Marty Padgett's Inside Scoop on Auto News and Navigator

Ford Turning Big SUVs Into World Cars

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, July 27th, 2009

Ford is alone in Detroit--not merely in the remote suburb of Dearborn, but alone in staying out of Chapter 11, too. And while Ford's deftly avoided bankruptcy due to a couple of clever hedges and some well-timed products, it's facing the same problems with its profitable big sport-utility vehicles as the other big automakers, including GM, Chrysler and Toyota.

While other companies hash out their strategies for big trucks in an era of 35-mpg fuel economy rules, Ford's plan will mean migrating its SUVs and trucks on to common "world car" platforms, according to a story in Automotive News. While Ford already builds some cars from global bits...

Ford is alone in Detroit--not merely in the remote suburb of Dearborn, but alone in staying out of Chapter 11, too. And while Ford's deftly avoided bankruptcy due to a couple of clever hedges and some well-timed products, it's facing the same problems with its profitable big sport-utility vehicles as the other big automakers, including GM, Chrysler and Toyota. While other companies hash out their strategies for big trucks in an era of 35-mpg fuel economy rules, Ford's plan will mean migrating its SUVs and trucks on to common "world car" platforms, according to a story in Automotive News. While Ford already builds some cars from global bits... Read More

Posted in: Ford, Lincoln, SUVs / Wagons, SUVs, Luxury, Expedition, Navigator

2009 Lincoln Navigator Is Fuel Economy Class Leader

By Marty PadgettMarty Padgett, September 24th, 2008

What to do when you are a dinosaur among a herd of gazelles? Brag that you are the sprightliest dino out there, even though the gazelles may be laughing hysterically and running circles around you. Dino: "But I can carry seven people! And tow things!" Crossover Gazelle: "Uh, yeah. So can I. And I can go a lot further between watering holes and feedings." Lonely times, indeed, for the full-frame, V-8-powered SUV. If sales fall any further, they might make the National Wildlife Federation's endangered species list. The 2009 Lincoln Navigator 4X2 now earns...drumroll...14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Respectable for the class, but significantly... What to do when you are a dinosaur among a herd of gazelles? Brag that you are the sprightliest dino out there, even though the gazelles may be laughing hysterically and running circles around you. Dino: "But I can carry seven people! And tow things!" Crossover Gazelle: "Uh, yeah. So can I. And I can go a lot further between watering holes and feedings." Lonely times, indeed, for the full-frame, V-8-powered SUV. If sales fall any further, they might make the National Wildlife Federation's endangered species list. The 2009 Lincoln Navigator 4X2 now earns...drumroll...14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. Respectable for the class, but significantly... Read More

Tags: Technology, Marketing, Miscellaneous, New Products

Posted in: 2009, Ford, Lincoln, Sports Cars, Luxury, Green, Navigator

Navigation Tech Sales to Hit $62 Billion

By TCC TeamTCC Team, May 14th, 2008

When the South Korean carmaker Hyundai recently announced plans to introduce a Microsoft-based navigation and communications system into its cars, it underscored the dramatic transformation of today’s automobiles. While they may remain, at their most fundamental, mechanical devices, the modern car has become an electronic center, with digital technology controlling everything from the engine to the backseat entertainment system. Indeed, the biggest area of growth is in information and entertainment technology, sometimes dubbed “infotainment” or, if you prefer, "telematics.” These days, many cars feature more high-tech features than your... When the South Korean carmaker Hyundai recently announced plans to introduce a Microsoft-based navigation and communications system into its cars, it underscored the dramatic transformation of today’s automobiles. While they may remain, at their most fundamental, mechanical devices, the modern car has become an electronic center, with digital technology controlling everything from the engine to the backseat entertainment system. Indeed, the biggest area of growth is in information and entertainment technology, sometimes dubbed “infotainment” or, if you prefer, "telematics.” These days, many cars feature more high-tech features than your... Read More

Tags: Industry, microsoft

Posted in: 2008, Ford, Hyundai, Lincoln, Navigator