486 messages,
Last post on May 02, 2013 at 5:50 AM
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Ford Fusion, Lincoln MKZ, Mercury Milan, Automotive News
#457 of 486 Re: Reliability [lauramay80]
by steve_ HOST
Jan 18, 2013 (5:23 pm)
Overall reliability looks to have gotten better starting in '08. We don't have Identifix data after '09 unfortunately, but the historical trend is good.
#458 of 486 Re: Reliability [lauramay80]
by mtnman1
Jan 18, 2013 (5:48 pm)
I have a 2009 SEL V6 which isn't a direct comparison since the 2010 was pretty much a redesign and a new engine and I believe transmission. I know that Consumer Reports rates the 2009 very high in reliability and also since I have owned it from day 1, which was late October of 2008, I know that it is a great car. Though I am chomping at the bit for a new Fusion or an Optima SX. Promised my wife that I would run it for 8 years since we just bought a new 2012 Highlander Limited AWD back in May of 2012. Got about 4 years left if I can hold out. I do like the looks of the 2010 through 2012 Fusion. I don't think I have seen one 2013 Fusion outside a dealers lot yet.
#459 of 486 Good NA numbers, EU and pensions a concern
by steve_ HOST
Jan 29, 2013 (10:47 am)
"Strong North American profits will net record profit sharing checks of $8,300 on average for 45,800 hourly workers, to be paid March 14.
Ford reported its highest fourth-quarter pre-tax profit since the same period in 1999 at $1.7 billion or 31 cents per share, beating analyst expectations of 25 cents per share. Net income for the quarter was $1.6 billion despite losses in Europe of $732 million.
Bob Shanks, chief financial officer, had warned that Ford would lose more than $1.5 billion in Europe in 2012 and the year ended with a $1.8 billion loss in the region marked by economic upheaval and high unemployment."
Ford earns $1.6 billion net in 4Q (Detroit Free Press)
Ford worldwide pension deficit jumps to $18.7 billion (Detroit News)
#460 of 486 Re: Good NA numbers, EU and pensions a concern [steve_]
by xwesx
Jan 29, 2013 (1:01 pm)
Overall good news. Pensions are always a risk, especially with companies like these that were practically giving away the farm with their pension packages back in the automotive heydays.
About all there is left to do in some cases is hope the retirees die relatively young.
#461 of 486 Re: Good NA numbers, EU and pensions a concern [xwesx]
by steve_ HOST
Jan 29, 2013 (1:52 pm)
There's a joke here somewhere about most of the retirees being stuck in Detroit, but I'll let that one slide.
The stock market isn't liking the EU news I guess, but it seems like stock movements in general are often in the opposite direction of the news.
#462 of 486 Re: Good NA numbers, EU and pensions a concern [steve_]
by xwesx
Jan 29, 2013 (2:46 pm)
Well, the problems in the EU are pretty serious, but that's the way things go. This world moves from crisis to crisis. Otherwise, what news would be worth reporting?
It wasn't too long ago that Ford stock was junk and worth pennies on the dollar.
#463 of 486 Re: Good NA numbers, EU and pensions a concern [xwesx]
by steve_ HOST
Jan 29, 2013 (2:51 pm)
True; good thing that Asia and North America are doing as well as they are.
#464 of 486 530,000 sold
by steve_ HOST
Feb 16, 2013 (11:38 am)
"The Dearborn automaker, which in 2009 introduced the EcoBoost series — a marriage of turbocharging, direct-injection and twin independent variable-camshaft timing — is in need of additional engines for high-volume vehicles like the Fusion midsize sedan and F-150 pickup. Buyers increasingly have opted for the EcoBoost engines which offer boosts in fuel efficiency and performance but command a premium of about $1,000.
Ford won't publicly speculate on future investments, but the company's goals are clear: In lieu of more fuel-efficient but expensive diesel engines — and until hybrids and electrics catch on, if they ever do — the power and fuel efficiency of EcoBoost remains the chosen path."
Ford's EcoBoost engine to spur investment, job growth (Detroit News)
#465 of 486 My feelings on what Ford needs
by cannon3
Feb 17, 2013 (5:47 pm)
Ford needs to expand on the Focus platform. Add a 2 door, 2 door hatch, convertible and a wagon. Give people choices on such a great platform. Next, BRING BACK THE RANGER! Offer a diesel engine in a 4cyl, offer a turbo diesel, heck even a hybrid! I just will never understand why Ford let the Japanese take the small truck market!!??? Sad.
#466 of 486 Re: My feelings on what Ford needs [cannon3]
by akirby
Feb 17, 2013 (5:55 pm)
The small truck market shrunk from 2M to 250K in just a few years. Ford chose not to invest in a vehicle in such a declining market, not the other way around.