USA - Ford introduces the new Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights, meaning no roof fixings, and even more undetectable.

• New Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights for the Ford Police Interceptor Utility flash bright red, blue or amber to provide clear and direct communication to drivers of an emergency response situation
• Feature enables agencies to run “slick top” – meaning no roof-mounted light bar is visible and the vehicle can maintain full front and rear lighting capability
• Fully programmable front and rear lights offer a wide range of illumination

Ford police vehicles just went deeper undercover.

Ford is debuting Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights to complement the “no-profile” Front Interior Visor Light Bar on Police Interceptor Utility. 

The feature integrates bright LED lighting into the vehicle’s rear spoiler, providing law enforcement with a highly effective tool to alert drivers of emergency roadside situations while affording officers full visibility out the rear window. 

When deactivated, the lighting is difficult to detect for someone approaching the vehicle from the rear.

 “Aftermarket light bars can impede visibility by hanging down over the glass,” said Stephen Tyler, Ford police brand marketing manager. “Our fully programmable Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights are integrated into the spoiler, so agencies get their bright red, blue and amber LEDs with no compromise to rear visibility.”

Aftermarket products mount inside or outside the glass then extend into the rear window – impeding visibility. Ford’s warning lights free up that space for unimpeded rearward vision. 

The option complements Ford’s “no-profile” Front Interior Visor Light Bar, a covert feature that provides a similar improvement in forward vision over aftermarket options.

When activated, the new warning lights flash alternating bright red and blue bars in the rear spoiler; they can also be programmed for red/red, blue/blue or amber operation, providing drivers with directional signaling information. An auto-dimming capability can be programmed from full intensity down to 20 percent.

“Together with our front visor light bar, Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights offer a fully integrated solution for agencies wishing to minimize the presence of their police vehicles,” said Arie Groeneveld, chief program engineer, Ford police programs. “While signaling to drivers of an upcoming emergency situation, it constitutes a clear safety benefit for officers and the public.”

The feature can be ordered now for the 2017 Police Interceptor Utility. As with all Ford-provided police vehicle options, Rear Spoiler Traffic Warning Lights come with a limited factory warranty.

CANADA - Ford increases staffing and adds more investment to produce all new Edge SUV.

$700 Million Investment Brings Global Vehicle and New Jobs to Canada

•  With 1,400 new Ford employees – 400 newly announced and 1,000 announced in 2014 – and a C$700 million investment, Ford Motor Company celebrates the global production start of the all-new 2015 Ford Edge at the newly transformed Oakville Assembly plant in Canada
• The Edge is all-new from wheels to roof, designed to reset the standard in the two-row utility vehicle market with more technology, higher levels of craftsmanship, performance and greatly improved vehicle dynamics
• The Edge goes on sale later this spring in Canada and the United States, and will eventually be available in more than 100 countries, including Western Europe for the first time

Ford Motor Company announced today at its Oakville Assembly plant outside of Toronto, Canada, the official start of production of the all-new 2015 Ford Edge for global export to more than 100 countries.

To support the global launch of the Ford Edge, Oakville Assembly also announced today the addition of 400 new employees to supplement the 1,000 new employees that were announced last year. With an investment of C$700 million, the Oakville Assembly plant has undergone a retooling and expansion, transforming it into one of the most competitive and advanced global manufacturing plants in Canada.

“The all-new Ford Edge is a true global vehicle and a showcase of Ford’s product excellence,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president of the Americas. “Thanks to the new capabilities at Oakville Assembly, the 2015 Edge delivers improved driving dynamics, quality, quietness, interior space and even more technology, and we are proud for our Canadian team to start bringing Edge to customers in even more markets around the world.”

The Ford Edge will eventually be shipped around the world, from North America and South America, to Asia, Africa and the Middle East. With the addition of right-hand-drive and a diesel engine, the Edge will also be exported for the first time to Western Europe.

The ehancements at Oakville Assembly will enable Ford to shift production more quickly and efficiently to meet increasing consumer demand. Worldwide demand for utility vehicles is up 88 per cent since 2008 and utilities now account for 19 per cent of the global automotive market, with the segment expanding more than three times the rate of the vehicle industry overall.

In Europe, the utility vehicle segment grew from nine per cent market share in 2008 to 21 per cent in 2014. In the United States – Ford Edge’s biggest market – the vehicle has been the best-selling five passenger crossover utility for seven out of the eight years since its launch.

“We’re proud to show the world advanced manufacturing right here in Canada and look forward to serving new global customers,” said Dianne Craig, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Ltd. “The Oakville Assembly team has worked relentlessly to deliver a quality product to the highest standard – from bringing in the best of Ford’s manufacturing technologies to training new employees across the facility.”

All-New Ford Edge

The 2015 Ford Edge is a showcase of Ford technology and craftsmanship, with a suite of standard and available technologies designed to improve the driving experience and the level of occupant comfort. Technologies being offered for the first time include enhanced active park assist for parallel and side parking, side parking sensors and a front camera with washer.

Central to the improved driving dynamics is an entirely new body structure and redesigned suspension – front and rear – developed specifically to better isolate road imperfection and absorb noise without compromising handling, giving Edge customers a quieter and more substantial ride.   

The all-new 2015 Ford Edge will be the first Ford vehicle in North America powered by the company’s new twin-scroll 2.0-litre EcoBoost^® engine. The 2015 model is the first Edge to come standard with EcoBoost power. This new twin-scroll 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine is expected to be more responsive and fun to drive, with better performance feel, compared to the current 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

When it goes on sale this spring, the all-new Ford Edge will be available in a new range-topping Titanium series, as well as the base SE model and SEL series.

Also available this year, is the 2015 Ford Edge Sport which has been officially SAE-certified as the most powerful Edge ever, with the highest horsepower and torque ratings yet. Powered by Ford’s newest EcoBoost^® engine – a 2.7-litre V6 – the 2015 Ford Edge Sport builds on its reputation as the modern utility vehicle for people who want to have fun behind the wheel and look good doing it.  

Oakville Assembly Transformation

Oakville Assembly Plant has undergone a massive transformation to include new technology and robotics, new processes, and new training. More than 250 new robots were added, including new software and vision systems that improve efficiency, precision and quality. In addition, approximately 1,000 robots have been upgraded. These robots have been installed to work to the most demanding levels of precision and accuracy – with duties to ensure repeatable and high-quality assembly, including:

• New robots to apply urethane to glass for consistent application every time creating a perfect seal that reduces wind noise and improves quietness and comfort for the customer
• New robots to install panels, doors and hoods reducing variability and offering more control in installation for a more durable build
• Laser brazing with new robotics to offer cleaner lines and higher strength and precision in the seaming of the roof for a more high-end design
• A “Vehicle on Wheels” visions system to ensure the flushness of doors, hood and lift gate through laser and optical images for a seamless fit
• 3D dirt detection technology and increased robotic automation in paint to employ a more durable paint application, resulting in best-in-class exterior appearance and a flawless finish. 3D dirt detection technology uses high resolution cameras to detect and locate any paint imperfections not readily seen by the naked eye

To prepare for Oakville’s 1,400 newest hires, a simulation classroom was created to provide hands-on training. Throughout the plant, existing employees received training to manage new systems and processes.

“The new global Edge is an excellent and timely indication that Canada’s auto industry is poised to excel in coming years,” said Jerry Dias, national president, Unifor. “Canadian auto workers have consistently demonstrated superior productivity and quality results, which are essential to the success of an innovative vehicle like this one. This new vehicle is great news for the company and its workers, and good news for all Canadians who benefit from a strong auto industry and the revenue it generates.”

Oakville Assembly has also been recognized for its environmental efforts. The plant is the first North American assembly plant to go zero waste-to-landfill, and has recently upgraded to LED lighting across the plant, replacing 7,000 lights and saving an estimated 15 million kilowatt-hours of energy per year.

Operating since 1953, Oakville Assembly also produces the Ford Flex and the Lincoln MKT. It will also begin production of the new global 2016 Lincoln MKX this year. The facility has approximately 4,500 employees working a partial three shift schedule. Since 2013, Oakville Assembly has hired more than 1,700 employees.

USA - Lincoln debuts a new MKX Concept at Los Angeles.

• The Lincoln MKX Concept, unveiled at Auto China 2014 and making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, previews an elegant update to Lincoln’s midsize premium utility vehicle
• Well-balanced proportions highlighted by wide shoulders, a sloping roofline and 21-inch wheels create a gracefully athletic presence
• Full LED headlamps with strips of dynamic LED signature lighting – which light sequentially as part of Lincoln’s updated approach detection – float within a reimagined Lincoln split-wing grille
• Projections call for continued growth of the premium midsize utility segment worldwide through 2018

The Lincoln Motor Company today unveiled the MKX Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show, its first appearance in North America since its reveal at Auto China 2014 in Beijing this April. 

The Lincoln MKX Concept hints at a global SUV that will become the third of four all-new Lincoln vehicles due by 2016. It is designed to capture the attention of consumers worldwide.

Drawing design inspiration from airplanes and motorbikes, the Lincoln MKX Concept evokes feelings of power and agility, offering a glimpse of the American luxury brand’s future as it enters the rapidly growing Chinese market.

Several customer research clinics were held in China and the United States to gather feedback on the design to ensure the final execution would satisfy and delight luxury customers around the world.

“Great emphasis was put on the proportions of this concept vehicle,” said Andrea Di Buduo, exterior design manager of the Lincoln MKX Concept. “It’s a very emotional, athletic design. Its horizontal lines and defined undercuts are gracefully integrated and very sophisticated, yet convey a powerful and dynamic presence.”

Intensive study of the Chinese luxury customer over the past few years revealed that a medium premium utility vehicle should express off-road capability and sportiness.

Based on that, the Lincoln MKX Concept includes elements such as a separated front skid plate, heightened ground clearance and reinforced wheel arches. The floating aluminum body-side rocker molding is engraved with the Lincoln logo.

This execution communicates adaptability to different road conditions, combined with crafted execution and attention to detail.

Defined by an aerodynamic, sloping teardrop roofline, the Lincoln MKX Concept’s modern silhouette lends to its sporty personality, which is highlighted by wide shoulders flanking its recessed rear windows to heighten the design. Dynamic side undercuts, a high beltline and 21-inch machined aluminum wheels further enhance the well-proportioned design.

The roof over the rear was lowered to give the vehicle a sleeker shape. Highlighted by a panoramic glass surface that lets natural light fill the cabin and integrated roof racks, the floating rear spoiler houses the center high-mounted stop light and hides the antenna.

The Lincoln MKX Concept offers a new interpretation of Lincoln’s signature full-width taillamps.

“Concept vehicles are defined by every design detail,” said David Woodhouse, Lincoln design director, “and this MKX Concept shows how Lincoln’s thoughtful design philosophy continues to evolve. The Lincoln brand was built on vehicles with stunning design, and the MKX Concept is the latest example.”

Lincoln’s aggressive signature split-wing grille accentuates the front end. The artistic interpretation of the grille features horizontal lines that continue as strips of LED accent lights below each headlamp. These strips of light glow sequentially as part of Lincoln’s updated approach detection feature – one element of the Lincoln Experiences package.

Lincoln Experiences, a technology-driven suite of features introduced on the all-new 2015 Lincoln MKC small utility vehicle, is designed to create a warmer, more personal luxury car-owning experience. Anticipating and responding to a driver’s needs and preferences, Lincoln Experiences offers a warm embrace that begins as a driver approaches the vehicle and continues upon entry and vehicle start-up.

“With the Lincoln MKX Concept, we’re delighted to share a glimpse of the continually evolving future of Lincoln,” said Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln. “The transformation of The Lincoln Motor Company is under way, with sales up 15 percent in the United States year over year, due largely to the first all-new products we introduced: The MKZ sedan and MKC utility.

“The MKX Concept demonstrates the design direction for the third all-new vehicle from Lincoln, one that will capture the true essence of the brand – warm and inviting, beautifully styled, and with the promise of engaging technologies that appeal to a younger luxury consumer in a global market.”

A Lincoln MKX production model would compete in the growing, global midsize premium utility segment, a segment that represents 36 percent of the global luxury utility market and is set to rise to 44 percent by 2018.*

*Sales and segmentation data provided by IHS

USA - Chevy Tahoe wins ALG Residuals award 2015.

ALG, the analytics division of TrueCar Inc., awarded the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe its annual Residual Value Award. The award honors vehicles and brands predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after three years.

“The Chevrolet Tahoe is the best-selling full-size SUV and sales of the all-new model remain popular with customers as retail sales are up 41 percent year to date” said Sandor Piszar, Chevrolet director of truck marketing. “This award proves that the Tahoe not only offers class-leading technology and performance at a great value at the point of purchase, but also provides great value when it comes time to sell as well.”

ALG recognizes 26 vehicles with segment awards, along with two brands representing the Mainstream and Premium sectors of the industry. This year’s awards are based on 2015 model year vehicles.

Chevrolet’s Tahoe received the award in the Fullsize Utility Vehicle category. It is the first time the Tahoe has received the award.

"The Chevy Tahoe, along with GM's other truck-based utilities, are among the best in the business for hauling families and all their stuff," said Larry Dominique, president of ALG. "With the improvements to the drive experience, capabilities, fuel economy and comfort for 2015, the Tahoe will remain the vehicle of choice for thousands of buyers who need all it can offer, and we expect this demand to drive impressive value retention."

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.