Ford made a daring move with their new C-Max ad campaign as they take the fight right to Toyota’s door.  Ford has recently been outselling Toyota, and now they’ve made a better hybrid.  In the ad, Ford highlights the fact that the C-Max is more fun to drive and gets better gas mileage, all for a lower price.

“It’s a direct comparison. Prius is well understood by customers. Toyota has done such a good job with hybrids. So it makes sense for us to compare C-Max to Prius,” Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president in charge of global marketing, told media.  Of the C-Max, he says, “And it’s fun to drive, which you don’t expect from a hybrid.”

The superior design is also shown in the ads, which have an animated character frustrated with the Prius that has been drawn for him to drive, and happily hops into the sweeping C-Max which replaces it.

For more information about the C-Max, or to take a look at any C-Max vehicle, contact Brien Ford.

Ford is making sure to hit SEMA hard this year to show off a plethora of modified Focus and Fiestas. Ford is adamant that SEMA is the perfect venue to  show off just how customizable the Ford models can be, stating that “From mild to wild, and from old to new” that Ford will “have something for everyone.

2012 SEMA Ford Focus preview from Brien Ford

The 2012 Ford Focus will be one of the main vehicles on display this year, with 7 fully customized cars to showcase the possibilities of both the hatch and sedan versions of the car. Since the launch of the car, the new Focus has been gaining interest, with almost 500k customers raising their hands requesting more information about the latest small ford Vehicle.

The Fiesta will also be prominently displayed at this years SEMA, showing that the pint-sized vehicle can still pack a punch. Ford notes that “One of the top three purchase reason for the vehicle is that it fits the customers personality. That’s very rare. It’s an emotional purchase, so owners want to personalize it, with a significant percentage of them even giving their car a name”.

Take a look at what’s going on in Ford News, courtesy of Brien Ford and Ford Blogger! Be sure to check out Brien Ford for all of the newest incentives on the exciting new Ford vehicles.

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Ford is hitting SEMA with a volley of modified Focus and Fiesta models this year. The company says that the aftermarket show is the perfect venue for showing off just how customizable both vehicles can be, and with creations from the likes of Roush, Cobb Tuning and Gold Coast Automotive among others, there should be a hatch or sedan on hand in Las Vegas for everyone. Roush is doing what the company does best: plopping an R900 TVS Supercharger on top of the four-cylinder engine in the Focus for a substantial bump in power, and a full Roush exhaust ensures that the engine will breathe easy.

Cobb Tuning, meanwhile, will be going the turbocharging route with its Focus. The car will boast forged pistons, a custom turbo kit and front-mounted intercooler, as well as a unique air box, intake and exhaust manifold. No one’s saying just how much power the Focus will make, but a StopTech Trophy big brake kit should ensure the car can be brought down from speed in a hurry.

The star of the Fiesta show this year will likely be from Gold Coast Automotive. With an intercooled Jackson Racing Rotrex supercharger, Wilwood braking hardware on all four corners and a custom front diffuser and rear spoiler, this GCA entrant could be the mightiest Fiesta of them all.

Come on in and check out the newest inventory at Brien Ford of Everett.

Ford has announced that it will be giving its Facebook fans exclusive reports for the all new Ford Focus ST. Check out the press release and video below, and follow Brien Ford Blogs for more info! You can also stop by Brien Ford to test drive a Ford for yourself!

Facebook Fans to Get Exclusive Progress Reports on New Ford Focus ST

• Exclusive video and photography of the all-new Ford Focus ST to be shared first on the Focus Facebook page, highlighting the car’s technology, performance and practicality

• Videos will give global Focus fans insights into the project from key members of the development team, as well as previously unseen vehicle footage ahead of next year’s launch

• Online campaign will be ongoing, helping Focus Facebook fans – more than 300,000 strong – stay up to speed with the progress of Ford‘s first global performance car

Since Ford first announced its all-new Focus ST,performance car fans around the world have been eager to find out more. To answer this
demand, Ford will begin actively sharing both exclusive video and photography, first on the Ford Focus Facebook page, to keep enthusiasts up to date on the development of this sporty new model.

The materials will explore technical highlights, the driving experience and high levels of refinement that make up the core DNA of the new Focus ST, which is expected to deliver an estimated 247 HP/250 PS when production begins. The more than 300,000 fans of the Focus Facebook page will be able to access newly generated and previously unseen footage of Focus ST development cars undergoing testing, plus insights into the car’s features from key members of the Global Performance Vehicle team.

“Our Facebook page allows us to reach out to enthusiasts around the world for the first time and share with them the final stages of development of the new Focus ST as it happens,” said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles. “This is Ford’s first truly global performance vehicle, and social media gives us a rare opportunity to show enthusiasts how this car is progressing, gives insight into its technologies and builds excitement in this community as we finalize Focus ST’s technical specifications.”

Updates will start with a look at the specific work involved in developing a global performance car and how the Global Performance Vehicles team has been testing Focus ST in numerous weather conditions and over a wide variety of road surfaces.

The video clips will then explore some of the cutting-edge features of Focus ST, including enhanced Torque Vectoring Control, the advanced Electronic Stability Program and innovations applied to the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost® engine and finely tuned suspension.

As the team continues its testing regime and as Focus ST gets closer to its 2012 launch, Ford will keep fans of the page updated, reporting from the company’s proving grounds at Lommel in Belgium, the infamous Nürburgring in Germany, from hot weather testing trips in Spain and the United States, and from driving quality tests over twisty B-roads in the U.K.

“We are determined that the new Focus ST will meet the very high expectations of our fans around the world,” said Capito. “Focus ST will deliver on the promise of great technology,
exciting driving dynamics and high levels of refinement – making it as enjoyable to use for everyday driving as it will be on exciting and challenging roads we performance enthusiasts deliberately seek out.

“Our Facebook series is equally exciting,” Capito added, “as it lets us connect directly for the first time with performance and Ford enthusiasts alike, and takes them with us through the final stages of development for the new Focus ST.”

To follow the new Focus ST story and get involved in the action, visit Ford’s Focus Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fordfocus

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Although America’s 235th birthday has now come and gone, the vehicles on the recent list of 2011’s “Most Wanted American Cars,” put together to celebrate the occasion by the automotive experts at Motor Trend , are still setting off fireworks—especially for Ford. After all, fully half of the entries on the list (which only considered American-branded vehicles) were built by the Blue Oval, including: Fiesta —The top choice in the Subcompact category, the Fiesta, was a huge hit, with MT editors writing that: “You know that solid CRACK a baseball makes when it meets an oak bat, sweet spot to sweet spot? The Fiesta does that in two significant areas: styling and build quality. Everywhere we took the Fiesta, eyebrows rose and admiring glances caressed the car. This is clearly a good-looking automobile, a shot glass brimming with European taste.” Focus —In the Compact segment, the winning vehicle was the Focus, which “has vaulted from forgettable to formidable in one fell swoop. The improvements to the new car are night and day compared to what we had, and we’d expect no less from an all-new car. With both sedan and hatchback models available and an impressive-looking electric model on the way (and possibly a wagon as well, if the rumors are true), Ford has planted a very large flag on the compact sedan hill.” Mustang —Ford’s modern-day muscle car actually took home honors in two different classes, with the V6 model earning top ratings as “Coupe under $25,000” and the Boss 302 besting all rivals in the “Coupe over $25,000” group. The former was lauded as “nearly as quick as last year’s V8-powered GT,” while of the latter, MT said it was “hands-down the best Mustang [Ford] has ever produced. Edge —One of the best-selling crossovers in the country was the No. 1 choice in the segment for MT editors, who praised its extensive upgrades for the 2011 model year: “Pick nearly any aspect of the popular mid-sized SUV and the Blue Oval’s engineers probably tweaked, restyled, or replaced it. It looks and sounds like an all-new edition.” Which means that for customers who want the best American automakers have to offer, it looks and sounds like their local Ford dealership is the right place to start.

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Five Fords Named Among MT’s “Most Wanted American Cars”

Consumer electronics giant LG has selected the 2012 Ford Focus for its “LG Brand Ambassador” team of in-store merchandising experts. The company’s fleet of 200 Focus hatchbacks will be wrapped in LG’s famous logo and “Life’s Good” slogan, and they will help educate consumers about LG products. LG selected the Focus for its fleet due to its fuel-efficient and innovative attributes. According to James Fishler, senior vice president, Go-to-Market Operations, LG Electronics USA, the Focus’ qualities resonate with LG’s own brand attributes of stylish design and smart technology. “We selected the Focus based on its striking design, fuel economy and functional flexibility,” Fishler said. “Its SYNC hands-free technology also enables us to communicate with our team in a safe way. In all, the Ford Focus attributes resonate with our brand attributes of stylish design and smart technology, making it an easy choice.” LG Brand Ambassadors will be working with consumers and appliance retailers alike. They’ll be on the road constantly as they traverse the country, which is where the Focus’ 40 mpg highway fuel economy rating will be essential. “Focus has been a game changer for the segment,” said Paul Russell, Focus brand manager. “Traditionally, small cars meant econoboxes. Ford Focus, with its sporty design and content-rich options, gives customers more choice since they no longer have to sacrifice creature comforts for fuel economy.” Not only are commercial customers, like LG, attracted to the new Focus due to its fuel economy, but they’re also eager to take advantage of the car’s safety rating and high residual value. And, with innovative features such as voice-activated SYNC, active park assist to help with parallel parking, rear view camera, and the Easy Fuel capless fuel filler system, the Focus stands apart from others in the compact car segment.

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New Ford Focus Becomes “LG Brand Ambassador”

Looking for a hot new car that’s both affordable and fun to drive? The experts at Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com suggest you take a look at the Ford lineup . After all, the Blue Oval now boasts two different models on the website’s 2011 “10 Coolest Cars under $18,000” list: The all-new Ford Fiesta and the even newer Ford Focus . The Fiesta —with a starting MSRP of just $13,200—joins the party for the second straight year, with KBB.com noting that “Its European looks and well-crafted interior outclass everything else in the category.” Also gaining kudos were the Fiesta’s “sharp driving dynamics” and “nimble handling,” while tech features like Ford SYNC and some very strong EPA numbers “seal the deal.” The Fiesta is capable of achieving fuel-economy marks of 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway/33 mpg combined, and that’s with an advanced six-speed automatic transmission. “Offering head-turning looks, sporty handling and a healthy standard equipment list in an efficient and affordable package”—according to KBB.com—the Focus is making its first appearance on the list in its first year of production. Ford’s sophisticated new compact has a starting price of $16,500 and impressed the website with its wide selection of available content. Specifically garnering praise were the Focus’ leather seats, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the innovative MyFord Touch infotainment system. And here’s something else that’s pretty cool: Both the Fiesta and the Focus are on sale at local dealerships right now.

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Two Cool: Focus, Fiesta Join “Coolest Under $18,000″ List

Ken Block and DC’s Gymkhana Three became the most-watched automotive video of 2010. But veteran rally driver didn’t want to rest on his laurels, which is why another installment of Block’s Gymkhana video series was just released. Filmed on the back lots of Universal Studios Hollywood, Gymkhana Four stars a high-modified Ford Fiesta doing stunts that only Block can deliver. “When Ford partnered with Ken Block for the Fiesta and WRC rally programs, Gymkhana was an attractive and unique part of the overall package,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford Racing. “Ken’s Gymkhana series connects with enthusiasts around the world and communicates that spirit of fun-to-drive with Fiesta. With over 36 million views for Gymkhana THREE, Ken and his Monster World Rally Team Ford Fiesta were featured in one of the most watched online automotive videos of the last year.” Block’s Fiesta is based on a 2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC car, but its 1.6-liter engine was been replaced with a 2.0-liter inline four for engine more power. This aggressive subcompact produces a staggering 600 horsepower and 665 pound-feet of torque. All that power is routed through an AWD system designed by Sadev . “Gymkhana is just one of those things that I really love doing, especially with my new Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V racecar,” said Block. “This is my second year with Ford and my race cars have been working great. My newest Fiesta, the H.F.H.V., is the highest spec car I have ever had and the fact that it’ll do what I need it to do for Gymkhana and then it can transform into either a rallycross car or a stage rally car is awesome. Plus, we weren’t easy on it at all during filming for Gymkhana FOUR and it just kept asking for more!” Check out Block’s amazing driving skills below.

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Ken Block’s Ford Fiesta Shreds Pavement In DC’s Gymkhana Four

Just the Facts:

• Late-night TV talk show host David Letterman hailed Ford’s Alan Mulally as a “hero.”
• Letterman drove the 2012 Ford Focus Electric - on stage.

• Mulally told Letterman, “We haven’t set the price yet…but it will be very competitive.”

NEW YORK — Ford Motor CEO Alan Mulally added further to his folk-hero status, both in and outside of Detroit, appearing Wednesday night on CBS-TV’s Late Show with David Letterman with his co-star — a 2012 Ford Focus Electric.

Letterman slid behind the wheel of the light-blue Focus five-door prototype, with Mulally in the passenger seat, and drove it across the sound stage, to wild applause from the audience.

Mulally also drew a thunderous response earlier in the program when he told Letterman of Ford’s plans to offer both electric and plug-in hybrid derivatives of the new Focus that will be “made right here” in the United States.

The 2012 Focus Electric will be assembled in Michigan and is slated to go on sale later this year.

Asked by Letterman about the sticker on the Focus Electric, Mulally said, “We haven’t set the price yet…but it will be very competitive.”

The 2012 Nissan Leaf, the only other pure electric vehicle on the market, is priced from $36,050, including shipping, while the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid, will be priced from $39,995, including shipping.

The segment with the Ford CEO aired just after midnight on August 4 — Mulally’s 66th birthday.

Letterman introduced Mulally as “a hero…responsible for rescuing Ford from the brink of bankruptcy.”

Mulally, who joined Ford six years ago as CEO after being passed over by Boeing for the top job, told Letterman that he had no plans to leave the aerospace giant after a 37-year career that spanned virtually every aircraft from the 707 to the 777.

“But I got a call from Bill Ford (who) explained they were in trouble and they needed help,” said Mulally. “I was being asked to serve a second American icon. And that’s why I left Boeing.”

Ford spokeswoman Karen Hampton, responding to a query from Inside Line, said Ford did not pay for Mulally’s appearance on the Letterman show. She said: “Our team has been talking with the Letterman team for a couple years, tossing ideas back and forth…. Given David Letterman’s longtime interest in electric vehicles, now was the time for Alan Mulally to visit, tell our story and show off our upcoming electric vehicles.”

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This year the Ford Fiesta subcompact is turning 35 years young. The Fiesta, originally launched in 1976 , continues to be an iconic vehicle around the world. With its re-launch in the U.S., it’s showing no signs of a mid-life crisis — it’s quite simply looking better than ever. Ford has produced more than 15 million Fiestas over the years and it continues to appeal to drivers with its attractive styling, practicality, efficiency and performance. The Fiesta was Europe’s best-selling small car in 2009, 2010 and on track to accomplish the same feat in 2011. And, it continues to be an overwhelming success in the U.S. following its launch here last year. “The Fiesta is a special car that has a special place in the hearts of European customers and car lovers around the world,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. “It’s a testament to the original Fiesta from 1976 and the engineers who have developed and improved the car through more than three decades that the Fiesta remains one of the world’s most popular cars. To keep the Fiesta’s dynamic styling and customer appeal as fresh as ever, Ford is introducing a number of exterior and interior styling changes. Mars Red and Fashionista are the new colors available on the Fiata. The Fiesta Titanium adds a dash of chrome to the grille, new wheels, and a woven headliner. Partial leather seats will also become available. “These upgrades ensure that the Fiesta continues to put its best foot forward in terms of style, equipment and comfort, just as it has done for the past 35 years,” said de Waard. “We hope the carefully selected upgrades to the current Fiesta will further improve its appeal to small car drivers across the globe.” Thirty-five years, six generations and 15 million cars after its debut, the Fiesta is still going strong . See how far the Fiesta has come by visiting your nearest Ford dealer.

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Ford Fiesta Celebrates Its 35th Birthday