The 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show opened this year with two challenges facing automakers: an unstable economy and a warming climate. Ford Motor Company addressed these problems head-on, with strides toward sustainability and offerings that promise consumers unbeatable value. “These are challenging times for our industry,” said Ford President of the Americas Mark Fields. “But what will power us through are great products.”
The Ford stand was dominated by its major releases: the 2010 Ford Mustang and the 2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Sport, and Fusion Hybrid. Lincoln and Mercury weighed in with the 2010 Lincoln MKZ and 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid.
Underscoring these reveals, the company’s commitment to four essential imperatives: Drive Quality, Drive Green, Drive Smart, and Drive Safe.
Quality, as in state-of-the-art engineering, design, and materials. Ford vehicles offer consumers unmatched excellence. Out front on the stand were five Ford models — Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Escape Hybrid, and F-150 — that won “Best Buy” awards from Consumer Digest in 2008.
Green, like the Fusion Hybrid, which sets a new benchmark for fuel efficiency. Or like the precise engineering of Ford’s EcoBoost engine, a major alternative for those seeking fuel economy and low emissions. Ford is also promoting carbon-reducing soy-based foam seat cushions (a passion of the company’s founder, Henry Ford) by using them in the Mustang, the Escape, the Escape Hybrid, the Expedition, and the F-150. And the versatility of the Escape Hybrid — the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market — was evident in a rescue vehicle version. Its good handling on sand will allow Los Angeles County lifeguards to patrol 72 miles of Southern California coastline.
Smart, like Ford SYNC and the new MyKey system. SYNC, developed by Ford with Microsoft, allows drivers to control Bluetooth-enabled phones and the car’s stereo without taking their hands off the wheel. This year, it’s been updated with 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report to keep drivers connected when they need it most. And MyKey allows parents of teen drivers to set limits on speed and stereo volume when their kids take the car.
Finally, and most important, safe. You might not expect to see a banged-up vehicle on display, but the crash-tested 2008 Taurus on view in L.A. demonstrated that a 35-mph, offset frontal collision causes only one disruption in the car’s cabin: the deployment of airbags. Ford has more Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) than any other automaker. And they have more five-star crash ratings from the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) than any other company in U.S. history.
With this opening to the new auto show season, Ford signaled that it’s ready to bring consumers the right choices for the times ahead.