CNBC's Winners & Losers of 2009

Alan Mulally,CEO, Ford Motor

Mulally is in the winner's circle.

Read more at: http://www.cnbc.com/id/33278153/page/12/

Ford Fusion is top car; billionaire buys stock

By BRENT SNAVELY
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

Photos and video Ford Motor Co. scored a hat trick on Tuesday. Motor Trend magazine selected the Ford Fusion midsize sedan as its car of the year. Billionaire financier George Soros revealed his investment arm has purchased $52.9 million in Ford stock. And, the company's stock price hit a 2year high of $9 per share before closing at $8.98 for the day.

"It's really gratifying to see that everybody is appreciating the Ford plan and the progress we are making," Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally said during a crowded celebration Tuesday, while sporting an arm sling because of recent shoulder surgery.

Mulally, who underwent surgery this month to fix a lingering tennis and golf injury, attended Motor Trend's award ceremony at Ford's world headquarters.

Mulally said the progress of his shoulder, like Ford, is ahead of schedule and said the Motor Trend Car of the Year award provides additional evidence of that progress.

About 500 employees attended the emotional ceremony, including hundreds who worked directly on the Fusion and proudly stood up to accept credit from Ford's leaders.

"It means so much to all the Ford employees," said Sonya Nematollahi, who was the engineering supervisor for the Fusion's instrument cluster and has worked for Ford for 19 years. "We had such a dedicated team that worked through Saturdays and Sundays and holidays."

Angus MacKenzie, Motor Trend's editor in chief, said the 2010 Ford Fusion beat a field of nearly two dozen contenders that were put through intensive driving tests.

First introduced in 2005, the Ford Fusion was refreshed this year with a new engine, transmission and better fuel efficiency as well as a redesigned front end and interior.

Derrick Kuzak, Ford's group vice president of global product development, said better fuel efficiency was among the key improvements for the 2010 Ford Fusion.

Because of the improved fuel economy, Mark Fields, Ford's president of the Americas, said the 2010 Fusion has "really done a lot for our image, and it's done a lot for our sales and market share."

Since the redesigned Fusion was introduced in March, it has become the top-selling car built by an American automaker.

Top 2010 safety picks
The Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety named 27
vehicles as winners of its top
safety pick award for the 2010
model year. The award recognizes
vehicles that do the best
job of protecting motorists in
front, side, rear and rollover
crashes and have anti-rollover
technology called electronic
stability control, or ESC.

LARGE CARS
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

MIDSIZE CARS
AudiA3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after
Oct. 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with
optional ESC)
Dodge Avenger
Mercedes CClass
Su ba ru Legacy
Su ba ru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (4-door)
Volkswagen Passat (4-door)
Volvo C30

SMALL CARS
Honda Civic (4-door with optional
ESC, except Si)
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen Golf (4-door)

MIDSIZE SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

SMALL SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side
thorax air bags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

2010 MotorTrend Car of the Year: Ford Fusion

The Comeback Kid: Do-it-All Sedan is Reborn for 2010 and is Better, Smarter, Nicer, Prettier, Comfier, Leaner, Meaner, and Greener in Every Way
November 17, 2009 / By Matt Stone / Photography by Wesley Allison

n 1964, Motor Trend's Car of the Year award went to the entire Ford lineup, recognizing its combination of design, engineering excellence, and performance. In 1970, we gave the nod to the Ford Torino, which could be ordered in a wide variety of configurations. Forty years ago, buyers could choose from economical, six-cylinder-powered sedans to the dragstrip-ready 429 Super Cobra Jet fastback. These legendary winners had one thing in common: bandwidth. In the 1960s and '70s, this term wasn't yet part of popular lexicon. Today, the 2010 Ford Fusion's impressive bandwidth as a model range was one of the many factors that helped it earn the 2010 Motor Trend Car of the Year award.

Want an economical midsize sedan that doesn't cost much, yet won't bore you to tears? Need to please your greener side with a high-tech hybrid? Fancy a near-sport sedan with AWD, 18-inch rolling stock, and the latest infotainment and electronics? Depending on which model you choose and how many option boxes you tick, the Fusion can be any of the above. Arthur St. Antoine calls the Fusion "a compelling sweep across one of the market's most hotly contested segments."

The original Ford Fusion came to market for the 2006 model year. The basics were there, but the car wasn't fully baked. For 2010, Ford's product teams gave the lineup a soup-to-nuts redevelopment so thorough, it's as if the first-generation car never existed. Only the passenger-shell sheetmetal and other basic architectural elements escaped being redesigned, upgraded, or replaced. Although a four-door sedan is the only body style offered, powertrain choices expand from two to four, and each is new or substantially revised. There are several trim levels offered as well: base S, upmarket SE, luxurious SEL, a separate Sport model, and a Hybrid. Early in this year's COTY program, there were quiet whispers, while heads nodded, about how the Fusion looked, felt, and drove like an entirely new machine.

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/car/112_1001_2010_motor_trend_car_of_the_year_ford_fusion/index.html#ixzz0XRoFQoMB

A Customer's Testimonial on Ford Safety Sent to Mr. Allan Mulally, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company: FW: My New F-150

I recently purchased a 2009 For F-150 and I am writing you this email to praise the safety features of that vehicle that saved my life. I was recently at the Texas State Fair and was looking at the new Ford vehicles because we will soon be in the market for my wife a new SUV, and I told one of the representatives my story. They told me that I should send the pictures in to someone at Ford. I did a google search for contact info at Ford, and I am taking a guess at your email address from your name.

On May 9th, I was driving on south Interstate 45 from Dallas to Houston at 5 in the morning. It was pitch black outside and as I came over a small hill in the road, there were 6 cattle standing across the freeway. I was traveling 65-70 miles an hour and I did not have time to react and swerve away from the cows. I hit and killed 3 of the cows. I don't remember much of the wreck, but I do remember that I walked away from it. Once the police arrived on the scene, the were sure that anyone in the vehicle was surely dead. As every new officer and helping passer by came upon us, I was asked if I had checked on the people in the vehicle. They were surprised every time that I told them that I was the only one in the vehicle. They would ask how I was even standing after the wreck. I firmly believe that God put me in an F-150 exactly one week before the accident for a reason. The truck was totaled, and looking at the damage, I can see how anyone would not believe that I walked away from the accident. I had a twisted vertebrae, dislocated ribs, a concussion, and some burns from the airbag. All of that is fixable, and the one thing that I also have is my life. If I would have been in my previous vehicle, they said I would have been decapitated. On my F-150, the hood rolled back over the windshield and shielded anything from coming through it. The frame kept the cockpit in tact and overall, this truck truly performed the safety features to the max. No-one ever thinks of hitting 3 900 lb cows when they think of auto accidents, but your engineers and designers have put features into this truck that will save hundreds of lives, and I am sure glad they saved mine. My wife were married in March and this accident happened only 2 months after our wedding. Now we are expecting our first child, and I will only trust Ford vehicles with my wife and family in the future. I have attached a picture of the truck and I will say, the sales staff was fantastic in assisting me with getting a new 2009 F-150.

Thank You So Much,
J. Cross

The students of Foster Elementary HAVE A PLAYGROUND!!!

The students of Foster Elementary HAVE A PLAYGROUND!!!

Kids selling lemonade, washing cars and bringing in pennies, dimes, nickels and quarters got us closer to our goal.

Generous donations from friends, families and neighbors got us closer to our goal.

Local businesses like the Conservatory and D&D Collision stepping up to help the cause got us closer to our goal.

Now, with a generous $25,000 donation from Planet Ford in Humble….

We have reached our goal!!

See the video here at: http://fosterelementary.webs.com/index.htm#v116249631

Thank you to everyone who made the playground a possibility. It is a wonderful testament to why we choose to live and raise our families in Kingwood!

On July 4th, 2009 vandals set fire to the playground equipment at Foster Elementary in Kingwood, Texas. HISD does not provide the playground equipment or replacement. It will have to be replaced by Foster PTA fundraisers and donations, along with assistance from Foster Elementary. Initial quotes from HISD were around $80,000 to replace the equipment. We are in the process of getting different bids from many playground companies - our current projection to put a new playground in is $40,000 - $45,000.

There are currently no suspects in this crime. Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and charging of a suspect. If you have any information about the fire, please contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS.

2009 Ford Focus has it all – safety, fuel economy and technology and now a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Ford's smallest North American car, the sporty two-door Focus, has a new award to add to its list of reasons to buy – a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Features that helped the 2009 Focus earn the rating include six standard air bags, standard ABS and available stability control. With fuel economy up to 35 mpg, Focus also will be among the first vehicles to offer MyKey™, which encourages safer teen driving by allowing parents to program limits like top speed and radio volume when their teen is driving.

Do you qualify? "Cash for Clunkers" - CARS (Cash Allowance Rebate System)

Commonly known as the Cash for Clunkers program, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is the government's new vehicle trade-in program and Randall Reed's Planet Ford 59 in Humble is your expert.

There are two cash vouchers that can be issued when a consumer purchases a new, not used, car. If the new car gets 4 miles per gallon more than their current car, you may qualify for a voucher of $3,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle. If the increase is 10 miles per gallon, you may qualify for a voucher of $4,500 voucher toward the purchase of a new vehicle.

We will make it easy for you to receive your incentive, recycle your old vehicle and save on a new, high-quality Ford vehicle.

CLICK HERE to submit your trade information and desired new Ford vehicle information and let us help you figure out what rebate you may qualify for.


Or CLICK HERE to research your trade with Ford.

With many Ford vehicles eligible, we are confident you will find the model that fits your needs.

To be eligible for the program, you must trade-in a vehicle that meets the following criteria:

• Must have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in
• Must have a "new" combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less
• Must be in drivable condition and must have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in

Note: For some transactions, work trucks (very large pickup trucks and cargo vans) only qualify if they are 2001 model year or earlier.

In addition to the government incentive, you may also be eligible for additional Ford discounts. Contact us today to get your best deal at 866-844-5995.

Congratulations Ford... 106 Years as an American Icon

Click on the image below to read the article.

Randall Reed’s Planet Ford 59 Participates in the Ford Advantage Test-Drive Program Benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

Even in these difficult times, we believe it is important for our business to give back to the communities it serves. So thru June 1, 2009, Planet Ford 59 and Ford are providing the opportunity to help raise up to $1 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,® part of Planet Ford’s and Ford’s ongoing commitment to fight against breast cancer. As a 15-year National Sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure,® Ford has dedicated more than $100 million in donations and in-kind gifts.

The Ford Advantage Test-Drive is a national program, available to all consumers in one of two ways.

1.) At Race for the Cure events, participants will receive a certificate redeemable for test-drives at Planet Ford 59.
2.) Certificates are also available for download at www.FordCares.com.

Consumers should bring the certificates to Planet Ford 59, take a test-drive and receive a special code (Dealer Sales Code e.g., 88A23). Once consumers have their special code, they then log into www.FordCares.com, type in the code, and Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure on their behalf – to the Komen affiliate in the city of their choice.

Please join us at Planet Ford for the Ford Advantage Test Drive for the Cure event.

Car shoppers turn increasingly to Ford. It's gaining notice by avoiding bailout help.

BY BRENT SNAVELY • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • April 9, 2009

Evidence is mounting that the few customers who are shopping for new cars and trucks in this tough market are increasingly turning to Ford Motor Co. because it hasn't asked for federal aid and is perceived as healthiest of the Detroit Three.

Craig Lahti, 32, of Wixom grew up in a "GM family" but purchased a Ford Focus last month.

"It was largely due to the fact that they've managed their business affairs better, in my opinion," Lahti said. "Not only ... did they not take the loans, but just seems that they are heading down the right road."

General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC have accepted $17.4 billion in federal loans and are now struggling to meet the terms mandated by the federal government in order to receive additional funding. Ford, in contrast, decided in December not to ask for federal loans, even though it reported a record $14.6-billion loss for 2008.

Since then, Ford executives and dealers have been pushing the message that "Ford is different," which seems to be resonating with customers.

Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research in Bandon, Ore., said his research shows that the percentage of people who list Ford as a top brand to shop increased 12 points during the first quarter of this year compared with last year.

"It indicates that Ford really dodged a bullet," Spinella said.

Spinella said Ford is mostly attracting buyers who previously preferred to buy GM and Chrysler vehicles, but are worried about the possibility of those companies filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Last Friday, Tustin, Calif.-based AutoPacific said only 3% of Americans participating in a recent online survey were unaware that GM and Chrysler had received billions of dollars in federal loans. It also said 72% of respondents were more likely to buy a Ford vehicle.

Jesse Toprak, executive director of industry analysis for the automotive Web site Edmunds.com, said the number of visitors who shopped for Ford vehicles during the first three months of the year increased 12% compared with the same year-ago period. Meanwhile, the number shopping for GM and Chrysler vehicles declined 19% and 15%, respectively, during the same period.

Despite the positive research about Ford, the company continues to struggle. In March, Ford U.S. sales of new cars and trucks declined 40.8% compared with the same month a year ago. Industry-wide sales, by comparison, showed a decline of 36.8%.

NEWS: Special Tax Break Available for New Car Purchases This Year

IR-2009-30, March 30, 2009

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who buy a new passenger vehicle this year may be entitled to deduct state and local sales and excise taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns next year.
“For those thinking about buying a new car this year, this deduction may give them a little more drive to make their purchase this year,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “This deduction enables taxpayers to buy now and get cash back later on their tax returns.”

The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.

The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers.

IRS also alerted taxpayers that the vehicle must be purchased after Feb. 16, 2009, and before Jan. 1, 2010, to qualify for the deduction.

The special deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes deductions on their return. The IRS reminded taxpayers the deduction may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

For more information go to: www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205863,00.html

Ford Tops for Detroit 3 in Annual Consumer Reports List Magazine Praises Ford, Has Concerns With GM

Detroit Free Press 02/27/2009
Author: Justin Hyde

(c) Copyright 2009, Detroit Free Press. All Rights Reserved.
WASHINGTON -- Foreign brands maintained their domination over Detroit models in the annual evaluations by Consumer Reports, which praised Ford Motor Co. for quality but offered sharp critiques of General Motors Corp. and warned that Chrysler LLC was trailing the industry.

While the rankings may seem less essential in the midst of the worst market for new vehicles in four decades, the results offer a snapshot of a hyper-competitive market offering no reprieve for Detroit's struggling automakers.

The closely watched analysis lauded Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Co. and Subaru Motor Co. vehicles as the best in the industry. Its "top picks" list changed little from last year, with the Toyota Highlander displacing the Hyundai Santa Fe as best midsize SUV and the Chevrolet Avalanche replacing the Chevrolet Silverado as best pickup. The Chevy was the only Detroit model among the 10 picks, five of which were Toyotas. Overall, Ford had the best ratings among Detroit companies, with the magazine granting "recommended" grades to 70% of Ford's lineup, compared with 17% of GM's models it tests.

David Champion, senior director of auto testing for Consumer Reports, said Ford's quality on many new models matched or exceed that of Honda and Toyota, while GM was building eye-catching new models. He cited Ford for boring design and GM for inconsistent quality. "I hate to say, but if you could merge the two, with the strength of both, you would have a good product line to really compete against the Japanese," Champion told the Washington Auto Press Association.

As for Chrysler, the news was bleak. The magazine does not recommend a single Chrysler vehicle in its annual automotive issue, and ranks it last among all automakers because of below-average reliability and poor scores on its driving tests. Champion said the new Dodge Ram pickup was the lone model that stacked up well versus the competition. "Chrysler has a long way to go," he said.

Automakers closely watch the magazine's annual auto issue, whose recommendations carry more sway than any other independent source, thanks to more than 7 million print and Internet subscribers. Chrysler used the magazine's quality rankings as a benchmark in its request to the Obama administration for a $5- billion survival loan.

To earn a top pick in a category, the vehicles have to do well in driving tests, have at least average reliability according to owner surveys and garner good crash-test scores. The magazine also requires top picks to offer electronic-stability control either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. Detroit auto executives have long complained that Consumer Reports' judgments lag the improvements in their vehicles, but the performance gap between Detroit and foreign makes has closed little in recent years.

Ford spokesman Bill Collins said the magazine's tests were a "critical benchmark." "The goal now is to distance ourselves from our top competitors and become the sole quality leader," he said. Doug Betts, Chrysler's vice president and chief customer officer, said the company was pleased by the magazine's acknowledgement of the Ram, and vowed that its vehicles would do better in the future. "It will take time to see the results of the changes that we are putting in place to address the reliability and quality concerns of our customers," he said in a statement. GM spokeswoman Janine Fruehan said the company "had its arms around" the problems cited by Consumer Reports. "Our internal data suggest that we're going to be much better, and far more reliable, and we expect that will be seen in the vehicles to come," she said.