P71 Interceptor, Crown Vic, Detectives Car. on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Ford F-150, Toyota Tacoma top ASG list of most eco-friendly trucks

No one's going to confuse the massively popular Ford F-150 pickup truck with a green vehicle, but at least it performs well in an environmental sense when compared to its brethren. The Automotive Science Group (ASG) took on the odd (to us, at least) task of measuring which pickup trucks are friendliest to the environment and found that the big seller in the Blue Oval's flagship F-series came up big, while the Toyota Tacoma came up, well, slightly smaller. That's a good thing. Among the 245 light-duty trucks that ASG studied, the 3.7-liter V6-powered F-150 won ASG's award for full-size trucks for both regular and crew cabs. Meanwhile, the 2.7-liter Toyota Tacoma, with its fuel-economy rating of 23 miles per gallon combined, had smallest overall life-cycle carbon footprint and won ASG's two mid-sized categories. Finally, the Chevrolet Silverado won best all-around performance in the full-size extended-cab category. The ASG factored in eco-friendliness, price and social performance (which is measured by, "considering the rights of those charged with vehicle manufacture and assembly") to come up with its findings. Sales of Ford's F-Series trucks rose 8.4 percent last year to 74,592 units and accounted for more than a third of the total 2013 sales of Ford and its Lincoln unit. Check out the ASG's press release below. Truck Buyers Faced With "Eco" Options Galore Which 2014 full-size trucks warrant eco claims? 25 March 2014 [Santa Rosa, CA] – With a myriad of eco-branded trucks hitting the North American marketplace in 2014 – from Ford's EcoBoost and GM's EcoTec3 to Ram's latest addition, the EcoDiesel – the Automotive Science Group (ASG) was prompted to offer an objective, scientifically-based assessment to determine exactly which 2014 trucks actually earn their "eco" badge. According to ASG and the principles of ecological economics, a vehicle's eco-rating must be multi-faceted to include both environmental and economic considerations, and so the Group's proprietary rating platform – the Automotive Performance Index – does just that. Using a unique combination of vehicle data inputs that include conventional specifications as well as social, environmental and economic performance indicators, ASG's vehicle assessments empower consumers to make choices based on one's personal principles and financial requisites.

Ford Announces Four Recalls, 1.4M Vehicles Affected

Ford is taking a bit of the spotlight away from General Motors, announcing a major group of recall campaigns, covering a total of 1.4 million vehicles built between 2006 and 2013. Let's start with the big one, which covers the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and, according to The Detroit News, Ford-built Mazda Tribute CUVs. 915,216 vehicles are covered, all of which were built in model years 2008 to 2011. 736,000 vehicles are in the US, while Canada then Mexico make up the vast majority of the remainder. The problem is due to an issue with the torque sensor in the steering column, which could lead to sudden power steering failure. Manual steering would still be available, though. "Dealers will perform one of three service fixes, depending upon what diagnostic codes are shown when the vehicle is taken to the dealer," Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker wrote to Autoblog in an email. "They will either update software for the power steering control module and the instrument cluster module; replace the torque sensor; or replace the steering column, which includes upgraded power steering control module software." The most recent generation of the Ford Explorer is suffering from a similar malady, thanks to an intermittent electrical connection (we think that means short circuit) in the steering column. Like the Escape and Mariner, manual steering would still be available in the event of a power failure. Ford will recall 195,527 examples of its Explorer, 177,500 of which are in the US. This recall covers model years 2011 to 2013. According to Automotive News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that Ford will inform owners of affected vehicles by July 25. Ford is also recalling 200,000 Taurus sedans, over a corrosion issue in the license plate lamp. This particular recall, which covers vehicles from model years 2010 to 2014, is limited to drivers in northern climes. Vehicle owners in southern states are free to pass on the recall. Finally, 82,576 Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans from 2006 to 2011 are being recalled because of floormats that can interfere with the accelerator pedal. Dealers will replace the offensive floormats with newer examples. "Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers," Felker wrote.

Recharge Wrap-up: Ford Transit hybrid conversion, PlugShare updates app

A new report quantifies China's growing vehicle scrapping industry. With major growth in vehicle ownership since 2000, China is expecting its first scrappage peak this year. In 2013, China's scrappage rate was four percent, around two to four percent below other developed countries. However, more and more organizations are being certified to dismantle and recycle vehicles. With 9 to 12 million vehicles reaching end of life in 2015, and 12 to 16 million by 2020, recycling and remanufacturing parts could be a significant industry in China - as much as $32 billion this year. Read more in the release from ReportBuyer. PlugShare has updated its mobile app with a new interface and features. The EV charger locator service's most important new feature is a trip planner, which shows charging stations within five miles of the specified route (that range is expected to become adjustable with future updates). Other new features include a local charging activity viewer, bookmarks, messaging, leaderboards, a customizable user profile, and new search options. Users can now specify specific plug types or charging networks in their search for charging options. Check out the rundown of the updated app at Green Car Reports. XL Hybrids has created a hybrid system for the Ford Transit. The conversion company has adapted its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System for Ford's popular van, allowing for better fuel economy and low-end torque. The system works with model year 2015 and 2016 cargo and passenger versions of the Ford Transit, powered by either the 3.7-liter or the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, regardless of the wheelbase or roof height. It can improve fuel economy and CO2 emissions by about 20 percent. Vans with the XL3 system installed retain their factory warranty, and the hybrid system comes with a three-year, 75,000-mile warranty from XL Hybrids. Read more in the press release below. XL Hybrids Introduces the First Hybrid Electric Ford Transit Van for the North American Market The XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System to be compatible with MY2015 and MY2016 Ford Transit cargo vans and passenger wagons BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--XL Hybrids, Inc., the leader in fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, today announced its XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System has now been adapted for the Ford Transit van – the first hybrid electric Transit van for the North American market.