising and Media Manager for Land Rover North America.
In her new role, Ms. Bow will be responsible for brand advertising, media plans and developing integrated launch campaigns for new Land Rover vehicles. Ms. Bow has been with Land Rover since November 2000. Before joining Land Rover, she held positions at Ogilvy and Mather in New York and Nissan North America in Torrance, CA. She holds a bachelor's degree of business administration in marketing from the University of Texas - Austin. Ms. Bow replaces Lindel Smith who was appointed Franchise Development Manager, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover North America.
After a runner-up finish in its series debut at the Rolex 24 of Daytona, Lexus hopes to move up one spot in this weekend's Rolex Series Daytona Prototype race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway as part of the Toyota Indy 300 weekend.
Lexus prototypes finished second, fourth and six among the 17 Daytona Prototypes entered at Daytona with all three cars finishing the grueling 24-hour marathon race. In addition, Scott Pruett (CompUSA Lexus) won the pole in Lexus' first race.
"To win the pole and have all three Lexus-powered entries finish in the top six in our first race - you couldn't ask for much more - except to win," said Mike Wells, Lexus vice president of marketing. "We hope to add that distinction this weekend. We're proud of the effort of our drivers and teams to be able to come out of the box so strong. This series has grown tremendously in just one year and it's extremely competitive. To win here against the likes of BMW, Porsche, GM and Ford would be a terrific accomplishment."
The lineup of Lexus-powered teams will grow by one this weekend with the addition of a second entry from Chip Ganassi Racing. Jimmy Morales, who co-drove in the No. 01 car at Daytona, will partner with former Toyota Atlantic Championship series star Luis Diaz in the No. 02 CompUSA Lexus.
Joining the No. 02 entry will be the Daytona pole-winning No. 01 CompUSA Lexus with Pruett and Max Papis. Ganassi Racing will try to pull off a unique double-header this weekend with the Lexus prototype entries in Saturday's Rolex Series race and a pair of Target Toyotas in Sunday's IRL IndyCar Series season-opening Toyota Indy 300.
Joining the Ganassi efforts will be the one-car entries from Doran-Lista Racing and Michael Shank Racing. The Doran-Lista team's second-place showing at Daytona was the highest among the Lexus-powered teams. Lead driver Didier Theys will co-drive with sports car star and former F1 pilot Jan Magnussen, who will be filling in for Fredy Lienhard.
After a strong fourth-place showing at Daytona, Michael Shank Racing will be making the switch from endurance to sprint mode at Homestead. With the switch comes a pair of South Florida residents in open-wheel hard-chargers Oswaldo Negri and Burt Friselle, the son of ex-road racer Brad Friselle, a former IMSA star and designer of the Frisbee chassis that dominated Can-Am competition in the early 1980s.
Ford and the Minnesota Department of Transportation today announced a partnership to construct an intelligent transportation system where cars will talk to the highway, and to each other, to keep passengers out of traffic jams and bad weather.
The Minnesota fleet will join similar fleets under construction in Dearborn Heights, Mich., and on the Ford campus in Dearborn, Mich.
During the first phase of the program in Minnesota, state police cars, ambulances and state-owned cars and trucks will be outfitted with sensing devices that will collect traffic-related data from each vehicle, including vehicle speed, location and heading.
Weather-related data will also be obtained, including windshield wiper operation, lights on or off, outside temperature and traction control system status.
"What has been lacking in the past is a holistic integration of vehicles with roadway infrastructure," said Dr. Charles Wu, director, Manufacturing and Vehicle Design, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. "Through the combination of intelligent vehicle technology and ITS in the United States, we hope this program, called Vehicles-as-Sensors, will contribute to the development of the next generation in transportation and driver information systems."
A Minnesota and Ford partnership
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) and Ford are working together and sharing the costs of the project.
"These vehicles will become sensors on the roadway, gathering instantaneous roadway conditions and sharing this information with each other and the infrastructure," said Jim Kranig, assistant state traffic engineer of operations, Minnesota Department of Transportation. "This means that the state will have a fleet of vehicles forming an inexpensive mobile sensing infrastructure that will provide roadway information in rural and urban areas. This is truly a breakthrough for the state of Minnesota, allowing the average driver to envision and know what the roadway ahead is like."
Vehicle and roadway information will then be transmitted wirelessly to the state Condition Acquisition Reporting System (CARS). The data will be analyzed and then important information derived from it will eventually be available on highway message signs, 511 telephone services, and related websites. This information may also be used to deploy emergency assistance as well as road and maintenance crews.
"This program is the prototype for the next paradigm in roadway information systems," said Dr. Ron Miller, project leader for Intelligent Vehicle Technologies at Ford Research and Advanced Engineering.
"This is only the beginning -- the first step will be to display information on road signs," Miller said. "We can’t have message signs everywhere, and we have to get the information to drivers as soon as possible so we will have to bring technology into the vehicle itself."
Miller added that this information could be broadcast on a real-time basis on the car stereo as a programming interruption, or from the car cell phone and that both possibilities are being explored.
Installation of the Minnesota system will begin in April. More than 50 vehicles are expected to be outfitted with the technology by this time next year (In police cars and ambulances, the sensors are fitted to pre-existing hardened "black box" data storage units).
Late this year, the system will be in operation throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area. Eventually, almost all municipal vehicles could be outfitted with the new wireless sensor technology. The result will be even more accurate and more detailed weather and traffic information that is truly statewide. The system will be expanded to the rest of the state, and other states, in the years ahead.
Michigan: Intelligent transportation in Ford's backyard
Ford is also transforming a fleet of vehicles on its Dearborn campus, and in the nearby town of Dearborn Heights, into sensors.
More than 20 shuttle buses that operate around Dearborn, transporting Ford employees from building to building, will be fitted with sensors by the end of this year.
Shuttle operators will be able to track -- through a secure website -- vehicle location, maintenance, and mileage in order to optimize route efficiency.
In Dearborn Heights, Michigan (just west of Dearborn) Ford has begun outfitting police cars with sensors. One vehicle is outfitted today. Camera feeds from the vehicle, and location, speed and heading data are transmitted to a secure website. More than 15 vehicles will be outfitted by the end of the year.
The Next Step
On the consumer electronics side, Motorola is working with Ford to demonstrate the cell phone technology in order to bring this service inside the vehicle. Nextel is working on developing the wireless backbone for the system.
Miller added that vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication is the next step. Instead of data being broadcast to a DOT server for dissemination, it would be broadcast directly from one vehicle to another, for even faster communication. V2V communication represents the next generation in telematics and safety. "By combining Vehicle-to-Vehicle and cellular communications, intelligent vehicle technologies, and intelligent infrastructure, Ford Motor Company and partners like the Minnesota Department of Transportation hope to define a new paradigm in traveler information and transportation systems," said Miller.
The new Minnesota system is funded with 500,000 dollars in state and federal funds from the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
In Michigan, Ford Motor Company is paying the cost of outfitting its own vehicles, and those of Dearborn Heights, with sensors.
The re-birth of the legendary BMW 6 Series sports coupe made the top of Santa’s list at the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book debut in Dallas today, when Santa, a sleigh-full of gifts and a bevy of beautiful “elves” unwrapped a gigantic mystery gift – the Neiman Marcus Limited Edition 2004 BMW 645Ci Coupe.
Billed as the fantasy sports car for the person who has everything, only 50 of these new U.S. limited-edition models will be produced in the inaugural year. The luxury coupe was built especially for Neiman Marcus, and comes with a custom Stratus Gray exterior finish, soft Extended Crème Beige leather interior and cast alloy 19-inch sport wheels.
To add even more excitement to the limited edition 645Ci experience, Neiman Marcus customers are invited to take delivery of their new coupes right off the assembly line in Munich, and then to enjoy a custom-designed driving tour that will highlight the true capabilities of the 645Ci, complete with luxury accommodations at the world’s best hotels. Upon completion of the trip, their new vehicle will be shipped back to the States for immediate delivery.
“We are honored that the North American debut of this gorgeous 6 Series Coupe is in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President of Marketing for BMW of North America. “Nine years ago we launched the Z3 roadster in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, an enormously popular car that re-invented the roadster segment. Today, we are proud to partner with Neiman Marcus once again, with a legendary automotive icon that sets a new benchmark for elegance, design and handling.”
Long, low and wide, the 645Ci can go from 0-60 mph in an exhilarating 5.7 seconds, and features a 4.4-liter V8 power unit with fully-variable VALVETRONIC valve management that delivers dynamic power and performance with 325 horsepower.
Additional features include:
• Intelligent lightweight technology for superior dynamics and agility • Choice of three different six-speed transmissions • Best-in-class equipment and spaciousness • Dynamic performance and precision with contemporary styling
Barb Samardzich (Samar-zich) was today recognized by Design News magazine for leading the Ford Motor Company's drive to improve transmission quality and for overseeing the fall launch of the next generation Ford Mustang.
Samardzich was presented the 2004 Women in Engineering Achievement award. As Ford's executive director for small front- and rear-wheel-drive vehicles, she leads the engineering teams responsible for the development of several key Ford, Mercury and Lincoln vehicles.
"Barb Samardzich is a trailblazing American engineer being honored for working her way up through the ranks at Ford Motor Company, garnering respect and a laundry list of achievements," said Paul Teague, national editor, Design News. Samardzich was the only female among nine engineers honored by the award-winning magazine.
During a three-year stint as Ford's head of automatic transmissions, Samardzich was credited for developing testing protocols and robustness disciplines to improve reliability and durability. The result? Ford transmission quality is the highest it has ever been. Recently, for instance, a major consumer magazine gave its highest transmission durability ranking to the 2003 Ford Taurus.
The 21st Annual Design News awards presentation included cash donations to the school of the winner's choice. Samardzich will donate the prize – sponsored by software developer Autodesk Inc. – to the College of Engineering at her alma mater, Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University.
Samardzich, 45, holds two masters and one bachelor's degree in engineering. Married with two children, she has been with Ford since 1990 and is currently responsible for the development of key Ford, Mercury and Lincoln brands, including Ford Focus, Freestar, Mustang, Thunderbird, Escape, Lincoln LS and the upcoming Mercury Mariner and Ford Escape Hybrid.
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 318,000 employees worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003.
EIGHT GM ENGINEERS RECEIVE AWARDS AT THE 2004 BLACK ENGINEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS CONFERENCE
Eight General Motors (GM) engineers received recognition for their contributions as innovators and leaders and for supporting the minority presence in the technology enterprise during the 18th Annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference at the Baltimore Convention Center on Feb. 21.
The awards, sponsored by Lockheed Martin, the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities and US Black Engineer & Information Technology magazine, are given to several African-American engineers, scientists, executives and educators each year.
The GM recipients include:
Professional Achievement in Industry Award: Clarence Ogletree, CIO, North American manufacturing Corporate Promotion of Education Award: Angela Barbee-Hatter, engineering group manager, Noise & Vibration Performance & Center Corporate Promotion of Education Award: Gary A. Cummings, director, vehicle systems engineer for exterior and body systems Special Recognition Award, Outstanding Engineer or Scientist: Semaj Northcutt, advanced vehicle integration design engineer Special Recognition Award, Student Leadership: Gary D. Harris, Jr., co-op student, Mishawaka Assembly Plant Modern Day Technology Leader: Terrence B. McCloud, manufacturing engineer, controls, robotics & welding Modern Day Technology Leader: McKinley James, manufacturing engineer - Bowling Green Assembly Modern Day Technology Leader: Thomas S. Tubbs, general foreman, bodyshop maintenance - Lordstown Assembly "These engineers are shining examples of GM's highly talented family of employees and we're very pleased they are being recognized for their contributions," said Katy Barclay, GM vice president, global human resources. "GM strives to create a supportive work environment where individuals can grow and realize their career aspirations regardless of race and these employees are a big part of our ability to achieve this goal."
Since the conference began in 1987, 48 GM engineers have been honored with Black Engineer of the Year Awards.
Clarence Ogletree, CIO, North American manufacturing, is a seasoned IT professional with more than 30 years experience in increasingly difficult assignments. In his current role as the CIO for North American Manufacturing, he is responsible for the flawless execution of all IT functions for 66 North American assembly plants, among the most complex manufacturing facilities in the world. He will be recognized for his leadership of the Information Systems Management Council of the Manufacturing Alliance Productivity Institute, which led to efforts to share information and benchmark improvements in business technology. He also developed a quality index supplier metric for IT services.
Angela Barbee-Hatter, engineering group manager, Noise & Vibration Performance & Center, has represented GM in many activities that encourage young people and professionals to take advantage of learning opportunities for personal development. She has been especially effective as a role model for African-Americans at GM and venues such as universities and technical societies, and served as an Adjunct Professor at Purdue University in 2001-2002. Today, she sits on Purdue's Advisory Board for the School of Mechanical Engineering. She manages a team of 22 direct reports at GM and is responsible for advance technology methods of development, vehicle technical specification allocation and computer-aided engineering and testing for noise and vibration.
Gary A. Cummings, director, vehicle systems engineer for exterior and body systems, also has a passion for providing educational opportunities for young people interested in engineering. He has been part of the GM Purdue recruiting team since 1981, helped establish GM's Engineer-in-Residence program at GM and works with Howard University's Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Program. He also is an executive coach for the GM African Ancestry Engineering Network and an Adjunct Professor at Walsh College in Troy, Mich. During his 20 year GM career, he has excelled in a number of critical positions within the engineering organization.
Semaj Northcutt, advanced vehicle integration design engineer, joined GM in 1994 as an intern. Since then, he has deployed his strong technical skills in a number of assignments. For example, he designed ergonomically friendly production tools to alleviate strain on plant operators and saved GM millions of dollars with his plan to increase production while reducing waste. He recently received a Master of Science in Engineering Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and plans to develop a four-week program that will give high school students the fundamental skills to brainstorm and patent ideas.
Gary D. Harris, Jr., co-op student, Mishawaka Assembly Plant, has served in three co-op work assignments at GM since 2000. An electrical engineering student at the University of Missouri-Rolla, he is currently working at the HUMMER H2 plant in Indiana. During his three years at GM, which included assignments in Warren and Milford, Mich., he designed, developed and evaluated a number of prototypes, testing models and databases in the telematics, HVAC and radio and human factors groups. He graduates in May 2004.
Terrence B. McCloud, manufacturing engineer, controls, robotics & welding, joined GM as a summer intern in 1998. Today, he leads the development of common template design for most of the operator assist tools within GM's general assembly arena. He spends considerable time promoting the engineering profession to minority audiences and serving as a mentor to students. He has been involved in recruiting youth, has coordinated and participated in educational workshops and served as a Visiting Instructor at Howard University. He is currently pursuing a post-graduate degree at Purdue University.
McKinley James, manufacturing engineer - Bowling Green Assembly, has spent much of his two-year GM career directing the activities of skilled trades in designing and building unique assist tools for assembly line operators. His work already has generated notable productivity and quality gains for the plant. He also is responsible for solving manufacturing problems and coordinates the plant's Operator Assist Build Shop. He also recently began work on a post-graduate degree.
Thomas S. Tubbs, general foreman, bodyshop maintenance - Lordstown Assembly, has spent nearly five years working at GM's Lordstown plant in Ohio, the largest single-line automotive assembly plant in the world. He is responsible for all bodyshop maintenance activities on his shift, which produces a minimum of 500 vehicles each shift. He maintains over 300 robots that place more than 2000 spot-welds on vehicles each day. He also mentors the plant's skilled trades supervisors.
CLEVELAND DESIGNED AND PRODUCED 2005 CHEVROLET COBALT ARRIVES AT THE CLEVELAND AUTO SHOW
The 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt, an all-new premium small car featuring an expressive design and dynamic driving experience, has strong ties with the Cleveland area. The design manager of the Cobalt, Phil Zak, is a native of Cleveland and a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art. Also, the Cobalt will be manufactured beginning in the fourth quarter of 2004 at General Motors' Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant.
Members of the Cobalt launch team will discuss the Cobalt's Cleveland connection on Friday morning, February 27, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. in the Chevrolet display of the Cleveland Auto Show. All members of the media are invited to attend.
Visit www.autoworld.com for a complete price chart, additional product information and photography. Free Invoice and Trade-In pricing reports along with free insurance quotes, warranty quotes, finance quotes and vehicle history reports. 1-888-516-0059 or http://www.autoworld.com
FLINT POWERTRAIN PLANT IS 'BEST IN CLASS' FOR PLANNED MAINTENANCE
GM Powertrain's Flint North Components Factory 5 is among an elite group of GM manufacturing locations in the United States, having been chosen to receive the UAW-GM Quality Network Phase III Planned Maintenance Award.
The award recognizes a GM plant's highest level of maintenance efficiency and readiness, and follows an extensive audit conducted by UAW-GM Quality Network representatives.
GM's Planned Maintenance strategy reflects the total system of activities in which all employees work to increase manufacturing readiness, improve output and safety, and reduce total plant costs by continuously maintaining machinery and equipment operation.
"I'm extremely proud of what our people have achieved," said Plant Manager Mike Arcamone. "They have placed Flint North on the map as one of the best, and have demonstrated their drive for leadership and excellence."
United Auto Workers Local 599 Chairman Don Wilson added, "This is a great credit to our members who have worked hard to win this award. Recognition like this is important to securing our future."
The plant produces a wide variety of automotive transmission components and employs approximately 500 persons.
GM Powertrain is a global producer of engines, transmissions, castings, and components for GM vehicles and other automotive, marine and industrial OEMs. Headquartered in Pontiac, Mich., GM Powertrain has operating and coordinating responsibility for GM Powertrain manufacturing plants and engineering centers in North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Visit www.autoworld.com for a complete price chart, additional product information and photography. Free Invoice and Trade-In pricing reports along with free insurance quotes, warranty quotes, finance quotes and vehicle history reports. 1-888-516-0059 or http://www.autoworld.com
TOYOTA AND EBAY ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC MARKETING AGREEMENT
AutoWorld - Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and eBay today announced a unique marketing agreement that includes a one-year exclusive automotive manufacturer sponsorship on eBay.
As part of the agreement, Toyota will launch a dedicated destination page. From this new page, Toyota will showcase its entire new vehicle line-up, links to items listings on eBay and special promotional offers. In addition, Toyota will donate vehicles for various charity auctions on eBay, with the first expected to begin at the end of March.
With eBay.com ranked as the No. 1 online shopping site and eBay Motors ranked as the No. 1 automotive site by Nielsen/NetRatings, this is a natural alliance for Toyota, which has the No. 1 consumer brand site for auto manufacturers.
"We are thrilled to team up with eBay, forming a top-tier integrated marketing program. Toyota is committed to providing consumers information they need about our products," said Deborah Meyer, Toyota corporate manager of marketing communications. "The alliance will allow us to reach Toyota owners and potential new buyers within the eBay community."
Toyota will have an extended presence on eBay.com and eBay Motors with banners and rich media placements. This will help Toyota reach potential new customers and maintain its leadership position as the top automaker website.
"This relationship with Toyota represents the first exclusive advertising sponsorship by an automotive manufacturer on eBay," said Don Albert, senior director of eBay Strategic Partnerships. "We're proud to offer Toyota a powerful way to promote their new vehicles within eBay's community of 95 million registered users."
This strategic relationship was developed between Toyota and eBay with the cooperation of both Jumpstart Digital Marketing, a leading interactive agency, and Saatchi & Saatchi, Toyota's advertising agency.
About Toyota Motor Sales Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. is the marketing, sales, distribution and customer service arm of Toyota, Lexus and Scion in the United States, marketing products and services through a network of 1415 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealers in 49 states. Established in 1957, TMS and its subsidiaries also are involved in distribution logistics, motor sports, R&D and general aviation. The company's main Web site is www.toyota.com.
About eBay eBay is The World's Online Marketplace®. Founded in 1995, eBay created a powerful platform for the sale of goods and services by a passionate community of individuals and businesses. On any given day, there are millions of items across thousands of categories for sale on eBay through auction or fixed price formats. eBay enables trade on a local, national and international basis with customized sites in markets around the world.
About eBay Motors eBay Motors, a part of eBay Inc., The World's Online Marketplace®, is the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories. Consistently ranked the No. 1 automotive site on the Web by Nielsen//NetRatings, more than three billion dollars worth of vehicles and parts were sold on eBay Motors in 2002.
Visit www.autoworld.com for a complete price chart, additional product information and photography. Free Invoice and Trade-In pricing reports along with free insurance quotes, warranty quotes, finance quotes and vehicle history reports. 1-888-516-0059 or http://www.autoworld.com
The Ford Windstar minivan performs better than any vehicle tested by the U.S. government during safety testing to a new, more stringent standard. The standard is designed to reduce head injuries resulting from contact with a vehicle's interior components. It evaluates how a vehicle helps protect against head impacts with pillars, side rails, headers and roofs.
Head impacts with vehicle upper interior components result in over 2,400 deaths each year in auto crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition, these impacts account for about 60,000 head injuries a year, 4,000 of which are serious. The government estimates that 1,200 fatalities and 1,000 serious head injuries could be eliminated annually because of the new regulation.
Beginning in the 1999-model year, 10 percent of all new vehicles were required to meet the new standard. Ford's first vehicle to comply was the Windstar.
In the Windstar, more crush space was added between the pillar trim inside the vehicle and the actual sheet metal.
That space is filled with special energy absorbing materials such as polyurethane foam. In addition, the pillar trim is made out of advanced materials that are less likely to crack, fragment or splinter.
Recent test results announced by NHTSA show Windstar performed the best of all vehicles evaluated with the lowest average test score. Windstar had an average rating of 666, 33 percent better than the value required to meet the standard, a Head Injury Criteria of the dummy (HICd) value of 1,000.
The test, done with a device representing a person's head, is conducted at 15 miles per hour. The device makes contact with specific spots inside a car or light truck. For the Windstar minivan, there are 38 different potential regulated locations.
"Safety is the essence of the Windstar," said Mary Ellen Heyde, Ford's Lifestyle Vehicle Line Director. "We have redesigned major aspects of the interior of the minivan this year to further help protect our customers from injury in case of an accident."
Windstar was the first minivan to earn the U. S. government's five star front crash test rating. And it's the only vehicle to earn the government's highest rating in both front and side impact crash tests -- a quadruple five star rating.
In addition, for the 2000-model year, Windstar is the only minivan to offer attachments for a federally regulated LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. This is a full two years before the system is required for all vehicles. The attachments are rigid metal anchoring points in the vehicle seat that provide more secure and easier installation of new child safety seats also equipped with the LATCH system.
New Ford hybrid electric car tops 70 MPG --To Debut at the North American International Auto Show
The new Ford Prodigy is a hybrid electric family car prototype able to achieve more than 70 miles per gallon fuel economy. The lightweight, aerodynamic and fuel-efficient Prodigy - which will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show - demonstrates Ford's progress in developing a hybrid electric family vehicle with mass appeal.
"Prodigy goes a long way toward meeting our goal of an extremely fuel-efficient family vehicle," says Neil Ressler, vice-president - Research and Vehicle Technology and the company's chief technical officer. "The vehicle represents an interim stage between our P2000 research programs and our plans for an affordable, production hybrid."
The stylish, roomy Prodigy is designed to be stingy on fuel without sacrificing customer appeal in areas such as performance, affordability and roominess. The sedan is built on a lightweight platform, features a modern, aerodynamic design and is powered by a low storage requirement (LSR) hybrid electric powertrain.
The Ford Prodigy features an aerodynamic design that enhances vehicle aesthetics while reducing air resistance. Prodigy's 0.199 coefficient of drag - a measure of air resistance - is a 33-percent improvement compared with prior versions of the vehicle. Such a major improvement helps improve the vehicle's fuel economy by 4 miles per gallon.
To enhance the vehicle's aerodynamics, side-mounted cameras and onboard monitors are used in place of conventional side-view mirrors. The cameras provide a needed side view for the driver while not hindering air-flow around the vehicle.
Variable ride height, grille shutters and shields under the car also add to the vehicle's aerodynamic improvement.
Prodigy's platform is based on Ford's extensive lightweight materials research. Prodigy's total weight is 2,387 pounds, which is about 1,000 pounds lighter today's family sedan.
The significant weight reduction was achieved without sacrificing package efficiency. Prodigy is 30-percent lighter than today's Taurus sedan, but - thanks to creative packaging and lightweight materials - passenger space and luggage capacity are the same.
Prodigy's low storage requirement hybrid electric propulsion system uses an aluminum DIATA (Direct Injection, Aluminum Through Bolt Assembly) engine, starter/alternator, automatically shifted manual transmission and high-power battery. -
In ancient Roman mythology, Mercury was the god of speed and agility and the messenger of the heavens. At the North American International Auto Show, Mercury is a brand sending a message that modern design will lead its rejuvenation, beginning with its new Messenger concept coupe.
Mercury is returning to its roots as a design leader introducing the Messenger concept, a distinctive and energetic high-performance two-seat sports coupe.
The Messenger concept car represents the first expression of Mercury's new design DNA with a clean, technical appearance that begins to establish the look of Mercury products still to come. Mercury will introduce four new products over the next four years including a minivan, a small sport utility and two cars.
"The body surface reflects the car's power and grace, with flowing body lines that are accented with purposeful air intakes and outlets," says Gerry McGovern, design director, Lincoln Mercury. "The dynamic fluidity of the Messenger's lean and taut form is expressed at rest as much as it is in movement."
Exterior The Messenger's proportions are the direct result of the dramatic vehicle architecture - clean and sculpted with a tautness and agility that transcends the vehicle's design and handling characteristics.
It is a vehicle designed to be uncompromised in capability and performance. The long hood houses a powerful 4.6-liter modular V-8 engine. The energetic stance and supple appearance of the Messenger are enhanced by 20-inch wheels with 305mm wide tires on the rear and 19-inch wheels with 275mm wide tires on the front - a tire/wheel combination that allows the car to firmly put down onto the pavement all the power the V-8 can generate.
The spoke wheels have a turbine theme, with vanes that reflect the appearance of the Mercury "flying M" logo. The functional vanes help direct airflow over the vented brake disc and high performance brake calipers, further communicating the car's high performance capabilities.
One aspect of Mercury's future design DNA is embodied by the stacked element theme at the front of the vehicle with distinctive front lights and vertical grill elements. The rear lights convey the DNA message with sequential taillights that repeat the theme.
Large, beautifully sculpted front air scoops and outlets at the front and rear of the vehicle provide a purposeful and powerful look.
Interior The compact and efficient exterior package provides a cockpit-like driving environment inside, with the cockpit placed directly between the wheels to further emphasize the car's proportions.
The Messenger interior is designed to be taut, innovative and functional -- technologically advanced, yet intuitive to use, providing innovative stowage and space within a compact package. The interior is the embodiment of Mercury's new DNA direction.
The design of the door panels echoes the shape of the exterior body side feature, with the interior armrest resting upon the shape of the exterior air vent sheet metal on the doors. The design of the doors emphasizes the perception of a protective environment.
All displays in the cockpit emit minimum levels of information to facilitate quick and concise driver response. The instrument panel is designed with primary focus zones that have intuitive interfaces to keep the driver constantly informed. Switchgear is minimized to reduce distraction.
"This vehicle is driver-focused, from the commanding seating position to the way the vehicle interfaces with the person behind the wheel," says McGovern. "Use of the controls inside the cockpit is intuitive."
The seats in the Messenger are mounted laterally to the tunnel and rocker panel to further strengthen the lightweight aluminum hydro-formed monocoque, while forming part of the integral occupant safety cell.
The central console incorporates a centrally mounted chronograph. The clock, like all key elements, is in close proximity to the driver to allow split-second comprehension and reaction during high-performance driving.
A Look Back - A Look Ahead
Design inspiration for the Mercury Messenger goes back to Mercury's roots and gives a message of where Mercury is going in the future.
In Roman mythology, Mercury was not only the messenger of the gods. This son of Zeus was also god of commerce and travel. He was accurate, reliable and swift. Edsel Ford's vision at Mercury's start in 1938 was to produce vehicles that were refined with an emphasis on design. Reliability and swiftness were admirable attributes for a new automotive brand. Similarly, Mercury's modern mission is to capture the American driving experience through innovation and design.
McGovern on Messenger and Mercury Design
"Messenger is about taut, dynamic surfaces. It's charismatic and modern," says McGovern. "It's about intelligence, connectivity and it's about distinction. All of these themes will be developed further in Mercury cars and trucks of the near future.
"The Mercury Messenger may be the ultimate dream car - but what it represents is the essence of what Mercury is becoming.
"Mercury is to be a design-driven brand - the Mercury DNA is delivering vehicles that are energetic, distinctive, intelligent and charismatic," says McGovern. "On the outside, its vehicles will feature proportion and package efficiency with optimized surface language that is clean and simple, lean and taut, with drama of attitude, produced with a product design approach.
"The next-generation Mercury products will feature a distinct new front-end appearance with vertically stacked elements combined with a horizontal grille theme. They'll have a family resemblance, but be distinct in their own automotive genre. Interiors will provide a contemporary environment that is technically advanced, with innovative seating, comfort with simplicity, using high-tech materials. Functions that interface with the driver and passengers will be logical and storage opportunities will be creative, says McGovern."
At the Detroit Auto Show 2003 the Maybach luxury car brand will present its Maybach 62 high-end Saloon to the American public. Equipped with 21st-century automotive technology, built in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and designed with an extremely attentive eye for detail, this luxury car is a reflection of DaimlerChrysler’s expertise as the world’s oldest and most innovative car maker, reaping the benefits of the technical advances, know-how and unparalleled experience in the global luxury car segment developed over the years by Maybach’s sister brand Mercedes-Benz.
At this year's Car Of The Year (COTY) award in Japan, MINI has scored highest among imported cars. Among 49 entries by 18 domestic and foreign automobile manufacturers MINI was placed fourth. This year for the first time Japanese and imported cars were judged together. Also, competition was extremely tough because cars of different size, concept, and price were put against each other.
Since its dramatic 1964 introduction, Ford Mustang has been the icon of American performance and style, capturing hearts worldwide. For 2005, Mustang combines an all-new, fully modern architecture with all the soul that makes a Mustang a Mustang – bold style, a brawny engine and rear-wheel-drive excitement.
In short, every inch of Mustang is new – yet it staunchly remains the genuine article – "America’s Car" for 40 years.
Based on an all-new, fully modern body structure and chassis system featuring advanced MacPherson struts and a three-link live axle with Panhard rod, Mustang boasts an overall ride sophistication unmatched by any of its ancestors. Its braking and handling are nothing short of world class.
It produces all the tire-smoking power the rear wheels – and most drivers – can handle, with a better-breathing 300-horsepower, 24-valve MOD V-8 or 200-horsepower SOHC V-6 engine.
With power comes responsibility, and the new Mustang takes occupant protection to a new level. A stout safety cage, Ford’s Personal Safety System™ with passenger weight-sensing technology, available side air bags and a front structure designed for demanding offset impacts, provide drivers and passengers with the most comprehensive protection ever offered in a muscle car.
What’s more, all this unrivaled driving excitement will continue to come at an attainable price. Mustang will remain the best performance car for under $20,000, and the most affordable 300-horsepower car made today.
Embodiment of American Muscle
Like wild horses on the open plain, Mustangs always have exuded a sense of pure power. The 2005 Ford Mustang offers a clean, contemporary design rooted in this unmistakable heritage. It is direct, straightforward, honest and – above all – authentically American.
The Mustang takes its design language from the concept car that stole hearts along the auto show circuit and signaled that America’s only remaining muscle car would be introduced for 2005 with even more attitude.
"We weren’t just redesigning a car, we were adding another chapter to an epic," said J Mays, Ford Motor Company group vice president, Design.
An all-new platform and clean-sheet design approach gave birth to a car that is modern, legendary and unmistakably Mustang.
The signature long hood and short rear deck capitalize on 40 years of history, as do classic design cues that have helped define Mustangs since the 1960s: C-scoops in the sides, three-element taillamps and a galloping horse badge in the center of the grille. The Mustang’s menacing shark-like nose imparts an attitude not seen since the 1967 model, while jeweled, round headlamps in trapezoidal housings are part of a striking new design flair.
"The new Mustang is pure American muscle," Mays said. "But, rest assured, we’re not insisting on history at the expense of our future."
The 2005 Mustang has an aggressive rake that puts the car in motion even when it’s standing still. The wheels were pushed to the corners of the body, better anchoring Mustang visually and physically to the road. The six-inch wheelbase gain over the 2004 model and increased interior compartment width provide more room for driver and passengers.
Head-Turning on the Inside, Too
The cabin – a beneficiary of Ford’s tripled investment in interiors – is every bit as breathtaking and genuine as the exterior. Three distinct design themes celebrate Mustang history with modern materials and features, including an available industry-first, color-configurable instrument panel for almost unlimited personalization.
"This is a $30,000 interior in a $20,000 car," said Larry Erickson, Mustang chief designer. "The functional, contemporary look of this interior and its precise execution set a new standard."
Available authentic aluminum panels spanning the dashboard are particularly eye-catching, as are prominent dual chrome-ringed gauges that cap an all-new technology. Thanks to the industry’s first available color-configurable instrument cluster, Mustang owners can mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 different color backgrounds to suit their personality, mood, outfit or whim.
these modern touches mix with Mustang history and heritage. Chrome-ringed air vents are aligned vertically across the dash, precisely in line with the gauges, and the steering wheel has three spokes with a black center hub marked by the horse and tricolor bars logo, echoing the design of the 1967 Mustang.
The available Interior Color Accent Package – charcoal with red leather seats, red door inserts and red floor mats – is as much a jaw-dropper as the interior of the acclaimed concept vehicle that inspired it. The cabin’s aluminum hardware accents add a look of technical precision.
Thanks to efficient packaging and the larger overall size of the new Mustang, taller drivers will feel more at home, and all four occupants enjoy more room. Overall, the new model offers the driver more headroom and shoulder room. Rear passengers also enjoy more legroom and shoulder room in their sculpted bucket seats.
More features are standard than ever before, including one-touch up/down power windows, power mirrors, keyless entry and power locks, a heated rear window and interval wipers. Audio systems range from the standard CD player on base models to the wild, chest-pounding 1,000-watt Shaker Audiophile system.
More Power and Punch
Muscular new engines infuse Mustang with its legendary tire-smoking performance. The 4.6-liter all-aluminum V-8 has three-valve heads and cranks out 300 horsepower, while the new SOHC V-6 engine generates 202 horsepower from 4.0 liters. Five-speed transmissions – manual and automatic – put the power to the pavement.
The 2005 Mustang GT is the first mainstream production Mustang to break into the 300-horsepower arena, a place formerly occupied only by legendary Cobra and Boss models. The new level of performance – on regular fuel – is made possible by intelligent application of powertrain technology.
Because of its all-aluminum construction, Mustang’s MOD V-8 – a member of Ford’s modular engine family – weighs 75 pounds less than a comparable cast-iron design and stokes up 40 more horsepower than the 2004 engine. That’s over 50 percent more power than delivered by the fiery, small-block 289-cubic-inch V-8 found under the hood of the classic 1964 model.
Electronic throttle control, faster engine management controls and the new three-valve cylinder heads with variable camshaft timing all contribute to this impressive output.
The three-valve heads with VCT allowed engine designers to use a higher compression ratio with regular 87-octane gasoline to maximize the energy used by every drop of fuel. Intake runners with active charge motion control valves also shape each combustion event for strong, low-end torque and maximum high-rpm power.
The 2005 Mustang V-6 is powered by a new 4.0-liter, 60-degree, single-overhead-cam engine, replacing the 3.8-liter 90-degree pushrod engine in the 2004 model. It’s inherently smoother and more compact, provides more power and torque and incorporates many of the advanced technologies used on the V-8.
The 200-horsepower, 235 foot-pound engine – gains of 7 horsepower and 10 foot-pounds – features low-profile heads, a composite intake manifold and a sound quality tuned to match Mustang’s powerful image.
The Right Gear: Smoother-Shifting Transmissions
Mustang’s manual and automatic transmissions are also upgraded for improved performance.
For the first time, Mustang is available with a five-speed automatic transmission. The 5R55S automatic provides a unique combination of off-the-line jump and remarkably good highway fuel economy. A powerful new transmission control computer can communicate with the engine electronics 10 times faster than before and precisely controls shift duration and timing.
For those who prefer to compute their own shift points, five-speed manual transmissions are standard. The V-8 powered GT is equipped with a rugged Tremec 3650 gearbox, while V-6 cars get a Tremec T-5 manual. Both benefit from improved shift quality and efficiency. The shift linkage provides quick gear engagement and a solid feel.
A Chassis Born to Run
The purpose-built, muscle-car chassis is new from the ground up, with a state-of-the-art front suspension and precise, three-link rear axle with Panhard rod. Combined with direct, accurate steering and powerful disc brakes, Mustang now has what it takes to catapult the American muscle-car driving experience to the next level.
Track time – at drag strips and on road courses – was a critical part of development, as chassis engineers pushed prototypes to the limit in search of the perfect power-and-handling blend.
"We spent countless hours refining this car on development drives and at the track," said Mark Rushbrook, vehicle dynamics supervisor. "The car has been to the Nelson Ledges road course in Ohio several times for 24-hour runs and has spent months on our own straightaways and handling courses at our proving grounds in Arizona, Michigan and Florida."
By the time testing is completed, prototypes of the new Mustang will have logged nearly 1 million miles on streets and highways and tracks throughout the United States, Canada and Sweden in all types of weather.
Strutting an Advanced Front Suspension
The MacPherson-strut front suspension’s reverse "L" lower control arms are the product of a groundbreaking manufacturing technology used to produce steel control arms that actually weigh less than some comparable cast-aluminum designs. MacPherson struts – originally developed in the 1940s by Earl S. MacPherson, a Ford engineer – are widely renowned for their ability to deliver both comfort and control with reduced weight.
A firm bushing is positioned at the point where the shorter forward leg of the L-arm connects to the chassis to control lateral – or side-to-side – motion and quicken steering response. The longitudinal – fore-and-aft – movements are directed through a softer, compliant bushing at the longer, rear L-arm leg, which damps road shocks. This isolation is a direct benefit of the reverse "L" configuration of the control arms.
Still Rock Solid – Rear Axle with New Three-Link Suspension
Mustang’s characteristic solid-rear axle has evolved continuously over the past 40 years, and the new model takes the car’s signature design into a new dimension.
"We talked to a lot of Mustang owners as we were developing this program," said Hau Thai-Tang, chief engineer. "They are a very passionate group, and a lot of them told us – very strongly – that the all-new Mustang had to have a solid rear axle."
The solid rear axle offers several advantages that play to Mustang’s strengths. It is robust, maintains constant track, toe-in and camber relative to the road surface, and it keeps body roll well under control.
For 2005, Mustang’s rear suspension has a new three-link architecture with a Panhard rod that provides precise control of the rear axle. A central torque control arm is fastened to the upper front end of the differential, while trailing arms are located near each end of the axle.
The lightweight, tubular Panhard rod is parallel to the axle and attached at one end to the body and at the other to the axle. It stabilizes the rear axle side-to-side as the wheels move through jounce and rebound. It also firmly controls the axle during hard cornering. The shocks are located on the outside of the rear structural rails, near the wheels, reducing the lever effect of the axle and allowing more precise, slightly softer tuning of the shock valves.
Mustang Sound Character: The Strong, Silent Type
Mustang is faster, more agile and better looking than ever – but it’s much quieter and refined for 2005. In the design process, a quiet cabin – where unwanted road and wind noise is supplanted by the signature growl of a Mustang engine – was a top priority.
The result is a car that delivers the performance Mustang buyers demand, along with a more civilized environment that makes for a pleasant driving experience, whether on long trips or in more routine travel about town.
Brakes and Traction Systems – For Control Freaks
The standard four-wheel disc brakes have the biggest rotors and stiffest calipers ever fitted to a mainstream Mustang. Twin-piston aluminum calipers clamp down on 12.4-inch ventilated front brake discs on GT models – an increase of more than 15 percent in rotor size. The V-6 Mustangs get 11.4-inch ventilated rotors that also are 30 mm thick.
In the rear, the brake rotors are 11.8 inches in diameter – more than 12 percent larger than on the 2004 model. Rear rotors are vented on the GT and solid on the V-6. A new four-channel antilock braking system is available for a greater degree of brake control.
Bundled as an option with ABS, an all-speed intelligent traction control system uses electronic sensors to constantly monitor road conditions and feed the information to a dedicated control computer capable of determining within milliseconds whether the vehicle is on dry pavement or negotiating a slippery surface. On those occasions when traction control isn’t desired – like a smoky burnout at the drag strip – drivers can deactivate the system with a button conveniently located on the instrument panel’s center stack, just to the right of the gauges.
Stronger, Safer, More Secure
Mustang’s agility helps drivers avoid accidents like no muscle car in history. Responsive, precise controls, coupled with high levels of overall grip and the strongest brakes ever fitted to a Mustang, give the driver the controllability that can turn an impending collision into just a close shave.
If a collision is unavoidable, a stout safety cage, Ford’s Personal Safety System™ restraints suite and available side air bags with head and chest coverage give occupants the best possible protection.
The Ford Motor Company Personal Safety System, one of the industry’s most comprehensive safety technology packages, is standard. The system is designed to provide increased protection in many types of frontal crashes by analyzing crash factors and determining the proper response within milliseconds. It uses dual-stage driver and front-passenger air bags – capable of deploying at full or partial power – safety belt pretensioners and energy management retractors.
Standard occupant classification sensing builds on the strength of the Personal Safety System to tailor deployment of the front-passenger air bag. If the passenger seat sensor detects no weight – or very little weight, like a newspaper or a jacket – the passenger air bag is automatically switched off. If more weight is on the seat, like a small child, the air bag remains deactivated and an instrument panel light alerts the driver with the message "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF." Of course, children are safest when properly restrained in the rear seat. If an adult is seated properly in the passenger seat, the air bag automatically switches on, ready to inflate within milliseconds if needed.
An optional active anti-theft package offers customers a new level of security for their Mustang. The feature is aimed directly at combating wildly high performance-car insurance premiums. The package includes:
- An inclination sensing module to guard against tow-away thefts - Interior motion sensor to detect "smash-and-grab" break-ins - Separate alarm sounder – instead of vehicle horn – to thwart thieves trying to disable the horn - High-capacity, 60-ampere-hour battery capable of sounding the alarm longer
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