This morning I would like to give you a quick update on our sales performance, announce a new partnership that will deliver the world’s ultimate in-car audio experience for Bentley customers, before reaching the main part of this morning’s presentation, our Environmental Strategy for the future.
As you can see on the stand, we are presenting for the first time our complete line-up, with the full Continental range, and the full Arnage range, including the recently launched Brooklands, which has met with tremendous success.
These six cars represent a symbolic milestone in the history of Bentley. Five years ago we sold less than 1,000 cars. In 2007, we set a new record, exceeding 10,000 units for the first time. Our growth has come not only from our traditional markets, such as the US, the UK and continental Europe, but significantly also from emerging markets. In China alone, our sales grew by 93% last year, reaching a total of 338 units.
Despite the financial instability that has been affecting the world economy, we expect to maintain this year the momentum we have created. Our current position gives us excellent profitability, and is where we want to be in terms of volume.
You will also see on the stand that we are announcing a new partnership with Naim audio. Naim is one of the world’s most respected creators of premium quality audio systems, and together we aim to produce an unparalleled in-car sound system for all our future models. We each have a proud British heritage and a reputation for offering our customers the very best; it’s a perfect fit.
The main subject I would like to entertain this morning is the environment. At Bentley, we have been investigating the best way to tackle environmental issues for over a decade, as can be seen, for example in the major CO2, water and energy reductions we have achieved in our manufacturing operations. The strategy and plans we are announcing today for our vehicles reflect years of engineering studies and intensive product development.
We believe that there are two major issues facing the automotive industry in the 21st century: the security of fuel supply, and climate change. Our strategy seeks to address these two related issues simultaneously, and is based on long-term solutions.
Increasing demand from developing markets, global growth in mobility and a slowdown in the rate of discovery of new sources of oil have recently pushed the price of crude oil above $100 per barrel. Coupled with a turbulent economic and political climate, the issue of fuel security is becoming ever more urgent.
The underlying fact remains that future global demand for energy, be it fossil fuel based or otherwise, far outstrips the current level of supply. Accordingly, Bentley believes that governments and industry must look for alternative sources of sustainable, renewable energy that will provide stability to fuel supplies in the future. Significant investment is required both in the development and integration of sustainable fuel sources – such as renewable biofuels – to ensure energy security going forward.
Complementary to this is the link between rising CO2 levels and climate change. The consequences of global climate change cannot be ignored. Passenger road transport currently contributes 12% of global man-made CO2 emissions, approximately 3 billion tonnes per year. Whilst in absolute terms Bentley cars represent a small portion of these global automotive CO2 emissions, we are convinced we have an obligation to act, and will be taking significant steps to reduce our fleet’s impact on the environment.
I can announce today that, on a well-to-wheel basis, the entire Bentley model range will become capable of delivering less than 120 g/km of CO2 by 2012. The well-to-wheel measurement is the only accurate way to measure the total energy expended from every step of the life cycle: from producing and distributing a fuel to its use in a vehicle.
So how will we achieve this? Our strategy will be implemented in stages, the first of which is expected to reduce overall tailpipe CO2 from new vehicles by at least 15% by 2012.
These efficiency improvements will be achieved first through the application of innovative technology to our 8 and 12 cylinder engines, including enhanced engine management, and new, improved transmissions and drivelines, as well as through weight reduction. This is part of our commitment to reduce CO2 output on every new model.
Secondly, a new powertrain will be introduced by 2012, delivering a 40% reduction in fuel consumption, while maintaining current levels of performance.
Thirdly, all engines across the entire range will become compatible with the use of renewable fuels by 2012, with the initial rollout starting next year. This fuel change has the potential to offer massive savings in CO2.
Over many generations, Bentley has built a reputation for superb performance, and the measures we are announcing today will in no way alter the character or performance of our vehicles. As another milestone in the history of Bentley, they reflect the increasing expectation from our customers around the world for performance motoring with fuel-efficient engines.
We occupy a leading position in the luxury segment of the automotive industry. We will become the first manufacturer in this segment and one of the first in the world to deliver vehicles capable of running on 100% renewable fuels throughout the fleet.
It is our conviction that renewable fuels, in particular second-generation biofuels, have immediate and strong potential. Such fuels:
* do not compete with food production, and require minimum additional land use, since they are derived from biomass, a waste product.
* They also deliver much higher yields than first generation crop-based fuels
* and on a well-to-wheel basis, they can deliver a consistently high net CO2 reduction of up to 90%.
By preparing our engines at an early stage for renewable fuels, we believe we will help accelerate their adoption, as the supply and market for them develops.
Through this strategy and these plans, we aim to meet our customer expectations, and to assume fully our corporate social responsibility with regard to environmental issues. We also hope to make a positive contribution to the ongoing debate on how best to respond to environmental challenges within the automotive industry. We look forward to updating you on the progress of our plans.
Thank you for your attention.
Source: Bentley
The Corolla base MSRP will range from $15,250 to $19,950 while the Matrix will range from $16,190 to $21,850. MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $660. Both models will begin arriving at dealerships next month.
2009 Toyota Corolla XRS
Following the extremely successful launch of the FJ Cruiser TRD limited edition, Toyota is introducing the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition. The special edition offers a new level of customization to the base FJ Cruiser 4WD models.
2009 COROLLA
Nearly 40 years after the Corolla was introduced to American drivers, an all-new, 10th generation 2009 Corolla will continue to offer the quality and value for which the brand has long been known. The new Corolla with an all-new body that delivers increased interior and luggage room, more power, more economical engines and an all-new chassis and suspension.
The Corolla will come in five grades – Standard, LE, XLE, the sporty S, and the performance-driven XRS. A standard body kit on S and XRS models helps to modify aerodynamics and enhance the Corolla's sporty look – these include a front spoiler, rocker moldings, upper and lower rear spoilers, and for improved air management under the car, engine undercovers.
The 2009 Corolla is offered with a pair of efficient new engines, each of which can be combined with a five-speed manual transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission is combined with a 1.8-liter engine and the five-speed automatic is combined with a 2.4-liter engine.
The Standard, LE and XLE will be equipped with one of the all-new engines. The 1.8-liter 16-valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine, will produce 132 hp at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. One of the engine's most important features is its use of Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both the intake and exhaust camshafts that helps it achieve outstanding performance and economy.
For those who desire just a bit more horsepower and torque, there is the 2.4-liter engine which produces 158 hp at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine is completely redesigned for use in the new Corolla XRS grade. The 2.4-liter engine transmits its power through the five-speed manual transmission, but is available with a five-speed automatic. The automatic transmission can be manually shifted sequentially.
Airbags are installed in the steering wheel, instrument panel, front seats and side-roof. Side curtain airbags that help protect passengers in the front and rear seats in the event of a side impact are standard. Front seats employ active headrests as standard equipment. Toyota's Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard on all grades of the Corolla. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control (TRAC) and cut-off switch available is available as an option.
The all-new Corolla is equipped with an array of standard performance and convenience features. Among the many features on the Standard grade are P195/65 R15 tires, a heavy duty rear window defogger, AM/FM/CD audio with four speakers that is also XM® satellite capable, air conditioning with air filter, intermittent windshield wipers, two 12-volt power outlets, daytime running lights, black manual folding power mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, 60/40 split folding rear seats, and much more.
In addition to standard features on the Standard grade, the LE grade adds power windows with driver-side one-touch-down, shift-activated power doorlocks and color-keyed manual-folding power mirrors.
As well as the features on the LE grade, the XLE grade adds P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, variable intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, Optitron gauges, center console with sliding armrests, wood grain trim, and driver and passenger rear-seat pockets.
Besides the Standard grade features, the sporty S grade also features standard P205/55R16 tires with full wheel covers, color-keyed front and rear underbody spoilers, fog lamps, front sport seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, black headlamp housing, chrome exhaust tip and AM/FM/CD XM® capable audio with six speakers.
In addition to S grade features, the XRS grade adds rear deck spoiler, P215/45 R17 tires with alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, XRS scuff plate, leather-trimmed shift lever and knob, cruise control and interior chrome accent.
Additional standard equipment on the XLS grade includes VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, P205/55 R16 tires with 16-inch alloy wheels, a JBL audio system with AM/FM/six-disc CD changer with MP3/WMA playback capability, XM® satellite and eight speakers in six locations and navigation system with AM/FM CD with MP3/WMA playback capability.
The Corolla Standard grade will carry a base MSRP of $15,250 for models with a manual transmission and $16,050 for models with an automatic. The LE grade with automatic has a base MSRP of $16,650 and the XLE grade with an automatic a base MSRP of $17,550. The S grade will carry a base price of $16,320 for a manual transmission model and $17,150 for models with an automatic. The MSRP for the premium XRS grade will be $18,760 for a manual transmission and $19,950 for models with an automatic.
2009 MATRIX
The Toyota Matrix helped redefine the concept of a crossover vehicle, and has been redesigned for the 2009 model year.
2009 Toyota Corolla Matrix XRS
Development of the 2009 Matrix focused on greater exterior coupe-like styling with enhanced interior utility and improved dynamic performance. The result is a sporty shape that has a wider, lower stance than the current model, but contains room for five people to ride in comfort. The Matrix has rounded rear windows and continuous character lines that run from the front grille to the A-pillar.
The Matrix features three distinct grades, Standard, S and XRS. The S and XRS models integrate a front underbody spoiler with a large mesh fog lamp bezel and rear underbody spoiler, while a rear deck spoiler is standard for all XRS models.
The 2009 Matrix offers the choice of two different engines, a five-speed manual transmission, and either four- or five-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i), the 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produces 132 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 128 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 26/32 city/highway mpg for manual transmission models and 25/31 for the automatic transmission models.
For those who crave horsepower and torque, the Matrix offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine which produces 158 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Estimated EPA fuel economy ratings are 21/29 city/highway mpg for the automatic transmission models and 21/28 with the five-speed manual transmission models.
In addition, Matrix once again offers the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) with the S grade. The AWD Matrix S is equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and the Super ECT 4-speed transmission.
The AWD system uses active torque control to distribute the appropriate amount of torque to each wheel. The system is front-wheel-drive-based and distributes torque to the rear wheels through an electromagnetic coupler only when needed.
The Matrix interior is completely redesigned to enhance driving enjoyment, comfort and utility. The instrument panel and center cluster were designed to create the sensation of a cockpit. The optitron gauges in the instrument panel feature bright white lighting and red needles. A new three-spoke steering wheel enhances the rest of the new Matrix interior.
The driver and front passenger are treated to comfortable new sport seats, with standard seat-mounted side airbags. A fold-down seatback table is available for the front passenger's seat, enhancing interior utility on S and XRS. For rear-seat passengers, a folding seat with a 60/40 split includes a middle-seat headrest for the fifth passenger.
Throughout the interior, designers supplied multiple storage spaces. A folding tonneau cover is standard and helps keep items placed in the cargo area out of sight.
All systems are equipped with a universal mini-jack port that allows users to listen to their portable music collection through the Matrix's speakers.
Form, fun and functionality are in abundance with an array of standard convenience features across all three grades. Base equipment on the Standard Matrix includes P205/55 R16 tires with full wheel covers, power color-keyed outside rearview mirrors, power steering, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, daytime running lights, heavy duty rear window defogger, intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, four cupholders, front center console box and an engine immobilizer.
The S grade adds standard power door locks and windows with one-touch down driver-side, 115-volt power outlet, cruise control, intermittent rear window wiper, fold-flat front passenger seat, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD with MP3 capability and six speakers, front and rear underbody spoilers and fog lamps.
In addition to these features, the XRS grade includes standard P215/45 R18 tires on 18-inch alloy wheels, sport strut tower brace, VSC with TRAC and cut-off switch, and a three-spoke leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio steering wheel controls.
The Standard Matrix with a five-speed manual transmission will carry a base MSRP of $16,190, while the four-speed automatic begins at $17,000. The Matrix S front-wheel drive with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP of $18,260, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $19,450. The Matrix S AWD with a four-speed automatic has a base MSRP starting at $20,400. The Matrix XRS with a five-speed manual transmission has a MSRP starting at $20,660, while the five-speed automatic will begin at $21,850.
2008 FJ CRUISER TRAIL TEAMS SPECIAL EDITION
The special FJ Cruiser will feature the first-ever monotone white roof and body with black trim pieces, which set the FJ Trail Teams edition apart from the rest. Additional exterior features include black front and rear bumper end caps and front grille surround, and black exterior mirrors and door handles. Trail Teams badges have been added to the rear door and glove box.
Inside, the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition will include a leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls, white color-keyed door trim and instrument panel trim, AM/FM six CD/nine-speaker audio system with MP3 player and 12-volt and 115-volt auxiliary power outlets.
Additional standard features on the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Edition include trail-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, BF Goodrich Rugged Trail Tires with custom 16-inch TRD alloy wheels, Cyclone air cleaner, rear differential lock and A-TRAC, TRD exhaust system, rock rails, all-weather floor mats, front bumper-mounted auxiliary lights, and front and rear skid plates.
The FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition will carry an MSRP of $4,755 over the $23,725 base price of the FJ Cruiser with a six-speed manual transmission with a 4.0-liter V6 engine and $5,110 over the $24,135 base price of the automatic transmission model with a 4.0-liter V6. . MSRPs do not include a delivery, processing and handling fee of $685.
The 3,200 units of the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition package will be produced in 2008 model year and will go on sale in late January and early February.
Source: Toyota
The smart fortwo is the right car, at the right time for U.S. Drivers. Americans are faced with volatile fuel prices, increased urban congestion and a mindset of environmental responsibility.
2008 smart fortwo
The smart fortwo offers a high level of comfort, agility, safety and ecology. Its unique features and attributes meet consumer wishes now and well into the 21st century.
smart expresses the lifestyle of an enlightened and forward-thinking social class with joie de vivre that cannot be defined by age or social standing, but rather by an attitude, lifestyle and open-minded outlook on life. smart isn’t just another micro-car, it’s a statement by enlightened drivers of the 21st century who look at future challenges and actively and positively impact outcomes. Like owning an Apple i-Mac, i-Pod or i-Phone, smart documents the open-minded attitude of the “thought leaders”, who choose innovative solutions as an existential part of their everyday lives.
The smart fortwo proves that greatness is not a question of size. The presentation of the brand and model has been very well received by the US public and the press long before its market launch. The 24 week smart USA “street smart” road show toured the USA between May and November with three display trailers, test drive vehicles and product specialists presenting the smart fortwo from coast to coast. The road show has attracted and convinced over 75,000 people in over 50 cities across the United States.
For example, in Las Vegas; people waited patiently for an hour in temperatures of 104°F to test drive the cars in the parking garage of the Fashion Show Mall. Some even went straight back to the end of the queue again after the short jaunt in order to drive a smart one more time.
Over 30,000 Americans have placed a $99 deposit on a smart fortwo. Dealers will begin to fill orders in January 2008. smart USA’s website - www.smartusa.com - has received nearly 4 million visits since June 2006, over 95,000 people have signed up as smart “insiders” and visitors spend an average of over five minutes on the site.
In the context of the U.S. market smart is also redefining the distribution concept. Roger Penske and Penske Automotive Group (PAG) will serve as the official distributor for the smart fortwo beginning in 2008. This partnership is unique and also demonstrates forward-thinking on the part of smart.
The reaction of dealers has been overwhelming: smart USA received more than 1400 applications. Although many were qualified, only a few were selected. Approximately 70 carefully selected dealerships will sell the fortwo in 2008 in major cities across the United States.
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, the two-seater is already a big success. Since its launch in October 1998, about 780,000 customers opted for a first generation smart fortwo; often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. The smart fortwo is a special car and clearly stands out from the crowd. It should not be taken for granted - the smart fortwo is simply fun to drive.
2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC Sedan
The "Yellow Angel" awards, which the ADAC presents annually for outstanding performance, are named after the nickname given to the ADAC’s friendly breakdown service personnel and are among Europe’s most sought-after motoring awards. Consumers find them a valuable decision-making guide, as criteria such as price/performance ratio, practicality, economy, safety and environmental compatibility also play a part in the selection process.
The vote was between 36 vehicles which newly entered the market in 2007. Around 340,000 people cast their votes and awarded first place to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by a wide margin over the runner-up. Europe’s largest motoring association – it has around 16 million members – rewarded this clear-cut result with the "Yellow Angel 2008" award for Germany’s favourite car.
The C-Class has set new standards in its segment since its market launch at the end of March 2007. In addition to an appealing design and hallmark Mercedes refinement, it also offers the latest technical advances. These include, for example, the AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®.
Germany’s favourite car is also very much a bestseller. With 261,500 examples sold in 2007, unit sales of the saloon increased by 57 percent.
The C-Class has already collected several awards for its exceptional status in the mid-range segment. The readers of AUTO BILD voted it the most attractive saloon, the motoring magazine "auto, motor und sport" declared it the most appealing medium-sized car and 350,000 participants in Europe’s largest internet survey voted it Europe’s favourite car with the 2007 "Carolina" Internet Auto Award.
More Capability, More Choice, More 'Smart' Features for America's Truck
January 2008 -- The vision for Ford’s truck team was clear: Redesign America’s favorite truck inside and out to give customers unrivaled capability, unprecedented choice and a host of smart, game-changing features.
2009 Ford F-150 Platinum
The result is the new 2009 Ford F-150, the new benchmark in the full-size pickup segment from the industry’s truck leader – which has built more than 33 million F-Series pickups since 1948.
The Ford truck team adopted a holistic, 360-degree approach to revamping the new 2009 Ford F-150 – from its segment-first features to the tough new exterior highlighted by a dramatic three-bar grille and more spacious, flexible and refined interior, to the unparalleled choice of cab styles and trim levels – including a new Platinum series that redefines truck luxury.
The improvements are just as dramatic beneath the sheet metal. A new high-strength, lighter-weight chassis is the backbone that allows this tough truck to deliver more horsepower, better fuel economy and safety, and additional towing and payload capacity.
“The Ford F-150 is an American icon,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Ford is the truck leader, and F-150 customers expect and demand the best truck on the market.
“Our team not only met those expectations, they exceeded them with the new 2009 F-150,” Fields added. “With Ford’s product-led transformation in full swing, the new F-150 could not have come at a better time – for Ford and for our customers.”
In all, more than 1,000 Ford engineers, designers, researchers and others worked together to develop the new 2009 F-150. The team drew inspiration by listening to Ford’s large customer base.
“Before we started working on the new truck, we continued the conversation with people who use these trucks every day for work and play,” said Matt O’Leary, chief engineer of the 2009 F-150. “We went to their ranches, their job sites and their homes, making sure we crafted features that would improve their ownership experiences and, really, their lives.”
The results will be clear to customers when the new 2009 F-150 rolls off assembly lines at Ford’s Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo, Mo. – and as the new F-150 goes on sale in dealer showrooms this fall.
2009 Ford F-150 FX4
Most Capable
Ford F-150 customers tackle tough jobs when they work and play, and they need a full-size truck that rises to the challenge. The current F-150 is already the most capable truck on the market, but Ford’s truck team drove capability to new levels with the 2009 model.
The improvement starts with the 2009 F-150’s fully boxed frame constructed with hydro-formed and high strength steel side rails. The lightweight frame delivers 10 percent more torsional rigidity, which delivers increased durability and safety. The sturdy chassis also paved the way for the new 2009 F-150 to improve upon the current model’s class-leading towing and hauling capability across all cab configurations.
“The new, improved chassis helps deliver additional payload and towing capacity as well as improved fuel economy, which we know is top of mind for customers,” O’Leary said.
Thanks to the strength of the frame and comprehensive package of standard safety equipment, including side-curtain air bags, the new F-150 is engineered to earn top safety ratings from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Complementing the modern frame is a high-tech suite of features that ensures the F-150 is sure-footed and safe in all driving and load conditions. The new F-150 offers segment-first standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) and Trailer Sway Control plus available Rearview Camera Assist as well as Integrated Trailer Brake Controller a segment-first on light-duty pickups.
The interior of the new 2009 F-150 SuperCrew offers more usable space for moving more people and gear thanks to a 6-inch stretch that improves rear seat legroom and cargo capacity. A mechanically articulated second-row seat flips up and out of the way. Combined with a truly flat load floor, the feature gives the new SuperCrew class leading 57.6 cubic feet of space behind the front seats and can accommodate items up to 47.9 inches tall, such as flat-screen TV that needs to be hauled from the electronics store to home.
Most Choice
Ford’s F-Series may be America’s best-selling vehicle, but one-size-fits-all does not apply to today’s truck buyer. From the Texas rancher to the general contractor in Florida, F-150 customers have different needs and tastes.
In response, Ford’s truck team designed a truck that offers more choice than any full-size truck on the market. With three cab styles, four box options and seven unique trim levels, the F-150 comes in 35 different configurations to meet the widest range of customer needs and wants – all delivered with quality.
Customers can choose from the no-fuss XL workhorse, to the sporty STX and off-road capable FX4, to the mid-range XLT. For those looking for tough luxury, Ford offers the high-end Lariat and King Ranch F-150 models.
2009 Ford F-150 Platinum
New for the 2009 F-150 is the Platinum series, the most luxurious F-150 ever and the answer to a perennial question: Just how high-end do truck customers want to go?
The striking F-150 Platinum features a satin chrome grille with fine mesh inserts, 10-way captain’s chairs upholstered with top-quality leather, tuxedo stitching and embroidered logos on the seatbacks. Satin gloss Lacrosse Ash wood grain accents and real brushed aluminum panels give the dash, center console and doors an upscale look and feel. Standard 20-inch, 16-spoke polished aluminum wheels give the truck a commanding presence on the road.
With more customers interested in personalizing their trucks, Ford is offering the largest selection of wheels in the segment with 13 offerings across the F-150 lineup.
Under the hood, the new F-150 will be powered by three modern V-8 engines, mated to either a 4-speed or a new fuel-efficient 6-speed automatic transmission. The engines include:
* 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton V-8, which has been optimized for better performance with improved horsepower and torque, and is capable of running on E85 (85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline), regular unleaded gasoline or any blend in between.
* 4.6-liter, 3-valve V-8, which is new for F-150. Both the 5.4-liter and 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8’s utilize open valve injection. This unique feature improves the flow of fuel into the combustion chamber, which results in an increase in horsepower during towing and reduced emissions.
* 4.6-liter, 2-valve V-8, a third V-8 choice in the line-up that delivers more horsepower with the same fuel economy performance as the outgoing truck’s V-6.
This all-V-8 engine lineup delivers a fleet-average 1 mpg improvement in fuel economy versus the outgoing F-150.
Diesel and EcoBoost gas turbo direct injection engines are planned for F-150 in 2010 as well.
Most ‘Smart’ Features
Ford’s researchers spent thousands of hours listening to truck buyers to gain inspiration for a host of smart new features for the new 2009 Ford F-150.
It starts with the clever interior, which features a flow-through console that has been lengthened by approximately 2 inches and is large enough to stow two or more laptop computers. Special ridges are molded into the edges of the bin to accommodate file folders. The console also has a multi-tiered, removable tray and locks to protect valuables.
More than 30 storage areas are built into the interior, ranging from a bin on the top of the instrument panel to a number of small spaces designed to accommodate tools like cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs and gate access cards.
A redesigned, more ergonomic shifter remains on the console. New, larger buttons and switches are ergonomically designed and within easy reach and view of the driver. A USB port and auxiliary MP3 player input are conveniently mounted on the dash. Two 12-volt outlets are located on the dash and center console.
Even the pickup box on the new F-150 breaks the mold with clever and capable features the competition cannot match. The class-leading cargo capacity of 65.5 cubic feet is only the beginning of the story.
The F-150’s pickup box is made easier to use, more flexible and accessible with such new features as Ford’s industry-exclusive Tailgate and Box Side Steps, Stowable Bed Extender and Cargo Management System.
“These features are impressive on their own. For the customer who uses their pickup box five, six or seven times a day, these innovations together make a huge difference,” O’Leary said.
That same kind of logic drove the team to include other clever features on the truck, including Ford’s Easy Fuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System. When fueling is completed and the nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut, reducing emissions.
The new 2009 Ford-150 also will allow truck customers to be connected to the world like never before. Ford has been working with Microsoft, Sony and SIRIUS to offer customers leading technologies to help them stay connected with their lives while on the road including:
* Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC™, a voice-activated, hands-free, in-vehicle communications and entertainment system offers even more functionality for the 2009 model year, with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report.
* SIRIUS Travel Link™ that when combined with voice activated navigation will provide users with a suite of data services including real-time traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions and fuel price information for over 120,000 gas stations.
* Voice-activated navigation that integrates several functions, including voice recognition destination entry, climate control and SIRIUS satellite radio into one easy-to-use system, displaying them on an 8-inch touch screen display.
* Sony audio system that features 700 watts of power, 5.1 surround sound and 10 Sony speakers and amps and is certified by Sony to deliver a unique, rich listening experience.
“We know how important the F-150 is to our customers,” said O’Leary. “With the new 2009 F-150, we are delivering a top-quality truck lineup that is second-to-none in capability, features and a range of choices that will continue to make Ford America’s favorite truck.”
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
