Latest Articles by jasonmoore http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us Ford Sells Michigan, Mexico Plants http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-sells-michigan-mexico-plants.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-sells-michigan-mexico-plants.html Thu, 04 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600


Ford Motor Co. announced that it has entered into agreements with two companies to sell Michigan and Mexico auto parts plants.

The companies are Flex-N-Gate Corp. and Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. The former is a privately held manufacturing company based in Urbana, Illinois. It has agreed to purchase the operation in Milan, about 35 miles southwest of Detroit. The plant is utilized by the automaker in the production of automotive grills and bumpers. According to the automaker, the auto parts plant includes salaried employees leased from Visteon Corp. and United Auto Workers union hourly employees leased from Ford.

Meanwhile, Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., headquartered in Novi, agreed to purchase the Jarudo automotive fuel rail factory of the automaker in Mexico. Said factory has about 500 workers. Cooper-Standard is a world leader automotive supplier that specializes in the manufacture and marketing of systems and components for the auto industry. Ford had agreed to sell its climate-control business to a French automotive supply company named Valeo SA. The automotive operation is based at a plant in Plymouth Township. Al Ver, Automotive Components Holdings chief executive officer and chief operating officer said, "We're on the right track."

In connection with the plant's sale to Flex-N-Gate, Steve Stamper, president of UAW Local 600 at the Michigan fuel tank plant said, "It's better than being closed." The plants were previously part of Visteon, the automaker's parts wing that eventually become a separate company in 2000. In 2005, the automaker bought back some plants and created Automotive Components Holdings LLC. It is now responsible for producing automotive and architectural glass, chassis, auto interior, powertrain components, and Ford climate control. Said holding company operates 10 plants in the United States and 3 in Mexico.

Aside from selling parts plants, Ford is also absorbed in global restructuring. Mark Fields, president of Ford Motor Co.'s Americas division, said that global restructuring of the automaker's management team will help give him the resources he needs to turn around the company's struggling North American business. Fields added that the reorganization will allow Ford to better leverage its global product development resources. However, he said that it will take years for the effort to bear its full fruits. "It accelerates getting our products to market as we share architecture and components," Fields said.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. If you are looking for more information, check this out Ford climate control.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ford's Struggle Gets Even Tougher http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-struggle-gets-even-tougher.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-struggle-gets-even-tougher.html Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 -0600
Like many automakers Ford is also experiencing long bleak sales melancholia in its car division. Though its trucks are selling well and the throne is retained, Ford is not a stranger to economic straits. Moreover, to wipe the bleak future, the automaker sets forth new releases with high hopes.

The thing is to deliver vehicles that will not only capture the imagination and lock the eyes of the entire consumerdom but to capture their soft spot as well. Simply, the automaker can no longer stand more sales losers so it has released its powerful Edge. Edge auto parts are expected to perform like Ford F-Series parts. The latter are known for their superb quality and performance.

Ford Edge is its newest crossover utility vehicle. It was launched at the 2006 North American International Auto Show. Edge shares same platform with Fusion, Lincoln MKX and MKZ sedans, Mazda CX-9 and Mercury Milan.

Edge is among the first vehicles from the automaker to use the 3.5 L Duratec 35 V6 engine that generates 265 horsepower and 250 ft•lbf and mated to the 6F six-speed automatic transmission. The CUV offers both the front wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It also offers 3 trim levels – SE, SEL and SEL "PLUS" – to cater diversity in preferences. The front fascia of Edge is also given Fusion-esque Ford body parts design like the bright three-bar grille. These are some of the features that give Edge that extra edge in the industry.

Edge architecture uses a unibody design that provides higher structural rigidity, lower curb weights, greater structural rigidity, and driving dynamics. It is designed to radiate a passenger-like ambience rather than trucklike drivability.

With the growing and craving auto crowd, Ford is expected to evolve and create better vehicles. Lately, the automaker released retro-Mustangs to tickle the fancies of classic vehicle aficionados. Ford Mustang aftermarket parts are dabbed with classic eccentricity to come up with exotic versions of the vehicle. Starting next year until 2010, Ford will be releasing retro-Mustangs to satisfy distinctive vehicle cravings. Ford, as analysts say, is still struggling to remain as one of the influential auto giants around the globe. Moreover, more innovations and new concepts are expected from the automaker.





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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. Check out Ford body parts and Ford Mustang aftermarket parts for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> The Myths Of Driving Drunk http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/the-myths-of-driving-drunk.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/the-myths-of-driving-drunk.html Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Our world has been bombarded with myths and with legends. Some myths have their own scientific bases however most of them are purely concocted out of the scared and fearing minds of people. And when it comes to driving and drinking, there are also some myths attached to that. Although I still would have yet to hear myths about buying auto parts like Ford Tempo parts perhaps.

When it comes to driving and drinking, the statistics just goes to show that myths may still abound but the reality is already there. For example, crashes and accidents on the roads are much higher on the eve of New Year compared to other evenings all year round. In fact, statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (or the NHTSA), for the year 2005, there were about 135 people who have lost their lives because of drunk driving. And those 135 people died within the hours of 6:00 on the eve of New Year and up until 5:59am of the New Year.

One myth that has been making its rounds among all of us say that when you have been drinking, you can still drive as long as you are not yet slurring your words or are acting like a mad man. Yes, that is yet a myth. The truth is that, one of the major things that alcohol does to you is to actually affect your skills and your coordination. This happens long before you are actually able to see and feel being drunk. You may not yet slur and you may not yet walk in a drunken stupor but your skills and coordination have already been affected by the alcohol. Meaning, driving is still a no-no.

Another myth that experts would like to break up is the one that says when you have been drinking and you need to drive, you can most certainly do so as long as you drink coffee. According to the myth, the caffeine you would find in your coffee would help you get sober. That has yet to be another real myth for our body may get some help from alcohol but the alcohol would still be in our system. The coffee would only help you not get drowsy but your coordination would still be off because of the alcohol.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> BMW Convertible Unveiled This Detroit Auto Show http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/bmw-convertible-unveiled-this-detroit-auto-show.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/bmw-convertible-unveiled-this-detroit-auto-show.html Tue, 26 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Vehicles which have been in the industry for years do not simply just stay the way they have been built since their inception. In fact, most of these vehicles get a little changing with various parts. For example, a Ford vehicle could get some Ford accessories changed or perhaps a little changes done to its body parts.

For this year, the BMW brand is going to unveil the fourth generation of its BMW 3 series at the Detroit Auto Show which is more popularly known as the North American International Auto Show, or the NAIAS. This event would be held this coming January and it would also be the time when the entire motoring world would be able to witness the unveiling of the BMW 3 series. This vehicle is actually a convertible which holds four seats. For the first time, BMW would be offering the industry a convertible that has got a hardtop that is retractable.

The hardtop of the BMW 3 series is made up of lightweight type of steel. It has been created from three pieces for a more efficient flow and use. It has been designed so well so much so that it can be opened and folded in a mere twenty two seconds flat. There is no hassle in opening or closing the hardtop for it has been designed to flow smoothly.

Aside from that, the hardtop of the BMW convertible has also been made so as to lessen the amount of noise that one can hear when cruising through high speeds. The roof has got a platform that is ultra-stiff so much so that the vehicle has got more strength and is more rigid that deters sound to come inside the cabin.

Elegance and being unique. These are two of the main adjectives used to describe the BMW 3 series convertible. It comes with a hood that is not just sleek but is also long. The shoulder line of the convertible is also low to give you that elegant and fashionable kind of look. The rear end has got broad shoulders to offer you the aura of power and prestige.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ford Gets 2 in Wards Auto World's 10-Best Engines http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-gets-2-in-wards-auto-worlds-10-best-engines.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/ford-gets-2-in-wards-auto-worlds-10-best-engines.html Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Ford Motor Co. continues to amass awards and accolades despite the turmoil of running on the bumpy financial road of the auto industry. Lately, two of Ford's engine made it to 10-Best Engines by Wards Auto World.

New 3.5 liter Duratec DOHC 24-valve V6 and 4.6 liter 3-valve SOHC V8 are the power engines that made the automaker stand out from others. In addition, this is V8's third year to receive such commendation from the company. Ford power engines are included in the list of world class engines. Joining the list are the powerful engines from Audi, BMW, Daimler Benz, and Toyota.

“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."

The 3.5 liter V6 is rated at 265 horsepower. Said engine is incorporated with the auto parts for Ford Edge, Lincoln MKX and MKZ. It will soon be incorporated to 302 Ford engine parts of Five Hundred, Freestyle and Fusion. There is also a great possibility of featuring the 3.5 liter V6 as part of Ford Mustang parts accessories. On the one hand, the award-winning 4.6 liter 3-valve V8 from Mustang, Explorer, and Mountaineer, proved its power once again by making it to the list for the third time in a row. Both the 3.5 liter V6 and the 4.6 liter 3-valve V8 deliver an improved power mated to better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Ward's 2007 10 best engines are Audi AG 2L turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Audi A3), BMW AG 3L DOHC I-6 (Z4 3.0si), BMW AG 3L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (335i), DaimlerChrysler AG 3L DOHC V-6 turbodiesel (MB E320 /Jeep Grand Cherokee), DaimlerChrysler AG Hemi 5.7L OHV V-8 (Chrysler 300C), Ford Motor Co. Duratec 35 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX), Ford Motor Co. 4.6L SOHC V-8 (Mustang GT/Mustang Shelby GT), Mazda Motor Corp. 2.3L DISI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (Mazdaspeed3), Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Infiniti G35), and Toyota Motor Corp. 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350).




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. Check out 302 Ford engine parts and Ford Mustang parts accessories for more information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ford’s New Concept Vehicle For 2007 http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-new-concept-vehicle-for-2007.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-new-concept-vehicle-for-2007.html Wed, 13 Dec 2006 00:00:00 -0600
The Ford Motor Company, despite having had to go through financial trouble, is still trying to bring the auto world vehicles that may not be production vehicles but could still be one of the most amazing and even interesting ones there are. Just like any other auto maker, Ford also does create its own share of concept vehicles. And perhaps with just the right design, the company may have been able to create a concept vehicle that is a combination of Ford Ranger performance parts and car parts Ford Taurus.

For this year, the Ford Motor Company now comes with a new concept car which Ford followers, car aficionados, and simple consumers can gawk at, make a spectacle of, and eventually be a fan of. This new concept car that has joined the ranks of Ford concept cars like the Ford Aurora, Bronco Wildflower, Cougar, Econoline Apartment, Explorer Drifter, Fiera, FX-Atmos, Ghia, Indigo, Muroc, and Nucleon is actually named the 2007 Ford Mustang Giugiaro concept.

The 2007 Ford Mustang Giugiaro concept has been created with an interior made up of horse hide. It comes with a huge glass roof that would really get your attention. It has got fenders made using carbon fiber. The doors are even quite amazing. Imagine having a vehicle that are electrically operator and crisscross themselves just like scissors would do. Mustang may be the name attributed to this Ford concept car but it sure is not like an ordinary Mustang.

A combination of American power and Italian design and style. That is what the 2007 Ford Mustang Giugiaro concept car really is. After all, this one has got the design straight right out of the brilliant minds of people from Giugaro design works as well as Giogetto Giugaro and Fabrizio Giugaro themselves. According to Giugaro, they made sure that the body panels were as tight as possible so that the vehicle was given a new kind of look. However, despite such, the vehicle also had to go through a widening of the front and back.

Design was not the only thing this vehicle had to go through. The 2007 Mustang Giugiaro concept vehicle also comes with a new 4.6 liter V8 engine that has got an intercooled and twin-screw supercharger.





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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. Check out Ford Ranger performance parts and car parts Ford Taurus for more details.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Job Cuts at Kentucky Explorer plant http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/job-cuts-at-kentucky-explorer-plant.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/job-cuts-at-kentucky-explorer-plant.html Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600
As what auto reports reflect, Ford Motor Co., second-largest U.S. automaker, is certainly facing a decline in SUV sales. In connection to this plight, Ford plans to slash the production of Explorer SUV at the same time cut jobs at the Kentucky plant to reduce production costs. The reductions will take place before July next year.

In an interview, Anne Marie Gattari, Ford's spokeswoman said, "It is likely we will take a capacity action." She further disclosed that a final decision had not been made and she could not specify how many jobs may be affected.

Ford's Kentucky plant employs 3,380 individuals. It is the only factory that builds the Explorer SUV. It can be recalled that last March, Ford closed the St. Louis plant that also manufactures the Explorer.

Through October this year, the sales of the midsize SUV fell by 26 percent. Ford North America has reported losses in 8 of the past 9 quarters as customers shift to more fuel-efficient rivals. Hence, Ford has finally decided a deliberate production reduction. This is also in connection with Ford's strategy of lessening dependence on pickups and SUVs for profit.

The planned decline in Explorer's production and job cuts was previously reported by Courier-Journal in Louisville. The latter's website also posted the letter, which was delivered to all employees in Kentucky plant. The affected employees will get 4 opportunities to abscond the company. Further, the letter also divulged that there is also an expected temporary shutdown of the plant on the week of January 8.

Explorer is not a bad Ford model. As a fact, it has been the best-selling mid-size SUV in the United States since its inception. Ford Explorer auto parts, which include V6 base engine that produces 210 horsepower with the 24-valve V8 that generates 292 horsepower, are meticulously made to cater to the desires of SUV fanatics. Rivals of Explorer include Nissan Pathfinder and Toyota 4Runner.

In early part of this year, Sports Trac was added to the Explorer. The vehicle is built on a new and bigger platform. Parts Ford Explorer Sport Trac include the the V8 engine as an option. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control is also made standard in the Sport Trac.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country. Check out Ford Explorer auto parts and Parts Ford Explorer Sport Trac for more relaevant information.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ford's Infusion of Style is in New Focus http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/fords-infusion-of-style-is-in-new-focus.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/fords-infusion-of-style-is-in-new-focus.html Fri, 17 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600
After several years of being overlooked in auto industry's compact segment, Ford injected higher dose of sophistication and style Focus to pave way to an attention-grabbing version of the car. The 2008 Ford Focus is set to capture the desire of modern day driving and more. Said new version is now being tested by the automaker on the roads of Michigan. They will be introduced to the auto industry this January.

Most of the modifications entertained by auto parts Ford Focus will concentrate mainly on cosmetic aspects. Further, Ford Focus body parts get new style similar to Ford Escort ZX2. It will also be equipped with new 3-bar grille that is similar to that of Fusion's. The modifications are intended to give the car a striking new aura that intends to seize attention of both the passersby and the enthusiasts. Focus also gets a reshaped taillight that spruce up the back of the car.

What is currently integrated under the hood of the old Focus will be retained by the new version of the car, which is built on a new platform. Additionally, the new model will retain its chassis. Base models will continue with the 130-horsepower 2.0-liter Duratec engine. The upgraded models, on the other hand, are anticipated to get the 2.3-liter four-cylinder that produces 151 horsepower. The upcoming models are expected to feature the cleanest gas engines, which highlight the PZEV version of the 2.0-liter Duratec.

According to Edmunds.com, "Ford's new look should help the Focus stand out in a crowded compact field, but with several all-new competitors in the segment the Focus could use a full redesign." In addition, enthusiasts are looking forward to seeing the brand new Focus with a front-end styling refresh to make it closer to the aura of Fusion or better than that.

Several spy shots are now in circulation and based on these photos, major revisions will be tolerated in the front and rear fascias. However, minor upgrades will affect underneath the car's skin. The prototype version of the car reflects higher-spec wheel and tire combinations compared to the sedan. The redesigned Focus is scheduled to go on sale in the first half of 2007.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Ford's Next Generation Of Focus Is FCV http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-next-generation-of-focus-is-fcv.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/fords-next-generation-of-focus-is-fcv.html Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600
Ford Motor Co. recently displayed to public the Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) version of Focus. Part of the crowd who gathered around the vehicle has not seen the version up close before. Also, several enthusiasts who rode the Focus FCV were impressed by the striking development of the car. According to some, the new FCV version of the car is far from the Focus they once knew.

Ford Focus was launched in 1998 in Europe. However, it was launched in North America in the year 2000. Since the year of its launch, Focus has become the best-selling car in the United Kingdom. In 2005, a new version of Focus was introduced in Europe. The United States, on one hand, got the updated version of the old model. 2001 and 2002 proved to be a great year for Focus because said car emerged as the world's best-selling car.

The most recent version boasts its groundbreaking auto parts Ford Focus, which are far from the conventional. It can be recalled that the motoring press commended the handling and ride of Focus. The group also said that the blend of comfort and responsiveness is rare.

The car is in full compliance of the vehicle safety standards. Its tank, for instance, is 2 inches thick and made of aluminum wrapped in kevlar and carbon fiber. Auto reviews also praised the independent Ford Focus suspension, accommodation and performance.

Nowadays, Focus is entering the arena with something special to offer. It will serve as a milestone for Ford's hydrogen fuel cells vehicles. The prototype version of Focus FCV is displayed on the roads for about 2 years now. Currently, the new generation of said cars is being developed at Ford's plant.

Focus FCV uses fuel cells, which can be utilized even in lower temperature. Further, using hydrogen in the fuel cell almost doubles the efficiency of the conventional combustion engines. Despite financial difficulties, Ford is aiming to spearhead new technologies in the auto industry. The automaker is also committed to help clean the environment at the same time run more efficient vehicles. Additionally, Ford is working together with some companies to produce essential projects in the future that employ new technologies.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> Electric Trucks Shown At SEMA http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/electric-trucks-shown-at-sema.html http://www.articletrader.com/automotive/cars/electric-trucks-shown-at-sema.html Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 -0600
During the Specialty Equipment Market Association (or SEMA) show, show goers were enthralled by the various gadgets and gizmos for vehicles and cars that were put on display. People were also able to learn about new things and new techniques to help them get the best out of their vehicles without spending much. Car lovers who are also looking for 1993 Ford Probe GT parts were also here so as to check if the products that they needed were able at the mentioned show.

There were also tons of vehicles on display and these vehicles ranged from the smallest creations one could ever imagine to the largest and most powerful ones that could and would help out man as they go about their everyday lives.

Phoenix Motorcars, one of the leading creators of unique vehicles, also sent out, displayed, and showcased the kind of vehicles that they have been able to craft. As per this year’s SEMA Show, the company was intent on exhibiting their sports utility truck. No, it was not just like any other pickup truck that you could see anywhere. These trucks are actually said to have zero emissions. They are powered by electricity and not by any kind of fuel or gas. And yes, these trucks are already ready to take on the highways, the streets, and any other kind of road there is on this planet. The battery of this Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck is actually the revolutionary Altairnano NanoSafe battery pack.

According to the creator of the Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck, this vehicle has actually been crafted with fleet vehicle owners as the target. These units would very much help out owners take on the various challenges that they face everyday and in the process still be able to take in the right kind and amount of profit.

This vehicle can actually be used to transport not only one or two passengers but actually a full of five inside its cabin and still have a full load at its truck bed. Plus, despite being loaded that much, the Phoenix Motorcars electricity powered sport utility truck can still speed up to 95 miles per hour on the highway.




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Jason Moore, a 35 year old freelance writer from Austin, Texas. He also works as a marketing analyst for an established auto parts store in the country.


Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>