With electrified technology advancements, Ford is taking advantage of the benefits of lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery, found in most laptops, cell phones, iPods, offer tremendous advantages in that they are light weight yet high in energy density and they hold their charge even after hundreds of charge/discharge cycles and ultimately reduce the cost of new electric vehicles.
Targeted vehicles to undergo this transformation from gasoline powered to pure battery electric are:
The Ford Transit Connect commercial van. Set to be delivered in 2010, this small commercial van was designed to fit the needs of businesses with defined transportation routes who then return to a central charging location at day’s end. Examples of businesses that could benefit from this innovation are: florists, caterers, courier services, just to name a few.
In 2011 Ford is scheduled to launch a battery electric Ford Focus; a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) produced with both retail and commercial customers in mind.
With any new innovation, however, comes the need for extensive research, testing and collaboration with a spectrum of industry partners. Particular to this “Plug-In” project, working closing with utility partners in determining electric grid needs to accommodate customer usage is key. Recognizing this need, Ford has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communication and control system designed to enable its “plug-in” hybrid vehicles to “talk” directly with the nations electric grids.
When asked, Mark Thursby, Ford Lincoln Mercury Sales Manager, at Preston Ford located in Hurlock, MD stated that he was not surprised at Fords consistent commitment to deliver affordable fuel efficient technology to its millions of customers.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Preston Ford of Maryland recognizes advantage of Seatbelt Airbags to protect children in rear seat
After extensive testing with various configurations, Ford introduces another FIRST in the industry; The Seat Belt Airbag for rear seat passengers. Designed to inflate at a much lower rate and force than traditional front and side compartment airbags, these seat belt airbags are safe for children and the elderly alike. As studies and tests prove, even the child who is asleep with their head resting on the seatbelt is safe from injury.
The airbags, which are sewn in the shoulder section of the rear seat belt, are designed to deploy outward and to the sides thus offering a wider point load of impact than traditional seat belts. With a wider point load, chest and neck injuries are greatly reduced. In fact, these seat belt airbags are specifically designed to give added support and protection from head and neck injuries resulting from a severe crash.
It is also believed that these airbags could also reduce the risk of passenger ejection during a rollover accident, as shown in a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since the introduction of the seat belt, the front seat passenger has benefited from the majority of the focus on safety. However, with these new Airbag seatbelts, the focus for passenger safety now shifts to the back seat, “where more often than not, the occupants are our children”, states Mark Thursby, Ford Lincoln Mercury Sales Manager, at Preston Ford located in Hurlock, MD.
Although this feature may not prove to be inexpensive, Ford will offer it as optional equipment on the new Ford Explorer for the two outboard rear seats. In the meantime, other automakers and regulating government agencies will be keeping a close eye on consumer desire and purchasing trend for this valuable protection.
For more information about Preston Ford please visit Maryland and Delaware Ford Car and Truck Dealer or http://www.prestonford.com
The airbags, which are sewn in the shoulder section of the rear seat belt, are designed to deploy outward and to the sides thus offering a wider point load of impact than traditional seat belts. With a wider point load, chest and neck injuries are greatly reduced. In fact, these seat belt airbags are specifically designed to give added support and protection from head and neck injuries resulting from a severe crash.
It is also believed that these airbags could also reduce the risk of passenger ejection during a rollover accident, as shown in a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since the introduction of the seat belt, the front seat passenger has benefited from the majority of the focus on safety. However, with these new Airbag seatbelts, the focus for passenger safety now shifts to the back seat, “where more often than not, the occupants are our children”, states Mark Thursby, Ford Lincoln Mercury Sales Manager, at Preston Ford located in Hurlock, MD.
Although this feature may not prove to be inexpensive, Ford will offer it as optional equipment on the new Ford Explorer for the two outboard rear seats. In the meantime, other automakers and regulating government agencies will be keeping a close eye on consumer desire and purchasing trend for this valuable protection.
For more information about Preston Ford please visit Maryland and Delaware Ford Car and Truck Dealer or http://www.prestonford.com
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