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!

TheCarConnection's review of the 2008 Ranger, with permission

Readers will know of my love for the Ford Ranger and my hopes that a new Ranger will come in the next few years. But with permission of TheCarConnection I'm linking to and reposting a detailed review they did of the 08 Ranger.

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UPDATE, edited to comply with Fair use, see the review at link in title

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Reason Why:
The most direct competitors for the Ranger are the GMC Canyon/Chevrolet Colorado compact trucks. The Ranger has a smoother V-6 engine, but the GM twins have an optional five-cylinder engine with more power. The Canyon and Colorado also offer a true four-door model with a back bench seat, though it's uncomfortable for long trips. The Mazda B-Series is a version of the Ranger that Ford supplies to its Japanese partner; you may prefer the B-Series' styling.
The Bottom Line:
The 2008 Ford Ranger’s best, highest use is as an inexpensive work truck or off-road play toy. Anything else exposes the flaws in its seating, its fuel economy, its available features and in its performance.

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Marty Padget, the Executive Editor wrote the above. And there are even more detailed information available on their sidebar. I'm trying something new here. Since I don't have access to new vehicles to review them, I spoke to TheCarConnection and I'm trying this out.

There could be more coming as we develop a relationship over the coming weeks, I'll keep you updated if this works out.

Update on Fiesta Fool, not stolen, just towed!

So, it wasn't stolen, just towed to the NYC impound lot! Figures, bonehead parks it on the street with a note saying "Climb on and take a pic!" and probably neighbors complained or the guy didn't altenate side park. Either way, the idiot's car wasn't stolen.

But you gotta wonder why Scott Monty from Ford's PR department, who's Tweeting about these things, couldn't get the facts straight? There was a Fiesta stolen, in DC, but there were updates saying the stolen vehicle was spotted on I-95 near Port Chester NY.

And what about the GPS? Considering the car has been sitting in the impound lot for 10 days, FoMoCo couldn't track it via GPS? It would be one thing if the car was in a shipping container ala Gone In 60 Seconds, but just sitting on the impound lot?

Read the AutoBlog update linked in title and ask yourself why did this get all the buzz?
I realize Twitter Updates aren't the AP, but couldn't someone from FoMoCo have gotten updated information to the various blogs following this? AutoBlog, Jalopnik, some mean guy over at MyFordDreams? Ok, I can understand not telling the last guy. Even though he does follow on Twitter and did ask for information a week ago.

Update: Scott Monty of FoMoCo left a comment; Ford didn't have all the facts and in all fairness Twitter is not a Press Release.

I was mentioned in a book?

Strategies and Tools for Corporate Blogging By John Cass (Amazon link in title) mentions me and my blogs? I'm actually surprised. I remember several years ago helping a grad student who was doing a research paper on blogging, maybe it's the same guy? I read a Google Books preview and learned some things that I hadn't known. MyFordDreams predates TheCarConnection, LeftLaneNews and several other more famous blogs.

The Auto Prophet and Brian from RaceDriven.com are mentioned as well. And here we are all still plugging away. So while AutoBlog and Jalopnik are the heavyweights, it's still nice to know I've gotten noticed over the years.

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.

New page to cover e-Bay auctions

As you may know from earlier posts, I've opened an e-Bay account to sell some collectibles, like the baseball cap signed by Carroll Shelby pictured above. And so I've added a new page to the MyFordDreams family (linked in title) MyFordShops, so I can post pics and details of those auctions.

Not all items are auto related. Like this item which is a picture disc of the BBC series Dr Who.

I've watched Dr Who since I discovered it 1976. It was on the air from 1963 to 1989 or so and they've re-established the franchise with the new series and spin offs.

What can I say, in this economy we're all doing what we can to stay afloat, MyFordDreams is no differetnt. I'm sure you've noticed that I've started to accept advertisements on the blog. All auto related and sites that I feel would be a benefit to my readers.

Don't worry, I'm not going to compromise the integrity of my blog. I'll still be giving you all I have to say about FoMoCo. And with this new page, I won't be blogging here about the auctions.

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.

Ford must NOT be tempted to react to Chrysler fire sale with Cash on the hood!

I'm sure you're all reading the same news as I have, about how Ford may be picking up sales while the image of domestic competitors takes a beating. After Chrysler anounced the Murder of 796 dealers last week, it is assumed that those lame duck dealers will set their prices ablaze to avoid being suck with units that other Chrysler dealers are sure to reject. And GM is heading down the same road later this year. Ford is getting quite a bit of positive press and internet buzz lately, because of the tremendous amount of new and improved product out now or coming in over the next two years. From the Fiesta Movement buzz, to the new Coyote V-8 and EcoBoost, it's all looking very good for Ford. Nobody is saying their out of the crosshairs of the economy, but I've said it before and I'll say it again, Ford has been working their plan and will continue to move forward.

And while I read today that Ford is going to offer some incentives to Chrysler and GM owners trading in their vehicles for new Fords, I would hope that they don't go for the quick buck and stay the course. I know it's easy for folks like me, who don't live and die by the sales of cars, but Ford's been able to avoid Federal Relief to this point by doing the right thing. Dealers and FoMoCo will be tempted to entice these paniced GM & Chrysler owners, but just keep it low.

It looks like so far it's less than $1,000 per deal, and you can read the article here at the Detroit News

Ford's got the lineup, including hybrids, to entice buyers and is riding a wave of good press, but let's not forget that waves crash to the shore in the end. Ford wants to keep their eyes open or they'll land on the rocks.

Coffee time with the FIESTA MOVEMENT videos on YouTube

So, after a hellish week, working 12 hour overnight shifts at my real job, how do I spend my relaxing Saturday morning? Why sitting in my boxer shorts with an extra large Dunkin Donuts coffee ( the best! screw Starbucks) watching Fieasta Movement videos on YouTube.

Ok, so you didn't need that visual, well some of you may have, but most of you are now weezy at the thought of a middle aged stocky/hairy man in boxer shorts. Well, I've always said, I'm not Jalopnik or AutoBlog. Sometimes you get a glimpse into my life. Not much, just a teaser.

But seriously, I've been anticipating the Fiesta for a long time, check check my archives here and at http://myforddreams.blogspot.com and you'll see for yourself. And I got up way too early, so it's coffee and feeding my Blue Oval addiction.

Brian at RaceDriven.com always has the latest on Motorsports..

I wrote a piece the other day lammenting about the loss of the "regular guy" blogger on the automotive scene. Well, it's not as bleak and barren as I had insinuated. And I completely forgot to mention Brian V of RaceDriven.com ( link in title ) who's been blogging for probably as long as I have. So, I thought I'd spread a little blog love and direct you over to him. He's got nice site, posts some interesting and informative stuff and is truly a fanatic about motorsports. One of the real gentlemen of blogging.

Here's a good source of Focus info (Euro Focus)

We're all painfully aware that the Focus we have here in the US isn't the same as sold everywhere else around the globe. And as we anticipate the arrival of the truly "global" Focus in a couple of years, I offer you a good source to see what we could be getting. David M of Auto-Future blogs from the UK and I've been reading his blog for quite a while now. He's written several excelent pieces on the future Focus and always has some interesting CGI as eye candy.

He blogs about all brands and it's interesting to read a perspective from the UK.

When did I catch the Blue Oval bug? Why am I such a Ford Fanatic?

Every now and then I do these personal nostalgia pieces, sue me, I'm just a guy and this is just my blog. It would be cool if I was AutoBlog or Jalopnik, with the latest news and great pictures, but it's just me. So, I was thinking, I do that a lot, about how did I become such a Ford Fanatic?
I was born in 1965, the fifth child of a middle class Irish American Family from New York City. And the very first car I ever rode in was a Ford! My parents bought a 1963 Fairlane the year before I was born and we had that car until I was 5 or 6. I guess that could be part of it. But my dad wasn't a gearhead, he didn't even drive when I was very little. My mom always joked that she was the one that drove away from the church when they got married! By the way, that was in a 1957 Ford ! Being born in Washington Heights it was not that common to have a car in those days, but at one point before we left for the suburbs our family had 2! And of course they were both Fords.

Being a family of 7 with the Fairlane was fine, except when we do our family vacations with all the lugage. So, every summer my dad would swap cars with his brother and we'd take his 66 Country Squire to various places from Plymouth Rock to Gettysburg. And that's when I fell in love with Country Squires. Weird kid huh? Most little boys would be wanting the Mustang or Corvette, I wanted the big woody! Uncle John's was black with the wood of course and blood red inerior. And Uncle John's good friend and neighbor worked for Ford at the Mahwah New Jersey plant! And later my cousin John Jr Worked there. And I'll never forget cousin John's 66 Mustang, he was always working on that. Both my grandfathers were Chevy guys, go figure?

And then in 1972 or 73 my Mom bought our first Pinto! And again I fell in love. And you're thinking I'm crazy now aren't you. Well, I love Pintos and don't care what the world thinks. In the late 70's my dad bought a 73 Pinto wagon used from our neighbor and I was hoping that would be mine someday. But my older brother got it and by the time I was driving it was gone.

My parents had started out Ford owners but over the years drifted, buying GM and Chrysler vehicles. Like many dads, mine got on a Slant-6 phase, buying several Darts/Valiants and even talking both my sisters into Aspen/Volare territory. But back to me, my first Ford was a 1967 Ford Fairlane while I was in High School, by this time we were suburbanites and a multicar family was putting it mildly. Over the years most of my family strayed from the Blue Oval path even I did a couple of times. But I've had at least 9 Ford vehicles, including my own Pinto, a 79 that I learned to drive stick shift on. Lots of fun there.

I became such a hardcore Ford guy it was driving my poor parents mad. At one time I had 4 Ford products in their driveway, 77 Versailes, 78 T-Bird, 88 Festiva and 91 Mustang LX 5.0, not to mention the Chevy Truck I had. And you know how it is, when you have old cars, the hood would be off one of them and my tools were all over the garage. I think the ultimate expression of my Ford fanaticism was in 1998 When I made my personal Hajj to Dearborn and the Ford Motor Company World Headquarters. And while I did go to the Henry Ford Museum and other points of interest, I really mean the Headquarters building. It was a 2 day drive, stopping in Cleveland half way and I dragged one of my best friends, who's not a car guy. And I made sure I actually went into the building, went to the company store and bought a bunch of crap.

So, I guess it's in my DNA to a certain point. I only learned recently that my mom's father worked at a Ford asembly plant when he first came over from Ireland. But it was also environmental, with so many family members driving Fords. Ford has always been part of my life. Ok maybe now it's an obsession, but I haven't elevated to stalker level. I mean it's not like the local Ford dealer has a restraining order against me or anything. But I would explain why just over 4 years ago I started these blogs. Why I started "dreaming" so to speak. For a while I dreamed of an 05 Mustang. But I've always loved all Fords.

With my damaged DNA, this would represent the ultimate Ford, if you stuck an SVO Mustang drivetrain in it that is. It would combine my love of the blue oval, Pintos and Coutry Squires.

How cool would that be? A sleeper Pinto Squire with SVO power!

And so I blog, and hopefully someone reads.

only 98 bottles left on the wall? 2nd Fiesta stolen

So, at least 2 Fiestas are MIA, the one stolen from Brooklyn and now another.

I had read a couple of days ago that the Brooklyn Fiesta was found in DC, but SM of the Fiesta Movement said on Twitter that the DC car was a different Agent's. So, does that mean there's 2 stolen Fiestas? What about the GPS tracking?

In my youth I knew some shady fellas, long before Lo-Jack or GPS of any kind. And these fellas, who I haven't spoken to in 25 years and knew only cassually, would brag that could boost a car and get it to Port Elizabeth, where it would be shipped out to Latin America in a matter of days.

So, do you think Hugo Chavez is tooling around in one of these stolen Fiestas?

Just when you think you know it all, Jalopnik shows you something new

I've always obsessed on all things Ford, but just when I thought I knew all of the concepts and foreign Fords (Latin American, European, Australian etc..) Jalopnik shows I don't know it all.
And of course another opportunity to show a pic of the Reflex ( I really should get therapy.)

Jalopnik has a post on concept cars circa 1999 ( cue Prince song here) and among them was this odd little concept from the Tokyo Motor Show. I know this wasn't at the New York show, I haven't missed one of those since 1977. It's sort of cool, in an odd way. Sort of like the Nissan Figaro. It's sort of retro Anglia meets New Wave. Go hit the link in the title to see what other cars of the future didn't make it.

My love of all things small and Ford

It must be months since I've had my Reflex Fix! I loved this concept, the lines are great. I've always said I could do without the butterfly doors, but I love the idea of a little 2+2 coupe.
Hell, I love all things small and Ford. From the domestic Fords like the Pinto/Bobcat twins to the foreign Fords like the Cortina, Capri, Puma, Fiesta and Ka and especially the "global" Fords Escort and Focus. I love all Fords, but I've always had a warm spot in my heart for the little guys. That's one of the reasons I'm anticipating the arrival of the Fiesta next year. I have to admit I wasn't a huge fan of the Tempo/Topaz twins, but the EXP/LN7 and the ZX2 were neat.
I remember when I went to Ireland in 2003 drooling over the Ford Fusion MPV, not to be confused with our Fusion midsize sedan, the Fusion MPV was based on the Fiesta platform.
And when I would watch old british movies or TV shows I'd get excited about seeing an old Escort or Capri. And I'm not just talking about the Lotus versions either. Hell, I'm a Pinto guy, I like them all.

When I was a kid, my mom bought a 71 Pinto 2 door. It was the 2.0 L with an automatic, admittedly not the fastest car on the block and to many not the coolest. But I loved that car. And later when my dad bought a 73 Pinto Wagon, I knew I was hooked. Then when I was in college I bought a used 79 Pinto from an ex-nun, 2.3L with the 4 spd manual. I had a blast with that car! It was chocolate brown with a mustard interior, had no A/C and the radio didn't work, but it's the car I taught myself to drive stick in. My mom bought her firts New car in 1982, an Escort in bright red with the blacked out trim the metric rims and 4 spd Manual. We called her Maria Andretti when she drove that. My next little Ford was my first ever new car the 1988 Ford Festiva. Only 1.3 L and 68 hp, but it was the LX model so it had the 5 spd and a nice interior, still no A/C. This was a great car. I would race my friends in this, sure I'd loose, but it was tossable and I did get a speeding ticket upstate doing 100 mph, all the while getting 40 mpg.

And my love of all things small and Ford makes me as green (with envy) as this FiestaMovement car. I'm not hip enough to be one of Ford's Agents. I didn't even apply, because I didn't want to make a video. I'm actually kind of shy and reserved. But recently I joined Twitter, just so I can Follow some of the Fiesta Movement news.

I should have made a video, Doh! But I'm not really the Movement's demographic, I'm 44 and not "hip". Sure, I blog, I MySpace and Facebook, and finally Tweet(?) but I've got a job and a life (despite the obsessive blogging about Ford) that wouldn't allow me to participate in all the missions. But I can tell you what I'd do if I did have one of these Fiestas. I'd take it to local car cruises and shows. I'd drive it up and down the local strip and to Dunkin Donuts to refule on Java. And I'm going to Cape Cod this summer for a week, I'd take it and park it in the busiest section of Provincetown and just stand there telling people about it. Oh and I'd blog,facebook, myspace and finally tweet about it too. But more importantly, I'll probably buy one when they do get here. So much for marketing and demographics, a "middle aged" man (wow that hurt) would actually buy a Fiesta.

What happened to all the regular guys that blogged about the auto industry?

When I started MyFordDreams in April of 2005, the landscape ( or blogsphere ) was lush with the "regular guys" that blogged about the auto industry. I remember one of the first I ever found was The Auto Prophet ( linked in title) the masked man of the auto blogging world.
But there was The Car Pundit, Rides Blog and many others. Some are still around, like the Prophet, Joe Sherlock of View Through The Windshield, Bob of CarsCars Cars and of course Gary of The Garage.

Jalopnik and AutoBlog have always been Pro sites, although many of those guys came up from the ranks of semi-pro blogging. I know it's been a rocky road for my blog. The first year I blogged so much it was fanatical. Then when I was having problems with my original blog I started up here at MyFordDreams2.

There was a real sense of community too. I remember when Dave Thomas, then was with MPH Online and now with Kicking Tires, started the blog for AutoBloggers and was really trying to herd us together. I think I have the honor of posting the last item over there back in 2007.

It's not easy doing this, guys like me don't get paid to do it. We do it out of passion, passion for the cars. I especially do it because of my passion for all things Ford. I'll be the first to admit I'm not on the level of the pros. Too many typos, poor grammar and sometimes too hot headed.
Many of my posts are inspried by what other sites write, but I don't just rehash someone else's work, I try and put personal color commentary and of course link to and refer to the original.

I always say, I love this and that I'm proud to have rubbed shoulders (well cyber shoulders) with some very talented and very nice folks. I want to thank TheAutoProphet for all of his help lately. He's been giving me advice and pointers. Over the years I've received that from many of my fellow bloggers.

I'll never forget the Carnival of Cars and how excited I would get if I was mentioned. That was always a point of pride. And when on those rare ocassions one of my posts would be mentioned by the pros like Jalopnik or Mark Tapscott.

Now that I'm blogging more actively, I'm hoping to rekindle those cyber relationships and grow new ones.

Ford nearly rained on Obama's CAFE party?

In the Los Angeles Times story (linked in title) it says that President Obama's anouncement of an agreement on new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards nearly didn't happen because Ford was hesitant to sign on. "A senior Ford executive said the company had run the numbers again and concluded it might not survive if it accepted the deal. "

No wonder Obama mentioned his Ford Escape Hybrid, he was probably trying to sooth Ford.

Of the domestic manufacturers I would think Ford would be best prepared for these new standards. With new smaller cars like the Fiesta, more Hybrids like the Escape and Fusion and the EcoBoost engine family. But these are tough standards to meet. I would guess the biggest roadblock to meeting these standards would be trucks. pickuptrucks.com has a great piece on that.

These are strange days to be certain. And let's not forget that Ford, being a truly global manufacturer has to juggle a lot of eggs. Look at my earlier piece on the UK Scrapage program.

So much to do, and no clear directions from governments implimenting new policy on the fly.

I can understand Ford wanting to tread carefully these days.

Thinking about the CAFE standards and the Mustang..

You know, most of the news about the Mustang has been good lately. New powertrains promissed and great styling. But with the anouncement of new Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards it got me thinking. What would be a really great idea?

How about this, a 2.0 EcoBoost powered Mustang! How about that 275 hp Explorer America concept's twin turbo 2.0? Now, here me out here folks. I know the 5.0 will be dishing out 400 hp and that's a great thing for the GT. But how about the turbo 4 for the Pony Mustang? Isn't the rumored Ranger replacement coming with a 1.8 l EcoBoost ? And that will ahve 175 hp 180 lb ft of torque. So, sine they'll be doing the work to fit an EcoBoost in a rear wheel drive vehicle already, how hard could it be to do it in a Mustang? You could have 3 levels of Mustang, the Base with the EcoBoost I-4, a mid level with the EocBoost V-6 and the GT with the Coyote V-8.

Just a middle of the night thought. Well maybe a dream really, but isn't that what I do.

Ford "resists cutting dealer network" is a bit of a fib

Now don't get me wrong FoMoCo is doing a fine job trying to restructure during these tough times. But all the news stories about Ford not cutting dealers, like the one linked in the title, are a bit of a fib. It's true that FoMoCo isn't slashing and burning dealers like Chrysler has and isn't giving a doomsday clock to dealers like GM is doing. But, it's also not true that they haven't shed dealers. In reality FoMoCo started in 2005, as part of the Way Forward, shutting unproductive dealers and trimming some dealers in oversaturated areas. FoMoCo just did it slower and more carefully. 770 Ford dealerships have shut down since 05, just about 1 in 6 to be honest.

And I think it was obviously a good thing. I know of several Ford dealers within a reasonable drive from me that shut. One of those was a huge dealer that had just changed owners and was in the middle of major renovations. I wasn't a fan of this particular dealer, they had shady practices.

I see these news stories as a double edged sword. On the one hand it makes it look like Ford is doing better than GM & Chrysler, which they are. But on the other side, it makes it look like Ford isn't doing enough to cut costs and return to profitabilty, which of course is untrue.

In my opinion it would be to Ford's advantage to point out the facts, that they did cut dealers, but slowly over time and with less of an impact to the economy than the paniced moves of Chrysler and to a lesser degree GM. I can see that any positive press is good. But will people feel that Ford hasn't done their share? I know they have and that they've done it in a far gentler way. Sure, the closed Ford dealers had employees that lost jobs, but because it was gradual over 4 years, they had opportunities to find jobs. What Chrysler did is dump a huge pool of workers all at once. And next October when GM dealers run the clock on their franchise agreements, there'll be more.

Give Ford credit where it's due, but also point out that the Way Forward has been a process not a panic.

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.

Again, while GM & Chrysler fumble FoMoCo reopens Cleveland plant!

Yet more evidence that I can "dream" again and not have night terrors that Ford will fail.
Signs of life again a Ford's Cleveland Engine Plant, where they reopened after closing 2 years ago. 250 people are going back to work to build EcoBoost powertrains.

Now I'm not trying to blow smoke up anyone's tailpipe ( nice how I kept that PG wasn't it ) I know that FoMoCo has work to do, but while the recent trend is to loose big money, teeter on bankruptcy and close dealers and plants left and right, it's nice to see Ford trending carefully in the oposite direction.

And you know what, we can all thank one man, Alan Mullaly. He's not Santa Claus or Jesus Christ, but he's been smart enough to plan ahead. Ford leveraged everything BEFORE the credit markets dried up. Ford did not take bailout loans. Ford watched their stock climb and then sold new issues to finance VEBA. Ford has great product coming down the pipeline. Are they out of the woods? No, but they have a plan!

I really want to know who falls for these....

I really wonder how stupid people are. We've all heard about the hoax "phishing" e-mail went out offering 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrids for half price went out, don't we? Read the article linked in the title. I had avoided blogging on this, because I wonder who actually falls for these tricks.

How many emails a day do I get informing me of some money I can make if I help some mystery person transfer funds or split lottery winnings if I let them use my bank account. How stupid are we? Or is really a question of how greedy?

How many times was the Brooklyn Bridge sold? Suposedly an asteroid killed the dinosaurs, I wonder what will get us fools.

To tweet or not? What the hell

I'm a bit of a dinosaur really. Not that tech savy. But, I have been blogging for 4 years now and I've fallen victim to other "Social Networking" services. I have a FaceBook, but not associated with this blog, that's just for friends and family. I have a MySpace page for this blog, but I'm not too active on there, except my addiction to the stupid games. And now I've signed up for Twitter? I don't have a mobile device. I have a cell phone, hell I have two, one for me and one for my job ( the real job that pays the bills.) But there are a couple of people or networks I'd like to "follow." I'm interested now in the Fiesta Movement, after the car was stolen.

Slowly I evolve? If anyone wants to "tweet" at me, it's myforddreams look me up?

This was what pushed me over http://mashable.com/2009/05/18/ford-social-media/

Shelby cap has a proud new owner!

About 2 weeks ago I decided that since funds were low I'd have to sell the centerpiece of my collection a commerortive baseball cap for the 2006 Hertz special Shelby GTH Mustang that was signed by Carroll Shelby himself. I never wore the cap, didn't want to damage it, so it sat on a shelf surounded by my die cast cars collecting a little dust. Well, the e-Bay auction ended Saturday night and Monday around noon I shipped it off to the winner.

So, I got a little curious about who bought it and looked at their e-Bay profile.
And it looks like this hat went to a very devoted Mustang fanatic. His purchases over the last few months imply that he has a 2006 Mustang and he's tastefully personalizing it with accessories. It's even possible that he has a Shelby GTH.

I hope he enjoys the hat, but really feel better knowing that he's a true blue oval fanatic!

Some changes and hopefully improvements to blog

MyFordDreams has come a long way since April of 2005. It started on one page http://myforddreams.blogspot.com and sprouted spin offs like Star Trek, must not as succesful.

I've changed templates in the past and updated deleted links over the years. But now I'm catching up on some other items. For one, you'll notice labels/tags on each post and on the sidebar. This is to help you look at what else I may have posted on that subject.

I've also added a Blogs I read section, a reccomended sites section and ads.

There's a feature that lets you follow this blog as well.

More changes are in the pipeline, and I'm going to try and stay ontop of things around here.

Sure, I was quiet for a while, but I'm back and Ford is doing better, so it's time to "Dream" again.

Ford UK not ready for their Clunker program, could delay hurt sales?

Read the story, linked in title, about Ford's problems with the UK's "Scrapage" program, their version of Cash for Clunkers. With vehicle sales down globally, many countries are starting their own version of this scheme. In the UK, it seems that Ford was negotiating and trying to get online with the program from day one, but with so many changes right up until the last minute they were caught out on day one of the program. From what I've read in 2 different articles, the program gives people a 2,ooo Pound incentive for trading in a car 10+ years old when they purchase a new more fuel efficient vehicle. Half of the incentive from the government and half from the manufacturer ( that's about $3,000 with $1,500 from Ford ) and the lag is that Ford needed to get new forms to 550 dealers to initiate the program. Ford's not crying about the money, it's just that with all the last minute wheeling and dealing they couldn't cross the t's and dot the i's on the paperwork quick enough. Fiat was rumored to be in the same boat, but they denied that was the case.

Patience my UK bretheren, FoMoCo is doing it's best to get their ducks in a row.
I wonder if this will initially hurt Ford sales? Doubtful in the long run, what's a 2-3 delay in buying a new car?

UPDATE: CarScoop has an interesting piece about the European sales as they relate to programs like this. And Ford's new Fiesta is doing very very well!

Kiss Mercury goodbye! AutoBlog reports Sable to end this year, this Thursday?

Stick a fork in them, they're done. In the post linked in the title from AutoBlog, Ford has decided not to continue the Mercury Sable. They've made a load of changes to the Taurus, including a new SHO, but no plans for a 2010 Sable.

This leaves Mercury with only 4 models, 2 of which will end production soon. The Milan, which is an upscale Fusion, the Mariner which is an upscale Escape, the Mountaineer which I forgot they still made! And the Grand Marquis, which like the Crown Victoria and Town Car is dead man walking. So, with only 2 real models I'd say you can kiss Mercury goodbye. Autoblog mentions plans for an unnamed small car in the future, which can only mean an upscale Focus, even thought they mention the Lincoln C concept.

If Ford wants to keep the Mercury brand alive and at this point that seems unlikely, they need new models to keep the brand. I had said over the years that Mercury would be the perfect brand to bring the neat European and Global Ford products to the states, but since, the Fiesta and new Global Focus are coming here as Fords, that shoots that down. It would be nice to dream about the Australian Ford Falcons coming as Mercury models, but that's unlikely.

So, why keep the brand? It used to be a nice filler between Ford and Lincoln, but as some Fords approach Lincoln prices and Lincoln has their "entry" level MKZ, there's no filler needed.

Mercury will be gone in as little as 5 years, but no longer than 10, unless FoMoCo comes up with something fairly snazzy and profitable for the brand. But look at the bright side, now those who want an orphan car like and Edsel or Studabaker can get a fairly modern vehicle to bring to shows. Hell, the way brands are being killed lately, orphan car shows are going to be loaded with late model iron. I wonder if I should start checking e-Bay for a 2003 Marauder?

Finally getting in the game, Ford to offer 400 hp 5.0 V-8 ! Looks like Igor was right

Autoblog is reporting that Ford is finally getting back into the horsepower game.
Looks like frequent commentor Igor was right. Not that there hadn't been plenty of rumors and stories about the return of the 5.0 for a while now, but it looks like a new 32 valve DOHC V-8 with 400 hp and 400 lb ft of torque will be coming in 2010. And mention of an EcoBoost V-6 as well.

It's about blooddy time! The current 315-320 hp GT and 210 hp base are no slouches, but wtih everybody and their mother offering more power, it's just not good enough to be the bargain muscle car anymore. When the Mustang was the only Pony Car on the market, Ford could breathe easy. But competition is strong now, with the rebirth of the Challenger and Camaro, both outgunning the current Mustang. And don't forget the Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with it's base 2.0 Turbo I-4 beating base Mustang's 210 hp, and the V-6 putting out 360 hp.

This is great news, now when can we expect that IRS? When will the Mustang be truly comparable to the pack?

Picture of the idiot and the stolen Fiesta

So, here's a picture that's been all over the net of the Fiesta that was stolen from Brookly and found near DC. And of course there's the idiot Agent jumping on the hood, just like he encouraged strangers to do with a sign he had on the car. Some folks on the net think the entire episode is just a publiciy stunt. I doubt FoMoCo would do it, but the idiot? It is the type of bonehead thing an attention whore might do. More likely is that he got strung out on Mocha Lattes and left the keys in it.

CarScoop has update on stolen Fiesta Movement car.

Linked in the title is a post at CarScoop updating the situation reported on Friday about the stolen Fiesta Movement unit that was lifted from a Brooklyn street. For those not familiar with the Fiesta Movement, do a Google search. But I'll try and sum it up here.

Ford in an effort to create buzz ahead of next year's release of the Fiesta, started a program to place 100 units in the hands of Hip or near-Hip folks who would drive the cars for 6 months, with free gas, insurance and concierge service. These "Agents" would help create the buzz by blogging, tweeting, facebooking, myspacing and youtubing, so interested parties could follow and evaluate the cars.

Well, one Brooklyn New York Agent had his Fiesta stolen off the street near his home and of course he tweeted about it and Ford's PR man tweeted about it and many sites, including AutoBlog, Jalopnik and CarScoop, posted about it. A "buzz" storm ensued and there were updates stating the car was GPS equipped so that FoMoCo could track it in real time. There were criticism of local Police, because the car is not in the DMV database, but who's fault is that? Not FoMoCo's. I don't think anyone thought the cars would be stolen. Why didn't Ford pay for this guy to have a garage space?

Interestingly, comments at various sites, such as CarScoop, imply that the whole thing is nothing but a publicit stunt. That's possible, but unlikely in my opinion, at least on the part of FoMoCo.

Now, the Agent is another thing. One of the reasons I wouldn't attempt to get in the Fiesta Movement, although I was drooling over the prospect of driving, evaluating and blogging about the car, was that I'm not by nature an attention whore. And these Agents got the cars by being exactly that. I read on CarScoop that this particular Agent had posted signs on the car encouraging passersby to stand on the hood and climb on the car and take pictures of themselves. Maybe FoMoCo did pay for a garage and this nimrod parked it on the street as part of his little social experiment.

The Fiesta Movement may create some buzz, but will it sell cars? Wouldn't FoMoCo have been better served by giving Fiestas to guys like me ? I would have driven it to cruise nights and car shows as well as public places and gathered feedback from regular people. I would have taken pictures and videos of the Fiesta and posted them on my blog, where I would give real life feedback on the car. But, let the hipsters have their fun. Overall this isn't going to cost FoMoCo too much. As long as one of their Agents doesn't do a stunt like the Queen's Day horror last month.

Most of what I've seen on the Fiesta Movement is by little plastic attention whores, who's opinion on the car wouldn't carry much weight with a real buyer. But of course I'm biased aren't I?

MyFordDreams accepting solicitations for advertisements

When I started MyFordDreams ( and several other blogs ) back in 2005, I was against advertising. Over the years I have recieved offers of various schemes, including embeded links in posts. And I had always said no way, I wanted to keep MyFordDreams untouched by others.

Well, as you can imagine in these tough economic times, I've revisited the issue and have a few ads already on the site. I had signed up for Google's AdSense a while back as you can see. But now I'm willing to received proposals to advertise on my site (or sites ) if they are relavant and tasteful.

Anyone interested can e-mail me at myforddreams@aol.com

Ford Eco Boost, Explorer America & Edge

The Ford Edge is a nice vehicle. It's not perfect, but what is. I see a lot of these on the road these days, so I'll give Ford credit for coming up with something people want. But I can't help thinking they could benefit from better fuel economy, not that they're gas guzzlers, but what about a new Eco Boost powerplant. Not the twin turbo 3.5 V-6 from the Taurus SHO, Lincoln MKS and MKT, but the 2.0 Eco Boost I-4 from the Explorer America concept.

At the 2008 New York Auto Show, I saw this on the turntable, the Explorer America concept.

And the spokesperson was saying it was going to be car based and powered by an Eco Boost 2.0 I-4 producing about 200 hp. And with the recent article over at PickupTrucks.com about a possible Eco Boost powered Ranger replacement ( 1.8 L making 175 hp ) it had me thinking how this Explorer America or the Edge would do with a 2.0 Eco Boost. I guess we could just look at the VW Tiguan, since it's a cute ute with a 2.0 Turbo 4 from the GTI.

Just wondering on a lazy Saturday. Eco Boost technology is supposed to spread across much of the FoMoCo lineup over the coming years. It makes sense, scales of economy for the turbo systems, a lowering of the CAFE for the brand all without loosing usable power and lowering emissions. I realize the EcoBoost will filter down from the pricer models down to the rest of the lineup, and I look forward to seeing how long that will take. Turbo Charging combined with Direct Gasoline Injection is no longer new technology, Audi, Mazda, VW and GM have had it on the market for a short while and GM's Chevy Cruze is suposedly coming to the US with a turbo direct injected 1.4L.

While others panic, FoMoCo started the process before it was too late...

Do you know why the Ford blue oval is the shining star of the US Domestic auto industry?
It's simple, while the others continued with business as usual and now take government assistance, Ford Motor Company started a process several years ago that would help them navigate the troubled waters of our economy. We all saw the "big 3" going hat in hand before Congress last fall, but Ford didn't ask for help. Why? Because they had borrowed heavilly before the credit markets dried up. They gathered a war chest of $24 Billion. They even mortgaged the beloved Blue Oval logo.

And while Chrysler has already entered bankruptcy and GM is headed toward Bankruptcy on June 1st, Ford has the cash and the plan to get back to profitability in 2012. Ford doesn't need to partner with a foreign manufacturer like Chrysler's deal with Fiat, because they're going to build their own global small cars here.

GM is trying to sell off brands like SAAB, Saturn, Opel and just kill off Hummer and Pontiac.
Ford sold Premiere Auto Group brands, like Ranger Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin, but had the relative luxury of time. With Ford it didn't seem like the fire sale GM is running.

And while the news of late tells the tale of Chrysler shutting 789 dealerships yesterday and GM closing 1,200 by 2010, Ford has shed 500 dealers since 2005, when they started the Way Forward. No mass panic, just closing underperforming or oversaturated outlets quietly in a calm and civil way.

It's not all wine and roses, it's tough going for Ford Motor Company, but they have this thing, it's called a plan. And they've been working at it since before the economic meltdown. That's what big companies are supposed to do. GM and Chrysler saw the same storm clouds on the horizon, but Ford took action. And in the end, when we have a smaller chrysler who's majority owned by Fiat and a trimmed down GM, we'll have a more profitable trimmer Ford too. But Ford will do it with a more gradual plan that won't gut shareholders. Ford's not out of the woods, but they've got a compass and a flashlight and seem to know how to use them. More importantly, they had a plan!

Fiesta Movement? Not for this suburban New Yorker

I'm guessing the New York Auto Show was as close as I'll get to the new Ford Fiesta, until they reach dealers next year. I honestly didn't bother applying for the Fiesta Movement program. I'm not some perky 20something who's all over Facebook and Twitter and MySpace. I don't make stupid videos demanding the world's attention and believe me the world is a happier place for that. But, I did check the Fiesta Movement site (and registered for updates) to see about the tour they're promissing of 100 cities across the country. But when I go to the "Northeast" there's no New York? Maybe later in the year?

I know that marketing people think it's only young hip folks that buy cars like this, but they are wrong. I know Toyota counted on the younger generation to buy Scions, but you know who I see driving the boxy little hip-mobiles? Mostly women over 40.

I'd love to be able to take a little spin in a Fiesta and then tell you all what a great little car it is, but I'm not willing to jump through hoops to entertain the world.

A "Real" truck? You bet your ass!

Just feeling nostalgic about my Ranger. It just celebrated it's 10th birthday and only has about 57,000 miles on the odometer. I remember when I first got it, some people I know asked why I didn't get a "real" truck, meaning a full size truck. And my rather crude response was that I didn't need a big truck, because I had something else big. Childish, I know, but I laughed.
But the Ranger is a real truck. I've been able to do almost everything that my associates with bigger trucks have with theirs. I don't own anything that I tow, so no need for massive towing capacity needed. Most of the people I know don't tow anything either. I've filled my Ranger with over 1.000 pounds of various payloads with no problem at all. I've driven through a couple of blizzards on unplowed roads and not got stuck. Hell, one time I used it to pull a tree out of the way when it fell at work. So, it's a "real" truck.

And it's been very very reliable too. I was thinking of all the repairs it's needed over the last decade. And that has been limited to a brake job every two years and I replaced the tires a couple of years ago. Oil changes every 5,000 miles and a new air filter when I bought the new tires. That's it!

We here at the MyFordDreams ranch are a multi vehicle household and the love of my life has a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, with triple the mileage, so a direct comparison one not be fair. But I will mention that last year when the Rodeo was up on the lift for yet more work, the mechanic pointed out the extensive rust on the frame and major suspension components. So, I decided to crawl under the Ranger and compare. The difference was like night and day. Both trucks have been in the same area all of their lives and neither garaged regularily. But the Ranger has just minor frame rust, and no suspension rust.

Did I mention that in 10 years it's still on the original shocks, clutch etc..
A few dings and scratches, as befits a "real" truck.

I'm going to try and keep it PG here, but I'll say this, you don't need a big truck to get the job done.

I may have to read this book...

I received an e-mail today, offering to send me a free copy of PJ O'Rourke's latest does of insanity. And so because I've never read any of O'Rourke's books, I did a Google search.
And based on the following, I may have to read this.

"....You have to get a car that handles really well. This is extremely important, and there's a lot of debate on this subject – about what kind of car handles best. Some say a front-engined car; some say a rear-engined car. I say a rented car. Nothing handles better than a rented car. You can go faster, turn corners sharper, and put the transmission into reverse while going forward at a higher rate of speed in a rented car than in any other kind. You can also park without looking, and can use the trunk as an ice chest. Another thing about a rented car is that it's an all-terrain vehicle. Mud, snow, water, woods – you can take a rented car anywhere. True, you can't always get it back – but that's not your problem, is it? ..."

Driving Like Crazy (link in title to Barnes & Noble, if you'd like to buy it) is O'Rourke's latest satire. Sort of the Hunter S Thompson of the auto journalism? Very funny stuf so far. Can't wait to see if I'll get it.