Ashley Ford Sales Blog

The latest SMMT figures show a stable start to 2012, new car sales saw a slight increase last month. Most importantly there was a 2.7% increase in private registrations over January 2011, hitting 128,853. Private registrations have been lagging recently, with the new car market most significantly boosted by fleet sales.
 
41.1% of new registrations were to private buyers, with the remainder made up of fleet and business registrations. More than half of all cars sold were powered by diesel (53.7%), and a further 1.6% were alternative fuel vehicles, powere by electricity or hybrid powertrains.

The new car market is expected to remain stable throughout 2012.

Which cars were the best sellers of 2011? The Ford Fiesta, which was the most popular car of 2011, continues as the bestseller for January 2012, with its larger stablemate the Ford Focus taking second place.

"2012 is set to be an exciting year with record numbers of new models coming to market filled with innovative technology that will save the motorist fuel, enhance comfort and further increase levels of safety and security. However, to maintain market stability, government must act decisively and deliver much needed confidence to businesses and consumers."

Original article – This is Money

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Ford officials unveiled their 2013 NASCAR design, a sleek new Ford Fusion, at the Charlotte Motor Speedway during day two of the annual media tour.

The NASCAR design looks a lot like the Fusion that fans will be able to pick up at the showroom. The car goes back to earlier days when one could differentiate brands on the track.

“It is a special day for Ford," said Ford Racing Director Jamie Allison. "It’s a special day for NASCAR. It’s a special day for all the fans. What a blessed company we are at Ford."

Tuesday's unveiling follows an unprecedented effort on the part of the automaker and the sanctioning body.

"I’ve heard about the win on Sunday and buy on Monday, and I think that could come back," said 2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne. "I’ve been excited to tell my friends about this. I’m 20 years old so this is more of my generation here, but I’m just happy that now I can show them pictures and I think they’ll be excited about it.”

Original article – Hardcore Racefans

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Ford has a vehicle to fit just about every consumer’s way of life, and the Lifestyle Awards handed out by Cars.com prove they are spot on.

THE WINNERS: Mustang Boss 302 for Play Car of the Year, because, “We've liked the Mustang’s blend of raw power and handling prowess. The Ford F-150 won Work Car of the Year. Editors applauded F-150 because, “If you need your work truck to do double duty, the F-150 has you covered.”  

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There is a lot of excitement around the latest trend toward electric cars. This year, stay tuned to hear more about electric cars and trucks at Ford.

Hybrid leadership
Ford was an early leader with hybrids, putting the Escape and Mariner compact crossovers to the roads before we had even thought about a new generation of pure electrics.

The midsize Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ hybrids impress with their 41/36 mpg city/highway -- as well as in the way you hardly notice anything different. Hybrid or not, they're pretty good cars that drive like reliable family sedans.

Although the 2013 Escape will trade its hybrid system for efficient EcoBoost engines, Ford isn't giving up on electric vehicles.

Focus goes electric
Billed as the first five-passenger, all-electric car to achieve more than 100 mpg-equivalent,the 2012 Ford Focus Electric is more efficient than the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Volt, but won't have extended-range capability like the Volt.

Focus also will challenge competitors' charging times.

With a 240-volt charging system, the Focus can be recharged in just over three hours. Given the Focus Electric gains about 30 miles of range for every hour charged, drivers have more flexibility in their driving with stops between errands. A 200-mile day is completely possible even with a pause for work or shopping.

Unique technology helps drivers get the most out of their dollar. The charging software, lets owners charge their cars when electricity rates are lowest, overnight.

Like all electric cars, Focus Electric promises to deliver smooth, silent power with tons of low-end torque to scoot off the line quickly. A single-speed transmission directs power to the front wheels, accelerating to a top speed of 84 mph.

European handling and modern interior make the car enjoyable whether electric- or gas-powered. It is also full of technology; Bluetooth phone connections, USB input for iPods, voice-activated music selection, navigation and movie times.

Energizing the minivan
Ford also has news about its Focus-based C-MAX mini-minivan.

Two models, the C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid, will launch this year. They're powered by compact lithium-ion batteries and Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engines. Higher-speed electric motors, efficient cooling system and optimized gearing allow the little vans to operate in electric mode longer, improving mileage.

C-MAX Hybrid competes directly with the Toyota Prius V while the C-MAX Energi will compete with plug-in hybrids like the upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in. Neither C-MAX can run on electricity alone for long distances, but Ford expects a 500-miles range using the battery and engine.

It is great to see Ford building these next-generation cars in the U.S.

Original Article - IndyStar

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