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RetiredJohn

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  1.  

    Has anyone been to a Ford Eco-Boost Challenge Drive Event?

     

    I got an invitation and my C-Max is taking me there for:

     

    • A chance to win the Ford vehicle of your choice (complete sweepstakes and activity rules available at the registration desk).
    • Get behind the wheel of the all-new Escape with the 1.6L EcoBoost engine that gets up to 33 MPG.
    • Experiment in maximizizing your MPGs with the “Hypermile Challenge” with the all-new Fusion Hybrid.
    • Test out the Ford F-150 “EcoBoost Challenge” and see how V8 power gets delivered on a 3.5L V6 EcoBoost engine.

    This was discussed under another thread......do a search to read comments

  2. Slampro I just noticed that you posted on the Blue Oval trying to get an update from Cyberdman.  The reason he didn't reply was you need to put your VIN with every update request or he won't respond.  He wasn't ignoring you--just hoping you would clue in and add the VIN.  He is stubborn about that.

    "...posted on the Blue Oval trying to get an update......" ????? Can you enlighten me what your talking about?

  3. OK, really need some help here:

     

    When I drive the C-Max the car gets about 45 MPG, but when my wife is behind the wheel the milage drops into the low 30s! My goal is to have a happy wife AND 45 MPG -- any advice on this subject? ;)

     

    Does this article help?  My philosophy after 4-1/2 years of dating and then 34 years of wondrous marriage, " Don't sweat the small stuff".  http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/features/mpg-is-stupid.html?mktcat=nl-internal_standard&kw=industry_article219&mktid=nl61539723   :love_shower:

  4. Here is what you can expect from the next generation of MyFord Touch/ sync.

    (this will be on the next gen of cars in 2014/2015, per the article)

    it's already on the 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat model.

    challenge here: can anyone spot the cmax in the video?? what color was it??  

    ;)

    they will be adding real knobs and dials in addition to the touch screen interface to reduce all the complaints with it. your thoughts?? do you wish you had this now instead or are you ok with current setup? :

    http://www.motorweek.org/auto_news/motor_news/myford_touch

    Was that Ruby Red or is it a new 2014 color?  Looked different than Ruby Red, which I haven't seen in person, only on-line and maybe in one brochure.  Anyone know?  :confused:

  5. In AutoNews.........Copied only the relevant Ford info

     

     

    JULY U.S. SALES
    Honda, Toyota, GM set pace as sales climb 14% SAAR hits 15.7 million; Toyota outsells Ford; America Honda tops Chrysler

     

     

    'Summer surge'

    Low interest rates, widespread credit, attractive lease deals, pent-up demand, new or redesigned models and a steady rebound in the U.S. economy and housing market are fueling sales.

    Many automakers also joined Chrysler in hiking incentives last month to clear inventories of 2013 models.

    Large pickup trucks, crossovers and compact cars drove July's sales gains. Light truck volume rose 16 percent and car deliveries advanced 12 percent last month.

    "The summer surge continues," Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas said in a research note published Tuesday. "July started with relatively weak showroom traffic through the third week. However, momentum picked up since and we expect the month to finish strong driven by a much healthier consumer sentiment."

    Analysts were especially encouraged because retail sales -- those made to individual customers -- accounted for the bulk of industry volume.

    Edmunds estimated fleet deliveries represented 14 percent of industry volume in July -- the lowest level of the year so far.

    "Consumer confidence has a played a key role in the ongoing recovery and currently is at the highest levels seen since January 2008," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "With modest improvements in unemployment and housing expected to continue through the rest of the year, confidence likely will follow suit, driving new-car demand along with it."

    Ladis Sanchez, fleet manager at Galpin Ford in North Hills, Calif., described July sales as "phenomenal."

    Sanchez said demand remained strong last month for the C-Max, Escape, Fusion, Focus, F-150, Edge, and Explorer, while Taurus and Flex sales were slower.

    "A lot of [our] clients just seem to be a lot more stable," Sanchez said.

    But it was a tougher month at Allen Samuels Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Chevrolet in Ennis, Texas, despite a big promotional push.

    "We had mail for every week and radio for every week and two big inserts for the newspapers," said Tim Fowler, general sales manager at the dealership. "We're going to track out an average month, but it was like every deal had to be fought out."

     



    Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20130801/RETAIL01/308019998#ixzz2ar3ViUt8 
    Follow us: @Automotive_News on Twitter | AutoNews on Facebook

  6. In Autoweek

    Ford Energi drivers use all-electric mode 60 percent of the time
     

    Ford has noticed quite a few interesting things by researching how owners use their Ford plug-in hybrids. It appears that Ford owners are driving their hybrids in electric mode nearly 60 percent of the time, using their cars' 21 miles of gas-free all-electric range. This figure contrasts quite a bit with the 41 percent of all-electric drive time earlier in the year, demonstrating that winter driving patterns differ quite a bit from summer driving.

     

    Ford has also found that the 60 percent figure for gas-free all-electric driving actually improved a bit more after the first 30 days of plug-in hybrid ownership. This appears to suggest that plug-in hybrid owners are tailoring their travel patterns around the car's all-electric range. The number of daily trips has also increased over the past month, perhaps owing to seasonal driving patterns once again.

     

    Perhaps the least unexpected statistic that Ford has unearthed is that 84 percent of one-way trips in its plug-in hybrids are distances of 20 miles or less, as people are using their hybrid cars for commutes or running errands, rather than for long summertime vacation trips.

     

    All of this research was made possible through the use of MyFord Mobile, which is available on Ford's plug-in and battery-electric cars like the C-MAX Energi, the Fusion Energi, and the Focus Electric (why they didn't give it a cool name like ElectroFocus we'll never know). The MyFord Mobile app can also be downloaded from the App Store as well as Google Play.

     

    The app allows Ford owners to link up their phone with their cars using an embedded AT&T wireless module, with the car supplying the app with information on its charge level and other vital stats. While not every plug-in hybrid Ford owner uses it, the app provides quite a bit of helpful info, including a charging-station finder.

     

    Ford has been able to piece together more interesting data through the MyFord Mobile app, finding that the average charge time is just over three hours, once again suggesting that most owners tend to use their cars for commuting.

     

    Perhaps the most helpful feature of the app is the Trip and Charge Log, which gives owners instant readouts about recent trips taken in the cars, showing how much energy was used and the fuel economy that was achieved. These readouts even give drivers such detailed information as how effectively brakes were used. Unfortunately, the system doesn't judge the driving skills or fuel economy of nearby cars in traffic, or just how much gas the guy in the clapped-out SUV with 224,000 miles driving next to you is wasting.



     

  7. Jul 23, 2013, 2:30pm CDT


    Toyota, Ford not ready to collaborate on hybrid technologies

    The verdict is in. Toyota Motor Corp. and Ford Motor Co. have completed a feasibility study to determine if it made sense to work in collaboration to develop new hybrid systems for light trucks and SUVs.

    The two automakers have decided that it would be best if they develop such systems separately.

    Toyota issued a statement on Tuesday noting that its “commitment to hybrid technology is unwavering.”

    In fact, the automaker says it has already sold more than 2 million Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles in the U.S., which represents about 70 percent of the U.S. auto industry’s total hybrid sales. In addition, Toyota officials say the company is on track to offer 18 new or redesigned hybrid models globally by the end of 2015.

    Officials with Toyota and Ford announced back in 2011 a plan to determine if a collaborative approach to developing new hybrid systems was feasible. The two companies have not ruled out the possibility of working together in the future on next-generation technologies.

  8. What color do you consider Ice Storm?  In the past we've had a lot of problems with any blue car......I know, I know overly superstitious right?  Anyway I've only seen one C-Max in Ice Storm and I didn't give it much more than a quick glance because I thought it had a blue hue.  Some think its green....what say you?

  9. 1963 Dodge Polara 4-dr Sedan.  Had a 383ci "Wedge" 4-barrel with push-button Torque Flight Trans.  I converted it to a Hurst floor stick shift (gas was 29c/gallon).  It was a sleeper :drop:    350ci Cameros and Firebirds would pull along side, laugh and gun their engines.  At that point they were just a spec in my rearview! :camera:

    After an electrical fire the engine lived a second life in a Dodge Dart at the race track.

  10. It will be interesting to see if the salesman attempts to sell you a new car in the process..  Kinda like the old "we need your tradein" scam.

     

    No, it is nothing like that.

     

    This is a HUGE dealer with only phenominal ratings. I have known them for a long time. They are Wickstrom Ford in Barrington Illinois. Google them, they are an incredible dealer.

     

    The way this came about is, the salesman remembered I am an appliance repairman. He emailed looking for a part for his mother's dryer. I dropped that part off at the dealer while he was in a meeting. In our email correspondence, he asked if I was still getting really high MPG (I already emailed him about this months ago). I said yes and sent him a picture of my mileage. So, after I dropped off the part, he emailed back and said he wished he knew I was there because the meeting he was in was with a Ford trainer and they were discussing fuel economy. So, this would have been perfect. He told me he filled the trainer in on my mileage and my total miles driven and the Ford trainer showed interest in speaking with me. After that, we discussed getting together either as a group, or just the salesman himself.

     

    We shall see how it goes........

     

    Matt

    Bought many a vehicle from Wickstom, one Taurus wagon, one Taurus Sedan, one E-150 van, two Explorers.  In fact my 1988 Taurus sedan "retired" to AZ with a co-worker and it just hit 100,000 miles.....nothing other than a water pump mechanically since new (other than a battery or two, new brakes and tires).  Wickstrom was a great Dealer for us, always fair, no games.  But, since we've moved further South Wickstom isn't very convenient .  Getting close to getting that C-Max but we'll be using another great Dealer near us, Bredemann Ford in Glenview.  Good luck, let us know how your discussion goes.  ;)

  11. :happy feet:

     

     

    Ford to give free hybrid upgrades to boost mileage Employee Colleen Mulligan drives a C-MAX Hybrid off the line at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant. (Ford photo) July 16, 2013, 3:53 p.m.

    Reuters

    Ford Motor Co. will update its hybrid vehicles for free to improve their fuel economy.

    Among the improvements, Ford plans to increase the maximum all-electric speed on those vehicles to 85 miles per hour  from 62, Raj Nair, vice president of global product development, said Tuesday.

    Owners of about 77,000 Ford hybrid vehicles in the United States and Canada will be offered the upgrades.
     

     
  12. madman,3 more questions:

    1) before the event did they send you an email on all the rules and what to do, bring, etc or not?

    2) did you see any kids of the drivers there (under 18) just hanging out watching their parent(s) doing the challenge or were they prohibited? want to know if we can bring our 12yr old son or not to the event or have to leave him home.in one of the vids on the Ford site it shows a kid in the back seat being thrown around sure to the G-Forces while their parent drive a challenge.

    3) did they let you take pix at the event/bring your camera or not? (see Q#1) we do want to share and document for those here who didn't get to go.

    Salsa,

     

    1) They just send an email confirmation of Date/Time and indicate no sandals and bring your Drivers License.

    2) Kids were there but they want 18 year olds in the cars (if they have a license).  You drive the Hypermile course with 3  plus an "Instructor".  You switch after two laps each.  The other two events, the Head-to-Head and ST Academy you drive alone.

    3) Yes pictures are A-OK

  13. I have completed the following LED upgrades.....

    License Plate

    Cargo Area

    Puddle

    Tomorrow I will tackle the glove box.

    LED's for the back-up lights are on order.

    The results are well worth the time and effort......looks great.

     

     

    I have completed the following LED upgrades.....

    License Plate

    Cargo Area

    Puddle

    Tomorrow I will tackle the glove box.

    LED's for the back-up lights are on order.

    The results are well worth the time and effort......looks great.

    Is the benefit just better/cooler lights or does it save battery (energy) usage too?

  14. I'll be there. Maxine is a dime a dozen, but she's mine. So I can show the car but l think you know jus about the same about this car as me.

     

    If the event is anything like the promo, it should be FUN to fang around the ST. Hope its the auto, I have not driven a stick shift since my Ford Falcon XR-6 back in 98 but then it was on the right hand side drive :victory: too...yowzers...clutch...enter that word into my brain...computing....

     

    The "hypermile instructions" sounds like :love_shower:  too....can't wait....be like :skateboard:  & :headspin:  again...wooo weee.... :jump_earth:...teach me sometime new..cause i'm a  :noobie:..hope I keep my cool if they start telling me it's better to do a 1 bar acceleration vs 2.... :gaah:

     

     

    ps yes, i :wub2:  the emoticons. cause i can :thumbsup:

    Yes, you have to be able to drive stick.  In fact, they say if you haven't driven a stick in over a year, that event is not for you! edit: I should have said that particular part of the event (the ST Academy) isn't for you.....just skip the speed challenge.  The HyperMile and EcoBoost course can be done by anyone with a valid Drivers License. 

  15.  

    Actually this is something different.  The drive challenge info is here.  

     

    Pre-registration is live at fordecoboostchallengedrive.com. Space is limited and available on first-come, first-served basis.
     
    Events will open at 9 a.m. and run all day through 6 p.m. in most markets. Locations and dates are:
     
    • Boston, Gillette Stadium, June 22
    • Washington, D.C., FedEx Field, June 29
    • Chicago, Arlington Park, June 29
    • San Francisco, Golden Gate Fields, July 13
    • Los Angeles, Rose Bowl, July 20
    • New York City, Citi Field, August 17
    • Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway, August 24
    • Atlanta, Turner Field, September 7
    • Dallas, Cowboys Stadium, September 7
    • Orlando, Orange County Convention Center, September 14
    • Houston, Sam Houston Race Park, September 14
    • Miami, Gulfstream Park, September 21
    • Minneapolis/St. Paul, Canterbury Park, September 21

    OK, I just did all 10 too  :drop:   Now make sure if you live in a town the PHYSICAL driving challenge is held sign up at fordecoboostchallengedrive.com

  16. how / where do we sign up?

    Edit: found it. be sure to view all 10 videos so you get all 10 chances to win

     

    https://www.fordeventgiveaway.com/

    Actually this is something different.  The drive challenge info is here.  

     

    Pre-registration is live at fordecoboostchallengedrive.com. Space is limited and available on first-come, first-served basis.
     
    Events will open at 9 a.m. and run all day through 6 p.m. in most markets. Locations and dates are:
     
    • Boston, Gillette Stadium, June 22
    • Washington, D.C., FedEx Field, June 29
    • Chicago, Arlington Park, June 29
    • San Francisco, Golden Gate Fields, July 13
    • Los Angeles, Rose Bowl, July 20
    • New York City, Citi Field, August 17
    • Charlotte, Charlotte Motor Speedway, August 24
    • Atlanta, Turner Field, September 7
    • Dallas, Cowboys Stadium, September 7
    • Orlando, Orange County Convention Center, September 14
    • Houston, Sam Houston Race Park, September 14
    • Miami, Gulfstream Park, September 21
    • Minneapolis/St. Paul, Canterbury Park, September 21
  17. FYI.......Ford hosted the EcoBoost Challenge in the Chicago Suburban area on June 29th.  At the event there were a lot of "giveaways" as well as the ability to HyperMile Drive a C-Max, then drive EcoBoost models against the competition and finally a speed race with the new 2014 Fiesta.  This event is coming to many towns so check with the Ford site and sign up. :drool:

     

    P.S.  Afterward I received an email that an "offer" is coming soon, again via email, that a Free Ford ESP Plan will be offered for new purchasers of a Ford product. :happy feet:  I haven't seen anything yet but it just might make me "pull-the-trigger" and get that Max I want!  I'm assuming it will be sent shortly to entice a 2013 MY purchase before the 2014's come out!

  18. Initially I wanted the SE but after sitting in a SEL and looking at that chunk of a screen - I was sold. Now with 3.5.1 I have nothing but GREAT to report, especially with the GPS. :wub2:  it and will by the Prii again.

     

    ;)

    I want all the SEL features EXCEPT that Nav.  I have a Garmin that I move from car to rental car when needed so I'm torn what model to get.  I don't want to pay for the NAV I don't need.

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