Ford records $US2.6 billion

The Q1 result was the largest for Ford in 12 years, eclipsing 2010’s figure of $US2.13 billion, and puts the Detroit-based manufacturer on track to post a profit for the third consecutive calendar year.
Revenue in Q1 was up $5 billion from last year to $33.1 billion. Ford also slashed $US2.5 billion off its debt, bringing the total figure down to $US16.6 billion.
Ford’s automotive business generated $US2.2 billion for the quarter, up from a loss in Q1 2010, benefitting from a growth in volume and per-unit net revenue.
Ford’s new vehicles sales in the US – its largest market – increased 12 percent in Q1, with the highly profitable F-Series up almost 25 percent compared with 2010.
The result was despite rising fuel prices in the US, which have prompted forecasters to revise annual sales predictions from 13.3 million to 12.9 million for 2011.
Ford says the recent introduction of new models – including the Fiesta and the new Explorer in the US, and the C-Max in Europe – has meant demand is still keeping up with supply.
Ford plans to produce 1.5 million vehicles in North America in the second quarter of 2011, a slight increase over the same period in 2010. The company has already lost production of around 13,000 units in the second quarter as a result of stunted supply from Asia.

Ford F-150

Ford F-150 When the current generation truck was launched for the 2009 model year it raised the bar for the segment in many ways – features such as standard trailer brake control, unrivaled towing capacity, plus software stuff like SYNC and Ford Work Solutions, ushered in the next generation of full-size, half-ton pickup. Yet, along with the improvements to the frame, suspension, cab, box and steering, there was one aspect that perhaps lagged behind – powertrains.

As launched, the 2009 Ford F-150 was only available with two engines, the venerable 4.6 and 5.4-liter V8s. They were decent enough, but at the time represented part of the Ford F-150’s past, not its future. Now, for 2011, it has become apparent they were little more than a stopgap with the Blue Oval having now introduced four new engines, each coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. This represents an industry first - something the automaker is keen to point out.

Ford Shelby GT500

2011 Shelby GT500 Convertible rolled up to the Arrivals area at Detroit Metro Airport.
And like that, we were off, the beginning of a 5,000-mile journey, in the most expensive Mustang you can buy. Starting in Detroit, we were to drive to New York City to participate in the Bullrun Rally, a 3,500 mile checkpoint-style rally from New York to Las Vegas over six days. We would see, on our coast-to-coast journey, almost every type of terrain and conditions that the United States had to offer.

The 2011 Shelby GT500 is not radically different from the 2010 model (shown) that it replaces, although it is significantly improved from the 2007-2009 models, which has been described as “a Crown Victoria with a supercharger on it.” The new car is faster, tighter, better appointed, and just, well, better.

Ford Explorer

The distinction between the two is actually quite simple, with an SUV using a truck chassis and a crossover underpinned by a car chassis. More importantly, however, is what this means to how a vehicle handles, drives, what kind of fuel economy it gets and its overall functionality.

The original Explorer was a tremendous success for Ford, delivering what the automaker perceived consumers wanted. But over time car shoppers either changed what they wanted or, more likely, realized what they really were looking for. And despite their love for the Ford SUV (buying 6 million of them), there were a few things they'd change if they could.

While off-road capability and towing are important, Ford canvassed Explorer owners and other new car shoppers to discover that top among the list of demands are things like ride quality, handling and fuel economy.

Ford Focus Review

And we’re driving them all; fast at first, but then at a more leisurely pace, enjoying the scenic views in an attempt to keep the codriver’s lunch in his stomach and off what might very well be the best looking interior in the compact class.

The change of pace is actually ideal. Sure we’d prefer to hammer the throttle of this direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder all afternoon, but that’s not what most folks who purchase a new Ford Focus will do. No, they’ll likely sit in traffic much of the time – something we also get to experience plenty of during our first stint behind the wheel of Ford’s highly anticipated new compact. This is LA after all.
MYFORD TOUCH GIVES LUXURY FEEL TO THIS COMPACT CAR

During gridlock we’re able to fiddle with the new MyFord Touch system. Recently panned by Consumer Reports for being too distracting, operating the 8-inch touch screen takes a little getting used to, although with color-coded sections for everything from audio to climate, it doesn’t take long. Being coached though the system by a Ford rep on how to call up a navigation route from the favorites, we’re one step ahead at every command. Better yet, most basic adjustments for things like radio presets and temperature controls can be selected using the five-way toggle switches on the steering wheel.

Ford Fusion

The base-level S, mid-level SE and top-level SEL borrow their standard 2.5-liter 175-horsepower 4-cylinder engine from the Ford Escape, using an electrically-operated throttle control and variable cam timing to achieve a broad torque curve and increased fuel economy. The 3.0-liter V6 returns as an option in the SE and SEL, rated at 240 hp thanks to Ford's Cam Torque Actuated variable valve timing. The technology uses torsional energy rather than pressurized oil to phase the cams, allowing for a smaller oil pump and helping achieve an increase in power as a claimed bump in highway fuel economy. The 3.0-liter V6 is also capable of running on E85 ethanol blend fuel.

A Sport model is also available, which features a 263-horsepower 3.5-liter version of Ford's Duratec V6 previously available in the Lincoln MKZ-the Fusion's platform twin. The engine uses a compact and lightweight dual-overhead cam valvetrain for increased peak power and smooth operation, and despite a rather high 10.3:1 compression ratio, it does not require premium fuel like some of its competitors. The Sport also gets improved suspension and steering components, 18-inch wheels and unique styling cues inside and out.

Lexus RX350

2010 Lexus RX350 Review
Completely new, with more technology and less complexity.
Introduction
As vehicles become more complex, driving is more like using a computer. But the new 2010 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h seems exceptionally easy to use. It is packed with new technologies. If the RX is a computer and more than ever it is, would have a Plug and Play, and an invitation, an attractive user interface.

When pushed back by the previous model, it is clear that the new RX 2010 offers more than just cosmetic improvements. mechanical improvements for the new Lexus RX independent rear suspension, security system 10-airbag, six-speed sequential transmission and improving all the traction system. Accommodations include improved better seats, satellite radio, acoustic glass, automatic control of the beam, and a heads-up display, among others. Most of the improvements by the logic of the computer for more and better integrated pest management systems such as transmission, all wheel drive, navigation, steering and brakes.

Perhaps the internal update key is the introduction of a DC-type mice, which Lexus calls "Remote Touch. E 'used instead of a touch screen, use air conditioning, audio and navigation system.

Feature
• Introduction
• Lineup
• Walk Around
• Interior
• Driving Impressions
• Summary & Specifications
Get your free quote on a Lexus RX350

Compared to competing SUVs, like the current Acura MDX, BMW X5 and Mercedes ML 350 3.0, the RX 350 gets better mileage and cleaner emissions. The RX 450h hybrid even better mileage, and one of the cleanest vehicles yet developed by man.

The RX 450h and the RX 350 with front-wheel or all-wheel drive available. The all-wheel-drive is completely new, lighter and more efficient. Electronic function without center differential in the previous models.

The RX 350 is a 3.5-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic multi-mode. That the current model, the RX 350 is a bit "harder for thicker rear suspension components, crash performance is maintained.