Archive for November, 2008

Ford -A Happy Return to Normality

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Well it’s all gone a bit loopy in Britain this week. Forget the fact that we’re officially in recession, ignore the rising fuel costs and cover your eyes at the amount of money the Government is borrowing to sort it all out because there’s only one topic on everyone’s lips - Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross’ phone prank. Now if you’re not familiar with who these people are or what they’ve done let me enlighten you - they’ve enraged every Ford driving family of four - i.e. the average person in the UK.

Brand and Ross are both comedians and presenters at the peak of their popularity, hosting their own TV and radio shows including slots on the BBC - the largest broadcaster in Britain. Both are known for courting controversy, Brand insulting America whilst hosting the MTV Awards, Ross often sailing dangerously close to the wind interviewing celebrities on his chat show ‘Friday night with Jonathan Ross’. Yet this edginess and unpredictability is why they are so popular and why their latest stunt really shouldn’t have caused much surprise.

During Brand’s weekend radio show, Ross was a guest and co-presented. The pair were due to interview actor Andrew Sachs, famous for playing the character of Manuel in the legendary British comedy Fawlty Towers. Unfortunately Sachs couldn’t honour the telephone interview he’d arranged with the pair, but undeterred they phoned him to be greeted with the inevitable answer phone message. Now the problems began…

Brand began by asking the interview questions to the answer machine with Ross answering, before he blurted out that Brand had slept with Sach’s granddaughter - in more colourful language than I’m permitted to use here. For the next ten minutes the pair phoned a further three times, each time apologising before compounding the situation with a song or further abuse. Having listened to the clip there is no doubt in my mind that the two got overexcited and despite humorous intentions, ended up humiliating a 78 year-old man unable to defend himself.

At the time of writing the pair have been suspended from their considerably high-paid jobs whilst an investigation into how this pre-recorded prank was firstly sanctioned and secondly why it was passed as being fit to broadcast. Personally I did find the clip funny, but only because I wasn’t on the receiving end. Without doubt this has raised the profile of both celebrities in Britain, whilst asking the question of decency. For me it’s also raised the issue of whether something completely off-the-wall will ever be accepted by the masses.

It’s the same dilemma at Ford. Much like Brand and Ross they were at the peak of their powers with their ‘new edge’ designed Ka, Fiesta, Focus and Mondeo to name but a few, taking the late 90s and early noughties by storm. However upon launching the latest Fiesta do they risk upping the anti and risking a backlash from lovers of the current model, or playing safe and re-cover the same ground? Without wishing to sound like a politician, the answer is both yes and no. With sales dipping dramatically in its American homeland, Ford has said this is the most significant car it has built since the Model T in 1908 which was the first production car in the world.

In doing so, Ford has retained all that was good about the current Fiesta and much like a guitar amplifier, turned everything up by one. The styling is very classy but retains the sense of fun and cuteness a small hatchback should produce. The waistline rises up as the roofline glides down, the front headlights are long and slender and the rear is compact and neat.

Inside Ford have taken inspiration from the mobile phone generation and given the dials and centre console a very modern look and feel. The materials used are of high quality - a must in a market that contains the Volkswagen Polo. To drive, the Fiesta is very responsive and loves to be thrown around corners, although with engines currently limited to a 1.2 litre or 1.6 litre Zetec S, it’s hard to judge how the middle of the range cars will stack up.

It’s a fair bet that the range will be a good one however, as I found so much to like about the Fiesta, although none of it was vastly different from the current model. The Fiesta entry price will be £8,695 in the UK and for that you get a slight improvement on an already great car.

The new Ford Fiesta is imminent, it won’t offend a soul and it’ll no doubt turn Ford’s fortunes around. It’s just very predicable.

About the Author:
Mark Creese has been reviewing the fall-out from the recent Radio 2 scandal.He concludes that the latest Ford Fiesta should not cause any offence amongst the car buying public. Visit Cheap Ford Dealer for more info.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/ford-a-happy-return-to-normality-636585.html

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Used Ford - Focus Reigns Supreme

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

Like it or not family motoring comes to us all eventually. Some people, mostly men including myself I must admit, cling on to the last vestiges of an immaculately clean car with a spotless interior smelling of some masculine fragranced air freshener and then suddenly without warning those days are gone.

Now my car mostly smells of dog with a hint of rotting fruit which my daughter has deposited in some inaccessible part of the vehicle. Not to mention the countless number of sticky raisins I seem to find everywhere, in fact the interior of what was once my pride and joy frankly now resembles a mobile monkey enclosure.

Having said that it’s not all gloom and doom, in the past family motoring was a passport to boredom and misery. Things are different now, thanks to models which successfully combine driving pleasure with practicality. Cars such as Ford’s Focus for example.

The Focus had its work cut out to become the nation’s top-seller following as it did in the wake of the all-conquering Escort. It has succeeded in appealing to a variety of owners, but the question was whether this would include used buyers. Luckily for Ford the answer was a resounding yes.

Since its launch back in 1998, the Focus has been the benchmark for its class. While others can match it, none have been able to top it. The handling is exceptional, and the ride and comfort qualities are equally impressive. In line with all modern Fords, the Focus is both user-friendly and pleasant to drive. And there’s one for all budgets, with the choice of smooth reliable engines ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres.

While buying the model with the smaller capacity makes some sense for those wanting to save on road tax, the difference in fuel economy between the 74bhp Fiesta-sourced 1.4-litre Zetec unit and the 99bhp 1.6 alternative is marginal. You can expect both to return around 38-40mpg.

Yet the difference in performance is quite substantial. While the 1.4 needs to be worked hard, the 1.6 has ample performance for the average driver. For easier overtaking, I would go for the 113bhp 1.8 litre, which is still good for more than 35mpg, while the slightly rarer 128bhp 2.0 Focus offers pretty impressive handling if required.

The early diesel Focus wasn’t quite so impressive, and couldn’t match the best from Vauxhall, Volkswagen or Peugeot in terms of performance and refinement although it was fairly economical

As with the exterior, the Ford’s cabin is radically styled and well presented. The Focus is roomy for its class. Of the three body styles, the three and five-door hatchbacks are by far the most popular thanks to their style and practicality. The saloon is the least desirable as the styling is pretty awful and looks like an afterthought on a Friday afternoon. The estate version is a rare beast indeed as you might as well of just bought a bigger car altogether.

The top of the range is the Ghia with its imitation wood interior and has always been popular with older buyers as were the automatic variants. The best value model was probably the Zetec which combined alloy wheels with air-conditioning and Ford’s fantastic heated windscreen which baffles me why all cars don’t come with this feature.

Mechanically the Focus is known by workshops across the land and holds few surprises for any decent mechanic. Apart from a massive franchised dealer network Ford also operates Rapid Fit, a fast-fit service geared specifically to older Ford models

As Ford churns out revised versions every couple of years the second-hand market is awash with Focuses and prices can vary greatly as a result. Main dealers charge top dollar, but those which operate Ford Direct offer not only fully refurbished and serviced examples, but also back them with a comprehensive warranty. There are also a number of Used Ford dealers offering great used bargains.

The Focus proves that family motoring can be enjoyable especially if you have just dropped the kids off at their Grandparents!

About the Author:
The Ford Focus has been setting the standards for medium family cars in the UK for over a decade. Jon Barlow looks at why the Focus has been so successful for more information visit used Ford

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/used-ford-focus-reigns-supreme-634949.html

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Ford Lift Kits for Serious Off-roaders

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

If you plan to go on a serious off-road adventure, there are three things you need to consider: the body and frame layout of your car, its ground clearance, and its capacity to deliver equal or diverse torque to the front and rear wheels when needed.

Depending on the off-road driving you intend to take, the smaller vehicle the better as small vehicles can maneuver better through narrow roads and openings. But if you are determined on taking your Ford with you, there is one thing you need to ensure—give it good ground clearance for easy, quick, and flexible maneuver.

And how would you do this? Through the Ford lift kits.  

You actually have two choices when it comes to Ford Lift Kits. You can equip it with either with a body lift or suspension lift. But since you are going off-road, better get the suspension lift. This type of lift is more popular today on car owners who want a beefy look on their car. It’s also better on off-road drives as it gives the car greater clearance, allowing it to drive over rocks and humps much better.

And how does the suspension lift does this? With the help of the system of springs it has that raises the car’s body, power train, and engine above the wheels. This lessens the movement of the vehicle caused by road irregularities and help it ascent and descent better on steeper roads.

No need to worry of finding the right Ford lift kits for your car. There are plenty of manufacturers in the market that offer different types of suspension lift. These kits vary in its components ranging from simple blocks, coil springs, and shocks package to control arms, four-link systems, and trailing arms package.

When it comes to quality, these kits are made from high-grade and tough materials for guaranteed service life. Even if these kits are small and simple, they are sure to offer a huge difference to your Ford ride.

So, grab your own Ford lift kits now and make your off-road drive a truly exciting and unforgettable experience without the head-toss drama inside the cabin.

About the Author:

Kay Zetkin writes information about everything on wheels. Get help in finding the best lift kits for Ford for heavy duty and serious off road riding.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/suvs-articles/ford-lift-kits-for-serious-offroaders-621321.html

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Ford Excursion Limo and the Hummer H2 Limo, Which is Better

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

The Ford Excursion limousine

This limo is just capable of tackling any kind of terrain that any road can throw at it. This is what you need incase it rains unexpectedly. Now, if this limo can perform so well what about the amazing hummer h2 limo? the ford limo is also ideal for parties like hen nights stag parties, school prom nights , wedding parties and other countless celebrations that you might hire a limo for. The ford excursion limo will is known because it was manufactured years back. This wonderful creation is known to be efficient and reliable because of its all weather nature. The h2 hummer limo will give all these at ease so hiring the hummer h2 will be of advantage because it is always stable and will withstand any kind of road. It is also able to support you the passenger and I promise you will enjoy all the hummer h2 limo has to offer.

The Hummer H2 limo

People talk of style and elegance. Believe you me you know not the meaning of these two words if you have not been in the hummer h2 limousine. The impression created once you see the hummer h2 for the first time is long lasting. If you have not taken a limo before the sight of this limo will prompt you to hire limo for your event. This Hummer H2 is the stronger than the ford limo. If I was in a hummer limo and I found you in a Ford Excursion limo stuck in the mud. I would full heartedly offer my assistance and rescue you out. You see, the hummer limo is double the strength of the ford limo.

The inside appearance of the limo is fully equipped with all the gadgets that you might need for entertainment purposes. The flat screen TV and the DVD will keep you laughing throughout your trip. The ford limo also has all these features to keep you busy all the way to your destination.

The Ford Excursion also can not be compared to the hummer in terms of steadiness the ford might not be able to with stand some of the harsh conditions that some roads might throw at it the h2 hummer is a military vehicle and so it is meant to bear all these unfavourable conditions. The hummer h2 is able to ply through all these easily. In case you want to turn heads than the H2 Hummer limo is one that will invite all those that are nearby either working or busy you will unknowingly leave your work to admire this hilarious creation of the engineers.

The two in the streets will not earn the same admiration. The hummer limo will obviously be noticed first. This is probably because of the colours that it possesses they are sure to attract anyone. They are also numerous some of them are black, silver, yellow etc the ford limo is mostly black or white. So the hummer h2 will outdo the ford limo without any fuss. Go for the hummer h2 not the ford limo but be prepared to pay its hefty prices.

Why not have limo hire Manchester, limo hire Surrey or limo hire Birmingham.

About the Author:

Limotek limo hire London - providers to all areas of the UK including limo hire London. We also provide mortgage quote.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/suvs-articles/ford-excursion-limo-and-the-hummer-h2-limo-which-is-better-629284.html

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Macarthur Ford NarellanA Legacy Embedded

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Ford Legacy

Ford Motors revolutionized the way factories produced their goods and introduced the concept of “specialization” to the business world. Its founder Henry Ford conceptualized the assembly line in producing many and quality products. This is the main legacy of Ford Motors and it is embedded in every Ford vehicle sold across the globe. Ford is America’s top automobile producer with its excellent cars and other vehicles that they sell and ship to other parts of the world.

Ford in Australia

Ford Motors has been in Australia since 1925 and started in Victoria as a subsidiary company of independent Ford Motors Canada. At present, Ford Motors Australia manufactures their passenger and four-wheeled vehicles to name a few with their own distinct style and engine.

Ford captured the need of the Australian public of reliable and impressive vehicles that has been tested by time. Ford is already a big name in the international market and there is not stopping for Ford Motors in penetrating the Australian Market. There are hundreds of thousands of Ford car models traveling the roads of Australia, thanks to the hard work and perseverance of its local dealers.
Macarthur Ford in Narellan

Macarthur is a highly respected local car dealer carrying the banner of eight international car companies like Mercedes Benz and Honda. With their impressive records towards customer service and market share, it is not astonishing for Macarthur Automotives to have the accreditation to sell Ford vehicles. In fact, there are two sites for Macarthur Ford one in Narellan in the other in Campbelltown.

In Narellan, Macarthur Ford still lives in the definition of excellent service towards their customers. Their showroom and service center is very appealing to the customers with their friendly ambiance. At present, Macarthur Ford in Narellan is able to hit their target sales through the solid patronage of the local community.

Services and Vehicles

In Macarthur Ford Narellan, they have new models of Ford namely; Escape, Falcon, Falcon Ute, Focus, Ranger, Transit, Fiesta, Mondeo and Territory. Aside from brand new models, they also showcase pre-owned vehicles and customers through their sales representative can find their perfect pre-owned vehicles that will match their preferences like the age of the car and the price range.

Aside from car dealership, Macarthur Ford in Narellan also has its own service department for your Ford car’s special needs particularly for its maintenance or for its accessories. Locate right in Narellan’s business park; their service center will never be missed by customers.

Team Macarthur

Aside from the natural excellence and superiority of Ford vehicles, Macarthur Ford has the best team in Australia. Viewing the testimonial page of the company’s website, one will learn of the high expertise of their staff. Customers are allured with their skills, knowledge and most of all their dedicated customer service that they won’t hesitate to get their Ford vehicle from Macarthur Ford in Narellan.

By: Robert Foster

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To end up, Cars of Ford are one of the most superior automobiles in the world and you only deserve to get it from the best team of local dealers. You can only experience this through Macarthur Ford. Visit them today at macarthurfordnarellan.com.au/

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Macarthur Ford CampbelltownWell Respected Institution

Thursday, November 6th, 2008

Ford in Australia

Australia is one of the global markets for Ford Motors and the center for Ford Motors in the Pacific region. For Australia, Ford Motors focus on the car brands of Ford, Mazda and Volvo. Ford cars in Australia gained many awards just like the case of its Falcon model that garnered the five-star award for safety. Ford Australia work hand in hand with various local car dealers all throughout Australia to deliver their outstanding range of vehicles to the public.

Macarthur Ford in Campbelltown

Macarthur’s dealership with Ford is one proof of the company’s outstanding performance in the market. In fact, Macarthur Automotive have two sites for Ford in New South Wales – Campbelltown and Narellan. Macarthur Ford may be a new face in the neighborhood but it brought convenience to many residents in the area; because of Macarthur Ford, they dot have to go on a long drive to find a local dealer to purchase a Ford vehicle. And most importantly, customers will no longer experience the hassle of traveling for their Ford car’s maintenance.

Macarthur Ford in Campbelltown provides the same excellence in their service at par to the excellence of the vehicles that they sell. They are far better than other local Ford dealers not just because of their team but also to the whole package of Macarthur Ford.

Their service center and showroom has one of the best receptions that customers will surely feel at home. Their staff members from their receptionist, technicians and sales representative are very amiable and knowledgeable in their respective fields.

The sales representatives of Macarthur Ford can surely find a way to give you the Ford car of your dreams they can iron out car loans and other financial assistance for their customers. They are also honest in their transactions particularly those who are still uncertain of the car model to choose. Never hesitate to open up with your preferences to the sales representative, and they will surely find the best car for you.

Macarthur Ford is not just blabbering about their service since they already have many customers that are very happy of their service. You can check out the company’s website to view some of the past client’s testimonials of Macarthur Ford’s high quality service.

By: Robert Foster

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

So, does your Ford car needs to have its wheel aligned? Or are you planning to give your wife a car for your tenth wedding anniversary? Then visit Macarthur Ford in Campbelltown today or check out their website (macarthurford.com.au/) so you can drive your new Ford car today.

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Tuesday, November 4th, 2008

The Ford Capri, sporting a “muscle car” image due to its styling and marketing, has become a cult classic in the UK, with parts and accessories easily accessible, and a high number of owners clubs across the United Kingdom. Not only was the Ford Capri styled in an aggressive manner, the muscle car image was reinforced by a number of lucrative roles on the TV screen, staring in The Professionals, Brannigan and Minder. With the car performing stunts, full throttle speeds, and being portrayed as a fast, sporty and bravado car on millions of peoples television screens, the marketing line “The car you always promised yourself” all contributed to a high demand for the Capri.

Originally know as the “Colt” during the development stages, the car name had to be changed due to trademark infringements with Mitsibushi already holding the trademark, the car was named the “Capri”. The name originates from an earlier Ford model, the Ford Consul Capri 335, an unsuccessful model previously released. The original mark I model was released in 1969 and was intended to live up to its American counterpart, the Mustang, which had seen a great run in the United States, hence the campaign to portray the Ford Capri as a bravado muscle car. The first range produced in the Dagenham Ford factory included 1300cc and 16l engine variations, sharing mechanical features of the Cortina therefore being an affordable sporty car for the masses. More powerful variations were also produced, with the Ford Capri 3000GT producing close to 140hp, and later the introduction of the RS2600 in the early seventies.

A year after the release of the RS2600 saw the production of the new Mark I Capri, sporting some changes such as a new engine, headlamps and greater comfort. A year later also saw the introduction of the RS3100, a larger capacity version of the already powerful RS2600, with only 100 produced. After a successful run of the Mark I, selling 1,200,000, the Mark II was introduced to the marketplace. The Mark II was a more practical car in comparison, with the 1973 oil problem having a direct affect on the motor industry. A less lengthy bonnet, and the hatchback design made the Mark II Capri more practical for the average motorist. The classic bravado image of the Capri was still very much alive with the introduction of the John Player special. The 3 litre S and Ghia replaced the 3 litre GT in the mid seventies, due to lowering sales. Whilst the Mark III Capri offered no different engine variations from the Mark II, the Mark III did sport the new classic headlamps from the RS2000, plus other changes.

New racing parts and accessories were made available for the Capri in the UK, and 1981 saw the introduction of the Capri 2.8 litre injection, replacing the 2 and 3 litre variations of the Capri. These introductions also saw Ford focusing mainly on the UK market due to rapid declining sales across the world for the Ford Capri. The reducing sales saw the Capri only sold in the UK at the end of the production of the Fiord Capri, with the UK still demanding the cult classic. The Ford Capri had sold close to 2,000,000 models worldwide when production finally ceased.

By: Classic & Vintage Cars

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Classic Cars For Sale has Ford classic cars for sale, and more ford capri information.

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