On The Horizon: Ford's New Bronco & Ranger Confirmed

Some exciting news coming out of the press reveal days of the 2017 North American International Auto Show. The Ford Bronco and Ranger will both be making their return to the United States in the next few years!

The new Bronco will be a 4-door model and be related to the Australian Ford Everest. Interesting move. The new Ranger will also form many of the underpinnings of the new Bronco. Which of these models are you looking forward to the most? The 2017 North American International Auto Show will be open to the public from January 14-22.  #FordWeek

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2016 & 2017 Ford Flex Overview + YouTube Video Link

Crossovers are hot these days, but one that typically flies under the radar is the Ford Flex. Originally introduced for the 2009 model year, I had the chance to tour a Flex that one of my coworkers at my internship this past summer bought new, and I must say, I was impressed. There was plenty of room on the inside, even in the third row, everything was well put together and felt substantial, and the vehicle offered more practicality than almost anything else like it due to its overall design. Headroom was plentiful even with the available Vista Roof sunroofs, which is a cool feature that I do recommend by the way. From what I’ve heard, ride quality is supple, complimenting the comfortable interior of the Flex. However, fuel economy ratings of both engines offered leaves something to be desired.

My coworker purchased a 2016 Flex Limited in Blue Jeans metallic with a black leather interior. His did not have the adaptive cruise control package, chilled console refrigerator, or uplevel engine, but it did have essentially every other option on it. For 2016, a rearview camera became standard and Sync 3 infotainment became standard on a variety of Ford and Lincoln cars, but for 2017, the Flex is unchanged. A naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 making 287 horsepower and 254 lb.-ft. of torque is standard, while a 3.5-liter EcoBoost (turbocharged) V6 producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque is optional. I recommend getting the EcoBoost given the Flex’s size, however, its only available on the top-of-the-line Limited trim level, which can get quite expensive. I wish Ford offered it on the midlevel SEL trim as well. All wheel drive is optional.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a van or crossover that deviates from the norm, don’t mind slightly different styling, and love unique luxury features and comfort, then the Ford Flex might just be for you.

Check out my YouTube walkaround of this car at the link below and subscribe to the Adam's Autos YouTube page for more content in the future. I’m currently traveling, but more Ford week is coming soon. Stay tuned, and thanks for reading!

FORD FLEX YOUTUBE VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGYC2Ef5gc

Model Specs:

Available Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (287 horsepower), 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 (365 horsepower)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel Economy: 16 city/23 highway (3.5 V6), 15 city/21 highway (3.5 EcoBoost V6)
Model Pricing (2017): $30,025 (SE) - $38,230 (Limited)
Trim Levels: SE, SEL, Limited
Available/Standard Safety Systems: Blind-Spot Monitoring, Tire Pressure Monitor, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Autonomous Braking, Autonomous Cruise Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Backup Camera, Rear Park Assist, Active Park Assist (Parallel), Various Air Bags (Front, Side, Curtain, Inflatable Seat Belts), Stability Control/w Roll Stability Control (RSC), Anti-Lock Brakes, Traction Control

Key Competition: Crossovers: Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Dodge Durango, Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe (7-passenger), Mazda CX-9, Toyota Highlander; Vans: Kia Sedona, Chrysler Pacifica (2017), Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna

Crash Test Results:
IIHS Offset: Good
IIHS Small Overlap: Acceptable
IIHS Side: Good
Roof Strength: Good
Head Restraints & Seats: Good
Child Seat Anchor Ease of Use (LATCH): Acceptable
Star Ratings (2017): Not Rated; Rollover- 4 Stars

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Green Machines: Ford Announces New Upcoming Hybrids

Hybrids have historically been bought in lower numbers than conventional gasoline vehicles, whether due to popularity or availability. But with Ford's recent announcement, that could all change.

Being environmentally friendly is a must nowadays, no matter what industry you’re operating in. So, Ford’s announcement that two of their most popular models, the F-150 and Mustang, will be receiving hybrid variants in the coming years should come as no surprise. These two models will be built in Michigan and debut by the 2020 model year. The F-150 will be the first to be introduced and be sold in both North America and the Middle East. The Mustang will come shortly afterwards. I anticipate it may be exclusive to the North American market, given America’s love of muscle cars.

The 2016 F-150. The F-150 wouldn't be the first hybrid pickup ever, as GM tested these waters some years ago as well.

The F-150 is already a very decorated and unique model with its all-aluminum construction, and has received numerous awards, including being designated a “2016 Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS. Receiving a hybrid variant will add to its unique appeal. Word is that the F-150 will be powered by a turbocharged EcoBoost engine and electric motors that won’t compromise its payload capacity. It’ll be built in Dearborn, Michigan and should have undergone a mid-cycle refresh by the time it hits the market. The Mustang hybrid will be built in Flat Rock, Michigan alongside other versions of the Mustang. Ford says the model will provide “V8 power”, which could either imply a V8 engine will be paired to electric motors, or a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine will be paired to electric motors and provide “V8-like power”. My spidey-car senses are telling me the latter will likely be the case. The Mustang hybrid may also debut for the next-gen model.

I do like the concept of a hybrid sports car with "V8 power" from Ford, although that wording is definitely subject to interpretation.

But Wait! There's More!

If this isn’t enough to spark your interests, then perhaps hearing that these are just two of the total 13 new electric hybrid vehicles Ford plans to introduce over the next five years. Overall, the rollout of these models will cost $4.5 billion and includes models such as plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. In addition to those models, there’s plans to build a fully electric crossover SUV by the 2020 model year at the Flat Rock assembly line with at least 300 miles of range. That’s significant given how strict fuel economy regulations are becoming. Moreover, Ford has plans to introduce a plug-in hybrid Transit van and two new hybrid police vehicles. The company anticipates that in 15 years, their electric offerings will outnumber their “normal” vehicles due to the declining costs of battery packs and shifting consumer tastes.

A throwback to 2009 when Ford built their 100,000th hybrid.
With all of the new models to come and popularity increasing,
I'm sure Ford is due to build a million of the 13 announced
models alone.

While pricing of these models is unknown, hybrids are a growing market. And personally, I don’t expect gas prices to stay low forever. Especially given the change in global powers and escalation of world events that we’re currently witnessing. So truthfully, this is all a matter of if Ford can bring these models to market in enough time to capitalize on any fluctuations and price them appropriately.

Are you fond of hybrids? Which of these models, if any, are you excited for? More "Ford Week" to come.

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Coming Home: Ford Cancels Plans for Mexico Plant, Chooses to Invest In Michigan

HAPPY NEW YEAR! And welcome to "Ford Week" on Adam’s Autos! A new year means new news, and this is big news. Especially for residents of Michigan.

The auto industry is a global business, easily one of the most global businesses in existence. Platform sharing between countries and even automakers is becoming more common because of a need to decrease production costs while maximizing efficiency, profits, and quality. Thus, Ford’s announcement on January 3, 2017 that they will no longer invest $1.6 billion into a new Mexico production facility comes as major news to many advocates for keeping jobs in America. Ford will instead invest $700 million into their Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.

Ford's Mustang is one of the models produced at the Flat Rock assembly plant in Michigan, although this investment could allow for other models to be brought in or for production to be expanded.

 This expansion of the Flat Rock plant is expected to create 700 new jobs, a major plus for Michigan’s economy. Currently, the Ford Mustang and all-new Lincoln Continental are made at this plant. Production there was idled late last year in October after Mustang sales declined some. However, we can expect that output of the factory will likely increase due to this upcoming expansion. This announcement coincides with news that Ford will be producing new hybrid vehicles as well, including a new fully-electric SUV that will be made at the Flat Rock assembly plant by the 2020 model year. More on these upcoming hybrids a little later.

Who Did It?

So who’s responsible for this sudden change in conscience? Many might be quick to thank president-elect Donald Trump for stating that he will heavily tax companies that choose to produce products outside of the United States and then import them. However, if you examine the situation closer, you will see that Ford still intends to move next-generation Focus production to Mexico despite threats from Trump to keep production in the U.S. “or else”. The president-elect has even taken aim recently at GM for their Cruze hatchback being produced in Mexico. Yet, even after numerous Twitter warnings, this move is necessary according to Ford since sales of small passenger cars have declined due to consumers wanting more SUVs and crossovers. Because of this transition, Ford expects to see increased economies of scale for the Focus since their Hermosillo facility will be operating at near maximum capacity. Additionally, Ford expects to save on labor costs. I’m willing to bet that some of these saved costs, from both labor and construction of new facilities, will be allocated to other domestic retooling efforts, such as the upcoming one at Flat Rock.

Ford has stated that that intend to move small car production to Mexico, despite their recent decision to invest in their Flat Rock production facility or warnings from president-elect Donald Trump of potential consequences of doing so.

Why Mexico?

Nearly all automakers produce in Mexico, due to the fact that the country has more free trade agreements in place than any other place in the world other than Israel. Additionally, Mexico has become one of the largest automotive producers in the world. More on that later in the week. While producing domestically and supporting our nation is certainly important, we should also remember that trade and other business collaborations are just as necessary for global sustainability and our economy as well.

Various locations of automakers in Mexico. As a part of my internship, I actually studied some of these facilities extensively. Mexico is one of the world's fastest expanding automotive producers with a stable economy. Just one of the many reasons why automakers are so attracted to this region. (Pardon the map quality)

What is your opinion of this decision by Ford and on trade agreements? I’ve got a feeling we’ll be seeing more decisions by manufacturers to retool and keep production of certain models in the United States in the coming years. I also expect we’ll see some rebellion by companies as well.

More Ford week coming up!

Copyright © 2017 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.