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@FORD MOTOR COMPANY LOWERS FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS FOR SIX VEHICLES
FORD MOTOR COMPANY LOWERS FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS FOR SIX VEHICLES
- Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings for certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- Ford worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles, which resulted in lower fuel economy ratings for Ford’s 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas
- The company apologizes to its customers, and will make goodwill payments to owners of the approximately 200,000 affected U.S. vehicles for the difference between the previous and revised ratings
- Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other fuel economy ratings adjustments are planned
VIDEO WITH RAJ NAIR, GROUP VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Ford Motor Company announced today it is lowering the fuel economy ratings for its 2013- and 2014-model year hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as most 2014-model year Fiestas.
Ford identified an error with fuel economy ratings on certain vehicles through its internal testing and notified EPA. The company worked with EPA as the agency retested the vehicles to determine the correct fuel economy ratings.
“Ford is absolutely committed to delivering top fuel economy and accurate information,” said Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We apologize to our customers and will provide goodwill payments to affected owners. We also are taking steps to improve our processes and prevent issues like this from happening again.”
Ford reviewed its entire line up to determine the vehicles that required further testing and revised the fuel economy ratings for the affected vehicles. No other label adjustments are planned.
“This is our error. When we see an issue, we address it,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “That is why we notified EPA and lowered the fuel economy ratings for these vehicles.”
Fuel Economy Testing
Fuel economy testing involves many factors. Ford’s error was specific to a factor called “Total Road Load Horsepower”, or TRLHP. TRLHP is a vehicle-specific resistance level used in vehicle dynamometer testing that determines fuel economy ratings. TRLHP is established through engineering models that are validated through vehicle testing, including physical track tests referred to as coastdown testing.
Use of these engineering models is a common industry practice, consistent with EPA regulations. These models normally are more reliable and consistent than physical vehicle tests, which can exhibit variability.
As an ongoing practice, Ford conducts tests on production vehicles to validate its engineering models. Based on coastdown testing of the Fusion Hybrid, the company found the TRLHP did not match the values used for the dynamometer testing.
Upon further testing, Ford also discovered an error specific to how we correlate wind tunnel results into the TRLHP model. Ford’s error was the result of a recent process change, which the company has since corrected.
Ford has now validated through physical vehicle testing the TRLHP for the vehicles affected by this error and also has instituted enhanced validation tests for future vehicles to prevent reoccurrence of this error.
New Fuel Economy Ratings and Customer Information
Ford has communicated to its dealers that new fuel economy labels will be available in approximately six days and that dealers may continue selling the vehicles until the new labels are received.
Ford estimates that approximately 200,000 of these vehicles have been sold or leased to customers in the United States. Affected Ford and Lincoln owners and lessees in the United States will receive a goodwill payment for the estimated average fuel cost of the difference between the two fuel economy labels, as shown in the table below.
Affected U.S. fleet owners and affected owners outside of the United States will be contacted by their local Ford representatives.
Customers with questions can contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or visit:www.ford.com/mpglabel and www.lincoln.com/mpglabel.
U.S. EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy Label Ratings and Goodwill Payments* Model Year Vehicle Powertrain Revised(City, Highway, Combined) Previous(City, Highway, Combined) Lease Customers Purchase
Customers2014 Fiesta 1.0L GTDI M/T 31 / 43 / 36 32 / 45 / 37 $125 $200 1.6L A/T 27 / 37 / 31 29 / 39 / 32 $150 $250 1.6L SFE A/T 28 / 38 / 32 30 / 41 / 34 $275 $450 1.6L M/T 28 / 36 / 31 27 / 38 / 31 Combined MPG not affected Combined MPG not affected 2013-14 C-MAX Hybrid 42 / 37 / 40 45 / 40 / 43 $300 $475 Fusion Hybrid 44 / 41 / 42 47 / 47 / 47 $450 $775 MKZ Hybrid 38 / 37 / 38 45 / 45 / 45 $625 $1,050 Model Year Vehicle Powertrain Revised**(Charge Sustaining, Charge Depleting, EV Range) Previous**(Charge Sustaining, Charge Depleting, EV Range) Lease Customers Purchase
Customers2013-14 C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrid 38 mpg / 88 MPGe+ /19 mi EV range 43 mpg / 100 MPGe+ /21 mi EV range $475 $775 Fusion Energi Plug-in Hybrid 38 mpg / 88 MPGe+ /19 mi EV range 43 mpg / 100 MPGe+ /21 mi EV range $525 $850 *Bolded figures in the above chart represent the values used to determine the customer goodwill payment.
** Combined numbers only. Revised EPA-estimated ratings: 40 city, 36 highway MPG; 95 city, 81 highway MPGe. Charge depleting range is 20 mi. Previous EPA-estimated ratings: 44 city, 41 highway MPG; 108 city, 92 hwy MPGe. Previous charge depleting range was 21.
+MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
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Mustang Style with @Ford
Leaura and I are always checking out fun ways to incorporate Ford Style into our everyday lives and last week we learned now! With the amazing team at Ford who is always coming up with interesting ideas and collaborations, we were able to experience the styling by Christos Garkinos with all his vintage finds. We also got signature Mustang x OPI manis to complete the look!
- Summer ‘Stang – To spotlight summer road-trip style, Christos Garkinos, globally recognized celebrity stylist and co-owner of the renowned Decades vintage boutique, can provide style tips and examples on how to get the perfect vintage look this summer.
- Mustang Mani – OPI and Ford Motor Company have gone full throttle, taking the “pedi to the metal” with the official launch of the limited-edition nail lacquer collection inspired by the popular Ford Mustang. The OPI Ford Mustang collection features six Mustang-inspired shades that are set to hit U.S. stores in July.
- Old School – From the 2014 Ford Trends Book, we know that old has become new again (just look at Mustang and The Blind Barber!), as consumers find comfort and connection in products, brands and experiences that evoke a romantic nostalgia.
- Get Lucky – Nothing says “Made in America” like Ford Mustang and Lucky, and the two have teamed up to release an exclusive line of T-shirts, which will be available this Summer.
Thanks for inviting us!
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The Pursuit of a #HappyCommute with @Ford @IAmCattSadler
Last week, I attended a lovely lunch with my friends from Ford with a panel featuring moderator and E! News anchor Catt Sadler, Ford’s Amy Marentic, Flywheel co-founder Ruth Zukerman and NY Times bestselling author/Bad Boy Steve Santagati. The topic of the day was how to have a happy commute. Whether you drive, take public transit or bike, you can have a happy commute!
THE FINDING: Two-thirds of Americans spend at least 30 minutes commuting, which is more than they are exercising (57%). The majority of drivers say that their commute has little positive impact on maintaining a regular exercise routine or supporting overall health goals like eating well or maintaining a healthy weight.
- SPRING CLEANING CURE: Stay on health track while on the road with apps such as Food Tripping, an app developed by FORD and SHFT.com that allows users to easily locate sustainable food options on-the-go and in the car. The free app provides people with a variety of sustainable food options from farm-to-table restaurants and juice bars to fresh produce stands and organic grocery stores, allowing drivers to make smart, healthy and sustainable food choices on the road.
THE FINDING: The majority of Americans feel that their commute has little impact on spending quality time with friends. In fact, 43% experience traffic during their commute and one in five describe it as “unpredictable” which can affect their relationships –for instance not making it to things on time or being overwhelmed when they finally get there.
- SPRING CLEANING CURE: To avoid traffic jam headaches – specifically in LA where drivers waste an average of 64 additional hours behind the wheel due to traffic – use Ford’s Advanced Navigation to avoid traffic jams by providing you with multiple alternative route options.
THE FINDING: The majority of Americans say that their commute is typically not enjoyable – using words like stressful, frustrating and boring to describe their daily drives.
- SPRING CLEANING CURE: The “Myth of Multitasking” trend from the 2014 Looking Further with Ford Trend report shows that there is an importance to disconnecting during ones commute. To help commuters do this, Ford has developed a “Do Not Disturb” feature to block calls – helping drivers truly disconnect on their way home and decrease stress levels.
Commuting can be a tricky thing to navigate, but as you are focused on your spring cleaning and getting organized, we encourage you to pursue a happy commute with these helpful tips from Catt Sadler and Ford.
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Recap: @Ford’s Design with a Purpose panel discussion @AIANational in NYC!
If you’re into fashion you’ll also have a thing for design, and this week saw a very unique and insightful panel discussion take place at NYC’s American Institute of Architects: Ford’s Design with a Purpose.
This discussion brought Ford designers and AIA architects together to discuss what it really means to “build tough” and how designs have evolved to meet the demands of a changing world—both in vehicles and iconic buildings.
“We are constantly challenged with surpassing our own reputation,” said Rick Bell, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects and executive director of its New York chapter. “New York is one of the greatest cities in the world, and the work we create has global impact. Architects here have the privilege and responsibility of adding durable amenity to this tough, urban context. Millions of people live and work in New York. But it is also here that we dream and succeed. Our city combines form and function, fun and frenzy. Design provides the structure and inspiration.”
Ford group vice president and chief creative officer J Mays was also at the panel discussion to talk about the similar challenges Ford faces in creating something that stands the test of time and lives up to the hype: “With trucks, every surface and feature must be crafted for utility while retaining an unmistakable Built Ford Tough. Trucks are similar to architecture, in that a building must clearly convey its use. Once inside the building, its layout needs to be practical, with intuitive features to assist the person occupying it. A truck operates the same way, with intelligent design that can complement the lifestyle of the person driving it.”
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Go Further with @Ford 2013
This year marks the 3rd annual Ford Trend conference for me!
The Westin at the airport was just lovely! The staff were extra friendly and the rooms were gorgeous.
150 journalist and lifestyle bloggers were invited to attend 3 days of intense seminars and workshops and of course test driving cars.
To demonstrate the rear view cameras, this little Ford Fiesta backs up and scores the giant soccer ball!
Even though the Fiesta seems small, it has incredible power, control and can go pretty fast!
A lot of options to drive greener.
Need a quick recharge anyone?
Tai giving me a refill hehehehe
Tony and Tai drove on the tracks…
We drove F-150’s to deliver supplies to a Greening of Detroit park. It was awesome!
Leaura and I munching on desserts
Yum yum
Got to try the new Google Glass
Celebrating 50 years of Mustang!
It was all really fun and I learned a ton from Seth Godin. See you all next year! -
4 Weeks til the Further with @Ford Trend Conference
June is by far the best month of the year! The best weather, the best events and mine and Jacob’s birthday. With the Further with Ford conference in just 4 weeks – I am so excited to hear what is going on with Ford. Their think-tank in Michigan always blows me away and I am definitely looking forward to hearing Sheryl Connelly speak again.
Despite he Ford recall of nearly 500K vehicles in the news today, I am so happy that I will be involved with this environmental, ethical and socially responsible company. They really go beyond creating cars and will always do their best for their consumers and world we are in. Really looking forward to the third-annual Further with Ford conference! We will get the opportunity to explore major global trends and issues expected to shape the future for consumers, brands, technologies and institutions. Expert futurists, trend spotters and leaders from game-changing businesses, as well as Ford designers and scientists gather to uncover insights and explore key trends for the future of technology, design, health and wellness, and more.
It is an intense 3 days with back to back seminars, meeting a ton of people and test driving cars. Here are some pics from last year:
Ari from StyleCaster, Gretchen from Herman Miller, Desigenr Christian Siriano, Artist Adam Kalkin — at Ford Motor Company World Headquarters.
