Ford's new models for 2009 feature major upgrades

11 August 2008

Mumbai: Ford Motor Company is all set to bring out a new 2009 lineup of cars to cater to the rapidly changing auto market and also target more customers. The new range comprises an array of all-new or upgraded vehicles with major improvements in fuel economy, smart technology, safety features and quality.

The impressive lineup boasts the all-new 2009 Ford Flex crossover, Lincoln MKS flagship sedan and a more fuel-efficient Escape compact SUV. Coming later this year is the new 2009 Ford F-150, which establishes a new benchmark for capability, choice and smart features in the full-size truck segment. Also debuting late this year is the new 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ mid-size sedans, along with the new 2010 Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid.

Ford will introduce six-speed transmissions with Power Shift that offer the fuel economy of a manual transmission and convenience of an automatic; start-stop engines that shut off when the vehicle stops; electric power steering to even more vehicles; direct injection, and twin independent variable cam timing engines. The company plans to introduce these technologies by 2012.

The company has already announced that its new Blind Spot Mirror will debut in the 2009 Ford Edge later this year. The Blind Spot Mirror is a consumer-friendly, affordable blind spot solution that consists of an outside rearview mirror designed with a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, which is aimed exclusively at the driver's blind spot. (Also see: Ford launches industry-first side mirror design minimising blind spot risk)

SYNC, introduced in the fall of 2007 and developed jointly by Ford and Microsoft, provides customers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players - Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes and other MP3 players along with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicle and operate the devices via voice commands or with the buttons on the steering wheel or radio.

Exclusive to Ford and Lincoln Mercury vehicles, SYNC is poised to reach 1 million sales in 2009.

The 2009 Ford lineup continues the company's strong safety record, introducing even more standard safety features to customers. The SOS post crash alert system honks the horns and activates emergency flashers in the event air bags are deployed.