The Auto Writer

I have been expecting this sort of announcement from Ford for some time, especially as Carbon Motors continues to work toward building their own dedicated police cruiser. Today, Ford told the world that it will be replacing its aged rear wheel driven Crown Victoria with a new model, a front wheel drive sedan based on the same platform now underpinning the Ford Taurus.

The Crown Victoria, Chevy Impala and Dodge Charger are the reasons why upstart Carbon Motors is getting going—a diesel powered cop car like none other. Carbon expects to begin building its cars in 2012, having secured an Indiana plant for production.

Profitable Business

Ford, GM and Chrysler stand to lose a huge amount of profitable business unless they come up with something new and desired by police departments and law enforcement personnel. The Carbon Motors E7 model, if it lives up to the hype, will be a real game changer, incorporating a number of safety features security personnel want as standard equipment.

The new Ford police pursuit vehicle will be built to pass 75 mph rear end crash testing, the same threshold Carbon Motors plans to meet. In addition, Ford is going the fuel efficiency route, choosing to stick its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under the hood. This will allow the interceptor to get V8 equivalent power while achieving V6 fuel economy. In these coming days of higher fuel prices, a more economical cop car is also much more desirable.

That EcoBoost will be optional as a standard engine of the same size will also be offered. Both engines will be paired with a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. Look for all wheel drive to be offered as well.

Safety Features

Among the safety features being incorporated in the new police interceptor will be blind spot information system, to detect vehicles on either side of the Ford; Ford SYNC; rear view camera system; a safety canopy system with side curtain airbags and rollover protection. The police cruiser will also feature more robust brakes, larger alternator, heavy-duty alternator and 18 inch wheels.

In addition to the new sedan, Ford says it will put a new police interceptor utility vehicle into service next year. The Crown Victoria will be produced until late 2011 when the unnamed new sedan takes over. That’s good too as Vickie has been doing full size sedan duty for more than 30 years running.

“This vehicle is pursuit-ready,” said Carl Widmann, Ford vehicle engineering manager. “It’s no nonsense, through and through.”

Photo Credit: Ford Motor Company

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I love kids and I love cars so when the two come together good things usually happen. Especially when a car auction is being conducted with the proceeds from it benefiting children.

Word is out from Charity Buzz–do good, live well–that a 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe will be auctioned off with the funds used to help the Music for America Project, an organization whose mission is to provide ways for kids to reach their musical dreams.

The winning bidder will be able to create their own Vantage Coupe, a model that will be made available this summer–just 3000 copies will be produced! For an extra cost you can select customizable features to personalize your Aston Martin in any way that you like.

So what’s so special about this model besides it rock solid good looks? Well, the 2010 Aston Martin Vantage Coupe features an updated exterior design and performance technology that should help give the Vantage a distinct advantage.

Among the standard features are its Otto cycle 4.7 L V8, 2 door coupe with tailgate, multipoint sequential fuel injection, 6-speed automated manual transmission, axle ration 3:91, 420 maximum horsepower, rear wheel drive and so much more. Bidding for this item ends Monday, March 29, 2010.

Charitybuzz regularly auctions VIP experiences and luxury goods on its web site in a bid to raise millions of dollars for nonprofits all around the globe.  A-list celebrities and elite luxury brands work together to attract a global audience, bidders excited to nab exclusive opportunities that also give back to those in need.

Interested in placing and following the bid? Visit Charity Buzz to track its progress. Follow Music For America Project on Facebook too.

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Automotive News (AN) does a wonderful job in keeping industry enthusiasts informed as well as providing a platform where people can express their points of view.

Today, I stopped by AN and noticed a question from “dandeed” asking, “Is it too late for Ford to keep Volvo?” This person went on to question whether Ford really needed the money expected from a sale now that they were turning a profit. He also wondered whether it was a good idea to hand Volvo’s proprietary safety technology over to Geely.

Dan, you got me thinking!

Ford is about to let go one of its most prized assets. Certainly Jaguar, LandRover and Aston Martin were of value to Ford, but Volvo is different. Unlike Saab, a Swedish brand that drained GM’s resources, Volvo has been profitable and has benefited the rest of Ford thanks to its engineering and advanced safety technology.

Safety Technology

A lot of the safety stuff now in Ford vehicles got there due to Volvo’s leadership including its blind spot info system or BLIS. I believe that Volvo has enhanced the entire Ford Motor Company and has given potential buyers a reason to look at Lincoln. Until recently, Lincoln had lost its once noble position, but with new cars and Volvo inspired technology included, suddenly Lincoln is once again a force.

Backing off from a likely deal with Geely would be upsetting to the Chinese, but a deal isn’t a deal until the parties have come to an agreement. GM knows what that’s all about because they had deals for Saturn, Saab and Hummer collapse although they were able to eventually find a buyer for Saab.

And, GM backed off from selling Opel because that European make is central to the company’s small car plans.

GM Opel

Just as Opel is important to GM I think the same can be said about Volvo for Ford. Sure, some of that technology won’t be lost in event of a sale, but Volvo isn’t a damaged brand. In fact, Volvo with the other three Ford brands could help Ford do quite well in the coming years.

Will Ford keep Volvo? I doubt it. Should they keep Volvo? I think an argument can be made that they should.

Getting $2 billion for Volvo would help Ford’s bottom line, but let’s remember that Ford paid $6 billion for the company in late 1990s. They already lost billions on the deal, but it seems to me that Volvo’s value is headed in the right direction: up.

Somebody should listen to dandeed.

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