Ford is getting religion when it comes to light-weighting its vehicles. The company has entered into a new partnership with Dow Chemical to develop carbon fiber that can be manufactured at affordable prices for high-volume applications. That, of course, is the holy grail of weight reduction, which is why other manufacturers like General Motors are also partnering with suppliers to try and achieve the same ends. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Next Ford Mustang Going Global
It was only a matter of time before Ford pushed the Mustang out of the American nest and into the global market. According to PopularHotRodding.com and Auto-Motor-Und-Sport.de, that time has come. The German site quotes Barb Samardzich, head of development for Ford Europe, as saying the next-generation Mustang is being designed to meet European Union pedestrian safety regulations, despite the fact that no formal decision has been made on whether or not buyers in the EU will be able to get their hands on the Pony. Funk Flex Find Flex On Google+
Auto Talk: Ford Racing reveals its latest Mustang project
It’s always interesting to see what the guys who make and sell speed parts will build to show off their wares. Heck, that’s the appeal of the SEMA show in a nutshell. So we’re intrigued by this new 2013 Mustang project from Ford Racing, despite its unfortunate color, “Gotta Have It Green,” a hue that doesn’t exist in the natural world. (Outside of 1980’s album covers, that is.) Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Ford recalls 140,000 new Focus models over wiper concern
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association has announced on its website that Ford is recalling 140,000 Focus models built between August 1, 2010 and October 18, 2011. The defect in question is a seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor that may be missing. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Ford investing $1.3B in Mexican plant that builds Fusion, MKZ
Ford must be expecting the 2013 Fusion to be a hit when it arrives in showrooms this fall. As a way to make sure that demand won’t outstrip production, Ford is investing $1.3 billion in its Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly facility. Hermosillo currently employs over 3,300 workers, and as part of its investment, Ford will be adding 1,000 new jobs in order to handle production of the 2013 Fusion and its Lincoln MKZ twin. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Ford prices 2013 Fusion start-stop option at $295
When the 2013 Ford Fusion goes on sale this fall, it will be the first mid-size family sedan in North America to be offered with start-stop technology. But since not all buyers are open to the idea of having their engines turn off at stop lights to save fuel, Ford will be offering it as optional equipment, and the automaker has now announced that the stand-alone feature will cost $295. Funk Flex
