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Ford reveals automated Fusion Hybrid

Autonomous cars may still be in their infancy, but more and more big names in the auto industry are diving in head first. Nissan is already making strides with a semi-autonomous Leaf EV and General Motors is planning to offer semi-autonomous tech by 2020. And then there's Google, doing its thing with a fleet of Toyota Prius. Now, Ford is showing off its latest automated effort, a driverless Fusion Hybrid.
Partnering with the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and State Farm Insurance, the project is part of Ford's Blueprint for Mobility, the company's plan for transportation beyond 2025. "The Ford Fusion Hybrid automated vehicle represents a vital step toward our vision for the future of mobility," Chairman Bill Ford said. "We see a future of connected cars that communicate with each other and the world around them to make driving safer, ease traffic congestion and sustain the environment."
The automated Fusion features four LiDAR infrared sensors that scan the road 2.5 million times every second, using a principle similar to the echolocation used by dolphins or bats. Using the infrared light emitted by the LiDAR, the car can draw a picture of everything within 200 feet to create a map of its surroundings. According to Ford, the sensors are able to tell the difference between a paper bag and a small animal from a football field away.

What's in a trademark? Sometimes, the next iconic car name

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is a treasure trove for auto enthusiasts, especially those who double as conspiracy theorists.
Why has Toyota applied to trademark "Supra," the name of one of its legendary sports cars, even though it hasn't sold one in the United States in 16 years? Why would General Motors continue to register "Chevelle" long after one of the most famous American muscle cars hit the end of the road? And what could Chrysler possibly do with the rights to "313," the area code for Detroit?

Ford hires Wall Street analyst to head global strategy

Ford has hired auto industry veteran John Casesa, 52, as the company's group vice president of global strategy, effective March 1. His job is to oversee worldwide business development and have input on investments in future products and technologies. Casesa reports directly to Ford president and CEO Mark Fields. "John knows business and the auto industry inside and out. His deep experience and relationships will help guide and shape our global strategies – particularly as we challenge today's business model and push to innovate to make us even stronger tomorrow," Fields said in a statement. Casesa has spent much of his career in some facet of the automotive business, and one of his biggest contributions was as the original author of the Car Wars forecasting report in 1991. Since 2010, he has been senior managing director of Guggenheim Partners, responsible for the company's auto investments. Before that, he was an industry analyst for 20 years, including for Merrill Lynch. Casesa has also been a product planning analyst for General Motors. In addition to his understanding of the car-making business, he understands selling them, and was the co-owner of showrooms in the Northeast previously. FORD HIRES JOHN CASESA TO LEAD GLOBAL STRATEGY Auto analyst and investment banker John Casesa joins Ford as group vice president, Global Strategy Casesa will lead a team focused on enhancing existing business strategies and identifying and evaluating new opportunities for profitable growth DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 17, 2014 – Ford Motor Company today announces the hiring of long-time auto analyst and investment banker John Casesa as group vice president, Global Strategy as part of the company's commitment to accelerate its One Ford plan, deliver product excellence and drive innovation in every part of the business. Reporting to Ford President and CEO Mark Fields, Casesa, 52, will be the most senior leader and corporate officer overseeing global strategy and business development. The appointment is effective March 1, 2015. Casesa will work with the company's business unit and skill team leaders to enhance existing business strategies and to identify and evaluate new opportunities leading to profitable growth. His work will be integrated into Ford's current process for driving results, which includes constantly understanding the changing environment and continuously improving its plans. "Ford is a growth company in a dramatically growing global industry.