1937 Ford 1 1/2 Ton Stake Body on 2040-cars

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Ford profits soar as problems mount

Ford is doing well. It can't make enough examples of its new Fusion, it can barely make enough of the aging F-150, it's getting good brand rankings, people like its turnaround story, it's selling oodles of product and its quarterly profit numbers end in the word "billion." As other high-flying examples have demonstrated over the past few years, though, big numbers can come with problems that aren't exactly small.
Automotive News has published a good "nutshell" report of Ford's progress and problems. The Dearborn automaker's optimistic "general label rule" determination of gas mileage for the C-Max Hybrid has led to lawsuits, hybrid software updates, a downward revision of C-Max fuel economy and millions in rebates. AN notes the C-Max was the "worst-scoring model in this year's J.D. Power Initial Quality Study," but Ford will probably be happy that it managed not to be mentioned further in the study's results after last year's mediocre showing. Its MyTouch and SYNC systems, the bugbears sabotaging Ford's J.D. Power results, have also led to lawsuits, software updates, more software updates and a center console rethink. On top of that, the 1.6-liter EcoBoost in the 2013 Ford Escape that Ford called a "hero" was soon catching fire for three different reasons. And let's not even get into the troubled launch of the Lincoln MKZ.
The Automotive News piece notes that industry observers have been surprised at Ford's stumbles because everything has been looking so good. Nevertheless, there is still the issue of those billions in profits - the company is doing plenty of things, plural, right. Ford says it is tackling its problems, hiring engineers and instituting new quality control processes as part of its effort to find solutions. The test will be to see if in a year from now we begin the discussion of these issues with "Remember when Ford...", or "Problems continue at The Blue Oval."

Ford calling in 28k Edge crossovers over fuel line leak

A problem with the fuel line on certain examples of the Ford Edge has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall. The issue revolves around the metal housing on the fuel line pulse damper, which was apparently improperly manufactured in the first place and is prone to crack in certain circumstances, leading to a fuel leak. And as we all know, a fuel leak is not a good thing.
The problem affects model year 2012 and 2013 Edge crossovers equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and manufactured between September 2, 2010 and April 25, 2013 - a total of 27,933 units. Although the Lincoln MKX is closely related to the Edge, since it isn't offered with the same engine (to which the problem is related), the recall does not include the premium-badged version. See the recall notice below for further details.

First 2016 Ford Shelby GT350R rolls off the line in Flat Rock

Thursday was a big day for the hottest version of the current Ford Mustang as the first Shelby GT350R rolled off the line at the Blue Oval's Flat Rock, MI, factory. "This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts," said executive chairman Bill Ford. "We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style, and performance. Today the legend continues." Ford has been making headlines with the both versions of the GT350, highlighting its carbon-fiber wheels, HUD shift lights, and then announcing its reasonable starting price. At just $62,195, the GT350R significantly undercuts other track-focused offerings, including its arch-nemesis, the $75,000-Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. Scroll down for the brief press release from Ford. ALL-NEW FORD SHELBY® #GT350R MUSTANG ROARS OFF THE LINE AT FLAT ROCK ASSEMBLY PLANT One of the most iconic performance Mustang nameplates of all time the all-new Shelby® GT350R roared off the line today at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant. The new GT350R Mustang is the most athletic Mustang ever, designed to tackle the world's most challenging roads and race tracks while creating an exhilarating experience for the driver. "This is a special day for all Mustang enthusiasts," said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. "We have taken the GT350 formula to the next level of innovation, style and performance. Today the legend continues." Click here for more information on the all-new Shelby® GT350 and GT350R Mustang. About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Michigan, manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 195,000 employees and 66 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com. Related Video: