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Detroit automakers mulling helping DIA avoid bankruptcy looting

It's not really a secret that the city of Detroit is in lots and lots of trouble. Even with an emergency manager working to guide it through bankruptcy, a number of the city's institutions remain in very serious danger. One of the most notable is the Detroit Institute of Arts, a 658,000-square-foot behemoth of art that counts works from Van Gogh, Picasso, Gauguin and Rembrandt (not to mention a version of Rodin's iconic "The Thinker," shown above) as part of its permanent collection.
Throughout the bankruptcy, the DIA has been under threat, with art enthusiasts, historians and fans of the museum concerned that its expansive collection - valued between $454 and $867 million by Christie's - could be sold by the city to help square its $18.5-billion debt.
Now, though, Detroit's hometown automakers could be set to step up and help save the renowned museum. According to a report from The Detroit News, the charitable arms of General Motors, Ford and Chrysler could be set to donate $25 million as part of a DIA-initiated campaign, called the "grand bargain." As part of the deal, the DIA would seek $100 million in corporate donations as part of a larger attempt at putting together an $816-million package that would be paid to city pension funds over 20 years. Such a move would protect the city's art collection from being sold off.

Alan Mulally talks about why Ford's Falcon had to die

When Ford made the decision to end production of the Falcon sedan and Territory CUV in Australia, it wasn't a popular move Down Under. The large, four-door Falcon had been in production for 50 years, and while Ford has reaffirmed its commitment to the Australian market, it's understandable that some people still aren't all that crazy about the Blue Oval's decision.
Speaking to CEO Alan Mulally after Ford's Go Further event in Sydney, Australian site Go Auto reports that the decision was not one made lightly, and that the automaker is doing everything possible to respect the Falcon and Territory's "stakeholders." It's an interesting piece that shows a softer side of a corporation, while demonstrating that Ford is doing everything in its power to make the end of production as smooth as possible for all parties.
Head over to Go Auto for the full series of remarks from Mulally, and then let us know what you think of Ford's handling of the Falcon and Territory discontinuations, in Comments.

Ford recalls EcoBoost-powered F-150 and SUVs for brake fluid leak

Ford is recalling approximately 280,000 trucks and SUVs equipped with its 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine to address a potential brake fluid leak. The recall covers the 2016-2017 Ford F-150, 2016-2017 Ford Expedition and the 2016-2017 Lincoln Navigator.  According to Ford's defect report, the issue stems from contamination in the brake fluid causing degradation or damage to the seals in the brake master cylinder, allowing fluid to escape. Ford says that braking performance is not immediately impacted by the leak, and owners may not realize there's a problem until a brake malfunction indicator appears in the cluster, accompanied by a chime.  "If the brake fluid in the reservoir is depleted to a predetermined level, the driver will receive an audible chime, message center alert, and red brake warning indicator in the instrument cluster," Ford said in its defect report to NHTSA. "If the driver continues to operate the vehicle, the drive may begin to experience a change in brake pedal travel and feel, and increased pedal effort." "If a loss of brake fluid is substantial enough to reduce brake function to the front wheels, full braking function would remain in the rear wheel circuit. However, reduced brake function in the front wheels can extend stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash," Ford said.  The issue can be addressed with a replacement brake master cylinder, which Ford will install free of charge. Ford has already begun notifying dealers and will send notices to customers starting in April.  Recalls Ford Lincoln Ownership Safety Truck SUV