2014 Ford Transit Connect Xlt on 2040-cars

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2016 Ford Mustang gets new packages, trim and hood-vent turn signals

Ford just introduced the 2015 Mustang last year, but the iconic pony car is already getting a few minor updates for the 2016 model year consisting primarily of new options packages and trim. For starters, Ford is bringing back the turn indicators integrated into the hood vents, first launched on the Mustang nearly half a century ago, which will now be fitted as standard on the Mustang GT. The feature was apparently requested by customers, and signals to the driver when the turning indicator is on. Premium models also get the new Sync 3 system. The Blue Oval automaker is also offering racing stripes in black or silver on the Mustang GT and Mustang EcoBoost, along with a black roof option. There's a new Pony Package available for the EcoBoost Premium model as well, with 19-inch polished alloys, special grille, side stripe and chrome window surround. Customers ordering a Mustang GT fastback or convertible can opt for the Black Accent Package with murdered-out wheels, spoiler, taillamp trim and logos. There's a California Special Package being offered on the Mustang GT Premium with such touches as 19-inch black machined alloys, hood and side stripes, black spoiler, mirror and hood vents, dark taillamp accents, a front splitter, special grille and gas cap, strut tower brace and an interior decked out in black leather with suede inserts and red stitching. Finally, Ford is offering a Performance Package for the Mustang GT convertible with the manual transmission, similar to the kit available for the fastback but catered to the drop-top. The package includes upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, 19-inch black-painted alloys, a larger radiator, strut tower brace and K-brace, retuned electronics, a Torsen limited slip differential, machine-turned aluminum instrument panel, a new splitter and the removal of the rear spoiler.

United States drivers buying fewer Mexican-made cars

Crossovers and pickup trucks are not only growing in market share, they're also more profitable than cars. A crossover on the same platform as a sedan retails for thousands more, despite similar components. It's one of the reasons we've seen automakers rapidly shifting production of their sedans and hatchbacks to Mexico, where cheap labor preserves the thin profit margins on these inexpensive vehicles. But as the market continues to shift in the United States, Mexico is getting burned by its lack of product diversity. The country's auto exports, which are heavy on cars, suffered a 16-percent drop last month, Automotive News reports. In total, year-over-year exports fell from 233,515 to 197,020 last month, while year-to-date exports are down by 7.4 percent, from 922,029 to 854,118. The number one culprit? America – which usually accounts for 75 percent of Mexico's exports – and its appetite for crossovers and pickup trucks bolstered by cheap gas prices. While Mexico does build some light truck models – AN specifically calls out the Ram 2500, Honda HR-V, GMC Sierra, and Toyota Tacoma as export leaders – the vast majority of vehicles rolling out of its factories are sedans and hatchbacks. In fact, the three biggest drops in Mexican exports came from companies whose south of the border factories only build cars – Ford (Fusion/Lincoln MKZ and Fiesta), Mazda (Mazda3), and Volkswagen (Golf and Jetta). Mexican Automotive Industry Association President Eduardo Solis told AN the export shortfall will likely be sorted out sooner rather than later, thanks to a pair of new factories – a Kia car factory and an Audi SUV plant – that are coming online by year's end. The two facilities will add around 100,000 vehicles to the country's export totals, which Solis said should leave the industry on the verge of breaking another export record in 2016. But how sustainable will these record-breaking years be? Slapping an "Hecho en Mexico" sticker on a new German SUV won't be enough to change the fact that Mexico's product mix is tilted too heavily towards body styles that are not growing in volume. Mexico's record-breaking export years probably aren't at an end, but we'd argue they're certainly under threat. News Source: Automotive News - sub. req.Image Credit: Omar Torres / AFP / Getty Images Plants/Manufacturing Ford GMC Honda Mazda RAM Volkswagen Truck Crossover SUV Mexico

Ford Transit customs ready to work for SEMA

Ford's booth at the SEMA Show this year looks to have two, big themes. The Blue Oval is bringing over a dozen takes on the 2015 Mustang to the event, and it's now also announcing five customized versions on the 2015 Transit to join the modded pony cars. Each of the vans shows off a different use for the spacious commercial vehicle, from plush luxury to offroad ruggedness.
You probably don't think of the Transit as hitting the trails, but that's just what the take on the design from the Vegas Off-Road Experience (pictured above) is for. The company gives people the opportunity to drive a desert race truck, and this custom is meant to drive them to events. It should be able to take on the terrain a little better with off-road wheels and tires and fender flares, but inside passengers get serious luxury thanks to a 60-inch LED TV and video game systems.
Alternatively the blazing red Designed Travel Transit (right) is all about long road trips. The interior features four captain's chairs with heating, cooling and massage functions, and there's a 4K 50-inch TV to watch. For a touch of added class, the floor is made from hickory.