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Tune in to Ford DigiKnows to Talk to the Experts Live: Episode #2 - Can a Car Teach You to Drive More Fuel Efficiently?
Ford DigiKnows – Episode #2 – Can a Car Teach You to Drive More Fuel Efficiently?
Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
March 3rd, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET
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Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive steaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.
About DigiKnows #2: Can a Car Teach You to Drive More Fuel Efficiently?
In our second episode on March 3rd at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at the topic of fuel efficiency with the Ford Fusion Hybrid, the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan in the market today and discovers how Ford coaches drivers to be more fuel efficient. Join in and ask your questions as Michael takes a look at the Ford Fusion Hybrid with Praveen Cherian, Program Leader for Ford’s Hybrid Programs.
The new smaller, lighter, hybrid battery-powered Ford Fusion Hybrid can travel more than 700 miles on a single tank of gas in city driving. Equipped with SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide technology, Fusion Hybrid owners are offered a more-connected, fuel-efficient
driving experience. SmartGauge helps drivers to optimize performance and efficiency by continuously updating them with the hybrid’s fuel and battery power levels, as well as the vehicle’s average and instant miles-per-gallon. In addition, the Fusion Hybrid features some of the most eco-friendly seats available in a mid-size sedan, with fabric made from 100 percent post-industrial recycled material. The Fusion Hybrid reaches a surprising speed of 47 miles per hour in electric mode, while achieving 41mpg in the city and 36mpg on the highway 8 miles more in city driving than the Toyota Camry Hybrid,
Links:
Watch the Ford DigiKnows archives
Ford Fusion Best in Class Fuel Economy
New 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid—Leading Fuel Efficiency and Smart New Technologies
CLEVELAND ENGINE PLANT NO. 1 REOPENS
Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1 reopens to become first site in the world to produce EcoBoost engines.
Ford invested $55 million for tooling and equipment upgrades at Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1, which has been idled since 2007, to build the EcoBoost engine. The powerful, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines represent the cornerstone of Ford’s technology plan to deliver fuel efficiency and performance to millions.
EcoBoost will first be available this summer in the 2010 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex. Production is slated to begin this spring, with approximately 250 employees forming shifts to build the engine. The employees are a combination of employees who worked in the plant, before it was idled in 2007, and employees from other plants.
Employee training and flexible manufacturing are key components to the success of the Cleveland Engine Plant. Here are some highlights of this two-fold strategy:
Extensive Employee Training
- The workforce participated in an intensive three-tier training program aimed at improving quality and empowering employees. The first two phases of training covered basic manufacturing operations and employees learned how to manage their own equipment and work area through “manufacturing work teams” at the plant.
- For the final phase, the plant will be working with Cuyahoga Community College. During four weeks of onsite classroom training employees will upgrade skill sets for machining technicians and production team leaders, and will receive 10 credit hours toward an associate’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
Flexible Manufacturing
- Outfitted with a flexible manufacturing system for powertrains, featuring modern, Computerized Numerical Control machine tools (CNC machines) the facility can easily be retooled and reprogrammed to perform new tasks with minimal disruption to production.
- A new, internal database will ensure quality is built into the engine from the outset. During production, each engine built at the plant will have a sophisticated engine “birth history” that allows plant engineers to trace the precise path taken by any part so any quality control issue can be traced back to its source.
Quotes
“The EcoBoost engine is a strategic product that will provide Ford with a competitive edge. The Cleveland site is thrilled to be delivering an important product for the company. We have an outstanding, specially trained workforce that is committed to delivering a world-class, quality product for our customers.”
- Jan Allman, Cleveland Site Manager
“This training approach not only delivers the technical training to the workforce but also empowers them which is a cultural change from the traditional management-directed system. You’re turning over the keys to the hourly team members to let them do what they need to do to get their jobs done. Each employee, working under a team leader, is responsible for his or her area and they work as a team to deliver a high quality engine.”
- Kevin Heck, Cleveland Engine No. 1 Area Manager
“What we do is primarily teach job skills, so this fits right in with our mission statement. What’s unique about this is we’re doing it in Ford-dedicated workspace; we’re bringing our instructors and our equipment to Ford and we’re offering the credit hours. We, along with Ford, understand the importance of helping people expand their skills and knowledge for the rapidly changing workplace.”
-John Gajewski, Executive Director of Cuyahoga Community College Workforce and Economic Development Division
Ford Escape Hybrid Named Best Family Vehicle
Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com named Ford Escape Hybrid one of its “2009 Best New Family Vehicles.”
According to kbb.com, vehicles were chosen for this year’s list based on factors such as resale value, capability, kid-friendliness and fuel efficiency.
Kbb.com editors praised the Escape Hybrid for its improved – more powerful and more efficient – gas-electric powertrain and its fuel economy rating of 34 mpg in the city.
The Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet. It offers families value and versatility with five-passenger seating and plenty of storage capability.
Safe
Safety – the most important consideration for families – comes standard on the Escape Hybrid. All vehicles are equipped with a number of safety features, such as AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control®, Safety Canopy™, Personal Safety System®, tire pressure monitoring system and the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system for rear seating positions.
Connected
In addition to SYNC, the Escape Hybrid offers family-friendly features such as SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link™.
Environmentally Friendly
The Escape Hybrid meets strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards. The 2009 model also features new comfort-designed seats with soy-based foam and eco-friendly seat fabrics made from post-industrial 100 percent recycled materials.
Quotes
“Not only is the Ford Escape Hybrid the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet, it also offers families the perfect combination of value and versatility. The Escape Hybrid offers the convenience and flexibility that many families need in an ultra fuel-efficient vehicle. You can fit five passengers plus a lot of cargo, such as sporting and camping equipment. It’s a fully functional SUV that happens to be a hybrid as well.”
- David Finnegan, Ford Hybrid Marketing Manager
“After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with a more powerful and more efficient gas-electric powertrain. Its fuel economy rating of 34 miles per gallon is even better than that of the Toyota Camry Hybrid.”
- Jack R. Nerad, Executive Editorial Director and Executive Market Analyst, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com
Environmental Group Rates Ford Hybrids as ‘Greener Choices’
Environmental Group Rates 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Ranger as ‘Greener Choices’
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) announced its annual environmental scores for 2009 model year cars and trucks this week, listing Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Ranger on its “Greener Choices” list.
Greener Choices
According to ACEEE, “Greener Choices” are widely available gas-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. The 2009 Escape Hybrid, which earned a superior “green score” of 42, is rated for 34/31 miles per gallon in city/highway driving. The 2009 Ranger, which earned a “green score” of 33, is rated for 19/24 mpg. Both vehicles meet low emission standards.
More Top-Rated Vehicles
Additional 2009 Ford Motor Company vehicles received top ratings from ACEEE, including Mercury Mariner Hybrid, which offers the same fuel economy as the Escape Hybrid, and the Ford Ranger with a manual transmission, which gets 21/26 mpg. Top-rated “green” vehicles include cars and trucks that have high fuel economy and meet one of the stricter low-emission vehicle standards.
FORD EXPANDS PLUG-IN HYBRID VEHICLE PROGRAM
Ford Adds 7 New Utility Partners, Battery Makers to Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Program
Ford Motor Company is getting charged up about its electric vehicle strategy. It’s announced a new battery supplier and added seven utility partners and a New York research and development authority to a test program to speed the commercialization of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Ford’s partnerships will help accelerate its electrification strategy, including bringing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) van to market in 2010 for commercial use, a small BEV sedan developed jointly with Magna International by 2011 and a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) by 2012.
Road Testing Tomorrow’s Transportation Today
Ford’s electric utility partners in New York, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Alabama will conduct real-world tests on a fleet of Ford Escape PHEVs. The research focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage, grid infrastructure, the potential for stationary battery application and the value of energy storage.
The utility partners include New York Power Authority, Consolidated Edison of N.Y., American Electric Power of Ohio, Alabama Power and its parent, Atlanta-based Southern Co., Progress Energy of N.C, DTE Energy of Mich., and National Grid of Mass., as well as New York State Energy and Research Development Authority, a state agency.
Ford formed its first utility partnership with Southern California Edison in 2007, and was the first automotive manufacturer to partner with the utility industry in a shared effort to understand all of the issues related to PHEV technology and its interconnectivity with the electric grid. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) formed the collaboration of utilities for the program.
Power-ful Partner
Battery producer Johnson Controls-Saft will develop an advanced lithium-ion battery system to power Ford’s first production PHEVs beginning in 2012.
The battery system that Johnson Controls-Saft is designing and manufacturing for Ford include cells, mechanical, electrical, electronic and thermal components. Initially the cells will be produced at the supplier’s production facility in France, but the system will be assembled in the United States.
The Promise of Plug-Ins
Drivers of the demonstration Ford Escape PHEV will make far fewer trips to the gas station. It uses common household current (120 volts) for charging, with a full charge of the battery completed within six to eight hours. When driven on surface streets for the first 30 miles following a full charge, the Ford Escape PHEV can achieve up to 120 mpg – roughly 4.5 times its traditional gas internal combustion engine-powered counterpart.
A fully charged Ford Escape PHEV operates in two modes, electric drive and blended electric/engine drive. It is not range-limited by the amount of charge available in the high-voltage lithium-ion battery. Once the charge in the battery has been depleted, the vehicle continues to operate as a fuel-efficient, standard Ford Escape Hybrid.