5) Plymouth Laser
There's a malt liquor called Laser. It's about as refreshing to a college thirst as a pint of warm vinegar, but it does the job. Pretty similar to the Plymouth Laser actually.

4) Merkur XR4Ti
Just because the Germans are doing it doesn't make it cool (or scatalogical). Naming cars with letters and numbers may seem like a good idea, but nobody is going to sing about how it was 'fun, fun, fun 'till her daddy takes the XR4Ti awaaaaay.'

3) Jeep Jeepster
If Jeep considers reusing the name "Jeepster," that means the lately questionably off-road brand is considering a car-like Jeep, and that's stupid. We actually think the original Jeepster is pretty cool; our only reason for nominating this one is because Jeeps should never have been so city-fied.

2) Ford Fairmont
As much as we love the Fairmont police cars of the past, and the name does conjure up images of fair mountains, it's one that needs to stay buried. This one makes the list if only to discourage Ford from it's ridiculous and annoying "F" naming penchant.

1) Pontiac Aztek
We know, GM, you're tempted to relive those halcyon days of 2001 when you besmirched an entire ancient civilization by unleashing the Pontiac Aztek upon the public. Quetzalcoatl will rain down destruction upon you should it ever make a return.

Pics taken at C.I.A. Salvage, Limerick Maine- May 5, 2008. I'll leave it to you to wax poetic about the cars if you so choose and/or make jokes at rural Maine's expense, etc.
1) 1946-48 Dodge sedan
2) hood mascot of same
3) 1952 Kaiser Manhattan
4) same
5) 1955 Kaiser Manhattan
6) 1957 Ford firetruck, January 08
7) same, May 08
8) 1960s Falcon Clubwagon
9) 1964 Imperial Crown Coupe- one of 5233
10) tailpanel mascot of same
11) rear side view
12) 1966 Plymouth Belvedere II- 273 V8/auto, For Sale sign on windshield
asking $2K
13) nose of same
14) rear 3/4 of same
15) 1967 Chevy Bel Air
16) 1968 Olds F85
17) nose of same
18) 1968 Mercury Monterey
19) 1968 Plymouth Valiant Signet
20) 1969 Dodge Dart Swinger
21) nose of same
22) 1969 Plymouth Barracuda Formula S
23) badge
24) 1970 Dart Swinger
25) rear view of same
26) 1970-71 Dodge pickup
27) 1970s Opel- I don't know anything about these, maybe you can fill in
the year etc.
28) 1972 Plymouth Scamp
29) rear view of same
30) 1974 Dart Swinger
31) 1974 Buick Estate
32) same

Essentially, HEVT has fitted all the systems necessary to turn the F-150 into a parallel plug-in hybrid. Mounted behind the rear differential is an electric motor capable of 200 ft-lb of torque, while a stack of batteries is located in place of the crew-cab seats. A regenerative braking system is also fitted, as is a system enabling the engine to charge the batteries and for the engine to be uncoupled from the driven wheels. HEVT's own electronics and software package, called the Adaptive Control Unit, keeps all these goodies running in harmony, and the interior is equipped with a Prius-style display so drivers can monitor their power usage. The really clever thing is that this technology is somewhat universal, requiring minimal modification to work in other gas-guzzlers.

HEVT claims the technology needed is cheap enough that, when combined with the fuel savings, retrofitted vehicles will actually save money across their lifetimes. We'd like to see a final price, but if this is true it could be a great solution for the countless existing individual and corporate owners of large trucks, enabling them to upgrade to a considerably more fuel-efficient vehicle without actually buying a new one. That's a double-win for spotted owls and wallets alike...if this technology comes to market in any usable form.

San Jose, July 22, 2008 - Hybrid Electric Vehicle Technologies, Inc. (HEVT) unveiled the world's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the popular Ford F-150 pickup truck at Plug-In 2008 Conference and Exposition, the first international plug-in conference and expo. Converted with a proprietary adaptive controller and using a scaled-down version of the proprietary drive train HEVT has designed for transit buses, the F-150 has been transformed from a standard combustion engine vehicle getting about 16 MPG to a PHEV getting up to 41 MPG for a typical day's driving.

The HEVT prototype was displayed during today's keynote address by Dr. Andrew S. Grove, former chairman of Intel Corporation. "Trucks, SUVs and vans are the least-efficient vehicles on the road, so retrofitting them should be a high priority if we want to make a meaningful, near-term difference in oil consumption. Rapid commercialization of prototypes like HEVT's is the way to go," Dr. Grove said.

The prototype shows how HEVT's plug-in hybrid drive train technology can retrofit existing PSVs (pickups, SUVs, and vans), to displace gasoline with electricity, cutting operating costs and harmful emissions and boosting performance. This is an important step toward energy security, because it reduces the fuel required to operate trucks and other large vehicles.

"One way to reduce fossil fuel use is to find ways to plug in some of the hundreds of millions of internal combustion engines already on the world's roads," said CalCars founder Felix Kramer. "The pioneering PHEV designs for trucks and buses from Dr. Ali Emadi and his team at HEVT are especially promising."

Engineers at HEVT have developed a sophisticated electronics and software system called the Adaptive Control Unit (ACU) which serves to control the hybrid drive train. While driving, the ACU controls use of the electric motor and gasoline engine to optimize fuel economy and performance. An in-dash display unit monitors performance, indicating the charge remaining in the battery pack and the energy recovered through regenerative -braking.

"HEVT's solutions apply to not just smaller passenger cars and hybrids, but almost any vehicle including larger gas guzzlers," said HEVT founder Ali Emadi. "Our laboratory simulations show that the larger the vehicle, the greater the benefits - in gas costs, particulate and greenhouse emissions, and sound pollution. For this reason we are currently focused on PSVs and will later expand to school buses as well as transit buses."

HEVT will begin with a small pilot program of Ford F-150 pickup truck conversions available to organizations and individuals on a custom basis. The pilot program will help HEVT's continued development and optimization, pushing conversion costs down and lowering lifetime cost of ownership for converted vehicles.

As you may (or may not) know, I'm a factory rep for an Import Truck Distributor, and one of my dealers in the New York region is Jim Reed. He is a minor legend in NASCAR (when they actually drove real Stock Cars, not fake ones). Here is a small biography of Jim when he was racing.



Anyway, today was nearly perfect weatherwise, so I convinced Jim to let me take pictures of two of his prized vehicles. I'll start out with a Beige 1941 Lincoln Zephyr V-12 Club Coupe. The 1941 Model used a 292 Cu. In Flathead V-12, linked to a 3 Speed Manual. This car is equipped with a Borg Warner Overdrive, giving the car the ability to cruise over 75 MPH with no problems. Jim owned this car over 4 years, and during that time he has built it up to be a driver, not a trailer queen (as you can see, it is currently registered in New York, and is driven an average of 3,000 miles a year. The car was in rather poor condition when purchased, and was a Dark Brown color. The V-12 has been rebuilt, including a performance camshaft, the Chrome was all re-plated, the O/D was rebuilt, and even though the sheet metal was relatively rust free, it was refinished in it's current light sandstone finish. The interior was refinished two years ago, with a special seat cover made to keep the seats in good condition, since Jim uses it as a real car, and transports his Jack Russell terrier Bocci with him when he comes to work. The work took over 3 years to get into it's current condition, with the engine taking over a year just to get running again.

Ok, some details about the photos. Take a look at the floor pedals. There is a high/low beam switch to the left of the clutch, and a Radio Station Changer button right between the Clutch and the Brake pedals. Notice the Art Deco details, including the Bumpers, the Tail Lights, and the Zeppelin shaped turn signals. The "wood" (used on top of the doors, and the dashboard) isn't wood, but hand painted to look like wood. Take a look at the dash, and you will see a hood release, one of the very first offered in any car at the time. On the outside, the hubcaps let you know this was a Lincoln V-12, as does the chrome stip on the hood. Now take a look at the twin carbureted V-12. Isn't that a thing of beauty? I drove this beautiful car short distance, and would love to do it again.



Now, let me introduce you to the 1937 Cord 812. Cord pioneered front wheel drive in production applications with the L-29 in the late 20's. The A-C-D company then created a "Baby" Duesenberg which became in 1936 the Cord 810 with front wheel drive, Lycoming V8 power and a legendary body design from Gordon Buehrig. A year later, in 1937, came modest changes as in this distinctive example of the beautiful Beverly 4-door sedan body style. Finished in green with green cloth interior, the car is used as a driver, and not as a trailer queen. Jim uses this car for about 1,500 to 2,000 miles a year, and he just completed a round trip to an Auburn, Cord, Dusenberg club meet. This car was purchased a couple of years ago through a Hemmings ad. Since Jim took possession, there has been some improvements made, including new wheels and wheel discs, hubs, joints, brakes, tires, and other special features. The Shift controls were thoroughly rebuilt with new servos and micro switches.

A bit of history. The 289 Cu In V-8 was made by Lycoming, and it's actually installed backwards, since this car was Front Wheel Drive. The transmission was also unique, as it was the 4-speed manual with helical-cut gears and Bendix "Electric Hand" vacuum-servo pre-selector remote control. The Pre-selector always proved to be problematic, and this car was no exception.

Now, some of the photos. Take a look at that aircraft inspired dashboard, with a full set of instrumentation. Notice the two cranks at each side. Those are used to raise and lower the headlamps. This is one of the first cars to use a full wheelcover, instead of hubcaps (notice how these are tied on using zip ties!). The shift lever is the pre-selector. Now take a look at those trunk locks, heavy, and well made. The Art Deco details abound. Under the hood is that Lycoming V-8, and take a look at how the exhaust is routed! In front of the radiator is the Bendix Electric pre-selector shifting mechanism. Notice that the Front Doors are suicide, and the rears are not!




Now, the trucks:

1)The Green one is a 1948 International K-Series 1 ton truck, with a Chrysler Flat head 6 Cyl Engine. This is a truck that is owned by an International Dealer in Plattsburgh, NY. The owner stated that he has two of them, since he was born in 1948. It's all there, but currently not running, as is used as eye candy in front of the dealership.

2) The Ford is a 1964 Ford F250 Camper Conversion. It is currently registered, but there is some major work that has to be done to it. The cab is a custom cab, and is quite unique and interesting. This was also shot in Plattsburgh, NY (where the classic Airstreams were parked.)

3) The Maroon/Black Wrecker is a fully functioning 1966 International V200, and it has a Huge Gasoline 549 Cu. In V-8. I can't tell you the horsepower, but it sounds menacing. One thing I did spot when taking pictures was the fact that this still sports split rims, which are somewhat of a hazard if you try and change the tire... ugh!

Our sources tell us the reason the Giugiaro concept-based 'Stang is coming to LA is partly due to the lucrative convertible market represented by sunny California, but also because it offers Ford the opportunity to become the star of the show. Despite being located in the civilized world, LA is still eclipsed by Detroit's NAIAS, which sees a huge number of new models unveiled each year. By unveiling the Mustang in LA, Ford hopes to guarantee more coverage.

It also looks like we'll be getting three models at the unveiling, as described in Ford's press release:

• New Ford Mustang - coupe, convertible, and glass-roof models - in early 2009

No word on which engines we'll be seeing, but our fingers are firmly crossed for an Eco-Boost-equipped 300 HP 2010 Ford Mustang SVO.

There are a lot of moving pieces to consider: First, is this the right direction for the company to go? Second, will it make a difference? Third, if it will make a difference, will it happen quickly enough?

ONE-OF-A-KIND MUSTANG AV8R TO BENEFIT YOUTH PROGRAM AT WORLD-FAMOUS AIRVENTURE 2008

DEARBORN, Mich., July 23, 2008 - The numbers tied to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AirVenture Oshkosh are impressive, if not overwhelming - but there's one statistic especially worth eyeing.

Some 2,500 show aircraft and 650,000 visitors are expected at this year's meet, which runs from Monday - Aug. 3. An estimated 10,000 airplanes are expected to fly in to the airport in east-central Wisconsin. And here's the kicker: The event will feature one cool Ford Mustang.

A special one-of-a-kind AirVenture Mustang, the Mustang AV8R, will be unveiled on Sunday. The classic American car was named after the famous P-51 Mustang fighter, which played a key role in World War II as a bomber escort. Several P-51s are slated to be at Oshkosh, according to the show's web site, www.airventure.org.

The team at Ford Racing helped develop the aviation-inspired Mustang AV8R. Special features on the 2009 Mustang GT include a glass roof, which is a new option on Mustangs this year; special front and rear fascias; integrated spoiler; and Shelby GT500 wheels. Ford Racing's contributions include a handling pack (dampers, lowering springs, anti-roll bar kit and strut tower brace), supercharger and tuned exhaust that will generate 400 horsepower from the aluminum block 4.6-liter, 24-valve V-8 engine.

The Mustang AV8R is painted in Satin Silver matte paint with Black Gloss accents. The interior features distressed "bomber jacket" leather inserts and trim panels along with a "Bullitt" aluminum instrument panel appliqué and shift knob. It also has an appliqué autograph area for the aviation legends and notable enthusiasts scheduled to be in attendance, who include Edsel B. Ford II, Chuck Yeager, Jack Roush, Harrison Ford, John Travolta, Morgan Freeman and Jim Lovell.

Douglas Gaffka, the chief designer for the Mustang, took a restrained, modern approach for the Mustang AV8R.

"We chose anodized silver for the body sides and high-gloss black for the hood, which flows through the glass roof - it was almost like having a canopy," Gaffka said. "We also embedded the Air Force star in the glass."

Collectors can bid on the car. Perspective owners should contact Matt Miller at 1-800-236-1025 for details about the July 31 auction. Auction proceeds will benefit the EAA's Gathering of Eagles program, which helps provide scholarships for young people interested in aviation careers.

Donating the Mustang AV8R is the latest example of Ford's continuing commitment to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Last year, Ford donated two tickets to the finals of "American Idol," which sold for $16,500. Ford and Shelby Automobiles donated a Mustang Shelby GT-H in 2006, which sold for $250,000.

"The Mustang AV8R is the latest commitment from Ford in support of EAA's effort to build the future of aviation," said Tom Poberezny, EAA president. "This stunning, one-of-a-kind automobile will be a very special addition to our Gathering of Eagles fund-raiser, which supports EAA's aviation education and preservation work throughout the year."

Press Release #1: Ford's 2nd Quarter Earnings

What Ford Says: Ford reported a net loss of $8.7 billion.
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: $8.7 billion sure sounds like a lot of money. Well, that's because it is a lot of money — $3.88 per share, to be precise. It's actually the company's worst quarterly results ever. Especially given the company made a net profit of $750 million, or 31 cents per share, during the second quarter of last year.

But the real important numbers are how much cash they have on hand and how much revenues were. Second quarter revenue was only $38.6 billion, down $5.6 billion from the same quarter a year ago. And cash on hand? $26.6 billion now versus $28.7 billion at the end of March, 2008.

What Ford Says: It's not all bad news. Ford posted profits of $582 million in Ford Europe and $388 million in Ford South America.
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Yes, this is true. Very good, Ford. But it's hard to get excited abut $960 million in profits when you've just dropped over $8 billion throughout the rest of the organization.

What Ford Says: Ford's claiming $1 billion in cost savings, including over $600 million in Ford North America and claims to be on track with reducing annual costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 compared with expense outlays in 2005.
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Yes, both very good things. It remains to be seen how much of those annual cost reductions are due to decreases in production and actual cost reductions. However, we do know quite a few personnel reductions have taken place over in Dearborn over the past few months, with more targeted buyouts offered to reduce salary-related costs by 15% in North American operations.

What Ford Says: $8 billion of the $8.7 billion loss are from "pre-tax special charges."
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: So this is where things get a little confusing. Some $516 million of the losses are the type of losses normally seen as items that can be written off as losses on a pre-tax non-ongoing basis — these would be items like the costs associated with cutting personnel, plant sales or reducing the number of dealers. But then there's the line item of "North America Long-Lived Assets" for $5.3 billion dollars. We'd never seen a line item like that on a list of pre-tax items, but we finally figured it out. We're interpreting it as Ford writing off the losses they'll take on the factory equipment they'll need to junk now that they'll be using those factories to build small cars. We'd even expect they'll need to take another cash hit in the next quarter to pay for that new machinery.

And that brings us to...

Press Release #2: Ford's Small Car Euro Offensive, Manufacturing Restructuring

What Ford Says: Ford is bringing six small vehicles to North America from the company's acclaimed European lineup.
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Ford's finally answering U.S. auto enthusiasts prayers, and bringing their highly-regarded European lineup to the United States. We know we're getting from Europe the following vehicles:

1.) European Ford Fiesta - Four-Door
2.) European Ford Fiesta - Five-Door
3.) European Ford Focus - Four-Door
4.) European Ford Focus - Five-Door
5.) New 2010 Mercury Small Car
6.) New 2010 European Small "whitespace" vehicle

By the way, "whitespace" means a place where a vehicle does not currently fulfill a need. Like a three-wheeled MPV. Or, you know, a two-door six-seater.

We do also want to note that it doesn't appear that there will be a two-door Focus coming stateside. We guess that means we won't be getting the RS here. Sad. Still, we'd prefer the stylings of the four-door and five-door Euro Focus over — well — over just about any design Ford North America's put out in small cars in years.

What Ford Says: "Ford will convert three existing North American truck and SUV plants for small car production, with the first conversion beginning this December...The moves are in addition to Ford's announcements in May and June that it is reducing its North American production plans for large trucks and SUVs for the remainder of 2008, as well as increasing production of smaller cars and crossovers."
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: To accomplish this and build some of these new Euro vehicles here in North America, Ford will be making the following manufacturing plant changes. We want to emphasize Ford claims these will be flexible manufacturing changes — to ensure they're able to shift production when and if necessary:

* Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich.,
Currently Builds: Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator (to move to Kentucky Truck Plant early next year)
Will Build: Small cars derived from Ford's global C-car platform
Conversion Begins: December, 2008
Production Begins: 2010

* Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico
Currently Builds: F-Series pickups
Will Build: Ford Fiesta
Conversion Begins: ???
Production Begins: Early 2010

* Louisville (Ky.) Assembly Plant
Currently Builds: Ford Explorer mid-size SUV
Will Build: small vehicles from Ford's global C-car platform
Conversion Begins: ???
Production Begins: 2011

* Twin Cities (Minn.) Assembly Plant - was scheduled to close in 2009, but remain open to continue production of the Ford Ranger through 2011 to meet consumer demand.

* Kansas City Assembly Plant this year will add a third crew to its small utility line for the Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid. (*Previously announced)

What Ford Says: "The company also confirmed Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will remain in its North American brand portfolio."
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Looks like the Mercury brand will still be around — rumors of its demise appear to be greatly exaggerated. If the NYT is right, they'll be getting the brunt of the new Euro-designed small cars coming stateside.

What Ford Says: The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury line will be almost completely upgraded by the end of 2010.
Jalopnik Snap Judgment: Here's what they're talking about:

* 2009 Ford F-150, on sale in late fall

* 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ sedans, on sale in early 2009, Ford says Fusion's and Milan's four-cylinder fuel economy expected to top Honda Accord and Toyota Camry

* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, beginning production late this year and on sale in early 2009 - Ford claims fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid

* New Ford Mustang - coupe, convertible, glass-roof and every other variant model you can think of - in early 2009

* New Ford Taurus sedan - with EcoBoost engine - in mid-2009

* New Lincoln seven-passenger crossover - with EcoBoost engine - in mid-2009

* Next-generation Ford Explorer - with unibody construction, EcoBoost, six-speed, weight savings and improved aerodynamics for up to 25 percent better fuel economy, did we mention EcoBoost? - in 2010

* 2009 Ford F-150, on sale in late fall with the most capability, most choice and most smart features of any full-size pickup, and with more than a 7 percent fuel economy improvement
* 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ sedans, on sale in early 2009, with Fusion's and Milan's four-cylinder fuel economy expected to top Honda Accord and Toyota Camry
* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, beginning production late this year and on sale in early 2009 - with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid
* New Ford Mustang - coupe, convertible, and glass-roof models - in early 2009
* New Ford Taurus sedan - with EcoBoost engine and even more advanced safety and convenience technologies - in mid-2009
* New European Transit Connect small multi-purpose van in mid-2009
* New Lincoln seven-passenger crossover - with EcoBoost engine - in mid-2009
* New European Ford Fiesta, in both four- and five-door versions, in early 2010
* New European Ford Focus, in both four- and five-door versions, in 2010
* New Mercury small car in 2010
* New European small vehicle that will be a "whitespace" entry in North America in 2010
* Next-generation Ford Explorer - with unibody construction, EcoBoost, six-speed, weight savings and improved aerodynamics for up to 25 percent better fuel economy - in 2010

FORD REPORTS $8.7 BILLION NET LOSS FOR SECOND QUARTER 2008, INCLUDING PRE-TAX SPECIAL CHARGES OF $8 BILLION; COMPANY ALSO DETAILS ACCELERATED TRANSFORMATION PLAN+

* Net loss of $8.7 billion, or $3.88 a share, for the second quarter of 2008.
* Pre-tax special charges of $8 billion, including impairments of $5.3 billion for Ford North America long-lived assets and $2.1 billion for Ford Motor Credit Company's operating lease portfolio.
* Pre-tax loss of $1 billion from continuing operations, excluding special items.++
* Cost reductions of $1 billion, including over $600 million in North America (at constant volume, mix and exchange; excluding special items). The company remains on track to reach $5 billion in annual cost reductions in North America by the end of 2008 compared with 2005.
* Strong profitability from Ford Europe and Ford South America.
* Automotive gross cash at June 30 of $26.6 billion (including cash and cash equivalents, net marketable securities and loaned securities). +++
* Ford also today announced a significant acceleration of its product and production transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 24, 2008 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported a second quarter net loss of $8.7 billion, or $3.88 per share, including pre-tax special items totaling $8 billion. This compares with a net profit of $750 million, or 31 cents per share, in the second quarter of 2007.

Ford also today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing (see related release http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28660).

"We continue to take decisive action in response to the rapidly changing business environment and remain absolutely committed to the four elements of our business transformation plan," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Our European and South American operations are robust and profitable. We have momentum in Asia. And we are uniquely positioned to leverage our global assets and the global strength of the Ford brand to quickly bring more small, fuel-efficient vehicles to North America."

The 2008 operating data discussed below exclude Jaguar Land Rover, which was sold on June 2, 2008. Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin data are, however, included in the 2007 data, except where otherwise noted. See tables following "Safe Harbor/Risk Factors" for the amounts attributable to Jaguar Land Rover and any necessary reconciliations to U.S. GAAP.

Ford's second quarter pre-tax operating loss from continuing operations, excluding special items, was
$1 billion, down from a year-ago profit of $483 million. On an after-tax basis, Ford's second quarter operating loss from continuing operations, excluding special items, was $1.4 billion, or 62 cents per share, compared with a net profit of $258 million, or 13 cents per share, a year ago.

Ford's second quarter revenue, excluding special items, was $38.6 billion, down from $44.2 billion a year ago. Adjusted to exclude Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin from 2007 results, revenue would have been down slightly, with lower volume, adverse product mix and lower net pricing, partly offset by favorable exchange.

Special items reduced pre-tax results by $8 billion in the second quarter, or $3.26 a share, primarily reflecting charges associated with asset impairments of $5.3 billion for Ford North America and $2.1 billion for Ford Credit. Because of deteriorating economic conditions, demand has declined substantially, particularly in North America. At the same time, fuel and commodity prices have increased substantially. As a result, there has been a significant shift away from large pickup trucks and traditional SUVs in North America. This prompted a review of our long-lived North American assets and Ford Credit operating lease portfolio, which led to the pre-tax non-cash impairment charges.

Automotive gross cash, which includes cash and cash equivalents, net marketable securities, and loaned securities, was $26.6 billion at June 30, 2008, a decrease of $2.1 billion from the end of the first quarter.
The decrease primarily reflects working capital increases, upfront subvention payments to Ford Credit, and Automotive operating losses, offset partly by the proceeds of the Jaguar Land Rover sale.

The following discussion of second quarter highlights and results are on a pre-tax basis and exclude special items. See tables following "Safe Harbor/Risk Factors" for the nature and amount of these special items and any necessary reconciliations to U.S. GAAP.

SECOND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

* Posted profits of $582 million in Ford Europe and $388 million in Ford South America.
* Launched the new Ford Kuga in Europe, a compact crossover vehicle with the best fuel economy of any AWD vehicle in the segment.
* Completed the sale of Jaguar Land Rover to Tata Motors.
* Improved initial quality of Ford brand vehicles in the U.S. at a rate faster than the industry average, according to J.D. Power and Associates. Ford was the only full-line automaker to show continuous quality improvement since 2004.
* Lincoln and Mercury finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in the latest J.D. Power survey of customer satisfaction with dealership service.

* Achieved $1 billion in cost savings, including over $600 million in Ford North America (at constant volume, mix and exchange; excluding special items). The company remains on track to achieve $5 billion in annual cost reductions in North America by the end of 2008 compared with 2005.

* Launched the 2009 Ford Flex, our all-new seven passenger crossover vehicle with fuel economy that is equal-to-or-better-than its crossover competitors, and Lincoln MKS, our new luxury sedan in North America.
* Confirmed the next-generation European Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus will begin North American production in 2010 as Ford North America adds more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains.

FORD ACCELERATES TRANSFORMATION PLAN WITH SMALL CAR OFFENSIVE, MANUFACTURING REALIGNMENT
* Ford adding new fuel-efficient small cars and crossovers to North American product lineup
* Six European small vehicles coming to North America from global B-car and C-car platforms
* Three large truck and SUV plants converting to small cars; retooling begins this December
* Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup to be almost completely upgraded by end of 2010
* Ford plans to be the best or among the best in fuel economy with every new product in its segment
* Hybrid vehicle production and lineup to double in 2009
* Capacity for North American four-cylinder engines to double by 2011
* Ford, Lincoln and Mercury confirmed in company's North American brand portfolio

Plant Information

DEARBORN, Mich., July 24, 2008 - Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

The actions represent a considerable shift in Ford's North American product plans and investments toward smaller vehicles and fuel-efficient powertrains in both the near- and mid-term in line with rapid changes in customer buying preferences.

In addition to bringing six small vehicles to North America from the company's acclaimed European lineup, Ford is accelerating the introduction of fuel-efficient EcoBoost and all-new four-cylinder engines, boosting hybrid production and converting three existing truck and SUV plants for small car production, beginning this December.

"We continue to take fast and decisive action implementing our plan and responding to the rapidly changing business environment," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford is moving aggressively using our global product strengths to introduce additional smaller vehicles in North America and to provide outstanding fuel economy with every new product."

Mulally said the company is more focused than ever on its transformation plan, which calls for:

* Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix
* Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value
* Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet
* Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford's global assets

"The progress we have made in working together to create a 'One Ford' global enterprise during the past two years gives us a unique competitive advantage in today's environment," Mulally said. "We are in a stronger position than ever to leverage Ford's global assets to address the North American business environment. We also are building on the past few years of progress in continuously improving our quality, reducing our cost structure and introducing strong new products."

Aggressively Restructuring
Ford will convert three existing North American truck and SUV plants for small car production, with the first conversion beginning this December.

The moves are in addition to Ford's announcements in May and June that it is reducing its North American production plans for large trucks and SUVs for the remainder of 2008, as well as increasing production of smaller cars and crossovers.

"We are transforming Ford's North American manufacturing operations into a lean, flexible system that is fully competitive with the best in the business," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "We remain committed to matching our capacity with real consumer demand, and we are equipping nearly all of our assembly plants with flexible body shops, ensuring we can respond quickly to changing consumer tastes.

"In addition, we are adding four-cylinder engine capacity to meet the growing consumer demand, while expanding production of our new EcoBoost engines, six-speed transmissions and other fuel-saving technologies," Fields said.

Among the manufacturing realignment actions:

* Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich., which currently builds the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator full-size SUVs, will be converted beginning this December to production of small cars derived from Ford's global C-car platform in 2010.
* Production of the Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator will be moved to the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Ky., early next year.
* Cuautitlan Assembly Plant in Mexico, which currently produces F-Series pickups, will be converted to begin production of the new Fiesta small car for North America in early 2010.
* Louisville (Ky.) Assembly Plant, which builds the Ford Explorer mid-size SUV, will be converted to produce small vehicles from Ford's global C-car platform beginning in 2011.
* Twin Cities (Minn.) Assembly Plant - which was scheduled to close in 2009 - will continue production of the Ford Ranger through 2011 to meet consumer demand for the compact pickup.
* As previously announced, Kansas City Assembly Plant this year will add a third crew to its small utility line for the Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner and Mariner Hybrid.

In tandem with the realignments, Ford will continue to offer targeted hourly buyouts at its U.S. plants and facilities, working with the UAW to secure competitive employment levels. Ford also said it remains on track to reduce salaried-related costs by 15 percent in North America by Aug. 1.

Ford North America still expects to reduce annual operating costs by $5 billion by the end of 2008 - at constant volume, mix and exchange, and excluding special items - compared with 2005. In addition, the company said it plans to continue to reduce structural costs beyond 2008.

The company also confirmed Ford, Lincoln and Mercury will remain in its North American brand portfolio. Ford said it will work with its dealers to broaden and accelerate its dealer consolidations, which will result in a dealer network that reflects the changing industry size and model mix.

Ford also updated its current North American planning assumptions, which include:

* U.S. economic recovery to begin by early 2010
* U.S. industry sales to return to trend levels as the economy returns to health
* Product mix changes are permanent, but some recovery will occur from the current share-of-industry for full-size pickups - though not back to levels experienced previously - as the economy and housing sector recover
* Oil prices to remain volatile and high
* No near-term relief from current level of commodity prices
* About 14 percent U.S. market share for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands

Accelerating New Products
Ford is adding several new North American products in the near- and mid-term, and shifting from a primary emphasis on large trucks and SUVs to smaller and more fuel-efficient vehicles. By the end of 2010, two-thirds of spending will be on cars and crossovers - up from one-half today.

"We are accelerating the development of the new products customers want and value," Mulally said. "We sell some of the best vehicles in the world in our profitable European and Asian operations, and we will bring many of them to North America on top of our already aggressive product plans."

The new products include six European small vehicles to be introduced in North America by the end of 2012. Ford's acclaimed European products are set apart by their world-class driving dynamics, exciting design and outstanding quality.

"While we have no intention of giving up our longtime truck leadership, we are creating a new Ford in North America on a foundation of small, fuel-efficient cars and crossovers that will set new standards for quality, fuel economy, product features and refinement," Fields said.

The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury line will be almost completely upgraded by the end of 2010, including:

* 2009 Ford F-150, on sale in late fall with the most capability, most choice and most smart features of any full-size pickup, and with more than a 7 percent fuel economy improvement
* 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ sedans, on sale in early 2009, with Fusion's and Milan's four-cylinder fuel economy expected to top Honda Accord and Toyota Camry
* 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid, beginning production late this year and on sale in early 2009 - with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid
* New Ford Mustang - coupe, convertible, and glass-roof models - in early 2009
* New Ford Taurus sedan - with EcoBoost engine and even more advanced safety and convenience technologies - in mid-2009
* New European Transit Connect small multi-purpose van in mid-2009
* New Lincoln seven-passenger crossover - with EcoBoost engine - in mid-2009
* New European Ford Fiesta, in both four- and five-door versions, in early 2010
* New European Ford Focus, in both four- and five-door versions, in 2010
* New Mercury small car in 2010
* New European small vehicle that will be a "whitespace" entry in North America in 2010
* Next-generation Ford Explorer - with unibody construction, EcoBoost, six-speed, weight savings and improved aerodynamics for up to 25 percent better fuel economy - in 2010

With every new product, Ford expects to be the best or among the best for fuel economy. This is aided by one of the most extensive powertrain upgrades ever for Ford. By the end of 2010, nearly all of Ford's North American engines will be upgraded or replaced. In addition, within two years, nearly all of Ford's North American lineup will offer fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmissions.

The improvements build on several Ford fuel economy leaders today, such as:

* 2009 Ford Flex, which is the most fuel-efficient standard seven-passenger vehicle on the market, topping the 2009 Honda Pilot
* 2009 Ford Focus, with highway fuel economy of up to 35 mpg - better than the smaller 2008 Honda Fit and 2009 Nissan Versa SL and a key reason Focus retail sales are up 50 percent
* 2009 Escape, with a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission delivering best-in-class highway fuel economy of 28 mpg - ahead of Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V
* 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid, delivering 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient utility vehicle available

Coming in 2009 are the first applications of Ford's new EcoBoost engines. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology for up to 20 percent better fuel economy, up to 15 percent fewer CO2 emissions and superior driving performance versus larger-displacement engines.

EcoBoost V-6 engines will be introduced on several vehicles next year, beginning with the Lincoln MKS and Ford Taurus sedans, and Ford Flex crossover. Four-cylinder EcoBoost engines will debut in 2010 in both North America and Europe. Ford will offer EcoBoost on more than 80 percent of its North American lineup by the end of 2012.

Ford also plans to double capacity for North American four-cylinder engines to more than 1 million units by 2011, to meet the consumer trend toward downsized engines for fuel economy. The smaller engines will deliver significant fuel savings.

In addition, Ford plans to double its hybrid volume and offerings next year - and is looking to expand further going forward. Production of the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and Mercury Milan Hybrid begins in December - with fuel economy expected to top the Toyota Camry hybrid.

With these new models, the Ford Escape Hybrid - now in its fifth year of production - and the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Ford will offer four hybrid vehicles. That will make Ford the largest domestic producer of full hybrid vehicles in North America, second only to Toyota in sales volume.

Ford also is introducing six-speeds with PowerShift that offers the fuel economy of a manual transmission and convenience of an automatic; start-stop engines that shut off when the vehicle stops; electric power steering; direct injection, and Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing engines. These technologies will be progressively introduced within the North American lineup by 2012.

"One Ford"
Driving Ford's product transformation is the company's "One Ford" global product development vision, which will deliver more vehicles worldwide from fewer core platforms, further reduce costs and allow for the increased use of common parts and systems.

In the next five years, Ford will build more than 1 million vehicles a year worldwide off its global B-car platform and nearly 2 million units worldwide off its global C-car platform.

"Ford is investing most where consumer growth is taking place - and that's in highly fuel-efficient global small cars," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president of Global Product Development. "One of every four vehicles in the world today is a 'C' or Ford Focus-sized vehicle, and we expect the segment to grow more than 20 percent to 6 million units in North America and 25 million worldwide by 2012. We see similar strong growth in the B-segment, where the Fiesta competes."

With Ford's global product development plan, all of the company's vehicles competing in global segments will be common in North America, Europe and Asia within five years. In addition to B- and C-sized small cars, the company's Fusion- and Mondeo-sized C/D cars and utilities will be common globally. The same will be true for commercial vans.

Ford said it is uniquely positioned to take advantage of its scale, already acclaimed global products and the strength of the Ford brand around the world to respond to the current changing marketplace and to begin to grow profitably. The company said its success in growing market share and profits with smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles in Europe is now the template around the world.

"We remain absolutely committed to creating an exciting, viable Ford going forward - and to transforming Ford into a lean global enterprise delivering profitable growth over the long term," Mulally said. "We continue to make progress on every element of our transformation plan, and we are taking decisive steps in the near term to ensure our long-term success."
Risk Factors

Statements included herein may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:

* Continued decline in market share;
* Continued or increased price competition resulting from industry overcapacity, currency fluctuations or other factors;
* An increase in or acceleration of market shift away from sales of trucks, sport utility vehicles, or other more profitable vehicles, particularly in the United States;
* A significant decline in industry sales, particularly in the United States, Europe or South America, resulting from slowing economic growth, geo-political events or other factors;
* Lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of new or existing products;
* Continued or increased high prices for or reduced availability of fuel;
* Currency or commodity price fluctuations;
* Adverse effects from the bankruptcy or insolvency of, change in ownership or control of, or alliances entered into by a major competitor;
* Economic distress of suppliers that has in the past and may in the future require us to provide financial support or take other measures to ensure supplies of components or materials;
* Labor or other constraints on our ability to restructure our business;
* Work stoppages at Ford or supplier facilities or other interruptions of supplies;
* Single-source supply of components or materials;
* Substantial pension, postretirement health care and life insurance liabilities impairing our liquidity or financial condition;
* Inability to implement Retiree Health Care Settlement Agreement with UAW to fund and discharge retiree health care obligations because of failure to obtain court approval or otherwise;
* Worse-than-assumed economic and demographic experience for our postretirement benefit plans (e.g., discount rates, investment returns, and health care cost trends);
* The discovery of defects in vehicles resulting in delays in new model launches, recall campaigns or increased warranty costs;
* Increased safety, emissions (e.g., CO2), fuel economy, or other regulation resulting in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions;
* Unusual or significant litigation or governmental investigations arising out of alleged defects in our products or otherwise;
* A change in our requirements for parts or materials where we have entered into long-term supply arrangements that commit us to purchase minimum or fixed quantities of certain parts or materials, or to pay a minimum amount to the seller ("take-or-pay" contracts);
* Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation of government incentives;
* Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events;
* Substantial negative Automotive operating-related cash flows for the near- to medium-term affecting our ability to meet our obligations, invest in our business or refinance our debt;
* Substantial levels of Automotive indebtedness adversely affecting our financial condition or preventing us from fulfilling our debt obligations (which may grow because we are able to incur substantially more debt, including additional secured debt);
* Inability of Ford Credit to access debt or securitization markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts due to additional credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption or otherwise;
* Higher-than-expected credit losses;
* Increased competition from banks or other financial institutions seeking to increase their share of financing Ford vehicles;
* Changes in interest rates;
* Collection and servicing problems related to finance receivables and net investment in operating leases;
* Lower-than-anticipated residual values or higher-than-expected return volumes for leased vehicles; and
* New or increased credit, consumer or data protection or other regulations resulting in higher costs and/or additional financing restrictions.

We cannot be certain that any expectation, forecast or assumption made by management in preparing forward-looking statements will prove accurate, or that any projection will be realized. It is to be expected that there may be differences between projected and actual results. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional discussion of these risks, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2007 Form 10-K Report.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

Ford Model T: Parked on Main Street, Jaffrey, NH. It seems to live in that parking spot, though it's only appeared earlier this summer, and is driven regularly. I'm not dedicated enough to identify it down to the year, but it appears to be an earlier model - pre-1920s.

Honda Accord: A first-generation Accord hatchback with some, ahem, modifications. Happily, it's not "riced", just flamed, pinstriped, and given ugly seatcovers that I didn't bother photographing. I got a quick shot of the dashboard, but didn't get any real detail shots, as it was parked in its usual location, and the door to the house was open. Also - yes, that's my bicycle in the background there... I yelled "Nice Accord!" to the Honda's owner later on; got the hook-'em heavy-metal horns in return, so I think he was pleased that I actually identified it.

Saab 900 sedan DOTS (Jaffrey, NH). '83-'86, as best I can tell. It's a close relative to the Alameda Saab you posted in December, in navy instead of white. These are relatively common here, though I never seem to have my camera when they park on the roadside... The turbo convertibles hide in Peterborough, which I don't visit often, but I'll keep you updated if I manage to shoot one. The rear window shot, while likely too fuzzy to post, shows why there's no interior shot! Don't mess with an ex-seaman.

The official announcement is scheduled to occur on Thursday, which leaves plenty of time for all of the talking heads to speculate away. We'll look for the full program later this week.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: If this is true, and the NYT's Ford sources are better than those from Edmunds Inside Line (A journalistic smackdown, if you will, from Bill Vlasic of old media to Edmunds' Ed Hellwig, representing new media), we're just happy to see a brand coming back from the brink.

Given the also-ran status of Mercury over the last decade(s), this news is a bit of a surprise, but a moment's thought makes the strategy seem perfectly logical. Mercury has been positioned as a premium — but not too premium — brand within Ford of the Americas. Slotted in between Ford and Lincoln, Mercury, awash with new small and mid-sized European cars, will be able to position the vehicles as premium European-style small cars. Just like what GM North America has done with Opels imported into the US as Saturn. And look how well that's turning out for them, right? [NYTimes]

The American SUVs on the market in 1989 were quite a bit different than the generation that would take over in just two years' time. We tend to focus on their crudeness and lack of creature comforts, but more importantly, nearly all "mid-size" SUVs before the 1990s period were two-door models. The exception was the Jeep Cherokee XJ, which was developed with extra doors specifically because Chevy hadn't added them to their Blazer. The other players were either Japanese, like the Isuzu Trooper or, like the Suburban, based on a larger truck platform.

The Jeep Z5 concept will look very familiar to you.

Fortunately for Chrysler, Jeep had developed a more-refined version of the four-door SUV that we know as the Jeep Grand Cherokee all the way back in 1985, when the division was owned by AMC. Unfortunately for Chrysler, when they purchased AMC and Jeep, they put the development of the Grand Cherokee project on hold in favor of new minivans. Still, Jeep had the answer, and in 1989 they released the Jeep Z5 Concept 1, which was basically the final design for the Grand Cherokee that they would bring to market in 1992.

Contrast that with the General. For 1989, GM had two futuristic concept trucks that we assume they hoped would stir enough interest to guide them in their product-making decisions. One was the youth-oriented Pontiac Stinger compact SUV. Though it wasn't particularly powerful — its engine was only good for 170 HP — it had a high level of utility, including features such as a removable picnic table and portable radio. These types of features weren't put to use, as Pontiac wasn't going to build an SUV in the near future. Ironically, many of these ideas found a home — the ill-fated and poorly designed Pontiac Aztec.

The Stinger is certainly better looking than the Aztec, even if it isn't as practical.

The other concept truck was the Chevy XT-2 concept, which stood for the Chevy Experimental Truck #2. This futuristic-looking, performance-oriented vehicle featured a Corvette suspension, a front-engine/RWD layout built on a platform similar to the F-body Camaro, and a 4.5-liter V6 that was good for 360 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine itself, which featured tuned port injection, was an important technological leap forward for GM. The TPI system not only provided more power than a carbureted engine, it was also relatively fuel-efficient. For an excellent discussion of the importance of this engine see this discussion of the XT-2 at PickupTrucks.com.

The XT-2 was designed as a pace car to be used in what was then the CART PPG Indy Car World Series, which is now a weird mix of words to see together. The truck itself went through two designs before engineers landed on the final one. The first version was fairly wild and had the engine mounted under the bed. The second version was a based on a passenger-car platform with a FWD/AWD layout and a smaller V6 engine, a concept not unlike the crossovers that would follow in the mid-2000s. So how did they end up with the final version? According to a press release provided by GM, "Given the consumer preference to small, sporty trucks, the evolution of the Chevrolet PPG XT-2 Pace Truck was natural."

So, in 1989, you had the Pontiac Stinger and the Chevy XT-2 from GM as the radically futuristic vehicles. The designers and planners clearly understood that, after the previous gas crisis, crossovers and sportier car-based trucks were the way forward. But that wasn't what happened.

In 1990, GM came out with four-door versions of their S10-based SUV's and Ford came out with the Ford Explorer. The design wasn't exactly revolutionary — the Explorer and others were the same basic body-on-frame trucks as before with an extra set of doors. The Explorer caught the imagination and dollars of Suburban families by offering car-like amenities such as leather interiors and CD players. Jeep suddenly had to rush their dusty Grand Cherokee to market in 1992 to catch up with the market.

Gas prices remained low, especially relative to the sudden increase in the purchasing power of the average American. In 1991 there were less than a million SUVs sold in the United States. By 1998, Americans were buying nearly three million a year. In 1998, the three best-selling trucks (F-Series, Silverado and Explorer) outsold the Toyota Camry, which was the best-selling car. Unfortunately, in this orgy of truck sales, nothing quite like the XT-2 was ever produced. Why make a car-based SUV or truck when you're suddenly making money hand-over-fist by adding a CD player and an extra set of doors to a body-on-frame platform you've already developed?

Fast-forward almost twenty years, to March 2008. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry bested the Ford F-150 in monthly sales, and you have your answer. Not long after, GM postponed development of their GMT-900 full-sized truck platform. It then leaked out that GM was considering a more Honda Ridgeline-esque pickup — not unlike the second version of the XT-2 concept that was never produced.

Then the news we were all waiting for: GM announced the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck in 2008. The Pontiac G8 ST will be built on the Zeta platform that underpins the 2010 Chevy Camaro, giving it essentially the same setup as the Chevy XT-2.

The General could have created car-based CUVs and sporty trucks; obviously, they thought the idea had some merit in 1989. But development and focus instead shifted to the cheaper and easier body-on-frame alternative with two extra doors. Almost 20 years later, with another energy crisis underway, it's fascinating to see how two versions of the same forgotten concepts from the late 1980s are now looking like the new way forward for an automaker desperately trying to grapple with age-old problems.

[Photos and press releases courtesy of General Motors. Special thanks to GM for providing the information, Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com for tracking much of it down and to SmalleyXb122 for starting this whole search with his comment in the Five Ugliest Concept Trucks post.]

The Pontiac G8 ST proves Peter's maxim about originality.

Bringing style and new levels of low-CO2 efficiency, Ford of Europe's most frugal car ever - the new Fiesta ECOnetic - makes its world premiere today at the British International Motor Show in London.

Powered by a specially-calibrated version of the 90 PS 1.6-litre Duratorq TDCi, combined with coated Diesel Particulate Filter, Ford's most economical Fiesta can travel 100 kilometres using just 3.7 litres of fuel, on the EC Combined Cycle. This impressive fuel economy is matched with a class-leading CO2 output of 98 grams per kilometre - making Fiesta ECOnetic the lowest CO2 vehicle in both its segment and Ford's European range.

Compared to previous-generation Fiesta 1.6-litre TDCi, Fiesta ECOnetic will use 160 litres less fuel over 20.000 km, offering genuine savings in daily driving, at a time when saving fuel means saving even more money.

Extra-urban highway fuel economy is even better - Fiesta ECOnetic requires just 3.2 litres to cover 100 kilometres. Yet this efficiency is not at the expense of driving quality or performance, with Fiesta ECOnetic reaching 0-100 km/h in 12,3 seconds and a top speed of 178 kph.

This is because Fiesta boasts the same attention to detail as earlier ECOnetic models, with improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and enhanced lubrication to achieve best possible CO2 and fuel consumption. Lowered ride height and aerodynamic details such as wheel covers and wheel deflectors build on Fiesta's already streamlined drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.33.

At the same time, low rolling resistance tyres in an economical 175/65 R14 profile, a longer final drive gear ratio and special lubricants drive efficient powertrain performance, especially in highway cruising. In conjunction with energy partner BP, Ford has developed low-viscosity transmission and low-friction engine oils for ECOnetic models.

Such modifications create Fiesta ECOnetic's class-leading efficiency, without sacrificing the driving quality, style or practicality of the core Fiesta range.

Fiesta ECOnetic's London debut is no coincidence - its ultra-low CO2 rating will also exempt it from UK road taxes.

It is not just the ECOnetic version of new Fiesta that benefits from Ford of Europe's sustainability efforts - all new Fiestas feature Electric Power Assist Steering (EPAS), using far less fuel and engine power than a standard hydraulic power assist system, without compromising driving dynamics or steering feedback.

Extensive use of high strength steels and a focus on weight saving has also reduced the mass of new Fiesta by 40 kilogrammes versus the previous model, despite improved safety equipment and sound insulation.

Sustainability has influenced not only new Fiesta's development, but also the facilities behind its manufacture. Ford's Dagenham Diesel Centre in Britain produces Duratorq TDCi engines for new Fiesta and derives all its electricity from renewable sources, with two dedicated wind turbines and plans for a third.

Ford is also sourcing renewable electricity to cover the full electric power demand of its Fiesta manufacturing and engineering facilities in Cologne, Germany. Through this initiative, the company will reduce its CO2 emissions by 190.000 tonnes per year.

Dr Wolfgang Schneider, Ford of Europe Vice President, Legal, Governmental and Environmental Affairs said: "The new Fiesta is the strongest example yet of Ford of Europe's commitment to and investment in sustainable mobility. Fiesta ECOnetic is a compelling, stylish yet no-compromise choice for customers, offering class-leading low CO2 and genuine savings, while also benefitting from our investment in efficient production facilities."

New Fiesta ECOnetic will be on sale across Europe later this year and completes an initial trilogy of models in the company's European vehicle range that also includes a 139 g/km Ford Mondeo ECOnetic and a 115 g/km Ford Focus ECOnetic.

Lincoln is also getting some new product to make up for Odyssey/Pilot decreases, as Honda Ridgeline pickup production will be consolidated there from Alliston, Ontario. The Ontario plant will then concentrate on cranking out more Civics.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Honda has one thing going for them the U.S. automakers don't have — a lineup that includes a wider variety of small, fuel-efficient vehicles. Boosting Civic production is the right move at the right time. But, how far over the "comfort line" is Honda with Odyssey/Pilot supply? Automotive News claims, as of July 1, they have a 78-day supply of Odysseys and a 99-day supply of Pilots. The company wants between a 45- and 60-day supply. In contrast, the F-150, one of the vehicles hit hardest by the truck slowdown, had about a 104-day supply. In other words, Honda screwed up its production forecasts almost as much as Ford. USA! USA! [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

So, that Thunderbird Deficit I mentioned earlier- it turns out we've seen only one Alameda Thunderbird in this series, and that was a gloriously hideous '61. Now it's time to look at a nice 60s T-bird.


Looks like the interior is in great shape, down to the factory AM radio. Judging from the sticker, it appears that the car's owner is a regular at Alameda's finest tiki bar.


Speaking of this car's owner, a simple check of the Radiator Hoes site shows that it's my fellow Alameda East Ender, Swiskee. We've also seen Radiator Hoe Bon Bon's Dart wagon, as the Hoes have a strong Alameda contingent.

Given how long we've lusted after Mondeos and notchbacked Insignias, we're almost at a loss to think of what we'd want first. That's where you can help. What European cars do we need and want most? We'll count the American arms of European car companies to expand the field a bit.

Aside from making bold proclamations of "best in class," no actual numbers have been released yet. Given the aero upgrades and new powertrain, better fuel economy can only be expected out the Fusion, but we'll have to see if Ford delivers on its promise. Particularly since best-in-class fuel economy for mid-size sedans is bound to be a rather competitive benchmark in the next few years. [AutoNews Sub. req.]

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: Ford's going the same route as the 2009 Corvette ZR1 at Monterey, 2010 Jaguar XF-R and the 2009 Nissan GT-R at Goodwood with this "special" preview at the track. The only difference between the new Mustang and the rest of those "early preview" cars is the Mustang is a volume production car for Ford. That means, dropping it out at an event like this takes some measure of balls. We like balls on an automaker. However, we don't like over-processed "smooth" hip-hop when we're trying to hear engine noise. Just an FYI.

We've got the full press release below:

NEW 2010 FORD MUSTANG HITS TRACK DURING HISTORIC RACING WEEKEND AT ROAD AMERICA

* The new 2010 Ford Mustang, in camouflage, will pace the Wis. Ford is the sponsor of the Kohler International Challenge vintage race.
* Saturday is "Ford Mustang Day," meaning Mustang drivers and passengers can enjoy the festivities for free. This includes a dedicated "Mustang Corral" inside the front straightaway.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 17, 2008 - A sneak peek at the future Ford Mustang will help kick off the celebration of a historic Mustang racing win this weekend at Road America, the largest vintage car event in North America.

Enthusiasts will be part of a special public "debut" of the highly anticipated 2010 Ford Mustang, which will serve as the pace car for the vintage racing field throughout the weekend. The next-generation Mustang will be outfitted in a special "camo" package, keeping some key design cues secret until its reveal later this year.

The camouflaged future version of America's favorite muscle car will look right at home in Elkhart Lake, Wis., along with a 2009 Ford Mustang Bullitt and a 2009 Ford Fusion with a limited-edition "Blue Suede Package."

Saturday marks Ford Mustang Day at Road America featuring a "Mustang Corral" along the straightaway. Every Ford Mustang and its occupants will be admitted free on Saturday to the Kohler International Challenge presented by Ford.

"One of the key components of our program is to meet our customers face-to-face, and the Kohler International Challenge provides an excellent opportunity for Ford to interact with a group of dedicated, knowledgeable enthusiasts," said Robert Parker, Car Marketing manager, Ford Division. "Road America and the vintage weekend provides an opportunity for customers to get behind the wheel and for Ford to show off our new product line, while still highlighting the fact Ford has been involved in racing since the inception of our company more than a century ago."

While historic race cars will be gracing the famous race track, enthusiasts on hand also will be able to get behind the wheel of some of Ford's latest products at the Briggs & Stratton track located inside the Road America circuit. Ford will have the 2009 Flex, Escape, Edge, Fusion, Focus coupe and other vehicles available for consumers to test drive all weekend.

The 25th anniversary of the then-highly anticipated 1983 Mustang GTP debut and its rain-soaked maiden victory is the foundation forthe on-and off-track events.

The Mustang GTP car that won that day will be on display for the thousands of fans attending the event. The legendary car, an innovative racer that was the creation of Ford's then newly-formed Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), will be just a part of a significant Ford presence at the annual vintage event.

Also on hand during the weekend will be several Ford GTs, which will give hot laps on the legendary 4.048-mile Road America course. Fans can enter to win a Ford GT hot lap, which will be given away every hour, or laps can be purchased by making a $50 charitable donation to the Wisconsin Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Vince Lombardi Titletown Champions foundation, which is raising money for youth sports programs.

The final component to the Ford Mustang celebration is on-track. Four Shelby Cobras will enter the Historic Grand Prix, and the Shelby drivers will wear vintage late 1960's racing attire. These Shelby entries mark the first time Shelby Automobiles has joined forces with Ford to race since 1968.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the comp