Ford
Latest
Ford and Edison power to partner on "plug-in" vehicles
If the electric car died, it has been very much revived by recent events: Ford and power company Edison are to partner on the creation of vehicles capable of being plugged into a power outlet. The new cars won't dump the combustion engine completely, but instead opt for a hybrid solution -- Ford is obviously not interested in cutting all its ties just yet. The precise details are to be unveiled at a press conference in California, so we won't know until then exactly how green the two companies are hoping to get. At least this time around the two companies are considering the infrastructure (hence the inclusion of a power company) rather than just focusing on the vehicles.
Europe's Ford Mondeo sports 'allergy tested interior'
While Ford struggles to do anything right here in the States, the firm's European-bound Mondeo should appeal to those who just so happen to suffer from allergies across the pond. The whip, which is being gratuitously dubbed the "most technologically advanced car ever launched by Ford in Europe," does indeed tout the German TÜV Rhineland group's "Allergy Tested Interior" seal of approval, and suffered through an "extensive series of scientifically verifiable tests" in order to receive it. Ford engineers reportedly strayed from using materials such as "latex, chrome, and nickel that can provoke allergic reactions in some people," and a high-performance pollen filter was also thrown in for good measure. The new Mondeo, allergy friendly interior and all, should be cruising onto European lots any day now.[Via CNET]
Microsoft patent details in-car stereo with docking station
Hearing Microsoft's name and "in-car stereo" in the same sentence should elicit any forms of surprise, as we've long since known that Redmond was looking to up the ante of automotive entertainment in a bevy of Ford vehicles later this year. A recent patent was granted to the firm that details a "car stereo including a docking station into which an off-the-shelf handheld computer can be docked," and additionally, it insinuates that a multitude of devices will be supported. Of course, we already knew the iPod would play nice with Sync, and while it doesn't specify if each individual DAP that you cram in this thing will have its own interface to display ID3 tags and the like, it sure seems that the major ones will. Another tidbit is the inclusion of a memory system that will "maintain a record its current state when it is undocked from a particular type of appliance," meaning that when you return and re-dock your handheld, everything should resume without any hassle. Best of all, however, is the insinuation that it won't be limited to just DAPs and PMPs, as "another interface form may allow the user to select from resources such as GPS, internet, a printer over USB, etc."[Via InformationWeek]
Software patch could boost MPG in gas-powered vehicles
No doubt, we've seen more than a few sensational sounding gizmos aiming to provide (nearly) limitless power and create energy out of thin air, but a simple software patch could enable the vast majority of the world that's still stuck in gasoline-powered vehicles to get better gas mileage. John Kessels at the University of Eindhoven has partnered with Ford to develop software to improve engine performance and save "up to 2.6-percent" in terms of miles per gallon. Quite simply, the patch dynamically switches the dynamo, (which charges the car battery) on and off when it is "particularly inefficient for the engine to power it, thus improving the overall efficiency of the engine." Mr. Kessels even stated that "a simple cable and a software upgrade" was all that would be necessary to boost MPG, and thankfully it's not exclusive to Ford motors. Notably, a fuel savings closer to six-percent could likely be achieved if a "powerful starter motor" was installed to allow your engine to cut off entirely and restart quickly in between long traffic jams, but both methods have a good bit of testing to go through before being deemed non-abrasive to batteries and engine components. But hey, there's nothing a firmware upgrade can't fix, right?
2008 Ford Escape offers "standard" iPod jack
What struck me about this article about the 2008 Ford Escape was the following line: "The instrument panel houses audio and climate controls, a standard MP3/iPod audio jack, and controls for the available heated seats and in-dash navigation system." Not only has the MP3 audio jack become standard, but the iPod gets listed coequally with MP3. Is the iPod about to become the next kleenex, jello, or bandaid as a proprietary eponym? Has the iPod reached that level of popularity where it has been absorbed into the buying public's mind as the standard unit of portable media playback? I'm sure the guys from Auto Spectator wouldn't have listed the iPod-compliance of the audio jack if they didn't think it would connect with their audience.
Up close with the Ford Airstream's 360-degree TV
We had an opportunity this week to spend a few minutes mesmerized by the tube (literally) television mounted prominently to the floor of the passenger compartment in Ford's Airstream concept van. Granted, the big news here is that brick-like aerodynamics and hydrogen power make for strange bedfellows, but the bizarre display comes in a close second. Inhabitants of the van's quarters are theoretically able to use it to watch movies, but the thought of kiddies scrambling around a pole to catch the action on the other side of the picture is going to be a nightmare come true for parents of the distant future hauling down the highways and bi-ways in this thing. For what it's worth, the images looked extraordinarily bright (perhaps disturbingly so for the interior of a vehicle) and plenty crisp, but we'll ditch the movies -- we think could stare at that faux lava lamp for hours.
Ford Airstream hydrogen-powered concept: automobile or space capsule?
You know how we like to get our tricked out transportation on, and if we can emit a little less carbon in the process, so much the better. Autoblog Green has the scoop and a bunch of shots of this Ford Airstream concept car unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show, which switches over to a hydrogen fuel cell when its battery charge dips below 40 percent (not that this would help you much anytime soon, unless you happen to live in Iceland). Still, if we manage to outlast global warming long enough to actually see this unit in production, it'll come decked out with a 360-degree video screen viewable from all passenger seats in the vehicle that, when you're not busy watching DVDs, can enhance your trip with a lava lamp effect or a range of other "moods." There's also a Sharp dual-view screen smack dab in the middle of the instrument panel so the driver and front-seat passenger can view a feed from the onboard camera. We hope to see this concept one day turn to reality, as we're totally convinced there's a market out there for those gull-wing doors... somewhere (alas, poor De Lorean!).
Microsoft, Ford bringing "Sync" to cars this year
As expected, it's been announced today that the Blue&Me system originally debuted with Fiat in Europe is finally coming to the States by way of Ford, but not without a name change: "Sync." The setup offers integration with Bluetooth-enabled phones (read: virtually all phones these days) and music players via both A2DP / AVRCP and USB 2.0 connections -- and yes, the iPod's right there at the top of the compatibility list, despite Microsoft's involvement. Other nifty (and potentially driver-distracting) features include the ability to have text messages read aloud, voice recognition for control of both phone and music functions, and phonebook transfer. Best of all, the system's upgradeable -- primarily for compatibility with future players, but it also leaves the door open for additional functionality down the road. Look for the Sync to get synced on twelve model year 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with availability starting later this year.
360 survives hit and run accident
Xbox 360 owner Zikronix was in a hit and run accident on Monday, and while he managed to escape with a bruised elbow, his truck and Xbox 360 didn't fare so well.According to the story, his system and games were flung all over the street after his truck rolled several times. There's even a tire mark on the console, and check out that mangled controller.He took the mangled console back home found that, to his surprise, it still started up just fine and played games and DVDs, even though it looks like the remains of the printer in Office Space.Check out his pix here, and watch the YouTube video after the jump. We still wanna know how this accident happened, but at least the 360 looks tougher you'd expect. Should have driven a Ford *ducks onslaught from Chevy fanboys*.
Ford demos new airbag-based seatbelt design
It's not every day that auto technology moves from the speedway to the driveway. The Detroit News reports that Ford is working on a new style of seatbelts, inspired by race car driver seatbelts, which have mini-airbags embedded inside. When the airbag is deployed, the bag tears through the seam of the seatbelt and inflates cylindrically. The seatbelt orientation has also totally changed -- a hip strap and two shoulder straps creates a four-point restraint system, centered at the rider's belt buckle. Ford officials said that this new design cuts down on pressure to the chest during impacts. However, the company does acknkowledge that this design, which may takes years to reach the market, may be uncomfortable for some people, particularly pregnant women and large-bellied folks. So make sure you drop 20 pounds by the time you buy your 2012 model Ford, ok? The countdown begins... now.[Via Autopia]
Apple iPod integration coming to Ford, GM, Mazda
While factory integration for Apple's iPod was already a commodity found on some vehicles, it has remained noticeably absent from many of the dashes of America's most financially-unstable automakers. Apple has now inked a deal with Ford, General Motors, and Mazda that could make iPod owners hold off just a bit longer before throwing down for those new wheels, though. Now the iPod will have integration in every single 2007 US Mazda and the "majority" of '07 Ford and GM vehicles as well. While less-than-ideal options have long been available for getting your iPod to function within the confines of your ride, the ability to pump tunes directly from the 'Pod to the speakers without hissy FM transmitters or elaborate wiring schemes is certainly a fresh alternative. According to the statistics, this move will ensure that "70 percent of US automobiles" have factory iPod integration right off the showroom floor. Apple hasn't been in danger of losing its grip on the digital media player market (although a certain corporation has other plans), and giving Ford, GM, and Mazda drivers this functionality should do nothing but good things for those quarterly sales figures. Nevertheless, Steve can't bask for too long in the glory of this deal, for he has a lot of explaining to do come Monday -- starting with all the wondrous possibilities that are already being envisioned due to that damned banner.
TiVo Product Watch gives you commercials on your schedule
So, you thought the whole reason to own a DVR was so that you could skip commercials? Think again. Today TiVo is rolling out the Madison Avenue-friendly Product Watch service, which lets you watch commercials on demand. Whether anyone will actually demand to watch these ads remains to be seen, but TiVo has managed to sign up over 70 advertisers, who will provide the service with everything from 60-second spots to hour-long infomercials, which will, in the words of TiVo CEO Tom Rogers, "deliver real, relevant results for our advertising partners while at the same time enhancing the TV experience for subscribers." Ads will apparently include gems such as cooking tips for products such as Kraft's Tombstone pizza and Jell-O, and a Ford ad featuring Penn and Teller. As long as we can delete them from our hard drive, we'll live with the ads -- though we may just archive the Kraft spots to DVD; you never know when you'll need some tips on preparing Jell-O or nuking a frozen pizza.
iPod appears in Ford ad
The practice of aligning your own product with another cool device is nothing new. Check out this ad for the Ford Fusion. It starts, oddly enough, with a full-on shot of an iPod. Some sort of odd "bubbles" float out of the iPod, through the air and eventually into the Fusion, as if to say, "Watch as the iPod's 'coolness' is transferred into our car." It's Ford's intention to reach that coveted 25-35 year old demographic with the spot, and "...[it] plays into that generation's love of technology and their love of music. Also, the iPod is so iconic that people stop to watch the ad," says Linda Perry-Lube, car communications manager for Ford. So now the iPod itself is being used to sell other items. As Slate notes, " [that's] because people think it's a new iPod ad."So, what's the effect on you, the consumer? Does the Fusion seem cooler, or does the iPod seem less so having been pawned out like this?[Via AdJab]
