3 Wet paint: Efficiency works

The best paint job in the auto industry?

Ford is rolling out a new paint technology that is cost-efficient and environmentally-sound, yet extremely effective.

According to Ford, "An automated application process eliminates the prep stage in a paint shop, allowing the three layers of paint – primer, base and enamel – to be applied one after another without manual intervention and while each layer is still wet. The result is a superior product that offers a savings in time – specifically, about a 20 to 25 percent reduction in process time – along with a leadership position in sustainability."

Efficiency. It's amazing how striving to be more efficient actually leads not only to better and more environmentally-friendly products, but cost-savings as well.

Ford committed to small cars

The future for Ford?

Ford plans to launch at least a half dozen new small cars in the next few years. Alan Mulally told the Automotive News that he doesn't believe that gas prices - now on the decline - will remain low. Additionally, the KA is still a possibility for the US market.

Alan Mulally, whom specialized in efficiency at Boeing, gives me hope for Ford. Hot on the heels of new information on the incredible fuel economy of the upcoming Fusion hybrid, this small car news demonstrates that Ford is headed in the right direction.

Black October over for US automakers - What's next?

October was scary, but is the worst over?

So, October was a pretty scary month for US automakers, and it now appears inevitable that the Big 3 will become the Big 2. But, is that is bad as it gets? Is the worst over?

Finish: Black October over - What's next for US automakers?

Fusion hybrid 5 mpg better than Camry hybrid

No competition for Ford's new hybrids?

InsideLine is reporting that the new Ford Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles will achieve fuel economy that is at least 5 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid on the EPA's city cycle. That would mean at least 38 mpg.

Finish: Fusion hybrid 5 mpg better than the Camry hybrid

Ford puts $75 million Focus on small car

Can't keep up with demand

Ford is spending $75 million on an SUV factory that also builds the Focus, so that the company can increase Focus production if demand stays high. Additionally, Ford is moving some 1000 workers off SUVs into Focus production.

While this is a good reactionary move, I'm still waiting for Ford to take some real action towards the future.

Lost? Ford's Bold Moves

As bold as Ford could get?

I like the Ford Escape hybrid, mostly because its a hybrid. When I first checked out the Escape hybrid, I was surprised that the Toyota Prius felt more roomy - that the Prius, even though it is smaller, offered almost as much hauling space as the Escape.

So, what's the point? A higher ride with significantly less fuel economy?

Instead of the Escape hybrid, a Fusion hybrid would have been much more of a bold move. Unfortunately, Ford just hasn't seemed capable of too many bold moves, and they know it.

"The decision has been made at Ford that "Bold Moves" as a brand strategy/ad tagline is dead. It's just a question of when the funeral takes place," writes BW's David Kiley.

Numerous times Ford has announced bold moves, such as a big increase in the production of hybrid vehicles, then backs down. Too bad. I think America was ready for something so bold.

I hate beating a downed dog but, I wonder what their new tagline will be, 'We will survive?'

Ford's future is small?

4 cylinder hybrid the future for Ford?

Ford CEO Alan Mulally recently told the Detroit News that the company will streamline its vehicle platforms, reducing them. Mulally also claimed the amount of 6 cylinder vehicles made by Ford will be reduced to just two.

Is this a sign that Ford is planning smaller cars and/or replacing 6 cylinder engines with 4 cylinder hybrid powertrains, such as in the current Ford Escape hybrid?