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2015 Ford Focus Electric hides in plain sight

The styling changes to the 2015 Ford Focus were shown off at the recent Geneva Motor Show, so what the EV version looks like is not that much of a surprise. Still, the 2015 Focus Electric is making its world debut here at the New York Auto Show, so we wanted to know what changes we are looking at compared to both the internal combustion engine version and the earlier EV models.
The exterior visual distinctions between the ICE and EV are minimal, and basically nonexistent from the A-pillar to the rear. Up front, you can see the charge port, of course, but the front fascia has also undergone a bit of an adjustment. The front doesn't have the ICE version's flattened grille and the EV's Ford logo creates a bump in the hood line where none exists on the ICE. The 2015's grille is also different than the one on the 2014 Focus Electric, being slightly smaller (you can see this better if you compare pictures in our new gallery above to these of the 2011 Focus Electric and these of the gas-powered 2015 Focus).
The updated 2015 interior - which we couldn't access ourselves - has things like a new center stack, improved cupholders and is basically identical between the gas and electric models. With the car off, you can't even tell if you're in an EV or ICE, Seema Bardwaj, the US brand manager for the Focus, told AutoblogGreen. The only things that are different, she said, are extra menu screens to show EV powertrain information to the driver.

China's auto sales continue to drop

The days of unending growth of carmakers in China look to be over, and some analysts are even forecasting a net drop in volume this year, The Detroit News reports. After falling numbers in June and July, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers tallied total sales, including trucks and buses, in August to 1.7 million, down 3 percent from 2014. There were some tiny specs of good news in China, but there's no turnaround in sight. Total vehicle sales from January to August are actually still up but only 2.6 percent. Like the rest of the world, SUVs are booming with numbers up 45.6 percent from the previous year. Honda managed a very impressive 50.7 percent gain on the strength of the CR-V and Vezel (the HR-V here), according to The Detroit News. Also, the country's domestic automakers, which generally offer less expensive products, posted a 2.5 percent growth in sales. The news continues to look bad for Detroit's automakers, though. Volume from General Motors dropped 4.8 percent in August, and Ford fell 3 percent in August. Both of them have invested significant amounts there in the past years. The vehicle industry in China grew last year, but there was burgeoning evidence of weakness. At the end of 2014, dealers there pushed back against huge inventories pushed by automakers. Even before the big drops began in June, GM saw the writing on the wall and started cutting prices. BMW responded to the slump by cutting back production to deal with the changing demand. News Source: The Detroit NewsImage Credit: Mark Schiefelbein / AP Photo BMW Ford GM Honda Car Buying

Ford reveals new Ranger Wildtrak across the Pacific

Want to get your hands on a new Ranger? Ford doesn't offer it here anymore, so you'll have to travel (or relocate) to somewhere it does. Like Bangkok, Thailand, where it just unveiled the new Ranger Wildtrak. Based on the updated Ranger revealed just a few months ago, the new Wildtrak features a more, shall we say, vibrant design as the flagship of the Ranger range. Dark metallic gray accents the nose, mirrors, door handles, air vents, bed rails, and tail lamps for a sportier, more rugged look. It's also got a contrasting hoop at the junction of cab and bed, rectangular fog lamps, 18-inch alloys, and Wildtrak graphics to set it apart from "lesser" Rangers. And the interior has been enhanced as well with all the upgrades applied to the standard model along with sportier trim. Everything else carries over from the standard model, including the diesel powertrain, full suite of the latest electronic assists, and go-anywhere capability. It'll ford (suitably enough) through water over 31 inches deep, clear nine inches above the ground and tow over 7,700 pounds. If you want to know more, you can scope out all the details in the press release below - or better yet, book a flight across the Pacific and see for yourself. 10 JUN 2558 | BANGKOK, THAILAND FORD UNVEILS THE ULTIMATE NEW RANGER; WILDTRAK READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD WITH BOLD DESIGN, SMART TECHNOLOGY - Aggressive, distinctive design and unique features help new Ranger Wildtrak stand apart from the crowd Striking, modern, car-like interior underscores technological capabilities and adds to premium, sporty feel - Wildtrak boasts full array of smart features, including SYNC 2 connectivity, Lane Keeping Aid, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Alert, Driver Impairment Monitor and Front and Rear Parking Sensors - World-beating capabilities, including robust electronically controlled transfer case, class-leading 800 mm water-wading capability and 230 mm ground clearance ensure new Wildtrak is up for any adventure - Improved ride and powerful, efficient 3.2-liter latest-generation Duratorq diesel engine help to deliver on Ford's fun-to-drive promise The new Ranger Wildtrak, the ultimate model in the Ford Ranger line-up, makes its global debut today, ready to take on the world with a new array of smart technologies and an even bolder look for one of the world's toughest and most capable trucks.