Ford Motor Company Global Auto Shows

When it comes to buying a new car, the difference between male and female consumers appears to be that guys focus on the basics – quality, reliability, safety, design, fuel economy – while women sweat the details. Men quickly figure out what they want and buy it, while women have longer lists. And savvy carmakers, acutely aware that women now buy up to 62 percent of all new cars, are responding by rethinking their advertising messages.*

As Auto Show editors, we were interested in knowing what the women thought of the cars at the show and there was plenty of feedback on the show floor.

We started near the Mustangs and overhead a number of women enthusiastically discussing the the Giugiaro’s Mustang’s bold, burnt-orange exterior. Apparently, it was a hit, though the interior “cowboy” styling raised a few eyebrows: “that’s cowhide in there! That’s funny – cowboy style.”

Women got practical at the Land Rover area. There seemed to be plenty of women checking out the safety and grandeur of the Land Rovers on display. There was a competition to win a two-year lease on a LR2 and we only saw women applying for that prize.

At the Volvo stand, women were asking detailed questions about safety and price, especially near the impressive S80.

The practicality theme continued over at Mazda where one woman asked of the dashing Ryuga Concept “but how do the doors open?” A good question indeed for someone that hadn’t witness the horizontal, automated winged entry.

Other winners included the Mercury Montego’s trunk capacity and the MKR’s “bright” interior cream leather.

*”What Do Women Want” www.ford.media.com, March 8th, 2006

NAIAS 2007 has been a great fourteen days for us. Thanks to all of you that read our posts and contributed comments. We’ve enjoyed the dialogue!

This year’s Ford Motor Company concept cars have all been received remarkably well. They included:

• Lincoln MKR Concept
• Ford Airstream Concept
• Ford Interceptor Concept
• Jaguar C-XF Concept
• Mazda Ryuga Concept
• Volvo XC60 Concept

Vehicle descriptions and interviews with senior designers explaining the background of these vehicles will continue to appear on this site. Other post include summaries of all Ford Motor Company vehicles on display at NAIAS. We have also reported on key events of the show including new model updates, the Show’s Charity Preview and various audiences reactions to the show and vehicles.

Check here for upcoming Auto Shows near you and see you there!

The Ford Auto Show Team

Lincoln MKR Concept introduces a new engine technology that delivers V-8 power and performance with V-6 fuel economy. The new technology, TwinForce™, will appear on future Lincoln and Ford vehicles.

TwinForce uses direct injection technology and turbocharging. These technologies are common in diesel engines, but have only recently been combined for use in gasoline engines.

“Everything we do is driven by our customers,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Our TwinForce engine technology is a key element of how we’re going after fuel economy gains without asking anyone to give up performance.”

Lincoln MKR Concept’s engine is flex-fuel capable, which means the driver has the flexibility to use gasoline, E85, or a combination of the two fuels. At Ford, development of flexible fuel vehicles, and the corresponding development of a biofuel infrastructure, is viewed as an important step toward increased use of biofuels to provide energy security and environmental benefits.

This year, the Range Rover gets an updated TDV8 diesel engine and improved cabin. Added technologies include Terrain Response, electronic park brake and electronic rear ‘e’ (electronic) differential. The improved cabin gains extra stowage space, enhanced finishes and more effective air-conditioning – plus the option of cooled front seats.

The TDV8 diesel engine makes its debut in the Range Rover. Like all Land Rover engines, it is lightweight, compact and extremely strong. Compared with the six-cylinder diesel it replaces, it is 54 percent more powerful, delivers 64 percent more torque, but yet, has the same fuel economy.

The new engine is matched to the six-speed, state-of-the-art ZF ‘intelligent shift’ automatic transmission, already used on petrol Range Rover models. The suspension setup is similar to that of the Range Rover Supercharged, delivering outstanding handling and ride comfort. Large Brembo front brakes are standard.

The Range Rover’s outstanding off-road capability is enhanced by the addition of Terrain Response standard on all 2007 models, together with a center ‘e’ (electronic) differential and the availability of a rear ‘e’ differential. Terrain Response allows the driver to select one of five settings on the rotary switch, to suit the terrain. The vehicle’s electronic and mechanical controls are then optimized to tackle the specific conditions.

Land Rover’s answer to the demands of daily driving and off-road adventures alike, the 2007 LR3 is bold in appearance as well as performance. The multitalented LR3 comfortably accommodates up to seven adults and surrounds them with impeccable design and ingenious technology.

The LR3, winner of Motor Trend’s prestigious SUV of the Year award for 2005, revolutionized the mid-priced SUV category with its impressive technology and sophistication. Refinements for 2007 include elevated standard trim, several convenience improvements, and altered option-package content.

For 2007, leather trim, a power sunroof, and a 240-watt harman/kardon ® nine-speaker sound system are all standard equipment. All V8 models are now equipped with three-row, seven-passenger seating. Aluminum-alloy wheels fitted to the V6 SE are a new design this year. A power lumbar adjuster has been added to the driver’s seat while the front passenger-side power window responds to one touch. Power seat adjusters operate when the ignition switch is in the off position. For lane-change convenience, a new three-flash position has been incorporated in the turn-signal switch. To supplement the time display in the radio, a clock has been added to the driver’s information center in the instrument cluster.

The Ford Interceptor Concept and the Ford Airstream Concept feature two possible next-generation safety belt technologies Ford Motor Company is researching. While current three-point safety belts are effective in reducing the risk of injury in a crash, Ford Motor Company is researching two potential safety belt technologies that may have the possibility to further reduce injury risk in vehicle crashes.

Inflatable Safety Belts
In the Ford Interceptor concept, the rear seat is equipped with inflatable safety belts. As its name suggests, the inflatable rear safety belt fills with air during a crash.
A strap of air bag material is hidden in the seat belt webbing. The strap inflates into a cylindrical shape when frontal air bags deploy. The concept of inflatable belts is to spread forces from a vehicle crash over a broader section of the body than traditional safety belts, further helping to reduce the pressure on the chest and helping to control the motion of the head and neck.

Four-Point Safety Belts
Both the Ford Interceptor concept and the Ford Airstream Concept showcase Ford Motor Company’s research into four-point safety belt technology.
Recent customer research showed Ford scientists and engineers that some consumers perceive fourpoint belts to be safer, as well as more comfortable and, depending on their design, easier to use than traditional three-point belts.

As fuel prices go up and concerns about climate change escalate, alternative fuels and engine types are on the minds of drivers and designers alike.

“We’re interested in hybrids” Mike Smyth, a father of four, said at the NAIAS in Detroit last weekend. He said that “hydrogen, hybrid, and electric cars are important to me. I’m thinking about renewable resources.”

Ford Motor Company is responding to concerns about the environmental impact of its vehicles from customers like Smyth, while still delivering the performance all customers expect. For instance, Lincoln MKR Concept’s V6 TwinForce engine delivers the performance of a V8, but has 15% better fuel economy.

When asked about the MKR Concept, Peter Horbury, Ford Motor Company’s Executive Director of Design for the Americas, said that “the Lincoln driver wants to spend money and enjoy their vehicle, but not at the expense of other people or the environment.”

Ford’s commitment to fuel efficiency and alternative fuel and engine types is not new. With the Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford introduced the world’s first full hybrid SUV. Ford now offers both Escape and Mariner as hybrids, and has plans to offer other hybrid models in 2008. In addition, Ford Motor Company offers 14 vehicles that vehicles get over 30 mpg and a line of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs), which run on ethanol, gasoline or a combination of the two.

As for alternative fuels, the NySeries Drive plug-in hydrogen fuel cell featured in the Ford Airstream Concept is already on the road in a Ford Edge prototype. Ford also has test fleets of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and vehicles with hydrogen internal combustion engines on the road.

The Symths are glad that automakers are developing more cars with alternative engines, and they’re hopeful about the future. “Maybe by the time we’re in the market for another car, we’ll be able to purchase one that runs on an alternative
to gas,” says Smyth.

For the attendees at the NAIAS this week, battling the crowds to get a look at the Ford Supertrucks was a challenge. Steve Carpenter was busy inspecting the new F150. “I like the Superduty series” Carpenter said. “My Ford truck has 101,000 miles on it. There’s beautiful stuff here. I want to update!”

Sue Galeas wanted to get a closer look at the Ford F150 Harley Davidson Edition. She and her husband John are “Ford people” and were there to see both Mustangs and trucks. “I’m a truck person,” says Sue. “And I love the style of the Harley Davidson. It’s just….fancy!”

“You can’t beat Ford trucks,” says John. “ I’ve looked at the other ones and there’s just something about the Fords. It’s like a country man’s limo.”

Ken Vastine, Jr. of Hastings, MI has owned Fords his all his life and brought his daughter Allison to the Auto Show this year. “I like the drivetrain on Ford trucks. They’re built to take the abuse on the farm, running the plow. I need a work truck and Ford can hold up to that.”

Ford Design is getting attention. The Jaguar C-XF won Auto Week Editor’s Choice for Best in Show 2007, and while the Mazda Ryuga and the Volvo XC60 Concept are notable for their avant-garde style, Ford’s commitment to design is evident throughout every one of their brands.

“The Lincoln MKR is amazing,” says Rich Maxon, a muscle car enthusiast from Grosse Pointe Woods who likes the sportier direction Lincoln is taking. His wife Karlyn is a longtime Mustang fan. “The styling is impeccable,” she says of the Giugiaro Mustang “I love looking at it.”

“It’s a real boss-looking car” enthuses Jim Martin, who was at the show to look at the Shelby GT500 but fell in love with the Interceptor. “I’d stand in line to buy the Interceptor.”

Ford’s designers tell us that the design cues–like clean, uncluttered surfaces, and powerful, dynamic beltlines– in these concept cars will make up the “new DNA” of the next generation of cars.

One of the big draws since the NAIAS opened to the public is the Shelby GT500. Mustang fans from all over the country have not been able to keep away. “That is a sharp car!” Sue Galeas of South Lyon, MI says. She and her husband John, muscle car fans, lined up to see Mustang’s latest at NAIAS this week.

Nearby, Jim Martin tells us he’s come all the way from Florida to inspect - and maybe put an order in for - the Shelby. “I love the rich history of the Shelby. It’s a beautiful car, great price. Where else can you get 500 horses at that price?”

Mike Tomsen adds that seeing the Shelby at the NAIAS is a real treat for enthusiasts like him: “This beautiful GT500 Mustang—you can’t even see it at the dealers. And yet Ford makes it available for people to see, get inside the car, get a feel for it. I hope they build enough of them to meet demand.”

“Anyone who likes Mustangs loves Mustangs” John Galeas adds. “A Mustang’s a Mustang, and that’s it for me!”