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Ford and Consumer Reports, Honda Civic refresh, Toyota FT-86 details, Saab’s latest sale and new 9-3 rumors

Episode #254 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, with Chris, Dan and Autoblog Executive Editor Chris Paukert crewing the show this week. Topics include Ford and its response to criticism about its PowerShift transmission and MyFordTouch. We also cover the Toyota FT-86 now that specs have been leaked, rumors of an accelerated refresh program for the much-criticized 2012 Honda Civic and the latest in the ongoing saga of Saab. Your questions and comments power the end of the ‘cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We’ve embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #254:

• Ford’s issues with Consumer Reports
• Honda moving Civic refresh up amidst criticism
• Toyota FT-86 details leaked
• Saab sold. Again. New 9-3 on the way?

In the Autoblog Garage
2011 Infiniti QX56
2012 Chevrolet Sonic
2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2012 Toyota Camry

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Autoblog Podcast #254

The 2011 Ford Explorer is a massive improvement over the last-generation model, and the Blue Oval’s sales tally supports this claim. Ford tells us that the the Explorer is flying off store shelves, with 100,000 units sold so far in 2011. Those numbers are up 290 percent compared to 2010 totals, making the Explorer the fastest-growing mid-size utility vehicle in the country. This is the first time the Explorer has hit the 100,000 mark since 2007, and there are still over two months left in the year.

The Explorer appears to be selling quite well in spite of mixed reviews. While the vehicle came in for 2011 North American Truck Of The Year laurels, it hasn’t fared as well in a number of comparison tests. Cars.com recently ranked the Explorer sixth in its $37,000 SUV Shootout, and earlier in the year, Consumer Reports ranked the Explorer as the 17th best utility vehicle out of 19 models, with complaints centering on the CUV’s MyFordTouch infotainment system.

Ford would likely counter that the company is more concerned with what CUV buyers think, and those customers appear to be giving their vote of approval with their pocketbooks, and they might also note that the Explorer’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder model is only hitting the market as a 2012 model now (though it’s already claiming about 15 percent of the model mix). Hit the jump to read Ford’s official press release.

Continue reading Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark

Ford Explorer hits 100,000 sales mark

After a successful round of beta testing, Ford is ready to put you in touch with a live operator by way of its Sync Services system. Should you feel the need to speak to an actual person, Ford will put you in touch with an operator who is standing by, as it will henceforth be included as a standard feature in Sync’s suite of functions.

Live operators can assist with turn-by-turn direction while also sending any relevant information about your destination to your phone. According to Ford, relaying the live information will help drivers keep their eyes on the road while the person on the other end does the data digging. Customers who are new to Sync will receive 60 complimentary sessions, while current Sync customers will receive a set number of complimentary sessions based on how much time is remaining on their agreement. Full details posted after the jump.

Continue reading Ford making live operators standard with Sync service

Ford making live operators standard with Sync service

Quality studies can be funny things in the auto business. It’s not unusual to have one completely contradict another, which can result in an automaker that was panned as a loser in one study claiming to be a leader based on another. That’s exactly what Volkswagen and Ford get to do thanks to Strategic Vision’s 2011 Total Quality Index.

Back in June, J.D. Power released its annual Initial Quality report, which ranks vehicles and their brands based on how many problems are reported per 100 vehicles. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Volkswagen ranked near the bottom as per usual, but Ford was also smacked down from 5th to 23rd place thanks to owner complaints about the automaker’s complex SYNC/MyFordTouch technologies and Powershift dual-clutch gearbox issues.

Well J.D. Power, Strategic Vision thinks your definition of “quality” is terrible, and they believe that their Total Quality Index, which they say measures not just individual problems, but also the “total positive experience created for the owner/driver,” is the way to go.

On those grounds, Volkswagen was rated the best full-line automaker in Strategic Vision’s 2011 Total Quality study, which surveys 37,069 buyers who bought 2011 models late last year. Owners rated Design and Exterior Styling as the most impressive things about their VWs.

Ford, meanwhile, which suffered so harshly at the hands of J.D. Power’s problem-counting study, comes up roses here, tying for second place with Honda and Nissan. Strategic Vision does say that Ford owners reported more problems than the industry average, but its designs and brand strength helped it overcome those issues to create an overall positive experience for owners.

Follow the jump for Strategic Vision’s full report, which also shows the best-ranked vehicles in each segment – including surprisingly positive results for Chrysler, Jaguar and Land Rover.

Continue reading Strategic Vision disses J.D. Power, crowns VW and Ford quality leaders

Strategic Vision disses J.D. Power, crowns VW and Ford quality leaders

Eagle Harbor Holdings has named Ford in a lawsuit, contending that the automaker infringed on seven of its patents after talks between the two companies stalled out in 2008 – and the claimed infringements strike right at the heart of Ford’s recent tech expansion.

In addition to claiming that Ford cribbed its technology for Active Park Assist, Stability Control, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Alert and MyKey, the small Bainbridge Island, WA tech firm claims that the technology behind Ford’s incredibly popular SYNC infotainment system. Specifically, the voice control and remote MP3 player connection technology.

According to Eagle:

“Our representatives began meeting with Ford in 2002 to discuss and disclose our patented automotive systems technology and its applicability for use in Ford vehicles,” said Jeffrey Harmes, general counsel for Eagle Harbor Holdings, LLC. “These meetings continued until 2008, when Ford stopped communications with us. In early 2009 we informed Ford that its automotive audio systems infringed on our patents. In March 2010, we again informed Ford that its automotive electronics systems, including Ford SYNC, infringed on our patents. Unfortunately, despite our many efforts to communicate with Ford and resolve these issues, Ford continues to refuse to license its use of our patented technology. Ford is ignoring our patent rights and continues to use, without permission or license, Eagle Harbor’s technology.”

Those talks also included Volvo – at the time, owned by Ford Motor Company – but it’s unclear if Eagle will pursue the recently sold Swedish automaker for similar tech infringement.

A Ford spokesperson tells Autoblog, “We were just served with this lawsuit late last week and we have not yet had an opportunity to review the details. We believe it would be premature for us to comment until we have had a chance to do so.”

It’s unlikely that Ford will have to stop production of its SYNC and advanced safety-equipped vehicles, but if Eagle wins the suit or settles out of court, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn of the Blue Oval cutting a hefty check.

Ford named in patent infringement case over SYNC, safety systems

The calendar has kicked over to summer, and that means J.D. Power has just updated its Initial Quality report. The 2011 edition of the IQS is a bit surprising, mostly because the quality of new model launches has been trending upward since 2007 for the entire industry on average. The tune has changed for 2011, as J.D. Power notes the first quality decline in four years, though it notes that carryover models performed better than ever – it’s the new models that are drawing complaints. It’s not all bad news, though, as a few automakers have managed to stand out from the competition:

According to the study, which tracks buyer satisfaction after 90 days of ownership, Honda is a notable leader in quality, and its lineup shares seven awards for specific models. The Accord, Accord Crosstour, Civic, Element, Fit, Insight and Ridgeline all receive recognition from J.D. Power. Lexus isn’t too far behind Honda, with four models getting the 2011 IQS thumbs up. Lexus also leads automakers in across-the-line quality, with Honda, Acura, Mercedes-Benz and Mazda chugging along right behind. Toyota showed strong signs of a comeback, motoring all the way from 21st place in 2010 back up to 7th place. Another item of note, is that Land Rover made a major leap in quality, and has reduced quality issues by 47 problem per every 100 vehicles.

According to JDP, the leading reasons noted for a drop in quality includes growing consumer dissatisfaction with engine/transmission issues and audio/navigation matters. Chief among those who were dinged by both factors is Ford, which drew black marks for its complex MyFordTouch/Sync technologies, along with its PowerShift dual clutch transmission behavior. The technology updates saw Ford plummet from 5th place overall (first among non-premium marques) to 23rd place out of 32 brands.

Read the full report by clicking past the jump.

Continue reading 2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality report praises Lexus, Honda, pans Ford

2011 J.D. Power Initial Quality report praises Lexus, Honda, pans Ford

The Ford SYNC hands-free tech has proven to be a well-liked commodity over the past several years, in part because the automaker continues to update the feature-packed system. Now the automaker is catering to the estimated seven million fantasy baseball fans with on-demand weekly statistic updates right from the comfort of the driver’s seat of a SYNC-equipped Ford or Lincoln.

To access hitting and pitching stats, the driver needs only say “Sports,” then “Baseball,” then “Fantasy Update” from Services. The system will then read off the leaders in batting average, home runs, RBIs, wins, strikeouts, saves and other relevant categories. Of course, the SYNC system will need a paired Bluetooth-enabled phone with a SYNC Services account, which is free for the first three years of vehicle ownership.

Ford is hoping fantasy baseball owners will use this new feature to get up to speed on the latest fantasy baseball news, but we’re a bit torn on this one. As fantasy baseball team owners, we’re always up for any news and analysis that will help us win. Typically, though, we want that information in front of us when we set our lineups, and we can’t do that sort of thing while driving.

Then again, we’re sure many fantasy baseball fans will take whatever info they can get when they can get it. We’ll just have to see how the new feature works in person. Hit the jump to read over the Ford press release.

Continue reading Designated Distraction? SYNC begins offering Fantasy Baseball updates

Designated Distraction? SYNC begins offering Fantasy Baseball updates

Ford has had its share of quality issues with its fledgling MyFord Touch technology, and watchdogs like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have taken notice. Bloomberg reports that Ford CEO Alan Mulally is all too aware of the automaker’s latest technology glitches, saying, “We’ve had just a few issues with some technologies associated with Sync and MyFord Touch.”

The “just a few issues” Mulally is referring to include reports of touchscreens blacking out, general complaints about a steep learning curve and a recent crossover ranking by Consumer Reports that placed the 2011 Explorer 17th out of 19 vehicles tested due in large part to the tech. CR also dropped the coveted “Recommended” nod for the 2011 Edge because of MyFord Touch.

Mulally’s recent statements come just before the release of J.D. Power’s June 23 new car quality report. J.D. Power’s VP Dave Sargent claims the automaker’s own data shows that quality has taken a hit, adding that Ford is “making an early warning to the market that this may be a problem.” There is no telling how car buyers would react to Ford slipping a bit in the rankings, but the company’s stellar performance in the study over the past few years has likely been a major reason why the Blue Oval managed to re-pass Toyota on the sales charts.

Ford isn’t taking the potential quality issues lightly, recently spending $100 million to deploy laser-guided robots in 17 factories to help reduce wind noise in its automobiles. The robots will enable Ford to install doors to within one tenth of one millimeter of specification. The automaker is also working hard to stay on top of quality even as it continues the torrid pace of new vehicle launches.

Mulally facing pressure to fix Ford tech and quality glitches

Ford has had its share of quality issues with its fledgling MyFord Touch technology, and watchdogs like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have taken notice. Bloomberg reports that Ford CEO Alan Mulally is all too aware of the automaker’s latest technology glitches, saying, “We’ve had just a few issues with some technologies associated with Sync and MyFord Touch.”

The “just a few issues” Mulally is referring to include reports of touchscreens blacking out, general complaints about a steep learning curve and a recent crossover ranking by Consumer Reports that placed the 2011 Explorer 17th out of 19 vehicles tested due in large part to the tech. CR also dropped the coveted “Recommended” nod for the 2011 Edge because of MyFord Touch.

Mulally’s recent statements come just before the release of J.D. Power’s June 23 new car quality report. J.D. Power’s VP Dave Sargent claims the automaker’s own data shows that quality has taken a hit, adding that Ford is “making an early warning to the market that this may be a problem.” There is no telling how car buyers would react to Ford slipping a bit in the rankings, but the company’s stellar performance in the study over the past few years has likely been a major reason why the Blue Oval managed to re-pass Toyota on the sales charts.

Ford isn’t taking the potential quality issues lightly, recently spending $100 million to deploy laser-guided robots in 17 factories to help reduce wind noise in its automobiles. The robots will enable Ford to install doors to within one tenth of one millimeter of specification. The automaker is also working hard to stay on top of quality even as it continues the torrid pace of new vehicle launches.

Mulally facing pressure to fix Ford fix tech and quality glitches

Review: 2012 Ford Focus Titanium

We’re happy to report that the 2012 Ford Focus is several orders of magnitude superior to the model it replaces. Read on to find out why.

Spy Shots: Audi RS4 Avant caught on the right track

Despite the rumors of its demise, the next-generation Audi RS4 appears to be on track (literally) based on this Avant mule that our spy shooters have just spied on Germany’s Nürburgring.

Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

“SYNC generation 2″ has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.

Also of interest:

• Video: Moab’s Hells Canyon conquered… in a Ford Crown Victoria?!
• Is Jeep planning a Hemi V8 Wrangler?
• Ford SVT Raptor RV created by Phoenix Campers
• Tesla sues BBC for libel over rigged Top Gear test
• Saab production temporarily halted by unpaid suppliers *UPDATE

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Daily U-Turn: What you missed on 3.30.11

In 2010, Ford reinvented its SYNC system with the launch of the refreshed Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX. But the new integrated system – MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch or what’s known as “SYNC generation 2″ – has been plagued by more than a few bugs. And part of the problem is due to its design.

If one of its various functions trips up – navigation, phone or entertainment, among others – the system can restart. This can leave the driver faced with a blank display and a restart procedure that can take two to three minutes. Double bummer: It usually wipes out your paired phones and indexed music.

After talking with several colleagues who have experienced similar issues (including one where the volume was stuck on max while the A/C continued to blow cold air in 42-degree weather) and experiencing these issues first hand for ourselves, we called up Ford’s Head of Technology Communications, Alan Hall, and got on the phone with one of the Blue Oval’s engineers to see what’s causing the issues and how the automaker is addressing them.

Continue reading Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start…

Continue reading Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

Ford’s second-gen SYNC system off to a buggy start

The Blue Oval’s MyFord Touch infotainment system is a powerful bit of kit, so it’s perhaps understandable that there’s proving to be a fairly substantial learning curve attached to it.

Thus, it’s no surprise that Ford salespeople are spending more time than normal with car buyers to explain how it all works. But as the old sales chestnut says, time is money, so Ford will reportedly compensate its sales force by providing $75 for every vehicle sold with the MyFord Touch system. This also applies to Lincoln models sold with the MyLincoln Touch system. In addition to the $75 MyFord Touch bounty, Ford is also providing $50 for any vehicle sold with Sync. The move by Dearborn is to assure that sales people take the necessary time to teach buyers how to master the system, and thus avoid disgruntled owners.

Despite the lack of a ‘Recomended’ rating from Consumer Reports, Ford is forging full steam ahead with its MyFord Touch system. By 2015, the automaker plans to make it available on 80 percent of its lineup.

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Ford paying dealers to teach MyFord Touch to buyers

Ford has a huge amount planned for its booth at next month’s Beijing Motor Show, including technology displays of the 2011 Ford Edge with MyFordTouch, interactive demos highlighting the next-generation Ford Focus, two orange robots hawking EcoBoost, and the chance to meet a crash test dummy that will sing Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm demonstrate safety technologies.

Alongside that Focus, which will sit on a global platform slated to underpin ten cars, the real treat will be the reveal of an “all-new concept car.” That’s all Ford had to say about it, and whatever it is, the first time anyone’s going to see it will be in Beijing. We’ve contacted Ford to see if they’ll give us anything more than a Dave Loggins line about it – “Please come to Beijing” – because we really have no idea what it could be, though we’re guessing something on the company’s C1 platform. The press release is after the jump, so you can scan it for clues and let the ruminations and rumor-mongering begin in comments…

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford confirms global concept reveal at next month’s Beijing Motor Show. So what is it?

Ford confirms global concept reveal at next month’s Beijing Motor Show. So what is it?

The 19th century was the last time automobiles were on the vanguard of cutting-edge technology. While the ensuing ten decades have seen lots of automotive innovation, Fast Company magazine only came into being in 1995, and has been naming its top ten “Most Innovative” companies every year since. Ford has secured a spot smack in the middle of the list this year, the first time a car manufacturer has been invited to rub elbows with the likes of Amazon, Apple, and Google.

What has Ford done to deserve this honor? Swing open the door to a 2010 Taurus and it becomes clear. The Blue Oval’s rides are immersion tanks of technological integration. From the Sync system to the more comprehensive MyFord Touch, there’s been no let-up in Ford’s push to put premium tech features in all its models. Ford’s market research reveals that most buyers opt for the system, and at least a third of buyers think Sync was a critical enticement to their purchase. From our time with it, we agree, it’s some cool stuff, and the 1.5 million Sync-equipped Fords prowling the street agree.

The actual honor is a fifth-place finish for mobile technology, and Fast Company says “the automaker has taken a great leap forward.” Mark Fields backs that statement up by looking into his crystal ball (supplied by Visteon) and saying “Our relationship with Microsoft was just the beginning, as we’ve forged strong relationships throughout the mobile industry and look forward to even more.” More cool stuff on the way? We’ll take it. Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ford named one of Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Tech Companies

Ford named one of Top 10 Most Innovative Mobile Tech Companies