Ford Begins Super Duty Production at Kentucky Plant

Ford Motor Co. has finally started its production for its new F-Series Super Duty pickup truck. The new truck from the automaker is expected to secure the already outstanding reputation of Ford when it comes to manufacturing trucks. According to enthusiasts, when you say Ford F-Series it means no less than excellent.

The new Super Duty truck from the automaker features outstanding Ford F-Series parts that include tailgate step and swing up hand grab bar for easy access to the vehicle. The new pickup truck also boasts its new exterior and interior design. The new pickup is also equipped with a regular production bed.

The automaker has invested $65 million to make the Kentucky truck plant sophisticated and functional. The Kentucky plant of Ford is responsible for the meticulous assembly of advanced Ford F-250 parts. The production of Kentucky plant will be augmented by the coming of F-550. Employees in the plant cheered during the first day of Ford F-550 parts assembly. Currently, the plant employs 4,848 hourly workers and 306 salaried employees. They will work to produce large volumes of F-250 to F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks.

Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said that the start of production was an important milestone in an increasingly competitive truck market. "Our competition is benchmarking what we have today, and we've spent a lot of time developing the truck of tomorrow," He continued. "It's a very, very important launch to us -- both from a volume standpoint, a profit standpoint and from an image standpoint of Ford being very serious about retaining its leadership in trucks."

Critics and experts alike believe that Super Duty trucks will maintain its remarkable reputation in the auto industry. Bob King, a United Auto Workers vice president, said the new Super Duty trucks would stack up against other vehicles in the market, including foreign competitors.

The 2008 Super Duty from the second generation was introduced at the Texas State Fair this year. Moreover, the automaker intends to release its new generation F-450 late next year. According to critics, the bread and butter vehicles of Ford will be hard to topple.

Dinesite


Source: http://musiczenpcvpobst.blogspot.com/2007/08/ford-begins-super-duty-production-at.html

Ford Defends 'King of the Hill' Reign

For decades now, Ford F-Series pickup trucks have been tagged as the best-selling vehicles in America. In fact, because of consistency of sales, Ford trucks have been given the 'King of the Hill' title in the auto industry. Further, with the shift of auto market to compact cars, Ford trucks have been the bread-and-butter of the company. However, said vehicles are now facing serious competition because of the uprising auto rivals.

Analysts estimate that F-Series sales make up half of the automaker's profits. Ford trucks have attained a reputation that is hard to topple. Yet, auto giants are persistent to steal a slice of Ford's market.

Based on the reported sales of automakers, market is moving away from trucks and sport utility vehicles. Additionally, the current market figures are in favor of Toyota and Chevy vehicles. To thwart this apparent shift, Ford intends to bank on 'Bold Moves'.

To defend its reign in the pickup truck segment, Ford sets forth Episode 17 of its 'Bold Moves' series. The latter is designed to fight the challenges of rival trucks so that Ford will stay as the 'King of the Hill'. The automaker will be utilizing powered Ford F-Series pickup parts including clean-burning fuel injected diesel engines.

Ford F-Series pickup trucks are sold for over 5 decades now. The most popular among the variants is F-150. It is the world's best-selling vehicle for 23 years. Moreover, it is the best-selling car in America for 28 years now and Ford is still counting. Nonetheless, how soon will victory linger?

"The documentary will present a picture of a company that is committed to revitalization through our people, products, improved quality and costs, and a laser-sharp focus on the customer," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas. "Each episode will provide evidence that it's not business as usual at the Ford Motor Company and that 'Change or Die' is not a sound bite. It's the way we're approaching our future."

Mary Lou Quesnell, director, Ford Brand DNA added, "Over time, the body of work we are creating will tell a compelling story about bold products, bold leadership and Ford's customer focus. We will provide both sides of the conversation and let America watch Ford's turnaround as it happens."
Babysupermall


Source: http://yahoo-sportskoyvtbbvw.blogspot.com/2007/08/ford-defends-king-of-hill-reign.html

Navistar To Resume Super Duty Diesel Production

The Ford Motor Co. reached agreement late Thursday with a key supplier - the Navistar International Corp. - to resume production of diesel engines for its financially rewarding F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks for at least the next 30 days. Both Ford and Navistar will continue to negotiate a contract dispute to settle some issues around it.

Ford said in a statement, "We are pleased there will be no further disruptions to the production of F-Series Super Duty.?Last week, Ford won a court order to compel Navistar to resume shipments of diesel engines used by the automaker in the latest variant of the F-Series. The said diesel engine is integrated to the Super-Duty trucks at Ford's Louisville, Kentucky truck plant.

It can be recalled that Navistar stopped shipping engines to the automaker since February 26. The said cessation is anchored on a pricing and warranty dispute. At present, the companies are still in the process of negotiation which is aimed at resolving the underlying issues that have created the dispute.

"This is not a deal deal. The issues are still in dispute," Navistar spokesman Roy Wiley said Thursday. "It's good news for both sides that we can continue to talk in a new spirit of cooperation."

The second generation 2008 Super Duty, which first debuted at the Texas State Fair in the previous year, has a number of unique points that stress the Ford F-Series dominance in the truck market. Two of the distinct features of the truck include the concealed slide-out step and swing-up hand grab bar in the rear tailgate to allow easier access. Nonetheless, one of the crucial auto parts may not be the Jet Chips cold air intake but its diesel engine. The V8 diesel engine generates 350 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The variant is also equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

The Ford Super Duty is a profitable vehicle. Hence, the disruption in its production and delivery could injure automakers market share. In December last year, Ford reported a $12.7 billion loss - to disrupt the Super Duty production could make losses even more debilitating. The Ford Super Duty is part of the F-Series lineup. The said lineup accounts for more than a fourth of Fords sales in the United States. "Ford can't be without Super Duty right now," said Erich Merkle, auto analyst with the consulting firm IRN Inc. in Grand Rapids.

Wiley added, Under the 30-day consent judgment filed Thursday in Oakland Circuit Court, Navistar will build as many engines as Ford wants and be paid what it is owed per engine under its contract with Ford.?Negotiations lasted late into the night Wednesday and much of Thursday to reach the agreement.

Judge John McDonald, who issued the orders requiring Navistar to keep building engines and Ford to keep paying for them, urged both parties to settle their dispute. Both parties are to report back to McDonald in early April. McDonald could continue the consent judgment if both parties agree or set a trial on the automakers warranty claims.

Legal Jobs


Source: http://baghdad-camdexckbdujse.blogspot.com/2007/08/navistar-to-resume-super-duty-diesel.html

Toyota's Attempt to Dethrone Pickup Kings

Toyota Motor Corp. has gone a long way and it is determined to make the most out of every segment in the American auto market. This time around, it attempts to conquer the full-size truck market.

As perceived by auto analysts, Ford, GM and Dodge have already established loyalties among its customers. In fact, they account for more that 90 percent of the entire full-size truck sales in the United States. "This is not the car market of the 1970s and '80s, where the domestic automakers failed to match Toyota in terms of quality, said Bob Lutz, head of GM's global product development."The Detroit brands have the upper hand in full-size trucks."

Lutz further added, "All the people who bought American full-size pickup trucks, regardless of manufacturer, or full-size sport-utilities are deliriously happy with their products."The American truck owner -- Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge, GMC, it doesn't matter -- is intensely loyal and enormously satisfied with the truck."

Full-size truck market is far different from many industries. Ford, GM and Dodge have loyal customer base. So far this year, 672,700 units of world's best-selling F-series trucks from Ford were sold. GM comes next with 539,300 sales of Chevy Silverado. Dodge Ram, landed on the third place with 303,500 sales. Ford F-Series pickup parts seem to be never waning. Chevrolet, on the other hand, is holding on tight to its standing. Consequently, Dodge truck parts are refined to do better.

Toyota started its production of new Tundra last week. Said vehicle uses improved Toyota Tundra high performance parts to boost its capabilities.

The new Tundra, which is made in San Antonio, will go on sale this February. According to Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com, Tundra is the most significant vehicle of the year. "Toyota's first true full-size truck, the 2007 Tundra is a signal that Toyota is ready to compete head-on with the domestic automakers."

"I'm not saying that it's a matter of fact that the Japanese will take over the domestic truck market," Brauer noted. "But I am saying that history has suggested that when they want to take over a market, they've been pretty effective at it."

"Toyota will have a tough time taking customers away from Ford, GM and Dodge," said Joe Phillippi, a principal with AutoTrends Consulting in Short Hills, N.J. "The competition has a tremendous reputation. They have strong loyalty among working-truck buyers. That's a tough thing to crack."
Techcrunch


Source: http://phptaxrym.blogspot.com/2007/08/toyotas-attempt-to-dethrone-pickup.html

Ford Defends 'King of the Hill' Reign

For decades now, Ford F-Series pickup trucks have been tagged as the best-selling vehicles in America. In fact, because of consistency of sales, Ford trucks have been given the 'King of the Hill' title in the auto industry. Further, with the shift of auto market to compact cars, Ford trucks have been the bread-and-butter of the company. However, said vehicles are now facing serious competition because of the uprising auto rivals.

Analysts estimate that F-Series sales make up half of the automaker's profits. Ford trucks have attained a reputation that is hard to topple. Yet, auto giants are persistent to steal a slice of Ford's market.

Based on the reported sales of automakers, market is moving away from trucks and sport utility vehicles. Additionally, the current market figures are in favor of Toyota and Chevy vehicles. To thwart this apparent shift, Ford intends to bank on 'Bold Moves'.

To defend its reign in the pickup truck segment, Ford sets forth Episode 17 of its 'Bold Moves' series. The latter is designed to fight the challenges of rival trucks so that Ford will stay as the 'King of the Hill'. The automaker will be utilizing powered Ford F-Series pickup parts including clean-burning fuel injected diesel engines.

Ford F-Series pickup trucks are sold for over 5 decades now. The most popular among the variants is F-150. It is the world's best-selling vehicle for 23 years. Moreover, it is the best-selling car in America for 28 years now and Ford is still counting. Nonetheless, how soon will victory linger?

"The documentary will present a picture of a company that is committed to revitalization through our people, products, improved quality and costs, and a laser-sharp focus on the customer," said Mark Fields, Ford's President of the Americas. "Each episode will provide evidence that it's not business as usual at the Ford Motor Company and that 'Change or Die' is not a sound bite. It's the way we're approaching our future."

Mary Lou Quesnell, director, Ford Brand DNA added, "Over time, the body of work we are creating will tell a compelling story about bold products, bold leadership and Ford's customer focus. We will provide both sides of the conversation and let America watch Ford's turnaround as it happens."
Cooks


Source: http://directxnglgsy.blogspot.com/2007/08/ford-defends-king-of-hill-reign.html

Texas Tundra Plant, Now More Active

Detroit's 'Big 3' automakers probably dont want to hear the fact that Tundra plant in Texas is producing one pickup truck every minute. This information was unleashed by Toyota before its first assembly of Tundra.

As the Detroit's Big 3, which is composed of General Motors Corp., DaimlerChrysler AG and, Ford Motor Co., struggles to maintain its standing in the pickup truck segment, Toyota plans to manufacture a total of 200,000 pickups every year. Said production is attributed to the highly automated and sophisticated facility of its new Tundra plant in Texas.

Mike Goss, Toyota spokesperson said, "If consumer demand pushes the plant on San Antonio's south side to operate at full capacity, which could happen by next spring, a truck will roll off the line an average of every 73 seconds." He added, "From beginning to end a truck will take 20 to 24 hours to complete."

Aside from the Texas plant, Toyota Tundra high performance parts are also assembled at Toyota's Princeton, Ind., plant. However, the production is boosted by active participation of the new plant in Texas. Toyota's Tundra plant in Texas in conjunction with its 21 onsite suppliers is expected to employ 4,100 people. Said information was earlier announced by Toyota.

Don Jackson, vice president of quality and production for Toyota's Texas arm said, "The suppliers will provide about 70 percent of the parts used in the Tundras and 50 percent of the value of parts in each truck."

Tundra replaced the T100. The second generation version of Tundra, which was introduced at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show, is made larger to serve as a mighty rival for Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Ram, and Nissan Titan. Accessories Toyota Tundra truck parts are also upgraded to enhance quality and functionality.

Auto analysts are saying that Toyota is poised to overtake General Motors Corp. as the largest automaker around the world. Moreover, Toyota is initiating strategies to win the reign. So far, said strategies are making good impressions in the automotive world.

Nowadays, Toyota and Ford are spending millions to dethrone Ford in the pickup truck segment. However, no other automakers have succeeded in trying to topple the throne of Ford. It has dominated the segment for several decades now. In fact, its F-150 remains as the top-selling car in America.
Aastocks


Source: http://free-lesbian-moviekvuhzb.blogspot.com/2007/08/texas-tundra-plant-now-more-active.html

Tundra: Ready To Rumble In The American Truck War

With a brand new factory in Texas, Toyota Motor Corp., a Japanese automaker takes aim at Ford and Chevy. In the American truck war, Toyota's gamble will be its 2007 Tundra much larger Tundra. 2007 Tundra, which was launched at the Chicago Auto Show, is made larger than Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-Series, Nissan Titan and Dodge Ram its mighty rivals in the truck segment. The latest model boasts that the enhanced Toyota Tundra parts paved way for greater towing capacity and truck performance. There are 3 available engine choices - 4.0 L V6, 4.7 L V8, and new 5.7 L V8. The upcoming arrival of Tundra sends quiver to other auto giants. In fact, General Motors has hired John Mellencamp, Indiana-born rock star, to record a patriotic song entitled Our Country for a television ad for its Chevy Silverado. The ad says: This is our country; this is our truck. Said ad is designed to capture customers in the heart of America and to save its slipping sales in said territory. Chevy Silverado pickup parts include powerful V-8 engine that make the truck efficient and high-performance. This year, Silverado is the second-best selling vehicle in the United States. So far, the best-selling vehicle around the globe is F-150. Said variant came from Ford's F-Series, which is composed of full-size pickup trucks. Ford F-150 pickup parts are designed to handle tough labor. Not only that, said model promises 250,000 miles and counting. Its reign in the truck war scene is attributed to its tough built and goodwill. Hitherto, Ford F-Series is deemed the bread-and-butter of the automaker. Toyota wants to convince American truck drivers to trade their trucks for Tundra. This is the reason why the automaker added an American twist to its pickup. Another expected move is the moving of Tundra's production to the Texas plant. According to statistics, Texas is America's biggest pickup market. Statistics further divulged that out of every 4 vehicles sold is a pickup. Toyota has been expanding by building more plants in North America they put them in areas where they want to increase their business, said George Magliano, director of automotive industry research at Global Insight. The idea is truck buyers become more loyal to a manufacturer that brings jobs and money into their state. "One strength Toyota has is its ability to stick with a strategy, Magliano added. They got into the truck market about 10 years ago, and they didnt have much success right away, but they just kept working at it. They keep on improving a product, and they eventually crack the market and that is how they are gaining market share in the United States.?

Source: http://parollesrlpdkyi.blogspot.com/2007/08/tundra-ready-to-rumble-in-american.html

Ford's Engines Belong to the 'World's Best'

Ford Motor Co. is retaining its good impression regarding its sophisticated engines. Lately, Ford's all-new 3.5-liter Duratec 35 V-6 engine was named by Wards Auto World as one of Wards 10 Best Engines.?Additionally, for the third time now, the automaker's 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8 also emerged as one of the best engines in the automotive realm."This is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to our powertrain development process." said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Motor Company, Powertrain Product Development Operations. "The 3.5-liter engine class is one of the most competitive in the industry, so it is high praise to have our new engine stand out and be among the 10 best in the industry."Wards 10 Best Engines is an annual commendation of the 10 'best' vehicle engines by Ward's Auto World magazine. Said commendation, which has started in 1994, chooses the 'best' auto engines by taking into account power and torque output, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels, technical relevance and basic comparative numbers.For 2007, the 10 best engines are Audi 2.0 L I4 FSI turbocharged DOHC, BMW 3.0 L I6 N52B30, BMW 3.0 L I6 N54B30, DaimlerChrysler 5.7 L V8 Hemi Magnum, Ford 4.6 L V8 Modular, DaimlerChrysler 3.0 L V6 Bluetec Turbodiesel, Ford 3.5 L V6 Duratec 35, Mazda 2.3 L I4 DISI turbocharged DOHC, Nissan 3.5 L V6 VQ35DE, and Toyota 3.5 L V6 2GR-FSE.Ford's new 3.5-liter V-6 engine is rated at 265 horsepower on 87 octane regular grade fuel. Said engine gives car occupants a powerful yet comfortable ride with less pain at the pump. The engine is incorporated to the new Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX crossovers, and Lincoln MKZ sedan which went on sale since October.The new engine from Ford, which is now produced at Lima Engine Plant in Lima, Ohio, was designed to evolve and be compatible with direct injection and turbocharged direct injection technology. Further, said intention is also open to the possibility of improving power and torque output.Fords 4.6-liter V-8, on the other hand, uses the 3-valve technology for improved power, fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This engine is powerplant of choice integrated to GT and Shelby GT Ford Mustang auto parts. It is also designed to blend with Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Mercury Mountaineer. The 5.4-liter V-8 also complemented Lincoln Navigator, Ford Expedition parts accessories, and Ford F-Series parts. Also, the 6.8-liter V-10 complements the power and performance of F-series Super Duty.Jobs


Source: http://video-porn-gratisboosokb.blogspot.com/2007/08/fords-engines-belong-to-worlds-best.html

2008 Ford Expedition

The 2008 Ford Expedition and Expedition EL extended length model combine bold Ford Truck design, functionality and toughness with high levels of interior refinement for consumers who need the flexibility of a full-size SUV. With eight available arrays across the lineup, Expedition and Expedition EL provide customers the most choice amongst full-size SUV offerings.

According to results from a Global Quality Research Study survey conducted by the RDA Group, an independent research company, 85 percent of Expedition EL owners are Completely Satisfied with their vehicles after three months of ownership, placing the Expedition EL at the top of its class for quality. Additionally, Expedition EL was rated top large SUV as a Total Quality Award™ winner in Strategic Vision's 2007 Total Quality Index™ which measures new vehicle owner satisfaction.

Expedition and Expedition EL are available in XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and King Ranch trims. All Expeditions are built at the Michigan Truck Plant in Wayne, Mich.

New King Ranch Edition joins a comprehensive lineup
The rugged sophistication of the King Ranch Expedition returns for 2008. Available on Expedition and Expedition EL models, the King Ranch Package adds unique 18-inch machined aluminum wheels and King Ranch badging, chrome exhaust tips, Pueblo Gold exterior accents and heated power mirrors with signal, memory function and security approach lamps.

The interior features exclusive King Ranch Chaparral leather seating on all three rows of seats, center console lid and door trim panel inserts with wood trim on the switch plates, floor console, shifter handle and instrument panel. The leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel features duplicate climate & radio controls and Chaparral leather insert. The King Ranch comes standard with the PowerFold™ third-row seat.

Two additional options are being introduced across the lineup as well, including:

- Power running boards that automatically extend when doors open to ease exit and entry into the vehicle.
- A Rearview Camera System for greater visibility when driving in reverse or hooking up a trailer. Mounted in the rear liftgate, the rearview camera is activated when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, giving the driver a clear view behind the vehicle. The video image is displayed in the self-dimming rearview mirror.

The XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited packages also receive several updates for 2008, including:

- Body-color front and rear fascia, wheel lip moldings and side cladding replaces black color on previous model XLT.
- A new 18-inch chrome clad wheel option on XLT models.
- Keyless entry keypad, electrochromic mirror, heated power mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auxiliary A/C, full overhead console, illuminated visors, second-row map lights are now standard on all models.
- Chrome exhaust tip now standard on Eddie Bauer models.
- Power adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, universal garage door opener and Reverse Sensing System are now standard on Limited and King Ranch models for interior convenience.

Comfortable and Capable
The 2008 Expedition delivers a sophisticated level of interior comfort, refinement and quality. For example, Expedition's seats are designed with large bolsters, soft cushions and premium materials to provide increased comfort on long trips. Expedition's seating also is very capable. Expedition XLT features six-way power-adjustable front seats, with a 10-way-power driver's seat standard on all models with leather trim.

One-lever action, kneel-down, 40/20/40-split second-row seats are the first in Expedition's class to fold flat with the load floor to offer extra cargo space and easy third-row access. A class-exclusive CenterSlide™ sliding center section can be moved forward up to 11 inches to give the front-seat passenger easy access to a young child in the second row. The second row is available in this 40/20/40 bench configuration, or with two captain's chairs and a walk-through center passage.

Available on XLT and standard on all other models, Expedition's 60/40-split third-row seats provide best-in-class legroom.

Both second- and third-row seats fold flat into the load floor, providing easily accessible cargo space without the inconvenience of removing a heavy, cumbersome rear seat. For the ultimate in convenience, Expedition offers a first-in-class available PowerFold™ third-row seat that folds flat with the touch of a button.

Navigation System, MP3 Audio, Satellite Radio
Getting to the adventure in the 2008 Expedition is easier with the help of a DVD-based navigation system that features a 6.5-inch color touch screen, voice activation and spoken upcoming street names and intersection programming in three languages.

An available 340-watt AM/FM audio system is MP3 capable and features an in-dash six-CD changer with six premium speakers, plus a subwoofer. Expedition comes standard with an audio input jack with plug-and-play iPod capability. Expedition owners may also choose factory-installed SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and the family-entertainment DVD system with a large 8-inch flush-mounted flat-panel display and two sets of remote-control infrared headphones.

Expedition EL Extends Full-Size Appeal
For full-size SUV customers who want even more cargo-carrying capability, Ford offers the 2008 Expedition EL. With 14.8 inches of additional overall length, Expedition EL delivers 130.8 cubic feet of cargo space – including 24 cubic feet more behind the third-row seat than the already spacious Expedition. Expedition EL rides on a 131-inch wheelbase – 12 inches longer than the standard Expedition – to preserve the base model's superior ride and handling.

Expedition EL is unique from the B-pillar back with its own floor pan, one-piece body side, running boards, rear fascia, roof rack, rear quarter glass, one-piece headliner and quarter panel trim. The second-row doors are also unique to improve the ingress and egress to both second and third rows.

Bold Styling Sets Tone for Tough Expedition
Expedition's design makes a promise of powerful capability. Inspired by Ford F-Series – America's best-selling truck for 30 straight years – Expedition melds that ruggedness with expressive lines, delivering a vehicle that exudes confidence, from the prominent four-bar grille to the large blue oval mounted on the liftgate.

Expedition's prominent grille serves as the focal point for the raised powerdome hood. Dual-beam headlamps feature the Ford-themed step-up design with the integrated side-marker lights wrapping around into the front fenders. Smooth sides and large wheel lips further define Expedition's confident stance and frame its large wheels and tires. Expedition owners can choose from seven wheel designs, including available 20-inch chrome-clad, six-spoke wheels wearing P275/55-R20 all-season tires.

Improved Road-Cruising Quietness
Expedition engineers set aggressive targets for reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). Normal conversation is easily discernible from the front row all the way to the third-row seat, thanks to the use of sound-deadening materials in the carpet and headliner, thick insulation behind the dashboard and door panels, thick side glass and a specially engineered acoustical windshield – all designed to help reduce interior noise. And it doesn't stop there.

Large, soft body mounts and engine and transmission mounts isolate the cabin from unwanted vibration. Wind tunnel-tuned-and-tested outside mirrors further reduces wind and road noise. Even Expedition's tires have been specifically tuned to reduce road noise.

Chassis Provides Solid Foundation
The 2008 Expedition features a strong, tough, fully boxed frame, engineered to F-Series tough truck durability standards.

The chassis features an independent front suspension, front frame section and modular front-end construction for ease of assembly and quality. The tube-through-tube frame construction adds additional frame stiffness to provide a solid foundation for improved driving dynamics. Ford's patented porthole-through-frame design allows the drive shafts to feed through the frame rails, lowering the center of gravity for better ride and handling and maximizing passenger space in the third-row seat.

The 2008 Expedition's first-in-class independent rear suspension (IRS) features a five-link design for better control of fore/aft and lateral load forces. Monotube shocks on all four corners allow for precise tuning and a refined ride.

A variable boost steering pump uses lightweight aluminum components to reduce steering efforts for easy maneuverability at slow speeds while delivering a firm, responsive feel at highway speeds.

Large front and rear brake calipers and rotors provide for a durable braking system with excellent stopping power. A dual-bore master cylinder delivers a confident brake pedal feel offering more control over the brake curve.

4x4 Capability, Tough Truck Standards
Expedition's available 4x4 system provides the capability required by today's full-size SUV owners, who can confidently rely on its toughness and durability. Expedition is tested to meet the same Ford tough truck standards as the F-Series pickup, including being put through the same durability tests at extreme test facilities in Arizona and California.

The 4x4 models have two-speed transfer cases with optional electronic shift-on-the-fly capability, controlled from a dash-mounted rotary knob. In low range, the electronic throttle control changes to a special off-road calibration for more precise torque management in the worst conditions, such as a sandy hill climb or when pulling a heavy boat out of the water on a moss-slicked ramp.

5.4-Liter V-8 Mated to Fuel-Efficient 6-Speed Transmission
Expedition is powered by Ford's tough truck-proven 5.4-liter Triton™ V-8 engine. With three valves per cylinder and variable cam timing, the 5.4-liter engine delivers a balance of refinement and muscle. Rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque, Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds, for the best tow rating in its class.

The Triton™ engine is paired with a standard class-exclusive 6-speed automatic transmission. With a wide 6.02:1 gear ratio and two overdrive gears (fifth and sixth), Expedition's 6-speed transmission has smaller steps between gears than a typical 4-speed automatic and offers improved shift quality, faster acceleration and improved fuel economy.

Standard Safety Features include AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control)
The 2000 Expedition was the first full-size SUV to earn five-star front safety NCAP ratings for the driver and passenger from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a recognition it has maintained every year since 2000. This seven-year run on five-star ratings sets Expedition apart as best in its class. The Expedition is designed to meet all known future government crash standards.

Expedition offers a long list of standard safety content for 2008 including:

- Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) is standard on both Expedition and Expedition EL. Unlike competitors' systems, Ford's system utilizes two gyroscopic roll rate sensors to accurately measure the vehicle's yaw and roll angles. If the roll rate sensor detects a significant roll angle, the system applies additional countermeasures – such as applying brakes to one or more wheels or reducing engine power – to help the driver maintain control.
- Safety Canopy™ side-curtain air bags rollover detection system includes extended-duration side curtain air bags featuring roll-fold technology that extend down to the beltline for increased coverage.
- Dual-stage front air bags deploy with varying power based on crash severity, the driver's seat position and safety-belt usage. Expedition uses environmentally responsible heated-gas hydrogen inflators for the passenger air bag.
- Seat-mounted front side air bags provide extra protection in the event of a side impact
- Expedition's door trim features a unique design that works with the standard seat-mounted side air bags to enhance occupant safety in a side impact.

Key Features and Options:
Standard features include: 300-hp 5.4-liter V-8 with 6-speed automatic transmission; 17-inch aluminum wheels; Integrated Class IV tow hitch receiver, AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control); Three-row Safety Canopy™ side air curtains; Front-seat side air bags; Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); Floor shifter; Remote keyless entry; Auxiliary audio input jack.

Available options include: Rearview Camera System; Power deployable running boards; 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels; Premium leather seats; Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System; Power moonroof; Power Liftgate; Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package; Premium Stereo; Navigation system; SIRIUS® Satellite Radio; Power adjustable pedals; Heated and cooled front-row seats; Second-row Captain's Chairs; PowerFold™ fold-flat third-row seat; Black luggage rack crossbars; 4x4 Off-Road Package; Convenience Package.

Milestones
1996 First-generation Expedition goes on sale as a 1997 model
2001 Expedition is the first full-size SUV to receive five-star frontal crash ratings for driver and front passenger in government testing
2001 Expedition sales reach 1 million
2002 Expedition named Best Full-Size SUV in Initial Quality by J.D. Power and Associates for second consecutive year
2003 Ford redesigns Expedition with independent rear suspension, PowerFold™ third-row seat, Safety Canopy™ and AdvanceTrac®
2003 Expedition is named Best-In-Class 2003 Full-Size SUV by Truck Trend magazine
2005 Expedition gains three-valve 5.4-liter engine as standard equipment
2005 Expedition offers patented optional Roll Stability Control system
2006 Expedition lineup expanded to include Expedition EL in the 2007 model year

Source: http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-V2rAStMyc_IyfyN.cx3m0cMV?p=41

Fuel Efficient American Vehicles Generates Interest

The auto industry is changing as the demand for fuel efficient vehicles increases. The Big Three known for producing large vehicles are now in the process of developing and producing fuel efficient vehicles. General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have been facing their toughest battle yet with Asian car manufacturers who come to the United States auto market with fuel efficient vehicles. In order to stem the tide, the Big Three began developing smaller vehicles.

General Motors came up with the Saturn Aura while Ford sent out the Edge. Chrysler, on the other hand, entered with the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. These three models are currently catching the attention of car buyers. The popularity of these three auto modes may lead some to think that the vehicles are the best selling auto models of their respective manufacturers.

In reality, these vehicles are just becoming popular among car buyers and the larger vehicles produced by General Motors, Ford and Chrysler are still their best selling models. These fuel efficient vehicles show the way for the future of auto production for the Big Three. The American car manufacturers have been criticized for not coming up with such vehicles as the price of gasoline continue to increase. The arrival of the Aura, Edge, and Wrangler Unlimited though shows that even Detroit is jumping on the bandwagon of carmakers manufacturing fuel misers.

The popularity of these vehicles creates a halo?effect. This means that the fuel efficient vehicles generate interest among car buyers. Interested individuals will then go to a dealership to inquire about the particular gas miser. Dealerships also display other auto models which car buyers would never consider if they have not seen it personally. This means that car manufacturers not only benefit from the sale of these fuel efficient vehicles but the sale also creates a way for them to introduce other auto models to car buyers.

They are standard bearers for those brands and represent what those brands are about,?says Jack Nerad, the executive market analyst at Kelley Blue Brook as to the significance of these fuel efficient American cars. They're game-changers for brands trying to redefine themselves,?he added.

The disparity between sales of these fuel efficient vehicles compared to large vehicles is still great though. According to data provided by General Motors, they have sold 4,323 units of the Saturn Aura in April this year, complete with its standard features and is made easily available with Saturn roof racks. While the number of Auras sold for a single month is respectable, it pales in comparison to the number of Chevrolet Silverados which is reported to be at 49,436 units just for the month of April.

For Dearborn, Michigan-based Ford Motor Company, the best selling auto model is the Ford F-Series. In April of this year, Ford sold 56,692 F-Series trucks. That eclipsed the total number of the Ford Edge sold for the same month which according to Ford is 9,134 units. The same can be said between the Wrangler and Chrysler Groups best selling Dodge Ram. For the month of April, 10,776 units of the Jeep Wrangler were sold but the 31,503 units of Dodge Rams sold for the same month shadows that sales feat.
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Source: http://sending-a-swarm-of-hungryjfdimvuf.blogspot.com/2007/08/fuel-efficient-american-vehicles.html