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Datamonitor's Ford Motor Company - SWOT Analysis company profile is the essential source for top-level company data and information

Geely Holding Group has received the necessary approvals from the Chinese government to acquire Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company.

First, on July 28, after 91 years of production, the last car rolled off the assembly line at the local General

In our first quarter as a public company, TeleNav is pleased to report solid financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2010, said HP Jin, president, CEO and co-founder of TeleNav

Dramatic freshening of the 2011 Ford Edge and Edge Sport includes extensive exterior redesign, improved materials and craftsmanship on the interior, class-exclusive technology and new powertrains. The 2011 Ford Edge will be built at Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario, Canada, and will be available in dealers this summer

In addition to delivering customer-focused technology, the new Edge also showcases Ford's impressive drive to bring new powertrain options to the customer. Both the Ford Edge 3.5-liter V-6 and Ford Edge Sport 3.7-liter V-6 use advanced engine valvetrain technology (Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing, or Ti-VCT) and clever control strategies to increase horsepower and torque to best-in-class levels. Ford Edge's unsurpassed fuel economy is not at the expense of power and performance. The SelectShift Automatic™ transmission is standard on the 2011 Ford Edge SEL and Limited series, with class-exclusive paddle activation of the SelectShift standard on the 2011 Ford Edge Sport.

Twenty-inch tires with new wider wheels are optional on the Ford Edge Limited while the Ford Edge Sport has class-exclusive 22-inch wheels standard.

New four-wheel disc brakes provide enhanced stopping power. Key brake system upgrades include steel pistons, larger rear rotors, revised brake friction materials, revised brake booster gain and revised pedal ratios, all of which enable more initial bite and a firmer, more confident feel when customers press on the brake pedal.

Ford Edge. The Edge borrows some of the best design elements and features from Ford Motor Company's storehouse.The Edge also shares engines and some suspension components with the Mazda CX-9.

It's the same vid from sblaim2, in which he or she titled "skyscraper staring

The Edge Sport stands on even bolder, available 22-inch polished aluminum wheels or the standard 20-inch premium painted wheels with branded center hubs. Low-profile, 40-series Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires complete the look, giving Edge Sport an aggressive stance. The eight-piece Edge Sport body kit includes a unique front air dam, side skirts, lower door caps and a rear skirt, all finished in body color, instead of the dark lower on other Edge models. 2009 Ford Edge Sport will be available this fall.

Step up to the Edge and leave the ordinary world behind.

The Mitsubishi Eclipse was launched in 1989 in the North American automotive market.The Eclipse was manufactured by Diamond Star Motors (DSM) in Illinois.

Most of the updates to the vehicle have been cosmetic, and have been either updates to the interior or small updates to the exterior

Like the appeal of many Japanese cars, the Eclipse was lightweight, compact, and relatively inexpensive, making it a practical and sporty car for an American market interested in imports

If your searching for a cheap performance car under $1000 dollars its hard to over look the DSM mitsubishi eclipse. For those not in the know DSM stands for Diamond Star Motors

Some of the most alluring and attractive cars ever, have worn the Mitsubishi badge

With all the features the Ford Fiesta offers and all the hype surrounding it's release, it's certain the vehicle will be a hit once it hits local Cleveland Ford dealerships

In Garland, Texas, a Ford dealer had fifteen potential customers bidding on a single Mustang

When buying the car, the purchaser is eligible for most other public incentives. Some offers are not compatible with this offer.

Ford Driving Skills for Life has reached over 300,000 teens, parents and teachers since it's creation in 2003

Ford Driving Skills for Life was developed by national safety experts and is designed to teach students skills that are needed for safe driving that goes beyond what they learn in regular driver's education

the 2010 Ford Escape ranks 10 out of 24 Affordable Compact SUVs.

The Limited and XLT trims use the identical 2.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
The Escape is a mixed bag. Reviewers also love the Ford Escape’s high-tech options, which aren’t typically available on affordable SUVs.

The 2010 Ford Escape is available in three trims -- the base XLS, XLT and top-of-the-line Limited.

The towing ability of the engine is 1500 lb, whereas the models with V6 engine has towing ability about 3500 lb.

Check out this SWEET Bonnie Bobber on Ebay. What a beauty!!!

New Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept Car 2010

An animated 3D exploration of Cadillac's latest concept show car
Detroit Editor Todd Lassa has the lowdown on Cadillac's luxurious XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Cadillac unveiled the Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept at the 2010 North American International Auto Show, suggesting a new paradigm for the luxury sedan of the future. The concept showcases Cadillac's emerging top-of-the-line Platinum series of models, emphasizing new expressions of luxury and technological features, including a plug-in hybrid propulsion system.

The Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept was designed from the inside out, re-imagining the luxury sedan as a personal headquarters, built for efficiency, luxury and connectivity. The concept introduces a new approach to in-car electronics that improves the form and function of the car's entertainment, navigation and information systems.

The Audi Present A7 in 2010 , the new design , fast car and also beautiful , just Audi can make you happy .

We spotted the new Audi A7 an hour outside of Oslo, Norway. There were two of them - dressed in camo - in an entourage of several black cars with german registration plates. According to Audi Norway the car officially will be shown on the Moscow Car Show in august this year

Audi A7 confirmed for USA and maybe S8 but no A5 Sportback HQ

North American consumers should expect to see the Audi A7 hit the marketplace by 2011. The news comes from Johan de Nysschen, an Audi executive, who spoke with Autoblog last week.

Likewise, the executive sees the likelihood of the Audi S8 turning a profit in North America. "I think it's pretty safe to assume that an S model is in the wings," he told an Autoblog reporter.
"We always have a high-performance version. And that, of course, will be in the normal wheelbase version."

Lincoln introduced its first hybrid - the new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid - a premium midsize car poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. Ford Motor Company - America's largest domestic hybrid seller - is further broadening its aggressive electrification plan and second generation of hybrid technology with the new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. The vehicle was revealed at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid joins Ford Motor Companys growing lineup of hybrids, including the Ford Fusion Hybrid 2010 North American Car of the Year and Americas most fuel-efficient sedan plus the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Milan and Mariner Hybrids.

The all-new Kia Sportage had its world debut at the 80th Geneva Motor Show. Kia Motors Corporation is also displaying three examples of its latest crossover vehicle in Switzerland. The Sportage heads an impressive Kia line-up at the show, where the company is also placing major focus on its environmentally-friendly 'EcoDynamics' sub-brand with the world premiere of the electric-powered Venga EV concept and the European debut of the Kia Ray 'plug-in' hybrid sedan concept car.


The Kia Sportage is reliable, potent, and abundantly equipped with upscale creature comforts for on-road or off-road pleasures

Adding another chapter to Kia's ever-evolving design transformation story, Kia Motors America held the North American debut of the all-new 2011 Sportage compact CUV in conjunction with the 2010 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Taking a "Kue" from Kia's concept vehicle of the same name that was shown during the 2007 NAIAS in Detroit, the completely redesigned Sportage offers a more urban and fluid silhouette than its predecessor while retaining the functional features and benefits of the popular CUV.

The 2011 Ford Explorer will be the first vehicle to feature Ford's new curve control enhancement to electronic stability control

2011 Ford Explorer prototype enduring mild suspension/sensor testing at Valeo's suburban Detroit headquarters. It appears to be wearing production bodywork based on previous mules wrapped up in Ford Freestyle sheet metal.

Ford reveals new details of the upcoming 2011 Ford Explorer, three teens in the UK steal a double decker Bus, and police chase a suspect as he drives through a Golf Tournament. Also, news on why the South Dakota Surpeme Court has made it illegal to drive with fifteen cats in the car. Hosted by Derek DeAngelis.

Subaru of America introduced a new 4-door version of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI performance flagship model. This will be the first time that the Subaru Impreza WRX STI has been offered in two body styles (5-door and 4-door). In addition to the new styling, the 2011 WRX STI features significantly revised suspension tuning and lighter 18-inch wheels for even sharper handling.

lanjut.apakah before you've gone to the kitchen to grab food?


The Subaru Impreza WRX STI has been a recipient of continuous improvement since its introduction. Most recently, the 2010 WRX STI Special Edition previewed some of the suspension enhancements now migrated to the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Thorough and painstakingly detailed chassis development, including testing on Germany's famed Nurburgring racetrack, has resulted in the best-handling Impreza WRX STI models Subaru has ever offered.

"The continuous evolution and development of the Subaru Impreza WRX STI is driven by the strong, loyal and vocal support from thousands of enthusiastic owners of this exciting high-performance vehicle," said Tom Doll, executive vice president and COO of Subaru of America, Inc. "The 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 4-door will expand the appeal of this iconic performance model to a wider range of driving enthusiasts."

In front, the 2011 WRX STI models feature sharpened bumper corners and wider, blacked-out fog lamp nacelles to accentuate the "wide and low" profile. A jutting lip spoiler with three-dimensional detailing emphasizes the cars' sporty intent. The newly designed front grille with black base and blacked-out Subaru wing highlights the headlights' shape to give the entire front end a more powerful appearance, accentuated by larger grille and bumper intake openings

Mercedes-Benz USA : the limited-edition 2011 SL550 Night Edition. Based on the iconic SL-Class coupe/roadster, the highlight of the SL550 Night Edition is its matte-finish Designo Magno Night Black paint and Black premium leather interior. This new special model combines the advantages of a roadster with those of a coupe, and is thoroughbred sports cars and comfortable everyday cars.

you do not have to worry about, because you will definitely get, is not it mate?

Mercedes-Benz USA"The special designo magno night black paint finish -- specially developed exclusively for the SL550 Night Edition -- works particularly well with the dramatic design of the SL-Class. The Night Edition rolls on 19-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels in a two-tone, high-gloss finish, silver-painted front brake calipers with "Mercedes-Benz" script and darkened headlamps and taillights help distinguish the exclusive status of the SL550 Night Edition.

Mercedes-Benz USA:The interior features a striking contrast of dark Black premium leather and bright chrome trim, with numerous fine details. The newly-designed seats have arrow-shaped seams and silver-colored contrasting features, while the sports steering wheel, shift lever and roof lining are trimmed in black. The trim strip of the wind-deflector has a high-gloss finish complimented by the silver-colored vents of the AIRSCARF system, which bathes the driver in warm air when the convertible top is down during cooler weather.

Limited to just 100 units, this exclusive model will be available in U.S. showrooms in early 2010

The CR-Z is the spiritual successor to the 1983-1991 Honda Civic CR-X. That car delivered zippy performance from a small 1.5-liter engine, plus superb Petrol mileage (41 mpg city / 50 mpg on Motorways).

oh .. very unusual to me ..... how do you think?

The 2011 Honda CR-Z is car is rumored to feature a peak power rating of 140 Brake horsepower combined between its engine and electric motor.

The CR-Z will share the platform of the 2010 Insight, and we deeply hope that it provides the same delightful rollerskate handling that made the CR-X so beloved 20 years ago.

The wedge shape of the original 2007 CR-Z concept car has been refined into a more practical and production-ready profile on the CR-Z Concept 2009.

Honda released only the images, but clearly this year's concept is closer to production trim in such items as bumper, headlights, and interior fittings.

Honda also hasn't said anything about pricing, though it squeezed every possible cost out of the 2010 Insight to bring it in at $20,470 (£13,590) including delivery, making it the lowest-priced hybrid sold in the USA and the UK. Given its sporty nature, we anticipate that the 2011 CR-Z will cost a bit more.

And despite its subcompact (or even smaller) size, we expect the 2011 Honda CR-Z to do well in the NCAP safety tests. Its platform mate, the 2010 Insight, was a top safety pick by the NCAP

Handling is a breeze as you conquer the most rugged roadways. The Tribute is a beauty to behold and a beast when you need to tame the terrain

The CX-9 breaks the rules beautifully to bring you a new and improved version of the crossover SUV.

According to the teaser release, the CX-9 "receives an exterior and interior facelift, added options and reinforced safety features, while further improving Zoom-Zoom driving characteristics."

We're not sure what that last part entails, but we'll be sure to get clarification when the 2010 CX-9 makes its debut at the 2009 New York Auto Show

Here's a few more shots from Vintage Motorcycle Days. Husqvarna was the featured marque so why don't we start there. I'm not sure of the model or displacement of this bike. This was the first time I ever laid eyes on one, a clean little Husky road bike. If anyone knows anything about this bike, let me know. Here's a couple for Surly, a nicely turned out 350 sprint. And last but not least for today, a very fine BSA 441 for Beezer fan Unk

Till Next Time.........

Ford has been building the anticipation for its long overdue all-new Explorer for several months, including giving the world a few sneak peaks on Facebook of what the next Explorer will look like.

opss.........goodnight brothers had dinner ?...... .... hehehe ... joke .. do not get too nervous ...

But now, it appears as if a member of The Mustang Source forum has acquired a partial side profile shot, as well as a complete front 3/4 digital image that appears to be a true representation of the next Explorer.
The first teaser image was posted on Ford's Explorer Facebook page to introduce the vehicle's Chief Engineer, Jim Holland. Although it's not really much more revealing than any of our earlier spy photos, it does show off a little of the Explorer's new headlamps and it confirms that a production model will be shown soon as the automaker seeks to build attention.
Now, the images posted on The Mustang Source appear to be of the same vehicle previously teased, and also match the spy images we have captured over the last year. the only thing that is unclear at this point is whether the Explorer will come to market as a 2011, or 2012 model year.
Sources revealed to Leftlane that the most likely option at this point is a 2012 model year, allowing Ford to make a final run of 2011 model year runs with the current body style before making an early to mid-2011 calender year release of the 2012 Ford Explorer.
2011(2) Explorer gains traction
Ford says the new traction control system for the 2011 Explorer will make it easy for drivers to select the appropriate road conditions, which will allow the system to adjust traction control engagement.
Ford says that the new traction control system will come standard on all 4×4 models, which the automaker says make up roughly half of its model sales. The system replaces the Control Trac system which reportedly confused some drivers, having the choice between: automatic, high, or low traction. The new system, originally developed by former Ford subsidiary Land Rover, is intended to give drivers more intuitive choices, in additional to a wider array of choices.
The system will make changes to the vehicle's behavior for the engine, transmission, brakes, wheel rotation speed and more. Ford says this will help drivers in unfamiliar driving conditions, such as snow or sand. When in snow, for example, the system will use more braking to slow the wheels down, where as in sand the system would aim to keep constant wheel movement to avoid becoming stuck.
"People...want an SUV to have the capability to go off road, but because they don't do it a lot, they don't know how," Holland told the AP in a recent interview. "We just want them to feel capable."
In addition to gaining Land Rover-sourced traction control, the new Explorer will also borrow hill descent assist system, found on the F-150 and F-150 Raptor. This system, engaged by a button found in the middle of the traction control dial, will automatically apply brakes and adjust engine output to slowly descend hills.

The only thing I have found on this bike so far that doesn't need to be replaced or refurbished is the battery. The previous owner really does not have a whole lot of experience with anything mechanical. He is a musician by trade and he studied playing guitar and writing music instead of how to fix or maintain motorcycles. So he thought that leaving the bike unattended for three years, all you would need to do to fire it up was to get a new battery and she would come to life. And if it was stored properly, this bike probably would have.

I have done a bit of researching of this model, the Yamaha TX/XS 500 line and found, while still having a few issues, most of the bugs were sorted out of this bike by '78 So with proper maintenance, this bike should have enjoyed a long service life. Some one put twenty seven thousand miles on the clock, so it was looked after for a while. The problem here is, after the last owner lost interest, the bike was forgotten about and left to rot. Which will happen is very short order if left to wallow in Michigan's changing weather conditions. He was probably completely unaware of the damage this would cause to the bike, because his ad stated like so many others, "that to get it running should be an easy fix". After being shown just how bad his bike had got, he started to get the picture. Not that that is a bad thing, some people get no joy out of working on bikes, cars etc. I can dig that. Most times that's how we find so many bikes in dire need of attention. And it really explains the condition of this bike.

I may be completely out of my mind, but despite everything I have read and heard about this model and the condition of this bike. I'm giving it a go anyway. Starting with the carbs. Since this bike had 2007 vintage gasoline in it, varnish is all that is left. The carbs, while not as dirty on the out side as the 650's were, are an absolute mess on the inside. The needle valves, jets and slider boots are in need of replacement, I have a line on a couple of kits, just want to make sure they are the right fit. I'm not to keen on going the a'la carte route and paying twice as much at my local purveyor of Yamaha's. It is going to be an interesting couple of months coming up. I have a lot on my plate already, adding this project to it isn't going to endear me to the wife. I guess she knew what she was getting into, she has hung around twenty three years so far. This bike might have her packing her bags before we hit twenty four. At least I get a new battery out of the deal.
The left carb after it's cleaning, the right one waiting it's turn.

Till Next Time..................

With styling only it's Mother could love is the Munch TTS. We ran across this behemoth in the swap meet section of V.M.D. and were bowled over by this bike's gargantuan proportions. I'm not sure what year this one is, but it is a rare beast any way you cut it. With a production run of only two hundred fifty, and less than fifty made it to U.S. shores.
It was produced by a German gentleman named Friedl Munch starting 1966. The mill is a 1200cc NSU automotive transplant. By the time production stopped they were making about 104 horse power, the one pictured here put out around 88. They were known for being a motorcycle of high quality. They certainly stand out in a crowd. Every thing on this bike is BIG. It looks as if a retired diesel-electric locomotive designer may have been behind the look of this bodacious creation. The headlights look as if someone stole them off a '64 Impala. Not really my cup of tea, but interesting none the less.

Till Next Time.............

I had been looking for a SR500 project bike when I came across this '78 XS500. It is in pretty rough shape and will need about as much attention as the old XT did. I pretty much exchanged a ball of lint for it as the owner was not having much luck getting anyone to take it off his hands. Being a glutton for punishment I stepped to the front of the line and raised my hand. This bike had been stored outside under a tarp for a couple of years, so there is much oxidation. The good news is, about everything on this bike is interchangeable with the XS650 except the engine. Most of the running gear and some of the electronics can be swapped between these models, so finding parts will not be a problem. Plus ebay is loaded with parts for this bike at pretty reasonable prices. I like the look of this bike and they are pretty scarce around these parts. They came in 360, 400 and 500cc flavors, I did not see a single one at Vintage Motorcycle Days, I was hoping to pick up some parts there, but could not track down what I was looking for. I did find a great manufacturer of fiberglass replacement parts though, I'll go into that in a later post, I'll just say his parts are high quality at hard to believe prices.
I wanted to build a cafe' bike out of an SR, but this bike turned up first. This kinda led to the blogs name change as well. The WrenchMonkees built this hot version of the XS. I'm not heading down the same road they did, but they show what is possible using this bike as a canvas. Don't expect the same build quality as the monkees either, I am not nearly as skilled as those boys are. You can expect some turd polishing and quite a bit of procrastination as the tag line suggest.

Till Next Time..............