Microsoft Teams Up With Ford
January 7th, 2007
Ford Motor Co. is planning to offer an in-vehicle communication and entertainment system from Microsoft Corp. as an option in a dozen Ford models beginning later this year and in almost all of its vehicles next year. The companies say they will debute the plan Sunday at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit confirming earlier reports of an impending agreement. It is the first such agreement between Microsoft and a U.S. automaker part of the Redmond company’s effort to expand into new areas of digital entertainment and consumer information systems.
Mazda Invests In Ford’s Chinese Venture
December 26th, 2006
The Chinese government has approved Mazda’s investment in Ford’s Chinese joint venture Changan Ford Automobile. Mazda has decided to take a 15% holding in the company, which is to going be renamed Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, and further moves to strengthen its hold are now expected. The deal will leave Ford with a 35% holding and Changan with the remaining 50%.
The three-way partnership bewtween Mazda, Ford and Changan has been developing fast over the past two years. The three parties are jointly building a brand new vehicle assembly plant in Nanjing, the second manufacturing base of CFMA, which is able to produce both Mazda and Ford brand cars. The operation of the Nanjing assembly plant is expected in 2007, with an initial annual capacity of 160,000 units.
Shelby GT Police Chase Video
December 13th, 2006Follow along as Carroll Shelby demonstrates the level Ford will go to in their “Bold Moves” campaign. As part of Ford’s “Way Foward” plan, Shelby is helping to build a new Mustang each year. Plans include a new Bullitt, Boss, and of course the Shelby GT.
It’s interesting though that, even though this is a Shelby GT commercial, they chose to use the Hertz GT-H version. Anybody want a doughnut?