The Auto Writer

The Ford Motor Company would like to forget 2008 as would GM, Chrysler, and a handful of other automakers who have been taken a beating this year. Double-digit sales losses have contributed to billions of dollars lost and a decrease in market share. A weak economy and an almost overnight shift in consumer demand from large trucks and SUVs to compact cars has contributed to Ford’s woes.

But, Ford’s plans for the future will revolutionize the way that the automaker does business, particularly in its “One Ford” initiative where the company sells the same vehicles across the global market. With the exception of its largest cars and large platform SUVs and trucks, the Ford line up will soon look the same around the world.

“This is without question the best Ford lineup we’ve ever produced – and it comes at a critically important time for the company,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “Our product-led transformation is well under way, and there is much more to come.”

The only problem with Ford’s initiative doesn’t go into overdrive until 2010. Likely, Ford will lose billions more before the bleeding can be stopped.

Interim Improvements With 2009 Models

Even before calendar year 2010 arrives, certain 2010 model year vehicles will show up early enough in 2009 to have an impact on 2009 calendar year sales. Some of the 2009 model year cars will also help, perhaps providing enough reason for shoppers to buy now instead of waiting until later. The newest arrivals or upgrades include:

A two-door Focus. Ford expands the Focus line up to include a coupe version of its popular compact, a car that gets 35 mpg on the highway. When the updated Focus arrived for the 2008 model year, it was a stop gap model until the newest Ford Focus was to arrive in 2010. Ford has had the good fortune to see sales increase year to date by 26% for its most economical model.

A new engine for the Escape. Ford’s smallest SUV, the Escape, will receive a new 2.5L I4 engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This combination will allow the vehicle to achieve 20 mpg city, 28 highway; the latter numbers beating out it’s competing models from Toyota and Honda. Up until recently, Ford sold more V6 Escapes than the I4 Escape, a trend that Ford believes is being reversed as customers choose them more fuel efficient model.

The hybrid Escape. Ford’s hybrid line up will expand in the near future, but for now the Escape hybrid offers class leading fuel efficiency of 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, a slight improvement over 2008. The Mercury Milan is the twin to the Escape and will receive the same improvements.

Early Arrival For Select 2010 Models

Ford’s popular midsize trio will arrive unchanged for 2009, but the second generation of the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ will replace these models very early in 2009. Both the Fusion and the Milan will offer hybrid models, doubling Ford’s hybrid offerings.

The key to Ford’s resurgence will be its EcoBoost engine technology, an edge Ford believes will help bring consumers to the Blue Oval’s brands when the first of these engines shows up later next year. EcoBoost uses gasoline turbocharged direct-injection technology which delivers as much as a 20% improvement in fuel economy, with up to 15% fewer carbon dioxide emissions, along with superior driving performance versus larger-displacement engines.

“Our strategy is clear: Deliver great, new fun-to-drive vehicles that take a backseat to no one when it comes to quality and fuel efficiency,” Fields said. “In addition, virtually our entire lineup benefits from new powertrains, Ford-exclusive smart technology and more safety features.”

The first models to receive the V6 EcoBoost will be the Lincoln MKS and the Ford Flex, with four cylinder engines arriving in 2010. By the end of 2012, Ford says that 80% of its North American fleet will possess EcoBoost engines.

Hold On, If You Can

Most of Ford’s newest offerings are still several months away, but the company could see an improvement beginning early next year if the expected boost received from the introduction of its midsize trio, its new hybrids, and the Focus coupe make a difference.

Later in the year the new EcoBoost engines arrive, fueling what Ford hopes will be a spreading fire of increased demand for their products. New powertrains are also on their way which, together with EcoBoost engines, provide an additional impetus for customers looking to maximize their fuel economy.

Of course, national and global financial problems could scuttle Ford’s rebound, an unthinkable (but possible) scenario that would be disastrous for all.

(Source: Ford Motor Company)