Ford gets DOE loans, not "Bailout" money, GM & Chrysler didn't becaause they weren't "viable companies"

Ford received $5.9 Billion in loans from the Department Of Energy and I want to stress that this is not a "Bailout" this program was initiated in 2007 under the Bush administration and the appropriations were made in 2008 before the industry meltdown.

This money will be used to further develop more fuel efficient cars, including Battery Electric and Plug In Hybrids. But there's more, it will be used to develop technologies that will reduce weight across the model lineup. You can read the article linked in the title at Edmunds.com Green Car Advisor. And more at Car Scoop

Here's FoMoCo's statement from their website;
DEARBORN, Mich., June 23, 2009 – “Ford Motor Company is proud to be among the first automakers deemed by the government to be among the best companies with the best technologies in American manufacturing and fuel efficiency. This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions. Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years. Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements.”

I've been critical of Electric, Hybrids and especially Plug In Hybrids, but they are part of the new reality. And with the improvements FoMoCo has made to the Escape and the new Fusion Hybrid I've become a fan. Many of the faults have been addressed and the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mpg city just can't be argued with. I'm also a huge fan of the other technologies such as EcoBoost and the weight reduction.

But let's be very cleaar, this is not a bailout! I especially found this line concerning GM & Chrysler amusing; Both companies applied for financing last year but their financial distress disqualified them from consideration in the first round of financing. The $25 billion program is only open to viable companies.

80 MPG Ford S-Max? US know how UK Engineering global greenness?

A California company, Capstone Turbine Inc. , worked with a UK company, Langford Performance Engineering , to install their C-30 Micro Turbine into a Ford S-Max and it achieves 80 mpg! They call it the Whisper Eco-Logic, here's how they describ it "The design characteristics of Capstone's turbine permits ultra low emissions, high fuel economy, multi fuel capability, no coolants or lubricating oil, and little to no maintenance in an automotive application"

It's a Plug In Hybrid, that uses the gas turbine to recharge the batteries and they in turn power the electic motors. An amazing bit of engineering that seems to be done apart from Ford Motor Company. Capstone is looking to bring this technology to the US. But since the S-Max isn't ready to come to these shores, I wonder how this system would fit in the Transit Connect?

With all the Fusion Hybrid news I almost forgot about the Escape..

And then I read this great review of the Escape Hybrid ( linked in title ) at Automotive Addicts.
While it can't match the Fusion Hybrid's 41 mpg city, it's 29 mpg city is amazing for an AWD cute ute. My neighbor recently bought a Saturn Vue "Hybrid", with GM's 2 mode system, after reading this review I want to walk across the street and slap him right in the head 3 Stooges style. Ok, admittedly I'm not a fan of my neighbor, but I am a fan of the Escape Hybrid.

On a personal note, I'm not too sure how I like the grille treatment. No, let me correct myself, I do like the grille but I'm thinking it's sort of the orphan Ford, not SuperDuty and not Dave.

Ford continues to inovate, patent articles show "Driving Inovation"..

Ford Motor Company has a long history of inovation. And a few years ago, when Bill Ford coined the new moto Ford "Driving Inovation" it was signaling that history would be repeating itself yet again. First some highlihts, Ford was the first to use the assembly line process for manufacturing automobiles. When Ford came out with it's flathead V-8 in 1932, that was a huge leap in lightweight, relatively powerful technology that was available to "everyone". Sure there had been V-8's prior to 1932, but this was indeed an inovation, because it put a reliable, powerful powerplant within reach of the average buyer. Ford was also the first to use Safety Glass.
Henry Ford, the tinkerer, was famous for his exploration of alternative fuel and alternative material technology. So, it should be no surprise that........

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most patented car in history, as seen in the article linked in title from AutoBlog. I love the quote from Christine Wren, director of business development for The Patent Board - "Ford's patented technologies are closer to the cutting edge than its competitors" I would bet that she doesn't just mean Domestic competitors. Ford has been working on Hybrid Technology, alternative fuel techonology and other fuel saving techonologies such as EcoBoost as a direct result of Bill Ford's vision as he stated when he took over in 2000.

So it was a bonus find on the below

motorauthority has an article on the upcoming "Scorpion" V-8 from FoMoCo, a 4valve per cylinder pushrod engine with inboard exhaust feeding a turbo charger and outboard intake.

We've seen this idea before, I believe GM and BMW among others have explored this reverese flow idea. The article states it could be used for Gasoline or Diesel applications, but I believe this is going to be strictly Diesels, but who knows.

So young Bill Ford is following in his great grandfather's footsteps by Driving Inovation at the Plant that Henry built.

Mulally delivers Millionth Sync equipped unit to Steve Balmer, from one CEO to another, but how cool would it have been if.....

So, FoMoCo's CEO Alan Mulally presented the millionth SYNC equipped Ford to Microsoft's CEO Steve Balmer today. In what's purely a cross promotional move I'm sure. But that got me thinking, would a CEO drive a Fusion Hybrid? Maybe, probably to get the Eco Cred, but if I was CEO of Microsoft, or any other company I'd want something a little more special...

And that got me thinking, can we expect to see an MKZ Hybrid? I mean why not, Lexus has Hybrids, including their new unit which is a tarted up Prius. But I'd want an MKZ or even an MKS. Well, maybe I'd want a Hybrid MKZ and EcoBoost MKS!

TTAC is digging FoMoCo's grave prematurely in my opinion

Over at The Truth About Cars, they're taking up shovels and getting ready to put FoMoCo in the grave and I think the constant "Death Watch" series they've been doing these last few years have gone to their heads. Some of the reasons Edward Niedermeyer says Ford will fail are their not being on the Uncle Sam payroll will be a disadvantage when competing with GM and Chrysler in the future. Also the fact that the upcoming Focus EV will based on technology developed by OEM Supplier Magna, that will not be exclusive. Read the article linked in the title for yourself, but again I think the guys over at TTAC have just become reliant on their hopes that the big 3 will die. I'm not a journalist like them, but I dn't see a true reliance on Electric Cars as they do. Sure, all the manufacturers will have to make them to qualify for credits toward their CAFE, but if history has tought us anything, it's that the Internal Combustion Engine and it's ability to refuel on long trips will always be superior to pure Electric Vehicles.

Hybrids will be a better compromise and Ford is positioned better than GM or Chrysler in this segment. And let's not forget the EcoBoost program and Ford's research into Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines. While I'll admit that Ford isn't out of danger yet, they have been able to decrease the number of dealers, lower labor costs, reshuffle their product mix and invest in alternative energy technology and are following a plan that will allow them to return to profitability within 2-3 years. And the Department of Energy loans for alternative technologies will be as available to them as to anyone else.

Sometimes I believe the guys at TTAC have become dependant on their Death Watches to the extent they'll be disappointed when Ford doesn't fail.

Ford's latest green effort, seat fabrics from recycled plastic bottles..

In the article from Reuters linked in the title, they're discussing Ford Motor Company's latest efforts to be green...... Making seat fabrics from recycled bottles. I applaud the effort, but want to remind folks that this is just the latest in a long history of Ford's cutting edge ideas on being green.

From the earliest days of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford was concerned about sustainable energy and alternative technologies. Look it up for yourself or go through my archives to read all about his research into uses for Soybeans in production materials and even as fuel. Bio Fuel over 80 years ago. Look up BaekOLite ( check spelling before you do) that was plastic alternative made from soybeans. Ford Motor Company has visited these ideas many times over the last 100 years. While I consider Bill Ford to be a more agreeable person than his great grandfather, his eco friendsly ideas do seem to be in his DNA. I can't recall the vehicle now, but I've seen photos from the late 40's/early 50's showing a concept Ford built using Soybean materials for interior materials.

And not long after Bill Ford took over in 1999 he rolled out the Model U concept, which again showcased alternative material usage.

And then there's the Reflex! I love when I can slip a Reflex into a post. Welll, back to the Green factors. The Reflex concept showed a Diesel/Hybrid powertrain with solar panels in the roof and an interior heavilly fitted with recycled materials, in this case I believe old sneakers.

So, while it's obvious many manufacturers are now trying to develop "Green" technology, let's not forget that it's been in FoMoCo's DNA for a hundred years.

With one of the best real world Hybrids (2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid) and research and development on Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines, Recycled materials and alternative energy. Ford's no new comer to the game. I hate to bash another makers, but it's Sunday and not many people will be reading this. My neighbor recently bought a Saturn Vue Hybrid and he's quite smug about it. I didn't have it in my heart to point out that his "Mild Hybrid" system is quite frankly a joke compared to Ford's system in the Escape and especially the new Fusion.

I may not like the putz, but there's no need to pee on his parade.

Look up for yourself how Ford's history is one of inovation and safety.

I'm sure GM & Chrysler CEOs were red faced when President Obama endorsed Ford

GM's future CEO, President Obama, goofed a little when he accidentally endorsed the only domestic automaker who didn't seek government relief. Read the article linked in the title.
Obama at a press conference anouncing new CAFE standards that will go into effect in 2016 was standing back from the podium, when he added that he thinks his Ford Escape Hybrid is still parked at home in Chicago. He said it drives real well and people should check it out.

Realising that CEOs for Chrysler and GM were standing right there, he quickly added that there were other Hybrid and "fuel independant" manufacturers as well. Doh! Alan Mullaly was seen pumping his fist in the air. You just know that FoMoCo execs are going to be talking about this around the water cooler. Ford should give Obama a new Fusion Hybrid as a gift. Or even better, give it to me.

Finally a Hybrid that works for everyone! 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

I snagged this video of a New York state Ford dealer doing a video walk around of the new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. But the more I learn about it, I realize that this is a Hybrid that blows my previous objections to Hybrids away! I for a long time had been saying that Hybrids really only make sense for folks that do an Urban driving loop, but the Fusion's 41 mpg city is really only half the story. Highway rated at 36 mpg is great, but what really tops the list is the Fusion's ability to run on Electric only up to 47 mph! I was thinking about that in relation to my daily drive and realized that I could drive a Fusion Hybrid on mostly electric power without hypermilling and probably only have to refuel once a month.

I live and work in the suburbs doing only short stints on highways and usually doing 45 mph or lower. And the Fusion Hybrid seats real adults in comfort and has a usable trunk. The Escape Hybrid was impressive enough, but it switched to the internal combustion engine at speeds over 20 mph. Now, I know that the Prius gets better fuel economy, but the Fusion is a more paletable Hybrid for everyday people.

The only thing that hurts really is the $27k pricetag. I wonder when Ford will have a Hybrid Focus? I'm sure it will meet or exceed the Fusion's economy and hopefully be under $25k.

Ford's loss statement not so bad and Bone to pick with NYC

We all read about Ford and GM's loss statements this quarter, Ford lost $1.4Billion and GM lost $6Billion. But when I read about Toyota's $7Billion loss my jaw dropped. And I read at AutoBlog recently that Ford has had a lower percentage drop in sales than many of it's competitors.
Part of that is the fact that Ford has recently introduced some great product and refreshes.
Some say it's also a benefit of Ford not taking any "bailout" loans from Uncle Sam.
I'm just greatful that Ford looks like they'll weather this economic storm.
It doesn't hurt that Ford is moving quickly to reorganize their production mix and build the new Focus and Fiesta in the United States and Mexico.
This should have been a seperate post, but I'm lazy. I have a major bone to pick with New York City. Recently they bought a small fleet of Nissan Altima Hybrids to test as patrol cars.
I'm all in favor of some hybrids being purchase for government fleets as well as taxis.
But in this economy and just as good policy, shouldn't they have bought domestic hybrids?
Doesn't the Ford Fusion Hybrid get better milage in the city loop than any of it's competitors?
Shame on New York! Whoever made the decision to go with the Nissan needs to brought into a back room and beating with a phone book.



I have to say the Fusion Hybrid just makes so much more sense.
And as I was reading The Auto Prophet's latest post, Hybrids ( especially domestics ) not only give you that warm fuzzy Eco Cred, but they help improve our fuel independance and national security! Not that Hybrids are the only solution, Ford's Eco Boost equipped vehicles will also go a long way to be greenish.

A Hybrid for those that need more than Eco Cred!

Absolutely amazing! I knew Ford could do it. I loved the Escape Hybrid, but with the new Fusion Hybrid, they've raised the bar in so many ways. Sure a Prius gets better milage, but the Fusion gives a Hybrid option to real folks and blows away competitors with 41mpg City!

This is a car that is truly an accessable and reasonable car for the masses. Kudos to Ford!
Not just a car for the trendy crowd. I'll give you an example, my neighbor bought a new Saturn Vue Hybrid, but GM's "Mild Hybrids" may have huge flashy graphics down the side, but what about MPG? And of course the Hollywood elite all want to be seen in a Prius. But if you want to blend in and get the real world benefits, without having to anounce to the world that you're "Green" this is the one to get.

I have a real bone to pick with New York City by the way! I read recently that they bought a bunch of Nissan Altima Hybrids. Why in the hell would they do that? Why not buy Fusion Hybrids?

I'm certain there's a new Ford in My future, but could it be a Hybrid?

Seeing Alan Mulally the CEO of Ford drive the Fusion Hybrid to DC recently and then reading reviews like the one linked in the title from Left Lane News, I've been thinking a Hybrid, especially this one would make so much sense for me. I know I've said before that Hybrids don't make sense for many folks, that have long commutes and don't live in urban areas. But I don't have a long commute and I live in a suburban area. And the improvement the Fusion Hybrid has over past offerings is that it operates on Electric up to 40 mph. Combine that with the 38 MPG city rating and I'm set! I've always liked the Fusion and my driving habits are a perfect match with this car. But can I drive a Hybrid?

I like to shift for myself. My Ranger and Mazda3 are both Manual. And then there's the 4 door sedan thing. I'm weird I guess, I don't really find 4 door sedans useful. My Ranger, well that's just tons of fun and can get through any weather. The Mazda3 is nimble, fun and because it's a 5 door it's versatile. So, what do I do? Ultimately I'd like to go from 2 great vehicles to just 1.

Maybe? Ford Kuga with the EcoBoost 2.0 I-4, 6 speed Manual and All Wheel Drive?

Or should I grow up and let the Fusion shift for me? I'm torn, but at least I'm torn between Fords. Conflicting "dreams" but FordDreams just the same........

I've got a couple of years til I'm buying again.

Commentor asks why I'm bitter about Hybrids and what is my answer to high fuel costs, so here we go...

Hybrids, they're great for some folks. Mostly people living in or around major urban centers. But I've never really been convinced that they're a long term answer. In my last post on the Volvo ReCharge Plug In Hybrid Concept, one commentor says that I seemed bitter. Well I wouldn't go that far, let's just say I'm not a fan. I'm actually one of the few people I know that could benefit from a Hybrid, as the majority of my driving is "City" traffic at lower speeds, and that's where Hybrids shine. Although Al Gore's kid did recently prove that a Prius can top the century mark on the highway. But let's think about Hybrids seriously. For people that do long commutes they don't make as much sense. The Highway MPG is good, but not stellar for the added cost of a Hybrid. Hybrids cost more than comperable vehicles to build, purchase and maintane. And then there's the question about life of the vehicle and what happens at the end. Hybrids are new technology, they have more computer controls than a conevetional Internal Combustion Engine vehicle. So over the useful life of a Hybrid can we expect more service problems? And where will you have it service? And what about when the car is wrecked or just met it's end, then needs to go bye bye? Will there be environmental issues with the batteries? Who covers that expense if there are?

Hybrids are nice and they make us feel good, but what's a better solution? Diesels! I've said it before and I'll say it again. Ask yourself why in Europe and the UK Diesels acount for about 50% of the market. It's because they get 15-20 % better fuel economy. But Diesel emissions smell right? Well yes and no, but we'll come back to that. Diesels make more sense for rural/suburban drivers than Hybrids and don't have those nagging service/end of life issues. Diesels do cost more than gasoline versions, so there is a price penalty to get into one, but they last longer too. Stricly speaking money spent on a Diesel vehicle is money well spent. We've all hear of those Volvos/Mercedes that the town doctor or banker has been driving for the last 20 years, well more than likely a Diesel.

But the comment also asked what I would do about the rising fuel costs. Well Diesels give us several oportunities here. First because they use less fuel they save there, but here's the kicker they can burn Bio Diesel with little or no modifications and burn cleaner and eventually cheaper.

Anyone who's read my blogs over the last 2 years knows that I love the idea of Bio Diesel for several reasons. It doesn't come from OPEC, it burns cleaner than any petrolium based fuel, it's renewable and we can make it here in the United States. Bio Diesel also makes more power than Petro Diesel. It's a no brainer folks! Why pay more for a Hybrid when you can pay more for a Diesel?

I'll take the Focus Turbo Diesel pictured above!

Volvo plug in Hybrid??

I've always been a fence sitter on Hybrids, convinced they're really only useful for Urban residents. And as for Plug-In Hybrids, I'm not a fan. But Environmentalists and Hybrid fans have been clamoring for them. And Volvo wants to make them happy with their latest concept the ReCharge. Linked in the title is the story over at Jalopnik.

Here you have it, Combustion Engine (this one a Flex Fuel version) Electric Motors and Batteries. And for those unhappy Prius/Escape owners who want a plug, there's one of those as well. The idea being that for the first 100 kilometers you don't need to rely on anything but Electric. A neat idea if you're not Al Gore's kid or living outside any city, but how practical would it be in the real world?

The ReCharge has the advantage of being based on the C30 (Mazda3/Ford Focus) chassis, so development costs could be lower than something built from scrap. And since the Ford Escape Hybrid has technology that's already being developed for Fusion/Milan/Mazda6 chassis, I'm sure some things could translate easily enough. Transmission, Batteries and charging system I would guess, as well as computer controls.

While I'm happy to see any inovation from FoMoCo and their partners, I'm sceptical about Plug-In Hybrids. I just see it as placating the lunatic fringe. It's great PR and that can't hurt. But will it play in Peoria? I doubt it.

Hybrids are great for city folks, but Diesels are the answer for the rest of us.