Full-Size SUVs Bet on Fuel Saving Tech

It used to be that large SUVs were all about capability. They were the vehicles buyers chose because they needed V8 power, beefy towing abilities and room for up to nine people. Times have changed. Upcoming large SUVs are focusing on getting better fuel economy.

Ahead of the Dallas-Fort Worth auto show, Ford announced that the refreshed 2015 Ford Expedition will eschew the old model’s V8 engine in favor of one of the company’s EcoBoost V6 engines. According to Ford, “The new EcoBoost engine dramatically changes the driving characteristics of Expedition. Compared with the 5.4-liter V8, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost gives drivers not just better fuel economy, but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds.”
The powertrain changes on the redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe, a direct competitor to the Expedition, aren’t as dramatic. Still, Chevrolet says that the Tahoe’s V8 engine has been modified to squeeze out as many MPGs as possible. “A more-efficient, direct-injected EcoTec3 powertrain coupled with improved aerodynamics help offer greater estimated highway fuel economy based on GM testing while preserving overall performance and capability. Official EPA estimates are not yet available.

Read more »

2015 Ford F-150 May Show Up at Detroit Auto Show

Among full-size pickup trucks on the market today, the Ford F-150 hasn't been updated as recently as its biggest rivals, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ram 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500. That may soon change, as many news publications expect Ford to have the next generation 2015 F-150 on display at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit later this month.
Bloomberg reports that the new Ford F-150 will have a body constructed from aluminum, which will greatly reduce the truck's weight. This will in turn increase its fuel efficiency, helping Ford meet tougher fuel economy requirements and saving drivers money at the pump. Bloomberg reports that the new F-150 may approach 30 mpg on the highway. The 2014 F-150 tops out at an EPA-estimated 23 mpg highway, and the most fuel-efficient full-size truck on the market is the 2014 Ram 1500 HFE, which is rated at 25 mpg highway. The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra both get up to 24 mpg highway.

2014 Ford F-150 (Ford Motor Company)

There may be challenges associated with an aluminum-bodied pickup. Jalopnik says that Ford will have to convince buyers that aluminum body panels will be as durable as their steel counterparts. However, the site expects some of these concerns to be alleviated by the fact that Ford's aluminum supplier is Alcoa Inc., which also supplies aluminum for the military.
Ford may also be refreshing its engine offerings as well. Publications including Autoblog are reporting that the next F-150 may get a new twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that could also contribute to fuel economy gains. Autoblog expects the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine will supplement, rather than replace, the V6, V8s or 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engines already powering the F-150.
Sources including Car and Driver hope that the next F-150 will borrow design cues from the Ford Atlas concept, which debuted last year at the Detroit Auto Show.

Read more »

2015 Ford Mustang Gallops into the Future

Ford unveiled the fully-redesigned 2015 Mustang today, marking the 50th model year of the iconic pony car.
Ford Executive Vice President of Global Marketing and Sales Jim Farley says in a press release that Ford "crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang."
Reuters reports that the 2015 Mustang will be the first Mustang that is sold in Asia and Europe, and says the redesign focuses on appealing to the international market.

2015 Ford Mustang (Ford Motor Company)

The redesigned Ford Mustang is wider and sits lower than its predecessor, and Autoblog says that while the dimensional changes are small, the new car looks "noticeably more aggressive, athletic and planted." Autoblog says the 2015 Mustang's styling is set off by "a noticeable set of haunches and that raked roofline."
The styling from the rear is also quite different than the 2014 model. Kicking Tires says, "The rear quarter looks more like a traditional coupe than a muscle car, but the back end is far from ordinary." Re-imagined tri-bar tail lamps round out the rear of the car, and the Mustang's rear turn signals again illuminate sequentially.

2015 Ford Mustang (Ford Motor Company)

Mechanically, the new Mustang gains an independent rear suspension (IRS) in place of the solid rear axle found on previous Mustangs. The Detroit Free Press says that the IRS, along with other suspension revisions, will improve ride quality and handling ability.
Three engines will be available at launch. A 3.7-liter V6 that produces 300 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque and a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque essentially carry over from the 2014 model, and a new turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 305 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque will also be available. All engines come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with hill start assist, while a six-speed automatic is optional. Car and Driver is pleased that in the new cabin, the cup holders are no longer positioned in a way that interferes with shifting the manual gearbox.

2015 Ford Mustang Interior (Ford Motor Company)

Inside, auto reviewers such as Jalopnik are pleased with the overall design theme, as well as details like visible stitching and substantial-looking buttons. Notable features on the 2015 Mustang include Intelligent Access (proximity key), remote start, Ford's SYNC phone connectivity and voice command system, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, MyKey, a Shaker Pro audio system and the MyFord Touch infotainment system.
The 2015 Ford Mustang will be available in coupe and convertible body styles. Ford says the Mustang will be available in late 2014, but has not yet announced a starting price.

Read more »

Ford to Offer Free MPG Boost to 2013 Hybrid Owners

Ford will begin offering a free software update in August to improve the fuel economy of the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid, 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid.
Ford says the software update will improve its hybrids’ real-world fuel economy. “We believe these actions will provide our customers enhanced on-road fuel economy satisfaction,” says Raj Nair, group vice president of global product development at Ford, in a press release.
According to Ford, the software update will increase the electric-only top speed from 62 to 85 mph, reduce engine warm-up time, decrease aerodynamic drag using Ford’s active grille shutters, reduce engine cooling fan speed and optimize the climate control system.
“Customers should see the most improvement at highway speeds, during air conditioner use and operation in colder climates,” says Nair. He expects the mileage improvements to vary based on the way people drive. “Just as individual mileage can vary based on driving styles and environmental conditions,” he says, “we expect fuel economy improvements will differ from customer to customer depending on individual driving habits.”
Ford’s announcement Tuesday comes amid criticism that the company has inflated the fuel economy numbers of hybrids like the 2013 Ford C-Max Hybrid. Reuters reports that “Ford faces a number of class action lawsuits that claim the No. 2 U.S. automaker overstated the gas mileage on its hybrids.”
According to Business Insider, one plaintiff, who owns a C-Max Hybrid, averaged aproximately 37 mpg in combined driving, which is less than the EPA's 47 mpg combined estimate.
Consumer Reports tested the car last year and also reported 37 mpg combined.
Like other automakers, Ford uses the EPA's fuel economy estimates in its advertising. Organizations such as Consumer Reports have recently questioned the EPA’s testing methods, saying that the EPA’s tests don’t reflect real world driving and can result in inflated fuel economy numbers, especially for hybrids. The EPA last addressed concerns about its fuel economy tests in 2008, when it changed its methods to better reflect real world driving. It included faster acceleration, air conditioner use and colder outside temperatures in its tests, and average fuel economy numbers dropped.
Autoweek reports that the software updates should take a half day, and that Ford encourages 2013 hybrid owners to make an appointment with their dealer.

Read more »

Car Thieves Love the Ford F-250

If you own a Cadillac Escalade, you can breathe a little easier. After years of being the vehicle with the most insurance theft claims, the luxury large SUV is no longer the preferred target of car thieves. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, the Ford F-250 is now the vehicle most likely to be involved in car insurance theft claims. In fact, the HLDI reports that the F-250 has theft claims at a rate that's six times the average rate for all vehicles.

The Ford F-250 (Ford Motor Company)

Large pickup trucks and SUVs are still the favorite targets of car thieves, but the HLDI reports that, overall, the rate of vehicle thefts is declining. The institute credits ignition immobilizers, which are standard on 89 percent of 2012 model-year vehicles, for the drop. "Fewer pickups than cars or SUVs have the feature as standard, which may help explain the higher theft rates for pickups," says the HLDI.
The HLDI compiles its list of most-stolen vehicles from insurance claims on vehicles from the past three model years and notes, "Many pickup claims result from the theft of equipment from the truck bed, and that may be the case with some of the F-250 claims. HLDI's data don't distinguish theft of vehicle contents or components from theft of a whole vehicle."
According to the HLDI, vehicles with the highest insurance theft claims include the Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Avalanche, GMC Sierra and Ford F-350. Vehicles with the lowest claims include the Dodge Journey, Volkswagen Tiguan, Audi A4 and Acura RDX.
To prevent vehicle theft, it's always a good idea to park in a well-lit, highly visible area. If your car didn't come standard with an ignition immobilizer, which prevents thieves from hot-wiring a car, you can have one installed. When you leave your car, make sure valuables are secured out of sight. If you drive a pickup, a lockable tool box, tonneau cover or bed cap can keep your gear safer.

Read more »

Could Ford Overtake Toyota in Total Hybrid Sales?

Photo Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Since the early 2000s, Toyota has dominated the hybrid vehicle market, with a 71 percent market share last year, according to The Detroit News. However in the last year, Ford has introduced the all-new C-Max along with an electric version of the redesigned Ford Fusion, the Fusion Energi.
The Detroit News says Ford Fusion hybrid sales (not including the Fusion Energi) beat out sales of the Toyota Camry hybrid in April. In particular, Fusion sales are high in the Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Chicago markets.
In April, the Toyota Prius’ sales dropped 21 percent and the Camry’s dropped 26 percent compared to April of 2012, according to Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Ford has already surpassed General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and Kia in total hybrid sales.
The Detroit News says Toyota’s 71 percent of the hybrid market has already dropped to 58 percent this year. However, Ford still has a long way to go to catch up. Ford’s market share is at 18 percent, which is a 3 percent increase from where they were a year ago.
Erich Merkle, U.S. sales analyst for Ford Motor Company, tells Bloomberg that Ford sold 8,841 hybrid vehicles in April, and totals 29,561 hybrids sold for this year. Ford’s hybrid sales for 2010 totaled 35,496. Merkle added, “We’re turning, conquesting and growing our sales the fastest in the largest hybrid markets in the country.”
Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, told the Detroit Free Press last month that lower gas prices have had a negative impact on Toyota's hybrid sales. Originally, Toyota had forecasted 250,000 U.S. hybrid sales for 2013, but analysts have been speculating that Toyota may drop their forecasted number.

Read more »

2005 to 2009 Subaru Outback and Legacy Recalled

Subaru is recalling roughly 200,000 Legacy and Outback models because the brake lines could be susceptible to corrosion. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the recall affects 2005 to 2009 model year vehicles that are “currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.”
NHTSA says that a gap in the fuel tank protector could allow salt water to splash onto the brake lines, which creates the risk of excessive corrosion. Kicking Tires writes, “This could cause brake fluid leakage, which could necessitate longer stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash.”
Owners of affected Legacy and Outback models will be notified by Subaru so that dealers can perform an inspection. If no brake fluid is seeping, dealers will rustproof the area in question with an anti-corrosion wax. If seepage is present, Subaru will rustproof the area and replace the brake lines.
Subaru has not announced when the recall will begin yet. Owners of affected vehicles can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.

Read more »

Buying "American" Could Mean Buying Foreign

In a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 75 percent of those surveyed considered a product American if it was manufactured in the U.S. In the same survey released last week, 15 percent of those surveyed also named Ford as the most American company.
"What many consumers don't know is that companies very traditionally seen as American, from GE to John Deere to Levi Strauss, outsource varying portions of their operations overseas, so it takes a lot of attention and research to determine if you're buying American and what that specifically means to you," said Mike de Vere, president of the Harris Poll. "Even the big three automakers - Ford, General Motors and Chrysler - two of whom were thought of as the most American brands in our findings, increasingly have cars in which parts are produced abroad, while Japanese automakers Toyota and Honda have upped U.S. production."
Although Ford is considered the most American company by survey respondents, the annual American-Made Index by Cars.com only has one Ford vehicle listed (the Ford F-150). Cars.com says the “American-Made Index recognizes cars that are built here, have a high percentage of domestic parts and are bought in large numbers by American consumers.” The index, made up of 10 vehicles, has five Japanese-branded models that some consumers may automatically disqualify because they are made by a foreign car company. In reality, the Japanese Toyota Camry has ranked number one in the index over the last four years. The Camry is assembled in Kentucky and Indiana and is built with more U.S. parts than any other vehicle based on the index criteria.
Besides the Toyota Camry, the Sienna and Tundra made the list for 2012. Tying Toyota as the most represented automaker was General Motors, with the Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. Representing Honda was the Accord and Pilot, and one vehicle from Chrysler Group, the Jeep Liberty, made the list.
AOL Autos says, “‘Buy American,’ is an important criteria for many consumers as they think about supporting local jobs, buying local and helping the U.S. economy. But because large companies like automakers operate globally, defining ‘American’ and ‘local’ is actually quite different.”
Cars.com says that the automotive industry is becoming more global, as evidenced by the top two vehicles on its list. The Toyota Camry receives some drivetrains from Canada, and the V8 installed in the F-150 currently comes from Canada as well. Sometimes having parts come together from all around the globe helps the automaker’s bottom line. Ford, for example, earned a profit partly by instilling a global One Ford strategy that meant getting rid of some its domestic components, according to Cars.com.
With that criterion in mind, might it be OK to consider a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord for your next vehicle purchase if you’re looking to “buy American”? AOL Autos says trying to decipher which vehicles are more American (a foreign vehicle with more U.S.-made parts or a U.S. company that makes a vehicle with more foreign parts), may be too much of a headache for most consumers.
For consumers whose main focus is buying an American-made car, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website has a report of the amount of U.S./Canadian parts, by percentage, installed in each vehicle that is sold in the U.S.

Read more »

Ford, Subaru Issue Recalls

Ford and Subaru have issued separate recalls, impacting 196,500 Ford and Mercury models and 47,419 Subaru models.

2004 Ford Freestar

Ford’s recall applies to 2004 to 2007 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans. Reuters reports that the fold-flat third row seat may not latch properly due to corrosion in the rear wheel wells. According to the publication, which spoke with Ford, the only vehicles affected are those that were sold or are registered in snow-belt states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.
The Wall Street Journal reports that this recall is similar to two earlier recalls related to corrosion issues found in 2004 Freestar models and 1999-2003 Windstar models.
According to Reuters, Ford is unaware of any injuries or accidents related to the defect. To remedy the issue, Ford will install a new mounting bracket for the third row and overlay panels in the wheel wells.
Kicking Tires says that owners can contact Ford at 1-866-462-7332, or can enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for more specific information on Ford’s website.

2011 Subaru Outback

Subaru’s recall affects CVT- or automatic transmission-equipped 2010-2012 and certain 2013 Legacy and Outback models, 2012-2013 Impreza models and 2013 XV Crosstrek models. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, those models equipped with an Audiovox remote engine starter accessory may have a faulty remote. NHTSA says that if the remote engine start fob is dropped, it may malfunction and start the engine without the start-button being depressed. This could result in the engine starting and running for up to 15 minutes, or the engine may start and stop continually until the remote’s battery dies or the car runs out of gas.
To fix the problem, Subaru will replace the remote engine start key fobs for free. Subaru will contact owners of affected vehicles, and the recall should start at the beginning of April. For more information, owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Owners can also contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236.

Read more »

2014 Subaru Forester Named IIHS Top Safety Pick

The 2014 Subaru Forester has been named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This means the affordable compact SUV earned the top score of Good in the IIHS’ side, rear and moderate overlap front crash tests, as well as in the rollover/roof strength test. The previous generation Forester was also an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
The $21,995 Forester is redesigned for the 2014 model year and comes standard with safety features like seven air bags, all-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and a rollover sensor. Subaru’s EyeSight system is optional, and includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and sway warning.
Other compact SUVs that are Top Safety Picks include the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Patriot, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and Volkswagen Tiguan. The IIHS says it will test the Forester and other compact SUVs in its new small overlap front crash test soon and release their crash test ratings this spring. If vehicles earn the top rating of Good or Acceptable in this test, as well as Good in the other four tests, they are given Top Safety Pick+ awards, which is the highest award the institute gives. Midsize and luxury midsize cars have been tested in this new category so far, as well as a few other models, and 15 midsize cars have earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation, including cars like the Volvo S60, Honda Accord, Mazda6 and Subaru Legacy.
If you’re shopping for a safe family vehicle, check out our 2013 U.S. News Best Cars for Families awards, which will be announced early next week. In the meantime, see which vehicles won Best Cars for Families awards in 2012.

Read more »