Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.
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For years, Dearborn automaker Ford has been the second largest automaker in the world - second only to General Motors. But Toyota has overtaken it already and Ford is in the middle of implementing its turnaround plan named the Way Forward. The automaker vowed that it will design and manufacture vehicles which consumers would want to own.
The restructuring plan of the automaker coincided with the increased focus on green or eco-friendly vehicles. The increasing price of petroleum in the world market means that Americans would also have to cope up with the increased price of fuel. Thus, consumers are forced to purchase smaller yet more fuel efficient vehicles. But automakers know that Americans want larger vehicles. Their solution is to design a vehicle which will have about the same cargo space of large vehicles and at the same time having the driving characteristics and fuel efficiency as small vehicles. The resulting product is the crossover.
With the crossover proving to be a success when it comes to pleasing consumers, Ford decided that it has to come up with crossover SUVs which will attract consumers onto their dealerships. It seems that Ford has succeeded in this endeavor as The Auto Channel reported that Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln crossover vehicles posted the highest sales increase in the industry for 2007.
The report stated that the boost in crossover sales was led by three redesigned and two new models. The automaker reported that they have sold 62 percent more crossover vehicles last year compared to 2006. That sales increase is more than triple the industry average growth of only 17 percent. The Ford Edge is instrumental in setting that sales record with sales reaching 130,125 units. That figure is 30 percent more than the sales goal set by the automaker for the Edge.
Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president for Marketing and Communications, said: "Ford Edge is a great example of our plan to build products people really want to buy. Demand is growing at a fast pace beyond the nation's heartland, our traditional region of strength."
For the Lincoln marquee, sales of crossover utility vehicles increase by 9 percent in 2007. The Lincoln MKX crossover led the way for Lincoln. The marque's sales increase was also fueled by the increased demand for its MKZ sedan and the Lincoln Navigator. Apart from Lincoln and Mercury, Ford also owns Volvo Cars and a portion of Mazda which manufactures auto parts like Mazda park lights.
"We are restructuring our business to be profitable at lower demand and changed mix and accelerating the development of new products people want to buy," said Farley. "We have more work to do to reach our ultimate goal - profitable growth for all. But we have made progress in a short amount of time in several key areas."
Government Repo Auctions for Cheap Seized Cars and Property for Sale
By: Andrew Bicknell | 04/12/2008If you've never heard of or attended government repo auctions then you don't know what you are missing. There are deals to be had on repossessed and seized cars and real estate at one of these free public auctions that can't be beat anywhere. If you 18 years of age or older and have a valid drivers license or ID you can participate in one of these money saving events.
Government Surplus Sales and Auctions
By: Andrew Bicknell | 04/12/2008Every year federal, state, and local government agencies find themselves with surplus goods that they no longer need. To get rid of this excess stuff they offer it at government surplus sales and auctions at big discounts. These sales and auctions are full of the same items you'll find at any retail store with the only difference being price.
Low Book Sales - Used Car in Utah
By: Jay Wilson | 04/12/2008Never, ever buy a car just because you think you're getting a good deal. If it's not the car you want, and especially if it costs more than you can afford, even if it is inexpensive relative to the typical price of the car, it still represents a massive investment on your part, and if you pay more than you can afford, you will possibly ruin your life
The 360 Degrees Automobile Walk-around Vehicle Inspection - Essential For Car Purchasers
By: Steamboat L. Salter | 04/12/2008If you are considering a purchase of a vehicle- be it car , truck, S.U.V. or even a bus then a walk around inspection of your prospective purchase may be the most valuable time spent saving you a great amount of time , money and expense and most of all...
The Boat of Your Dreams Can be Closer Than You Realize
By: pravin singh | 04/12/2008When individuals and families are out on the water, they need a boat they can depend upon. Here you will find great performing boats that are of the best quality and are priced just right.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X-rated
By: Mark Creese | 04/12/2008As I am an only child I have a bit of a problem when it comes to attention - I'm always seeking it. This however is socially accepted as 'only child syndrome' so I think I can get away with it. Unfortunately I can't seem to get away from the...
Honda Civic Type R - An Obsession
By: Mark Creese | 04/12/2008People say school days are the best days of your life but I disagree. For me university was quite simply brilliant fun (and hard work I promise), for three years which quite frankly outstrips anything else I've encountered. Whether it was learning about something I actually had an interest in...
Water4gas and Gas4free Review - Comparison of Top HHO Kits and Hydrogen Gas Savers
By: Robert Shylier | 04/12/2008Currenty there are many car companies that are researching and developing automobiles that will run on fuel alternatives other than gas. Ethanol has been researched and the more we know about it the less of a viable alternative it seems to be. Lots of other companies are researching how to...
2008 Land Rover Lr2: a Better Version “freelander”
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 18/06/2008 | CarsThe Land Rover Freelander is a compact crossover SUV made by Land Rover, a subsidiary of the Tata Motors. The 2008 LR2 is a 4-door, 5 passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the SE and the HSE. A 6 speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The LR2 has seats for five in two rows. Also standard is a unique electrically controlled Terrain Response which allows you to choose ride height, throttle response, transmission setting, and traction control.
2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Looses Weight for Better Aerodynamics
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 18/06/2008 | CarsThe Lamborghini Gallardo is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The name was derived from the Spanish breed of fighting bull named Gallardo. Most Lamborghini models are sold in a limited number. The Spyder model of the Gallardo was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. In late 2005, the Gallardo SE (Special Edition) was introduced. The Gallardo Nera (Special Edition) was introduced at Paris Motor Show.
Autodelta Unveils Alfa 159 J4 2.2 C Models
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 17/06/2008 | CarsThe Auto Channel reported that the Autodelta J4 2.2 C which denotes “Compressore,” will develop into the third member of the elite bespoke J-series models. The addition of a Rotrex C30-74 supercharger and a specifically-enhanced system boosts the 2.2-litre unit’s power from the standard 185bhp up to 245 bhp, a boost of 60 bhp. For the time being peak torque is elevated from 230Nm to 290Nm, providing the sports saloon an additional 60Nm of torque.
Madd & Representative Staskunas Supports Alcohol Ignition Interlock Legislation
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 17/06/2008 | CarsMothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) united with state Rep. Tony Staskunas (D-West Allis) last Thursday to publicize a vital piece of anti-drunk driving legislation. "Drunk driving is a serious threat to the safety and well-being of everyone in Wisconsin - a threat that this legislation requiring interlocks for convicted drunk drivers will significantly reduce.
2008 Kia Amanti: Redesigned and Packed-up With Luxury Style
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 17/06/2008 | CarsThe Kia Amanti also known as the Kia Opirus, is a full size sedan produced by Kia Motors. It is Kia’s flagship sedan. It was launched in April 2003, as Kia’s entry for the big demand of large sedans. After its launch, it has aged with little or no major changes until the model year 2007. In 2007 the Kia Amanti received a mixture of improvements, including interior and exterior styling revisions.
2008 Jeep Commander: the Sleeker Cherokee
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 17/06/2008 | CarsThe Jeep Commander is a mid-sized SUV introduced in 2006. Its first public appearance was commenced at the New York Auto Show in 2005 and debuted as a sports utility vehicle in 2006. It came out as a 7 passenger SUV with just about 2 inches longer than the Grand Cherokee.
Safe Kids Program Hits Remarkable Milestone
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 14/06/2008 | CarsIt was reported by the Auto Channel today that Safe Kids Buckle Up, the child passenger safety program of Safe Kids USA sponsored by General Motors and Chevrolet, has arrived at a most significant landmark that no one has ever did: the Safe Kids Program had its one million child safety seats ensured for correct installation.
Ford of Europe Sales Continue to Nurture in Tough Environment
By: Anthony Fontanelle | 14/06/2008 | CarsTurkey and the 30 Ford European Direct Markets are merged when sales in Russia. Ford of Europe's sales in May reached 165,500 units, somewhat down from 165,900. Ford of Europe sold 683,100 vehicles in the Euro 19 markets, for a market share of 8.7 percent. Sales in Russia, Turkey and Ford's European Direct Markets added an extra 145,200 units, captivating the total to 828,300 units.