A Message from Our General Manager

In this era of economic challenges, we at Roy OʼBrien Ford thought you would appreciate knowing how much an auto dealership positively affects our local community and its economy. With an average-sized dealership employing around 50 men and women, itʼs easy to imagine that any dealershipʼs closing can cause disastrous economic implications. Dealershipsʼ annual sales, payroll and taxes can easily exceed tens of millions of dollars. In the case of Roy OʼBrien Ford, our 95 employees earned in excess of $6 million (2008 annual payroll). A bulk of that income results in stimulation of the local economy when those employees pay income taxes, mortgages, restaurant and entertainment bills, purchase gas and other consumer goods- right here in Macomb County!

 

Add to that infusion of dollars the vast amounts that Roy OʼBrien Ford invests in advertising, insurance, utility bills, office supplies, equipment (and repairs), facility maintenance, etc. and it becomes readily apparent that auto dealers are a vibrant, if not vital, component of their communities. Keep in mind that nearly all dealerships tend to be leaders in the area of haritable donations to various clubs, sports teams, school and civic groups, as well as local, national and international fundraising concerns. These dollars enter the economy and stimulate investment and trade, keeping people inside and outside of the dealership working.

Letʼs keep Americans working by endeavoring to seek out “Made in America” products. Test drive an American car or truck before you acquire your next vehicle. We as an industry have met, and in many cases, exceed the quality of the import vehicles. Ford is recognized as a leader in the arena of domestic quality, innovation and features, as well as offering products that are exciting to drive and own.

For over 63 years, Roy OʼBrien Ford has been, and will continue to be, at the corner of Nine Mile and Mack in St. Clair Shores. We are proud to state that Roy OʼBrien Ford is a fixture, woven into the “fabric” of the community and has plans to do so for another 63 years. As a community, we will forge our way through these challenges facing all of us and emerge a stronger community, stronger industry and a stronger country, poised for success. Let Roy OʼBrien Ford make you our “friend that we just havenʼt met yet”.

2010 Ford Fusion & Fusion Hybrid Brochure

Here is the 2010 Ford Fusion & Fusion Hybrid Brochure. If you would like any other Ford Vehicle Brochure you can download them here.

2010 Fusion View Fusion Inventory

2010 FORD MUSTANG SCORES 5-STAR SAFETY RATINGS

CONTEXT / BACKGROUND:

The 2010 Ford Mustang coupe has earned the U.S. government’s top 5-star crash-test rating, adding to widespread acclaim for the new car’s unmistakable design and upgraded performance that builds on the formula that’s made it America’s favorite pony car for 45 years. Ford has more U.S. government 5-star-rated vehicles than any other brand and more Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.

 

DETAILS:

The new Mustang uses high strength steel in its body structure and uses ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection.

 

The Mustang’s considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible’s driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe’s body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible’s is more than twice as stiff – creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

 

The front structure’s crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang’s front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to help protect occupants.

 

State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist™ and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

 

Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System™ – a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.

 

Sales Leader
Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with the new 2010 model driving showroom traffic. In April, Mustang had nearly a 40 percent share of the retail sports car segment.

 

QUOTES:

“The Mustang offers top safety ratings that, like its design and performance, other sports cars cannot match.”

– Sue Cischke,
Ford Group Vice President of Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

 

“We’ve made many upgrades to the new Mustang that contributes not only to the car’s safety, but also to its driving enjoyment thanks to a stiffer structure.”

– Steve Kozak,
Ford Chief Engineer for Safety Systems

“Interest in the fast, fun and affordable Mustang remains outstanding. The feedback from our dealers and customers is that we’ve taken the new 2010 Mustang to a new level of excellence.”

– Steve Ling,
Ford Car Marketing Manager

FORD INVESTS $550 MILLION TO BUILD NEW GLOBAL SMALL CARS, ELECTRIC VEHICLE AT MICHIGAN PLANT

• Ford invests $550 million to transform Michigan Assembly Plant (formerly Michigan Truck Plant) from a large SUV factory into a modern, flexible small car plant
  
  Production for the North American market of the new global Ford Focus begins next year followed by production in 2011 of a battery-electric Focus, helping Ford meet its promise of delivering four new electric vehicles in the U.S. by 2012
  
  The investment will support approximately 3,200 jobs at Michigan Assembly
• Ford and United Auto Workers are developing a framework of new and leading-edge operating practices at the plant that will ensure high quality and maximum efficiency
• The state of Michigan and local governments provided tax incentives and grants that enabled the investment in Michigan Assembly, which will be designated as the state’s first automotive technology anchor site.

 

 

WAYNE, Mich., May 6, 2009 – Ford Motor Company said today it is investing $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant into a lean, green and flexible manufacturing complex that will build Ford’s next-generation Focus global small car along with a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market.

 

The plant, formerly the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigators SUVs, is one of three North American light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version of the Focus – Ford’s first all-electric passenger car – debuts in 2011.

 

As part of the retooling, Ford will consolidate its operations from Wayne Assembly Plant. When production launches in 2010, approximately 3,200 employees will be building the new Focus at Michigan Assembly Plant. At the plant, Ford and United Auto Workers are developing modern new operating practices to ensure high quality and even greater efficiency.

 

“The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant embodies the larger transformation under way at Ford,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “This is about investing in modern, efficient and flexible American manufacturing. It is about fuel economy and the electrification of vehicles. It is about leveraging our expertise and vehicle platforms around the world and partnering with the UAW to deliver best-in-class global small cars. It is about skilled and motivated teams working together in new ways to create the future of automobile manufacturing in the United States.”

 

The reinvention of Michigan Assembly, once one of the world’s most profitable auto plants during the SUV boom of the late 1990s, is rooted in the fundamental strategic shift by Ford to leverage its global assets to bring six world-class small cars to the American market by the end of 2012. To produce the vehicles, Ford is converting three truck and SUV plants to car plants – Michigan Assembly, Cuautitlan Assembly in Mexico, which begins building the new Fiesta subcompact early next year; and Louisville (Ky.) Assembly, which will be converted to produce small vehicles from Ford’s global Focus platform beginning in 2011.

 

The new Focus is being developed in Europe – where Ford is a leader in small cars – off a new global C-car platform. Over time, the new platform will be the basis for more than 2 million units annually around the world, including Focus and other derivatives, allowing Ford to leverage economies of scale to improve investment efficiency.

 

The zero-emission Focus battery-electric vehicle, which is being developed in partnership with Magna International, features a high-voltage electric motor powered by a high capacity Lithium Ion battery pack and charged by plugging in to a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet. The vehicle is one part of a larger strategy Ford announced in January to develop electric vehicles for North America quickly and affordably by leveraging its global platform capability.

 

In addition to the Focus battery electric vehicle, Ford is collaborating with Smith Electric to sell a Transit Connect battery electric commercial vehicle for North America in 2010. Ford’s product plans also include a next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012 and a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

 

“We’re changing from a company focused mainly on trucks and SUVs to a company with a balanced product lineup that includes even more high-quality, fuel-efficient small cars, hybrids and all-electric vehicles,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “As customers move to more fuel-efficient vehicles, we’ll be there with more of the products they really want.”

 

Investing in American manufacturing
The $550 million investment in Michigan Assembly includes more than $430 million in manufacturing investment at the site, as well as $120 million for launch and engineering costs. In addition, Ford will be making significant investment in supplier tooling to support the plant.

 

The state of Michigan, Wayne County and the city of Wayne contributed more than $160 million in tax credits and grants to support Ford’s expansion opportunities. Key elements include:

• Tax incentives based on job retention at the site;
• A Brownfield tax incentive for economic rehabilitation of the site;
• Tax incentives to support integration of advanced batteries into new product development programs and
• Local property tax incentives for new investments at the site

Michigan Assembly Plant will be designated as the state’s first automotive technology anchor site. This designation will support Ford’s efforts by providing additional tax incentives to locate advanced technology suppliers in Michigan, related to future automotive technology applications.

 

“Ford is investing in both the future of the American auto industry and the state of Michigan by bringing together world-class products, advanced technology applications and strong partnerships with the UAW to build the next generation of vehicles that will help end our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” Granholm said. “In these challenging economic times, we applaud and appreciate Ford's commitment to Michigan and to our talented workforce.”

 

Michigan Assembly Transformation
At the heart of the plant’s manufacturing transformation is a flexible body shop operation, which uses reprogrammable tooling in the body shop, standardized equipment in the paint shop and a common-build sequence in final assembly, enabling production of multiple models in the same plant.

 

Aiding in the implementation of flexible manufacturing is Ford’s industry-leading virtual manufacturing technology. In the virtual world, engineers and plant operators evaluate tooling and product interfaces before costly installations are made on the plant floor. This method of collaboration improves launch quality and enables speed of execution.

 

In a flexible body shop, at least 80 percent of the robotic equipment can be programmed to weld various sized vehicles. This “non-product specific” equipment gives the body shop its flexibility and provides more efficient use of the facility.

 

The plant also will employ an efficient, synchronous material flow, where the material will move in kits to each operator, providing employees with the tools they need in the sequence they will need them. The plant features an integrated stamping facility, which allows the stamping and welding of all large sheet-metal parts on-site, ensuring maximum quality and minimum overhead.

 

Modern Work Rules
Along with the physical transformation at Michigan Assembly Plant, the UAW and Ford are working on a framework of new and class-leading operating practices that will enable the plant to operate at a high level of productivity while producing best-in-class quality products in a safe work environment.

 

As part of this framework, Ford and the UAW are committed to establishing a strong, progressive culture at Michigan Assembly Plant that is based on teamwork, joint problem solving and continuous improvement.

 

“The UAW is a key partner in enabling us to build these world-class vehicles competitively in the United States,” said Joe Hinrichs, group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. “This agreement will allow the work force to build on their quality commitment while improving productivity at the plant.”

The Ford Advantage Plan Test-Drive Program

There's Never Been a Better Time to Give Back

In times like these, giving back to the community is more important than ever. So when you test-drive a Ford vehicle between April 21 and June 1, Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® on your behalf – to the Komen affiliate in the city of your choice.

 

 

When you test-drive a Ford, you’ll see a real difference. While others tell you there’s no credit available, Ford Credit is ready to help you finance your Ford vehicle. With the Ford Advantage Plan, you can buy or lease a new Ford vehicle and we’ll cover your payments for up to 12 months if you lose your paycheck.* Drive one today.

 

*Customer must be employed for 30 days after purchase. Must be employed full-time for 90 continuous days before job loss. Not available to self-employed, part-time or seasonal workers. Maximum monthly payment $700. Not available on E/F-450 and higher models. Program subject to change. Take new delivery from dealer stock by 6/1/09. See dealer for full program details and qualifications.

 

Go to fordcares.com to download your certificate or click here.

 

On behalf of Roy O'Brien Ford, when you test drive a new Ford vehicle, Roy O'Brien Ford will match the $20 Ford is donating to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, up to $1,000. Stop in today and drive one!

After 45 Years, Mustang is Ford's trusty steed

Forty-five years ago today, Ford Motor Co. introduced the Mustang -- one of the most iconic cars in American history -- at the World's Fair in New York. The company expected to sell 100,000 Mustangs the first year, but sold 417,000. On the very first day the car was shown, 22,000 orders were taken, with a price tag of $2,368. Today, the Mustang starts at $20,995 and sales have passed the 9 million mark.

Biggest party

Birmingham, Ala., will play host today to one of the biggest Mustang rallies to celebrate the car's birthday. Ford predicts more than 2,500 enthusiasts will be on hand to mark the occasion, including nine original owners of the first production Mustangs.

 

1964 1/2 or 1965?

 

Just when you thought it was settled.

 

Purists refer to Mustangs built between April and August 1964 as the model year 1964 1/2. Sorry, they are wrong; there is no 1964 1/2 model year. If you check the Vehicle Identification Number, it's a 1965 model.

 

But there's no reason to let facts get in the way of a classic. There are differences between the first Mustangs built between April and August 1964 and those built afterward and through July 1965 -- the traditional time frame for 1965 models. The first Mustangs used a generator instead of an alternator and the originals came with a 260-cubic-inch V-8 instead of the 289-cubic-inch V-8 that went under the hood of true 1965 models.

Mustang in the movies

"Goldfinger," 1964: A beautiful woman assassin drives a white 1964 convertible Mustang in this James Bond film starring Sean Connery.

 

"Bullitt," 1968: Steve McQueen is a hardened police detective who chases killers in a 1968 Mustang GT390.

 

"Diamonds Are Forever," 1971: Sean Connery eludes police in a 1971 Mustang Mach I in this James Bond film.

 

"Gone in 60 Seconds," 1974: A 1973 Mustang Mach I is the getaway vehicle in 40-minute chase that destroys 93 cars.

 

"Bull Durham," 1988: Fading ballplayer Kevin Costner picks up a 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350.

 

"Gone in Sixty Seconds," 2000: In this remake, retired car thief Nicolas Cage goes after the ultimate prize, a black 1967 Shelby GT500 styled by car designer Chip Foose.

 

"I Am Legend," 2007: Will Smith, the sole survivor of an apocalypse, races around the deserted streets of New York in a 2007 Shelby Mustang GT500.

 

This article is from the Detroit News, view the original article.

2010 Fusion is Ford's best midsize sedan in decades

BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST

I didn't think Ford could build a midsize sedan this good.

The 2010 Fusion midsize sedan jumps to the head of its class for fuel economy, features, value, looks and comfort.

At the point in a vehicle's lifecycle where most automakers tweak the grille and lights -- mid-cycle freshening is the industry term -- Ford rethought and reworked every part of the Fusion your eyes, hands and the seat of your pants interacts with.

The result is the first Ford midsize sedan since the original 1986 Taurus that you must test before you buy any of its competitors. Otherwise, you'll never know what you're missing.

The original Fusion went on sale just three years ago. The 2010 model keeps that model's platform -- the floor pan and basic structure -- but otherwise is virtually all new. A distinctive new exterior, a vastly improved interior, new engines and transmissions. A raft of features you can't get on any other midsize sedan.

Prices for the 2010 Ford Fusion start at $19,270 for a front-wheel drive model with a 175-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission.

A six-speed automatic is also available, as are all-wheel drive and a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 and 263-horsepower 3.5-liter V6. Ford also offers a hybrid version of the Fusion that I reviewed in January.

The top model in the line, an AWD Sport model with the 3.5-liter engine, stickers at $27,675. All prices exclude destination charges.

I tested two Fusions, a nicely equipped SE with the four-cylinder engine, manual transmission and a $21,440 sticker price; and an option-laden Sport AWD with the 3.5-liter and automatic transmission that cost $30,670.

Both cars represent excellent values. The SE would compete with four-cylinder midsize sedans like the Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. The jaunty Sport takes on models like the Acura TSX and TL, Nissan Maxima and Subaru Legacy.

The Fusion's chassis is among the best in its class, providing a comfortable ride and very good handling.

Ford left those virtues unchanged, but gave the 2010 model a new trunk lid, hood, grille, headlight and taillights.

The changes pay off, injecting an elegant and refined look into what had been an attractive but somewhat bland car.

The interior got an even more thorough makeover. Every surface is now covered in high-quality soft-touch materials, with tastefully applied, lighter-colored accents.

The hood on the Sport model I tested was poorly fitted, with a noticeably wider gap to the right fender than the left, but fit and finish were otherwise excellent in both.

New features include the latest generation of the breakthrough Sync system Ford developed with Microsoft. In addition to hands-free control of mobile phones, iPods and other audio, Ford has added a voice-controlled navigation system that functions as well or better than what any luxury brand offers.

The Fusion also now offers blind-spot alert and an ultrasonic rear parking assist that peeks around the corner when you back out of a parking space to warn of oncoming cross traffic.

Both engines provide ample power.

The six-speed manual transmission had a precise and easy motion, while the automatic was smooth and quick. Brake feel is excellent, and the steering feel, which I found heavy in the original Fusion, is considerably better in four-cylinder models.

The AWD Sport has the looks, performance and features to make Audi, Lexus and Subaru nervous about the prices of their all-wheel drive sport sedans.

The SE hugged curves and demonstrated again how enjoyable a well-engineered front-wheel drive four-cylinder car can be.

The fuel economy with all powertrain combinations is at or near the top of its class.

The 2007 Fusion was a good car; the 2010 is an unexpectedly great one. Sometimes, the second time is the charm.

Contact MARK PHELAN: phelan@freepress.com or 313-222-6731.

Additional Facts
Competitive EPA fuel economy ratings

(automatic transmission models)
Four-cylinder
Ford Fusion...23 m.p.g. city/34 m.p.g. highway
Chevrolet Malibu ...22/33
Honda Accord ...21/30
Nissan Altima ...23/31

V6
Ford Fusion ...18/27 (All-wheel drive: 17/24)
Chevrolet Malibu ...18/29
Honda Accord ...19/29
Toyota Camry ...19/28

Hybrid
Ford Fusion ...41/36
Saturn Aura ...26/34
Toyota Camry ...33/34

You can also view the article on freep.com

Mustang Facts: 1994-Present

The 1994 Mustang, which ushered in the fourth generation of Mustangs, was dramatically restyled to evoke its pony car heritage. The hatchback style was dropped, leaving the two-door coupe and convertible. The SVT (Special Vehicle Team) Cobra launched with a 240-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8.

 

1995 was the final model year for the 5.0-liter V-8, which began life as the 260- and later 289-cid engine. The second SVT Cobra R was introduced with a 300-horsepower 5.8-liter V-8 and five-speed manual transmission.

 

In 1996, Mustang GTs and SVT Mustang Cobras were equipped for the first time with 4.6-liter Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V-8, which produced 305 horsepower.

 

Ford’s Passive Anti-Theft System became standard on all models in 1997.

 

In 1998, the output of Mustang GT’s 4.6-liter V-8 was increased to 225 horsepower.

 

A redesigned Mustang debuted in 1999. It sported sharper lines, pronounced wheel arches plus new hood, grille, fascias and lamps. The SVT Mustang Cobra became the first Mustang with independent rear suspension. The 4.6-liter DOHC V-8 produced 320 horsepower.

 

In 2000, the third Mustang SVT Cobra R was produced in a 300-unit run. It came with a 386-horsepower, 5.4-liter DOHC V-8 mated to Mustang’s first ever six-speed transmission.

 

Inspired by the 1968 movie, the first Mustang Bullitt GT model was offered. It featured unique side scoops, 17-inch “Bullitt”-styled wheels and lowered and specially-tuned suspension.

 

In 2002, production ended for two of Mustang’s closest competitors: Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.

 

The Mach I returned in 2003 with a 305-horsepower V-8 under a signature ram-air “Shaker” hood scoop. The supercharged SVT Mustang Cobra produced 390 horsepower.

 

In 2004, Ford produced its 300 millionth car – a Mustang GT convertible 40th anniversary edition. The 2004 models were the last cars built at Ford’s fabled Dearborn Assembly Plant, which built Mustangs since the car’s 1964 introduction.

 

In 2005, production of the all-new Mustang moved to Flat Rock, Mich. Plant. The Mustang’s V-6 engine was increased to 4.0-liters and the V-8 increased to 300 horsepower.

 

The V-6 “Pony Package” debuted in 2006. GT models got 18-inch wheels, and owners could configure instrument panel lighting in 125 different colors, an industry first, using Ford’s MyColor instrument gauge.

 

In 2007, Ford introduced a special “Warriors in Pink” Mustang, designed to help raise funds for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure breast cancer research. The vehicle lineup also included the Mustang Shelby GT and the Shelby GT500KR. The second limited-edition Mustang Bullitt was introduced in November.

 

The 9 millionth Mustang – a GT convertible – was built in 2008 and sold to an Iowa farmer.

 

The 2009 Mustang features a glass roof option and special 45th anniversary badging.

 

The 2010 Mustang was introduced in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It cleverly combines modern technology with Mustang heritage and a V-8 with even more horsepower and even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound. It will be available at Ford dealerships later this spring.