Many people have been calling for a return to the F-100 as a replacement for the Ranger

It's almost hard to believe that the Ford Ranger was the best selling "Compact" truck for over 17 years. How things have changed, is sad. I remember the first time I saw a Ranger in the early 80's, I immediately liked them. But the Ranger name as well as Explorer were originally trim levels on the F100 full size truck. Ford has failed over the last decade to update the Ranger and keep it competative beyond fleet sales as a value leader. Sure the Japanese seemed to create the compact truck segment, but it was Ranger that dominated the US landscape followed by the Chevy S-10. And something funny happened to "Compact" trucks in the 90's, Dodge not being able to break into the segment, busted it with it's Dakota "Midsize" truck. And slowly but surely the competition followed, all but Ford that is. "Compact trucks become larger and grew Crew Cab clones.
Globally Crew Cab "Compact" pickups are far more popular than standard cabs. And Ford knows this, because in every market except North America they offer a crew cab Ranger. This is the new Ranger for the rest of the world. I've discussed it many times in the past and praised it's 2 Diesel powerplants.
But enthusiasts here in the US seem to be longing for a more American answer to the Ranger problem. A return to simpler times and an historic name.
This is a 1973 Ford F100 Ranger. Many people in comments and in recent e-mails like Larry B have been of the opinion that Ford needs to replace the undersized unloved Ranger with a new F100 which would be a 3/4 scale F150 clone.
The F150 replacing the F100 as the base Fullsize Pickup in 1983, has grown to mamoth proportions. It wasn't just the "Compact" pickups that packed on the pounds. But the F150 is still the best selling vehicle in the world after something like 26 years. So maybe they have a point?
God knows FoMoCo hasn't been giving the Ranger much support in the US market. They've undermined it with the Sport Trac based on the Explorer SUV, which was originally based on Ranger mechanicals. But the overpriced Sport Trac is no real competition for the likes of Frontier, Tacoma, Canyon/Colorado or Dakota. It lacks the real utility of the real pickups.
So why did Ford squander it's lead in the US? Why didn't we get a crew cab and more powerful powertrain options? I love my Ranger, and would have jumped on one like this crew cab from overseas markets.

Is the Ranger name so diluted that it's time to resurect the F100 name? With fuel prices rising do we need a larger "Compact" pickup from Ford? I hate to say it, but Larry and others may have a point. Current Rangers are the favorite of value buyers and fleets, but not the true class leader they once were. So bring on the F100, but consider the Diesel options of the foreign Rangers.

What say you?

What may be the hardest Mustang to get this year?

Aside from the SVT Shelby GT 500 Mustang, what may be the most difficult Mustang to find this year? Maybe the GT/CS special edition if it ever gets to market? How about a Manual shift Mustang GT?
Is FoMoCo shorting supplies of manual transmission Mustang GTs? If so why? I got an email today from my older brother, who is searching for a Mustang GT with the standard shift. And he can't find one on any dealer lot in our tri-state area. I had noticed this myself when looking at inventories online earlier in the year. Here is part of that e-mail;

I am sending you this email to see if you can give me a reasonable answer, besides "supply and demand", why 5 speed Mustang GT's are so hard to come by more than two years into the car's run. I suffered through the nonsense that there was a problem with the supplier, but all I see is one of two things; either Ford is trying to reduce warranty claims by selling cars that have the electronics to save engines before they are damaged by overzealous shifters or they are incredibly stupid and giving the majority of the manual cars to Saleen, Roush and Steeda and friends first and saving whatever trickles out for dealers to sell at full sticker or over by milking long loyal Ford customers. I have looked for a Red GT convertible with a manual transmission for the last several months to no avail. As you know, I purchased two other manual GTs and had no problem finding either vehicle in stock and for a discounted price. The closest I could find was a Red Roush convertible with a 5 speed that did not have a suspension package or performance package, it was just a bodykit and tacky interior with Roush signatures for 43K..... I would appreciate an honest answer about what Ford is doing or has done to return purchasing a GT Mustang with a 5 speed to a simple trip to you local dealer and some fair bargaining.

So, is Ford keeping GTs with Manual transmissions scarce for any reason that you've heard? Could it be a regional thing? I've yet to see a Mustang with a Manual transmission, never mind a GT. What's the deal? I believe it's a combination of stupidity on the manufacturer and dealers.

Feedback from Mustang fans around the nation would be appreciated.

Cross Country E-85 road trip in a Crown Victoria

I received an interesting e-mail from Latasha Crow of American Progress.org letting me know about their Cross Country road trip in an E-85 powered Ford Crown Victoria. Linked in the title is their blog showing their progress at KickTheOilHabit.org/roadtrip

This is an interesting way to highlight the availability of E-85 or lack of it. Give it a read, maybe bookmark it to check their progress. And if you have an E-85 capable Flex Fuel vehicle try out their fuel locator.

Odd Ford powered Trike at AutoBlog>>

I was reading AutoBlog on the weekend, and found this interesting. I'm not a Motorcycle person, not a big fan. And really I don't understand the apeal of Trikes. But this odd trike is Ford powered, a 2.3L from the Focus making 150 hp. And even odder to me, is that it uses a steering wheel instead of handle bars.

More speculation on Ford and a Global Partner at AutoBlog

The idea that keeps getting kicked around is Ford seeking a partnership like the possible GM/Renault-Nissan alliance. And comments made by Bill Ford Jr in a NYT interview keeps some people hoping.

Now I'm not convinced that Ford needs a global partner, but I'm willing to speculate like everyone else. Who would make a good global partner for Ford? Well, let's see who they're already working with around the globe, not who they own or control but who they're sharing technologies with. Ford is already working with PSA the French parent company of Peugeot and Citreon building Diesel powerplants for both company's brands. Ford is sharing platform and technology with FIAT as we speak. They share suppliers like Aisin with Toyota and others, for their Hybrid system's transmission. Ford has cooperated on shared platforms with Nissan in the past.

But what company could be a propper fit for an alliance/merger?
Vokswagen is out, they're having problems of their own, and Porsche is said to be taking more of a share in their larger partner. BMW? I don't think so, BMW would realize no real benefit from any such deal. Mercedes is already merged with Chrysler. Audi? See VW since they're the same company.

Maybe an Asian company? Well, I don't know, Ford already owns a controlling share of Mazda and it's been a profitable partnership for both. But if Ford were to have another Asian alliance, would it strain that relationship? Nissan is already spoken for. Mitsubishi? No, they're having problems of their own, and have nothing to offer FoMoCo.
Let's just cut to the chase on Asia/Japan the only major players worth looking at are Toyota and Honda.

Toyota competes too closely with Ford on trucks and Hybrids, and gains nothing from a merger.

Honda? Well, other than trucks what does Ford have that Honda would want? And as for trucks, they've been doing well enough with their Pseudo-Truck the Ridgeline and don't seem very interested in entering the traditional pickup market. Honda has very sucessful Hybrid models and gains nothing from such an alliance. Not in my humble opinion.

So who would be a fit for Ford? Aside from Nissan/Renault?

As I see it, Ford is better concentrating on their recovery plan, and bringing updated, more relivant models to the market. Ford needs to stay the course with some their promises, like the Hybrid production that they have backed off recently. Ford turns a profit overseas, they just need to get their North American unit back on track and quickly. They've got the partnerships they need already with Mazda and PSA. Maybe sell off Jaguar and Aston Martin, keep Volvo and Range Rover, and don't upset Mazda. Ford has the pieces of the puzzle if they can only assemble them in time. Diesels, Hybrids, some of their smaller Euro platforms and a new rear wheel drive replacement for Panther siblings. Learn to diversify away from dependance on trucks and SUVs, while keeping these fresh.

What do you think?

Gary over at the Garage found an interesting Multi Fuel Volvo conept

Gary over at The Garage points to an interesting Volvo concept that is capable of running on 5 different fuels. Two of those fuels are Gasoline and E-85, but the CNG and other gaseous fuels make it more flexible.

Go on over to The Garage (Link in title) and read about this in more detail.

Jalopnik points to Left Lane News article on Ausie Crown Vic replacement, one can hope can't one?

I've been catching up on my blog reading today and found Jalopnik did a piece pointing to a Left Lane News article on the rumors of Ford replacing the aged Crown Victoria with a new chassis being designed in Australia.
Not really a new rumor, having been bounced around for over a year. But Ford Australia has a great track record with rear wheel drive platforms.
And of course styling, as speculated many times before, is said to be along the lines of the 427 concept.

It could be just wishful thinking, but any hopeful news about Ford is worth repeating. I just hope we aren't dashed against the rocks of reality yet again.

Bloomberg.com on why Ford needs a global partner..

Doron Levin of Bloomberg.com says Ford needs a global partner as much or more than GM. He's also taking a couple of blows at the Ford family and Bill Ford Jr for their control of the company and their B class stock. Now I'm sure Mr Levin is a smart guy, but I think he's dead wrong and not well informed. For one he mentions the "Whiz Kids" hired by Henry Ford II, but insinuates that it was during the 70-80's, when they were hired after WWII and most of them had departed long before Henry II's departing FoMoCo.
He makes it seem as if Bill Ford jr rested control from compitent management and ran the company into the ground. But that's not exactly true is it. He reluctantly took over at Ford Headquarters after another famous figure took FoMoCo to the brink. Most of Bill Ford Jr's problems were the legacy of...
Jacques Nasser, milionaire playboy and entreprenuer, well at leat in his own mind. It was Nasser that took FoMoCo cash reserves and bought luxury brands such as Jaguar and Aston Martin, more out of ego than good business practice. It was Nasser's dreams of diversification and forays into Internet companies that cost Ford much of those investment dollars. Maybe Mr Levin should crack a book?
And as I posted on the other day, Ford could be just two or three sucessful model launches from recovery. And with their substantial lead over DCX and GM in Hybrid/Alternative Fuel Technologies, they're in a better position if legislation and trends force the industry toward greener vehicles. No turn around is quick unfortunately, and if all you're concerned about is stock price and dividends you may be short sighted.
Ford has the ability to design and build great vehicles, such as have been introduced in Europe. But American consumers have been resistant to some of these designs. Enthusiasts see the European mini vans and it appeals to them, but the average consumer still has the bad taste of past failures.
Maybe now with the higher cost of fuel we may see some of Ford's European influence, in new smaller models like the Fiesta.
Ford has some great new ideas and some of them will take time to come down the pipeline, maybe Mr Levin needs to look beyond the recent headlines and the latest stock prices to see this.

What do you think? Can Ford turn it around? What overseas models or concepts do you think could provide FoMoCo the boost in sales it needs? New today that Ford is going to extend warranties on new models is a promissing sign to me, that Ford can and will make some Bold Moves, but more are needed.

How can Ford help to "Set America Free" as Joe Lieberman wants?

Bill Ford may have backed away from his pledge for 250,000 Hybrids a year too soon. Over at Alternative Fuel Universe I posted about Senator Joe Lieberman's Op Ed piece on "How To Escape Oil." And a new bill he's co-sponsored the "Set America Free Act." Now as part of this proposed legislation there are requirements for half of all cars sold in the United States to be Hybrid, Hybrid Electric/Plug-In or Alternative Fuel capable. Mr Ford who's been pushing for these technologies and stated that FoMoCo would "Drive American Innovation" would be right behind this and luckily FoMoCo has been working on these technologies already.
Ford's first Hybrid the Escape should have taken the market by storm as a practically sized family friendly ( well compared to a Prius) vehicle. And Ford hasn't been sitting idle with this technology either, Hybrid versions of the Fusion are suposed to be getting close to the market.
Well as for Plug-In Hybrids, to me they sort of defeat the purpose of being a Hybrid, but Ford has experience with Plug-In Electric, both with this Think and a test fleet of Electric Rangers that was sold in California.
And "Alternative Fuel Technology" really means E-85 capable vehicles which Ford has been cranking out for years and you can certainly expect to see an across the board conversion for all Ford models if this legislation is passed. But I've said before, that this is little more than a loop hole if the infrastructure isn't there to supply the E-85.
But Ford has a few other items in their bag of tricks, such as the Hydraulic Launch Assist seen in the SuperChief concept, which is rumored to be coming in 08 or 09.
And lets not forget the work FoMoCo has been doing with Hydrogen power.
And new models featuring a combination of Alternative Fuel and Hybrid technology were featured by Ford over the last few years. Such as the Diesel/Hybrid Bronco concept.
And of course my personal favorite the Reflex, which is also Diesel/Hybrid powered.

What do you think?

A reminder to myself to link to Auto Future

I've been busy away from my blog recently, but hopefully that will change soon. In the mean time, if you're looking for news about Ford from overseas I will remind you to check Auto-Future a blog by David M of the UK. David has been busy posting info on future Fords from abroad and although he's not exclusive to Ford, there is a great deal of interesting news on his blog.

When time allows I'll add a new link in sidebar to Auto-Future and post about some of his more interesting Ford related info.

The Detroit News asks why not Ford/Renault/Nissan?

Carlos Ghosn the top dog at both Nissan and Renault is considered by many to be the saviour of both those companies and the cand do guy that can fix any auto company. We've all see the news about GM and a possible alliance between Renault/Nissan being pushed by Kirk Kirkorian a major stock holder and major critic of GM. There has been talk both in favor and against such a partnership and the benefits to each side. Many pundits are blinded by the prospect of this new triumvirate emerging as the largest auto maker in the world and of course by the iconic Ghosn. And now the Detroit News asks if Ford may be a better fit for this prospective alliance.
There was much talk several months ago, about Bill Ford jr putting feelers out to Ghosn and being rejected. This after Mark Fields being made head of Ford in the Americas. Bill Ford has been quoted many times saying he would relenquish control to a man better suited to controlling America's second largest automaker.
But would Renault and Ford mix well? I know Ford has a long history of cross border partnerships and aquisitions (Premier Auto Group brands.) Ford has worked with Nissan over the years on projects around the globe including the Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager here in the US. But wouldn't an alliance with Renault compromise their relationship with PSA Peugeot/Citreon? And aren't Ford and Renault fierce competitors in the European market?
And what about Ford's platform development work with Fiat?

I'm not getting a warm fuzzy fealing about Ford/Renault/Nissan, but there was one sentence in the article that summed it up for me. Ford needs two or three sucessful new model rollouts to recover. Ford's energies should be concentrated on that and leave the speculation of mergers to journalists. Besides, Carlos Ghosn is already splitting time between Europe and Asia, so unless they clone him or develop Star Trek like transportation devices, how much effort could he devote to FoMoCo ?

Hillary should stay with what she knows, I don't know what that is, but it's not driving...

I know I'm playing catch up here, but Mark Tapscott posted on this last week. Hillary Clinton ( not a fan here) and others are suggesting a return to the dreaded double nickle speed limit! For years special interest groups told us speed kills, but were proven wrong. It's not speed that kills it's stupid people and drunks. So now they're saying it will save precious fuel. That by decreasing the speed limit will help the effects of $3+ gallon gasoline.
Now I'm told by friends and associates that Hillary is doing good for New York, and I'm not a political pundit, lack the depth for that. So I'm not here to criticize anything but the return to the 55 mph speed limit. Anyone who has to drive any moderate to long trip knows that 55 mpg doesn't save a drop of gas, it's another myth. Do you want to improve fuel economy on the highway? Make sure your tires are inflated to the propper pressure, clean and wax your car once in a while, and don't mash the pedal smoothly accelerate and if possible use your cruise control. Common sense will save you money at the pump and lives on the highway.
Now I know that some will think that I'm picking on poor Hillary by posting these unflattering pictures, but I'm not it's called a sense of humor, get one.

Woman Motorist reviews MazdaSpeed 6

I'm actually less interested in their review than in the fact that it's a site that reveiws vehicles for women. The Internet allows for every market to be served, so why not women? After all there is already a web site devoted to the LGBT Community called Gay Wheels, www.gaywheels.com

I also like the comments on the review from the Speed 6 owner, who just couldn't resist correcting every incorrect point. If they're going to review cars on the site, they should do their best to get it right.

So if you are a woman or know one ( and everyone does ) go on over and check Woman Motorist (link in title) then spread the word.

I've become so jaded by professional auto reviews that I consider them valueless, but luckily for the main stream automotive press and the bumper crop of specialty web sites, there is still an audience.

SVT Truck talk

I've been reading on AutoBlog, Jalopnik and other sites, that SVT's head honcho is saying they're not dead and that a new truck is in the works. Well they killed the Sport Trac Adrenaline, so what could he mean? Well the short easy answer is another Lightning based on the F150. But a more interesting speculation would be the Lightning Bolt Ranger. Stuffed full of Supercharge Modular V8 and lowered to the ground, it would be a real giant killer.
The concept was built a few years ago, and while not as sophisticated as the Adrenaline it definitely has it's apeal as a brutal force of nature. And how hard could it be for Ford to do? Many factory parts already exist. It could be a real buzz machine, and God knows Ford needs some buzz.
All the Lightning's power in 3/4 scale and weight, would be too much fun.

So what do you think? Adrenaline, Lightning or Lightning Bolt? Which should be Ford's new SVT Truck?

I know the Sport Trac Adrenaline sounds cool with all wheel drive and independant rear suspension, 4 doors and very comfortable interior, but I think I'd put the Bolt in my driveway first and never mind the all wheel drive, I want the tire shredding rear wheel drive.

UK review of Mazda 3, interesting read...

Auto Express from the UK, reviews the freshened Mazda 3 and I was interested to read how they compare it to the Euro Focus which sells 10:1 against the 3. "It’s never been very popular with UK buyers – Ford’s Focus outsold it 10 to one last year – but will this round of updates improve sales for the Japanese maker? Auto Express tested a 1.6-litre diesel to find out. "
" So do the changes transform the Mazda 3? Not really. Our diesel was just as punchy – but also as noisy – as the previous car. Around corners it also feels similar to its predecessor, with a comfortable ride and good agility, but lacking the sharpness of the Focus."

Now when was the last time you read something like that in a US car review about the Focus or any Ford? I drive a 3 on a daily basis, and if the Euro Focus is "sharper" I want it now!

Mark Tapscott gets "Behind the Wheel" of a Volvo S40 T5

For your own sake, I hope you're familiar with Mark Tapscott and his blog TapscottBehindtheWheel (see link in sidebar) where weekly he does the Carnival of Cars, a roundup of the best Automotive blog entries from around the web. Well, his latest post is a review of the Volvo S40 T5 and it's worth a read.
Mark likes the S40 T5 a lot, he praises the Turbo I-5's power, the interior and the styling. But he seemed surprised that the chassis was so good considering it's lineage, sharing DNA with the Ford Focus and Mazda 3/Axela.
While I personally think that he's driven the closest thing to a Euro Focus ST that you can see on these shores. As any Ford fanatic should know the European Ford Focus ST, is powered by Volvo's turbo 5 and both cars are built on the accomplished C1 platform. Now each car has it's own character and chassis/powertrain refinement, but the Ford designed chassis underpins all of the siblings.
I'd like to see how Mark would compare the S40 T5 to the more powerful Speed 3. The T5 is all wheel drive, and falls short of the Speed 3's 250 hp, but a direct comparision would be interesting in light of the shared platform. Just an example of how each brand puts their stamp on it.

But even the "lowly" Focus is a much better car than we get here in the US. But hopefully Ford will realize the error of their ways and correct that situation. One can hope.

Dave Thomas formerly of MPH Online has a new gig

Click the link in the title, to see Cars.Com's new blog section. It's being headed up by the former online editor for MPH Magazine Dave Thomas. Dave created one of the best magazine companion web sites there was, with frequent updates and unique web content. I often found MPH Online to be superior to the newstand version.

Dave's a great guy, and I'm looking forward to checking out his progress with KickingTires.

Diesel F-150 news from New Zealand?

The F-150 has been one of the best selling vehicles in the world for almost 20 years running. And now with gas prices rising above $3 per gallon, sales are starting to slow down. What can Ford do to reinvigorate the line? Why a Diesel of course! Ford has been reported to be working on a new 4.4L V8 Diesel for use in the F-150 ( and hopefully their large SUVs?) derived from their Eurpean Diesel.
Built for the Range Rover, the new powerplant will be built in England and shipped to the US for installation. This could be a needed boost for Ford truck sales, since the Diesels will be much more fuel efficient. Don't look for Prius numbers here, but a Prius can't tow a trailer like an F-150 either.

GM has Gas/Electric Hybrid full size pickups, that nobody seems interested in buying, and Ford should avoid the prospect of following suit. But Ford should bring out the Diesels and what ever happened to the Hydraulic Launch Assist that they were working on?

Mazdaspeed 3 (Axela MPS) down under

250 hp, 6 speed manual, just enough visual apeal without going for the huge rear wing/boy racer look, these are some of the highpoints of the new Mazdaspeed 3 or MPS 3 as it is known around the world. Click the link in title to read a review from down under way.
Powered by a Direct Injected/Turbo 2.3L I-4 that serves the Speed 6 and CX-7, it's going to be 250 hp through the front wheels. That's something that would have been unheard of a few years ago, but is expected for streed credentials today. I remember my Taurus SHO's 240 hp through the front wheels, and how quick that car felt, with considerably less weight this should really cook. And today's young enthusiasts may find this hard to believe, but that 250 hp from a 4 banger is nothing short of a miracle to older guys like me. The SHO had a 3.2L V6 and my 91 Mustang 5.0 only made 225 tire burning ponies, hell during the dark days of the 70's many V8's couldn't make anywhere near that much power.
Mazda means to be taken seriously with their MazdaSpeed 3 and 6, and without the Evo or STI's boy racer wings and cladding, they will be. I've heard that the 3 will be in the mid to high 20's, and with a 50 hp advantage it should be gunning for the new GTI.