1994 Ford Mustang Svt Cobra Coupe 2-door 5.0l on 2040-cars

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Pickup sales may hit 2M units for first time since 2007

Even as fuel prices creep back up, trucks are still a hot item among new-vehicle shoppers. To see how popular pickup trucks still are, you don't have to look any further than how much effort automakers put into the continual one-upmanship of their trucks. Backing this fact up, USA Today is reporting that the segment could top two million sales this year - a total not matched since 2007, though still far from the pre-recession, three-million-unit levels.
Through August, the Ford F-Series continues to be the segment leader with almost 500,000 units sold, but the Chevy Silverado (328,269), Ram 1500 (234,642), GMC Sierra (122,232) and Toyota Tacoma (110,293) are all seeing at least 20-percent sales increases, helping to account for around 1.44 million truck sales so far this year - not including possible outliers like the Suzuki Equator and Chevy Avalanche.
This year alone, General Motors has completely redesigned its fullsize trucks, Ram and Toyota have significantly updated their offerings, the next-gen Ford F-150 will be out next year and Nissan is promising an all-new Titan around the same time with an eventual Cummins diesel under the hood. It would seem, then, that truck sales are poised to continue their upward trend.

Ford GT inspires objects for Milan furniture show [w/videos]

Can't get enough of the lines on the new Ford GT? Then Milan is the place to be this month. That's where Ford will be presenting a series of objects whose designs were penned by the same talents behind (and inspired by) the company's new supercar. Set to be presented at the Salone del Mobile furniture show in the Italian metropolis, the collection ranges from tables, chairs and light fixtures to a sailboat, foosball table and electric guitar. "We have an incredible amount of talent in our global design studios," said Ford's chief designer Moray Callum. "Salone del Mobile is the perfect forum to share some of that creativity, while also offering our designers an opportunity to get exposure to new ideas that will inspire future Ford design." In addition to these seemingly random objects, Ford has also partnered with architect Attilio Stocchi to create a special light exhibition entitled "Favillia, Every Light a Voice," similarly inspired by the new GT. But if your plans won't be taking you to Milan anytime soon, you can check them out in the images above and the videos and press release below. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Ford Designers Showcase at Salone del Mobile a Guitar, Sail Boat, and Table Football Inspired by Ford GT Supercar - Ford's global design team at the world's leading furniture design expo, Salone del Mobile, unveils a range of items inspired by the new Ford GT - A boat, guitar, table football and other objects were developed by Ford's global design studios for the show, applying the same interior design philosophy as Ford's upcoming supercar - Also inspired by the all-new Ford GT is "FAVILLA, To Every Light a Voice," an immersive installation curated by architect Attilio Stocchi in partnership with Salone del Mobile - Salone del Mobile in Milan, Italy, runs until April 19. Ford today also hosts a discussion on current trends, and how they are influencing design MILAN, Italy, April 14, 2015 – Ford's team of global designers today showcased their innovation and creativity, unveiling a sail boat, guitar and table football at the Salone del Mobile design show, in Milan, Italy.

New European charging network will offer speeds up to 350 kW

It's about to get easier to fast-charge your electric vehicle across Europe thanks to four major automakers working together in a new joint venture. BMW, Daimler (Mercedes-Benz), Ford, and the VW Group (Audi and Porsche) have all signed a Memorandum of Understanding to install about 400 DC fast charging sites in Europe. As you may know, there are different types of fast chargers, but the ones that this group is talking about installing will be able to charge an EV in much less time than other stations. That's because these chargers will offer power levels of "up to 350 kW." Compare that to what's generally considered the current gold standard, the Tesla Superchargers, which have rates of up to 145 kW and a statement not that long ago from a Ford exec that suggested that 150 kW chargers would be the new normal. Of course, the Tesla chargers use the company's proprietary connector and the new network the JV is setting up will use the CCS standard. The first new stations will go up in 2017 and those 400 sites are just the beginning. A joint statement by the JV says that EV drivers will "have access to thousands of high-powered charging points" by 2020 along highways and main roads. "The charging experience is expected to evolve to be as convenient as refueling at conventional gas stations," the companies said. While not every electric vehicle will be able to take advantage of the 350 kW charging rate, the companies involved would be silly to build the infrastructure without vehicles that can handle that kind of energy flow. The JV says it would welcome participation from other automakers and will cooperate with interested regional partners. Related Video: News Source: Daimler Green Audi BMW Ford Mercedes-Benz Porsche Volkswagen Electric fast charging