You may have heard about an important announcement Ford made recently to end production of Mercury branded vehicles in the fourth quarter of this year and discontinue the brand.
As a Mercury owner, you are an important part of the family of Ford Motor Company customers and I want to assure you we are very sensitive to your concerns and needs.
Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing current Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers. In addition, we will continue to honor current warranties and Ford's Extended Service Plans. Please refer to your vehicle warranty booklet for specific details on your vehicle's coverage.
As Ford Motor Company continues to reinvent itself for you and our future customers, we want to thank you for your business. We will work hard to keep you in our family, providing vehicles that are fuel efficient, safe, smartly designed and of the finest quality in the world. If you have any immediate concerns or questions, please visit www.mercuryvehicles.com or call our dedicated Mercury Customer Assistance Center at 1-888-333-7813.
Sincerely,
Kenneth M. Czubay
Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service
Ford Motor Company
As a Mercury owner, you are an important part of the family of Ford Motor Company customers and I want to assure you we are very sensitive to your concerns and needs.
Ford will work closely with Mercury dealers and customers during the transition, including providing current Mercury owners with continued access to parts and service support at Ford and Lincoln dealers. In addition, we will continue to honor current warranties and Ford's Extended Service Plans. Please refer to your vehicle warranty booklet for specific details on your vehicle's coverage.
As Ford Motor Company continues to reinvent itself for you and our future customers, we want to thank you for your business. We will work hard to keep you in our family, providing vehicles that are fuel efficient, safe, smartly designed and of the finest quality in the world. If you have any immediate concerns or questions, please visit www.mercuryvehicles.com or call our dedicated Mercury Customer Assistance Center at 1-888-333-7813.
Sincerely,
Kenneth M. Czubay
Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service
Ford Motor Company
In May BreAnna McGee, Lexi Bryan and Adam Marske were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars received an award and their school is presented with a $500 check from Rizza Cars. Rizza Cars has dealership locations throughout the Chicago and Chicagoland Areas in: Orland Park, Tinley Park, Naperville and North Riverside and enjoys sponsoring activities in their community.
BreAnna McGee of Andrew High School – Why nominated? BreAnna McGee has been a 4-year starter for the Thunderbolts. The senior pitcher currently has a 9-0 record with an earned run average of 2.40
Lexi Bryant of Carl Sandburg High School – Why nominated? Through April 22nd, Lexi has a .450 batting average with 25 RBI's and 8 home runs. Lexi is a junior and has verbally committed to Kansas University.
Adam Marske of Nazareth Academy – Why nominated? Adam is a senior outfielder on the Nazareth Academy Baseball Team. Adam achieved a 31 on the ACT. His current game stats are: 17 for 35, .485 batting average, 4 Home Runs, and 22 Runs Batted In (R.B.I.'s). Adam's dedication and success makes him a perfect candidate for May's Athlete of the Month. Congratulations on a good season so far and keep up the good work!
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
BreAnna McGee of Andrew High School – Why nominated? BreAnna McGee has been a 4-year starter for the Thunderbolts. The senior pitcher currently has a 9-0 record with an earned run average of 2.40
Lexi Bryant of Carl Sandburg High School – Why nominated? Through April 22nd, Lexi has a .450 batting average with 25 RBI's and 8 home runs. Lexi is a junior and has verbally committed to Kansas University.
Adam Marske of Nazareth Academy – Why nominated? Adam is a senior outfielder on the Nazareth Academy Baseball Team. Adam achieved a 31 on the ACT. His current game stats are: 17 for 35, .485 batting average, 4 Home Runs, and 22 Runs Batted In (R.B.I.'s). Adam's dedication and success makes him a perfect candidate for May's Athlete of the Month. Congratulations on a good season so far and keep up the good work!
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
In April Meg Kelly, Abby Hedlin and Nora Masterson were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars receives an award and their school is presented with $500 from Rizza Cars.
Meg Kelly of Mt. Assisi High School - Why nominated? Meg Kelly is a 4 year starter on varsity and a 4 year All Conference selection (GCAC RED). She led the Eagles to a regional championship last year and sectional finalist (lost to eventual state champs Oak Forest 1-0). She is 2-0 this season with 23 k's in her first 2 starts. Meg will continue her softball career next year at Western Illinois University.
Abby Hedlin of Lincoln-Way West - Why nominated? Abby Hedlin had a great month of March in Girls Track and Field. Abby won the High Jump at the Charleston Invitational, which is the best Indoor meet in the state of Illinois. Abby’s winning jump of 5’4” also qualified her for the Indoor State Meet, in which she placed 2nd, at Illinois Wesleyn University on March 27th Along with the High Jump, Abby also was part of the 4x800 meter relay team that qualified for the Indoor State Meet.
Nora Masterson of Nazareth Academy - Why nominated? Nora is a senior on the girls' basketball team for the Roadrunners. Nora finished 3rd Place at the IHSA 3A Country Financial 3 Point Shoot-Out at Illinois State University. She advanced from the 32 participants to the four-player finals by making 9 of 15 shots and then 6 for 10 among six players in a shoot-off. Congrats Nora and thanks for your dedication!
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Meg Kelly of Mt. Assisi High School - Why nominated? Meg Kelly is a 4 year starter on varsity and a 4 year All Conference selection (GCAC RED). She led the Eagles to a regional championship last year and sectional finalist (lost to eventual state champs Oak Forest 1-0). She is 2-0 this season with 23 k's in her first 2 starts. Meg will continue her softball career next year at Western Illinois University.
Abby Hedlin of Lincoln-Way West - Why nominated? Abby Hedlin had a great month of March in Girls Track and Field. Abby won the High Jump at the Charleston Invitational, which is the best Indoor meet in the state of Illinois. Abby’s winning jump of 5’4” also qualified her for the Indoor State Meet, in which she placed 2nd, at Illinois Wesleyn University on March 27th Along with the High Jump, Abby also was part of the 4x800 meter relay team that qualified for the Indoor State Meet.
Nora Masterson of Nazareth Academy - Why nominated? Nora is a senior on the girls' basketball team for the Roadrunners. Nora finished 3rd Place at the IHSA 3A Country Financial 3 Point Shoot-Out at Illinois State University. She advanced from the 32 participants to the four-player finals by making 9 of 15 shots and then 6 for 10 among six players in a shoot-off. Congrats Nora and thanks for your dedication!
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
In March Chelsey O'Brien, Erynn Schuh and Patrick Vitek were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars receives an award and their school is presented with $500 from Rizza Cars.
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Chelsey O'Brien of Mt. Assisi Academy – why nominated? Chelsey, a senior at Mt. Assisi Academy, is a 4 year member of the Varsity Pom Dance Team, including the 2009 team that placed 7th at the IDTA State Competition. Chelsey is a dedicated dancer who pocesses strong leadership skills, a positive attitude, and a caring nature. She choreographed the majority of the award winning 2010 Pom Dance and is instrumental in critiquing the dancing skills of the other members of the team in order to make their performances at competition exceptional.
Erynn Schuh of Lincoln-Way North High School – why nominated? Erynn Schuh went 14-15 from the free throw line and scored 18 points on the night helping Lincoln-Way North beat Andrew 60-55 Wednesday night in the Class 4A Eisenhower Regional semifinals.
Patrick Vitek of Nazareth Academy – why nominated? Patrick is a freshman wrestler who qualified for sectionals in the inaugural season of the Nazareth Academy Wrestling Program. He wrestled at 152 pounds.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Chelsey O'Brien of Mt. Assisi Academy – why nominated? Chelsey, a senior at Mt. Assisi Academy, is a 4 year member of the Varsity Pom Dance Team, including the 2009 team that placed 7th at the IDTA State Competition. Chelsey is a dedicated dancer who pocesses strong leadership skills, a positive attitude, and a caring nature. She choreographed the majority of the award winning 2010 Pom Dance and is instrumental in critiquing the dancing skills of the other members of the team in order to make their performances at competition exceptional.
Erynn Schuh of Lincoln-Way North High School – why nominated? Erynn Schuh went 14-15 from the free throw line and scored 18 points on the night helping Lincoln-Way North beat Andrew 60-55 Wednesday night in the Class 4A Eisenhower Regional semifinals.
Patrick Vitek of Nazareth Academy – why nominated? Patrick is a freshman wrestler who qualified for sectionals in the inaugural season of the Nazareth Academy Wrestling Program. He wrestled at 152 pounds.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
In February Julia Marbach, Brian “Bubba” Witkowsk and Rachel Stec Powers were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars receives an award and their school is presented with $500 from Rizza Cars.
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Julia Marbach of Mt. Assisi Academy – why nominated? Julia Marbach Senior captain Julia is averaging 9PPG, 9RPG and 3 steals per game. As a three year varsity basketball player, Julia has made her game better every year. Julia has given the basketball program the leadership that it needs on the floor. Julia is not only fantastic on the basketball court, but she is also number 1 in her class. She balances her honors classes with her basketball schedule better then any player in the program. As a captain, Julia works hard in practice to help her younger teammates get better. Every coach likes to see their players get better as the season wears on, and Julia is averaging a Double-Double (10pts 11reb) in her last 7 games.
Brian “Bubba” Witkowsk of Tinley Park High School – why nominated? Brian “Bubba” Witkowski, a senior, has had an excellent senior season for the boys swim team. He is captain of the team and has guided the Titans to a tremendous amount of success this year. With his help the team won both the Oak Lawn and Tinley Park Invites and took 2nd at the Bremen Invite. He is hoping to guide the Titans to a conference team victory this Saturday at the SSC Blue Conference Meet at Tinley Park High School. He looks to improve his top times this season in the 50 freestyle-23.04 and the 100 freestyle-53.00. Brian not only excels in the pool but is a stellar student and leader in the classroom. He works extremely hard and Tinley Park High School is proud to nominate Brian Witkowski for Athlete of the Month.
Rachel Stec of Nazareth Academy – why nominated? Rachel is a senior guard on the girls basketball team for the Roadrunners. She made two clutch free throws with 2 seconds left in the game to surpass the Lyons Township with a score of 34-33. Congrats Rachel!!!!
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Julia Marbach of Mt. Assisi Academy – why nominated? Julia Marbach Senior captain Julia is averaging 9PPG, 9RPG and 3 steals per game. As a three year varsity basketball player, Julia has made her game better every year. Julia has given the basketball program the leadership that it needs on the floor. Julia is not only fantastic on the basketball court, but she is also number 1 in her class. She balances her honors classes with her basketball schedule better then any player in the program. As a captain, Julia works hard in practice to help her younger teammates get better. Every coach likes to see their players get better as the season wears on, and Julia is averaging a Double-Double (10pts 11reb) in her last 7 games.
Brian “Bubba” Witkowsk of Tinley Park High School – why nominated? Brian “Bubba” Witkowski, a senior, has had an excellent senior season for the boys swim team. He is captain of the team and has guided the Titans to a tremendous amount of success this year. With his help the team won both the Oak Lawn and Tinley Park Invites and took 2nd at the Bremen Invite. He is hoping to guide the Titans to a conference team victory this Saturday at the SSC Blue Conference Meet at Tinley Park High School. He looks to improve his top times this season in the 50 freestyle-23.04 and the 100 freestyle-53.00. Brian not only excels in the pool but is a stellar student and leader in the classroom. He works extremely hard and Tinley Park High School is proud to nominate Brian Witkowski for Athlete of the Month.
Rachel Stec of Nazareth Academy – why nominated? Rachel is a senior guard on the girls basketball team for the Roadrunners. She made two clutch free throws with 2 seconds left in the game to surpass the Lyons Township with a score of 34-33. Congrats Rachel!!!!
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
In January Katie McGann, Joey Allegretti and Ryan Powers were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars receives an award and their school is presented with $500 from Rizza Cars.
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Katie McGann of Mt. Assisi Academy – why nominated? As a 2 year starter for the varsity basketball team, sophomore Katie McGann has been contributing since her first day in the program. Last year Katie averaged 9.7 pts per game and has already shown improvement on that for this year by averaging 13.5 pts per game. Katie has refined her offensive skills and has proven to be a solid offensive threat to our opponents. Katie leads the team in 3pt field-goals with 19. Not only does Katie provide us with offensive power, she is also averaging 5 rebounds a game. Katie is also shooting 87% from the free-throw line. In her second year as a varsity player, Katie is already setting herself up to move into the top ten scoring leaders at Mt. Assisi by years end. Katie has been able to maintain a 3.0 gpa while participating cross-county and basketball.
Joey Allegretti of Lincoln-Way East High School – why nominated? Joey Allegretti, a Lincoln-Way East sophomore wrestler, was diagnosed with leukemia Jan. 3, 2007 while on a family vacation to watch the Orange Bowl. After, a year of treatment he is finally cleared to come back and wrestle. Allegretti, who ranks in the top 10 in his weight class, has been a dedicated athlete since getting medical clearance to play after missing a year's worth of sports.
Ryan Powers of Nazareth Academy – why nominated? Ryan Powers is a three year starter for the Roadrunners. Recently, he scored 30 pts versus Timothy Christian and had 15 rebounds against Marist. Ryan was also named for the All-Tournament Team for the R-B Bill Vandemerkt Thanksgiving Classic.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Katie McGann of Mt. Assisi Academy – why nominated? As a 2 year starter for the varsity basketball team, sophomore Katie McGann has been contributing since her first day in the program. Last year Katie averaged 9.7 pts per game and has already shown improvement on that for this year by averaging 13.5 pts per game. Katie has refined her offensive skills and has proven to be a solid offensive threat to our opponents. Katie leads the team in 3pt field-goals with 19. Not only does Katie provide us with offensive power, she is also averaging 5 rebounds a game. Katie is also shooting 87% from the free-throw line. In her second year as a varsity player, Katie is already setting herself up to move into the top ten scoring leaders at Mt. Assisi by years end. Katie has been able to maintain a 3.0 gpa while participating cross-county and basketball.
Joey Allegretti of Lincoln-Way East High School – why nominated? Joey Allegretti, a Lincoln-Way East sophomore wrestler, was diagnosed with leukemia Jan. 3, 2007 while on a family vacation to watch the Orange Bowl. After, a year of treatment he is finally cleared to come back and wrestle. Allegretti, who ranks in the top 10 in his weight class, has been a dedicated athlete since getting medical clearance to play after missing a year's worth of sports.
Ryan Powers of Nazareth Academy – why nominated? Ryan Powers is a three year starter for the Roadrunners. Recently, he scored 30 pts versus Timothy Christian and had 15 rebounds against Marist. Ryan was also named for the All-Tournament Team for the R-B Bill Vandemerkt Thanksgiving Classic.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
In December - Nicole Frederick, Steven White and Jocelynn Birks were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars receives an award and their school is presented with $500 from Rizza Cars.
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Nicole Frederick of Queen of Peace High School – why nominated? Nicole is ranked #1 in her senior class and she is also a team captain on the Queen of Peace Varsity Volleyball team. She has been an outstanding player for us this year, earning GCAC All-Conference honors. As a setter, Nicole has had 57 kills, 422 assists, 48 aces, 197 digs, 5 solo blocked shots, and 8 assist blocked shots. Nicole is a great athlete who has performed well.
Steven White of Tinley Park High School – why nominated? Steve White is a hard worker both on and off the court. It is the first year of varsity basketball for the junior. He has been a part of the program for both his freshman and sophomore seasons prior to his debut on the varsity. White helped the Titans finish second in the Stagg Thanksgiving Tournament, where the Titans posted a 3-1 record. White was named to the All Tournament Team, and as a junior, White is averaging 15.5 points/game, 5.5 rebounds/game, 2.25 steals/game and leads the team in both three pointers made (10) and free-throws percentage (83 percent).
Jocelynn Birks of Lyons Township High School – why nominated? Jocelynn led her team to a 2nd place finish at the 4A Volleyball state championships. She led her team in kills and dominated the net as an attack player all season long. Jocelynn has been named to the West Suburban All-Conference team as well as being named her team's MVP for the season.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Nicole Frederick of Queen of Peace High School – why nominated? Nicole is ranked #1 in her senior class and she is also a team captain on the Queen of Peace Varsity Volleyball team. She has been an outstanding player for us this year, earning GCAC All-Conference honors. As a setter, Nicole has had 57 kills, 422 assists, 48 aces, 197 digs, 5 solo blocked shots, and 8 assist blocked shots. Nicole is a great athlete who has performed well.
Steven White of Tinley Park High School – why nominated? Steve White is a hard worker both on and off the court. It is the first year of varsity basketball for the junior. He has been a part of the program for both his freshman and sophomore seasons prior to his debut on the varsity. White helped the Titans finish second in the Stagg Thanksgiving Tournament, where the Titans posted a 3-1 record. White was named to the All Tournament Team, and as a junior, White is averaging 15.5 points/game, 5.5 rebounds/game, 2.25 steals/game and leads the team in both three pointers made (10) and free-throws percentage (83 percent).
Jocelynn Birks of Lyons Township High School – why nominated? Jocelynn led her team to a 2nd place finish at the 4A Volleyball state championships. She led her team in kills and dominated the net as an attack player all season long. Jocelynn has been named to the West Suburban All-Conference team as well as being named her team's MVP for the season.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
In November - Jessie Mainczyk, Erin McGinnis and Horacio Sanchez were honored as Athletes of the Month by Rizza Cars for the Orland Park, Frankfort and Hinsdale districts. Each Athlete of the Month sponsored by Rizza Cars receives an award and their school is presented with $500 from Rizza Cars.
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Jessie Mainczyk of Queen of Peace High School – why nominated? Jessie Mainczyk is a member of the Queen of Peace High School Volleyball Team. Her stats represent her qualification as an Athlete of the Month. To date she has 185 defensive digs, 194 kills, 21 ace serves and 8 solo blocks.
Erin McGinnis of Andrew High School – why nominated? Erin has been a 4-year varsity starter for the Andrew Girls' Golf team. She has consistently been our best golfer this season became the first female golfer in Andrew history to qualify for the state finals.
Horacio Sanchez of Lyons Township High School – why nominated? Horacio Sanchez is a member of the Lyons Township Soccer team that wons its 5th straight regional championship in October. He can score and feed others to score.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Athletes are nominated by coaches and teachers at their school for outstanding athletic performance in their chosen sport. See why this month’s winners were nominated:
Jessie Mainczyk of Queen of Peace High School – why nominated? Jessie Mainczyk is a member of the Queen of Peace High School Volleyball Team. Her stats represent her qualification as an Athlete of the Month. To date she has 185 defensive digs, 194 kills, 21 ace serves and 8 solo blocks.
Erin McGinnis of Andrew High School – why nominated? Erin has been a 4-year varsity starter for the Andrew Girls' Golf team. She has consistently been our best golfer this season became the first female golfer in Andrew history to qualify for the state finals.
Horacio Sanchez of Lyons Township High School – why nominated? Horacio Sanchez is a member of the Lyons Township Soccer team that wons its 5th straight regional championship in October. He can score and feed others to score.
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees!
Fresh from playing 15 holes in the cold rain Jeremy Fraser of Frankfort stopped at the Lincoln-Way North Homecoming football game to claim his prize as the winner of the Triblocal.com and Rizzacars.com High School Player of the Month for September.
Fraser is a junior at Lincoln-Way North and a member of the varsity boys golf team. At 16, he's been a key member of the team and aiming for a top finish this season.
Each month schools present a nominee for High School Player of the Month and readers, like you, cast votes for the athlete you'd like to see win the contest. The athlete with the most votes is declared the winner.
As the winner, Fraser received an award and Rizzacars.com donated $500 to Lincoln-Way North High School.
To present the award Oct. 3 Dan McMillan, chief financial officer of Rizzacars.com presented the check to Lincoln-Way North Athletic Director Matthew Lyke and Jeremy Fraser.
By Triblocal.com reporter Melissa R. Riske
Fraser is a junior at Lincoln-Way North and a member of the varsity boys golf team. At 16, he's been a key member of the team and aiming for a top finish this season.
Each month schools present a nominee for High School Player of the Month and readers, like you, cast votes for the athlete you'd like to see win the contest. The athlete with the most votes is declared the winner.
As the winner, Fraser received an award and Rizzacars.com donated $500 to Lincoln-Way North High School.
To present the award Oct. 3 Dan McMillan, chief financial officer of Rizzacars.com presented the check to Lincoln-Way North Athletic Director Matthew Lyke and Jeremy Fraser.
By Triblocal.com reporter Melissa R. Riske
Joe Rizza has again received Ford Motor Company's President's Award. The most prestigious award that Ford gives its dealers. It recognizes excellence in customer satisfaction for Ford Sales and Service. Ford Motor Company's General Zone Manager Jeff Terlep expressed his excitement. "Ford Motor Company is extremely proud of Joe Rizza's accomplishments in all 3 of his Ford and Lincoln, Mercury dealerships," stated Mr. Terlep. Only 5% of all Ford Dealers nation wide receive this high honor.
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedans/Saloons, Lincoln
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost
Following the release of the flagship MKT and Flex CUV, the Lincoln MKS is now the third vehicle to receive the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the 2010 model year. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the twin-turbo engine is rated at 355 bhp and 350 lb-ft torque, all while providing 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Those who opt for the EcoBoost will also get a host of other options including 19-inch wheels, steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, all-wheel-drive, push-button start, ambient lighting, HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a rear window power sunshade. More info on the EcoBoost can be found in the press release after the jump and there are plenty of high-res images in the gallery below.
Live Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.
Continue reading Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6
Detroit 2009: Lincoln MKS latest to get EcoBoost V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Sedans/Saloons, Safety, Tech, Crossovers/CUVs, Ford, Lincoln
Click above for a high-res shot of Active Park Assist in action
Admit it, you've embarrassed yourself at some point trying to parallel park. It's like they say about drivers at Indianapolis: There are those who have hit the wall, and those who will. The same principle applies when it comes to parallel parking. Like an increasing number of automakers, Ford is moving beyond the realm of auto-dip side mirrors and into the realm of auto parking systems. The Blue Oval's new Active Park Assist will initially be available on the Lincoln MKS and MKT (about which you'll hear much more on January 12) next summer.
The system takes advantage of the ultrasonic sensors now mounted on the corners of many vehicles (used for backup warning, blind spot detection and other functions), and combines them with a new electric power assisted steering setup. The system can manipulate the steering automatically and the sensors detect where the vehicle is relative to other vehicles. It starts off by using the sensors to measure the distance between cars to determine if there is enough space, and then it operates the steering, instructing the driver when to shift into Drive or Reverse and press the gas or brake. Ford claims the system works much more reliably than the camera-based system used by Lexus. We had no luck with the Lexus system, so we'll be the judge of how well Ford's setup works. Follow the jump to read Ford's official press release.
Gallery: Ford Active Park Assist
[Source: Ford]
Continue reading Ford automates parallel parking for Lincoln MKS, MKT
Ford automates parallel parking for Lincoln MKS, MKT originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFiled under: Gadgets, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Tech, Ford, Mercury
You drive like crap and you know it. Stop the burnouts, late braking and 100-mph freeway sprint and you just might make a tank of gas last longer than a day. Sure, automakers like Ford could spend a few million on lectures to teach car buyers a thing or two about better driving. But if you didn't get it in Driver's Ed, you're not likely to get it now. Instead, Ford's new Smart Gauge will teach better driving through rewards. Do a better job controlling your right foot, and Smart Guage adds a green leaf to a display next to the speedo. The better you do, the more leaves you get. Nancy Gioia, Ford's director of hybrid-vehicle programs, tells The Wall Street Journal, "You don't have to count the leaves. But if you're in a forest of leaves, you'll know you're doing well."
You can also grow your Virtual Dash Tree[TM] for a chance to defeat the boss monster on the final level and, if successful, Smart Gauge will reward drivers with Fordelicious Fruit[TM], which you can trade for Microsoft Points that can be used to pay for your Sync subscription. No. Not really.
Ford is expected to announce the Smart Gauge today and it will initially be available on the hybrid versions of 2010 Mercury Milans and Ford Fusions. There is a video from Ford after the jump.
[Source: The Wall Street Journal]
Continue reading Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO
Ford "Smart Gauge" collects green leaves for good behavior w/VIDEO originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsLINCOLN MKZ AND NAVIGATOR AWARDED “INTERIOR OF THE YEAR” HONORS FROM WARD’S AUTO WORLD
DEARBORN, Mich., June 7 – The 2007 Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln Navigator were awarded “Interiors of the Year” in their respective categories at the 8th annual Automotive “Interior of the Year” awards conducted by Ward’s Auto World magazine. These awards came on the same day as Lincoln received impressive recognition by J.D. Power and Associates in the latest Initial Quality Study (IQS).
For the second year in a row, industry voters recognized the Lincoln MKZ with the “Premium-Priced Car Interior of the Year” award beating other luxury car nominees including the Infiniti G35, Lexus LS 460, Jaguar XK and Volvo S80.
Also, the 2007 Lincoln Navigator was awarded as having the “Premium-Priced Truck Interior of the Year” by the Ward’s editorial staff excelling above tough competition including the Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler Aspen, Nissan Quest and Land Rover LR3.
“ Lincoln is distinguishing itself from the competition with exceptional interior design as evidenced by winning two of the three premium vehicle categories for best interiors,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director of Design, The Americas. “These awards showcase our commitment to the design and quality that we’re executing across all of our vehicle lines.”
Lincoln Success on Several Fronts
The “Interior of the Year” award wins are just the latest in a wave of good news that Lincoln has been experiencing this year. Lincoln ranked third among all vehicle brand nameplates in initial quality according to J.D. Power IQS. With one all-new and three significantly updated products in the showroom, Lincoln has achieved eight months in a row of higher retail sales.
The all-new Lincoln MKX is the brand’s first crossover and has scored well in the IQS report placing second in the premium multi-activity vehicle (MAV) segment, and already has been recognized with a “Top Safety Pick” by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Sales of the Lincoln MKX hit a record level in May, up 20-percent over April. According to the Power Information Network, the Lincoln MKX is “Hot Off the Lot” leading its key competitors with the lowest number of days sitting on dealer lots before sale to a customer.
The Lincoln MKZ received top honors in its segment in the J.D. Power IQS report, and has also received awards for its navigation system (ranked #1 by J.D. Power in the 2006 Navigation Usage and Satisfaction Study) and THX-II audio system (voted “Best Audio” by PC Magazine in their 2007 Digital Drive Awards and “Best Stereo System” by CNET.com in their 2006 Car Tech Awards).
The Lincoln Navigator received a redesign inside and out for 2007 and ranked second in the IQS report in the large premium MAV segment.
