Road Trip to Detroit

A few weeks ago, Ford called me up to test drive the new Ford Transit Connect, while they were hosting a media event in Chicago. I’ll have to admit, I wasn’t as familiar with the Transit Connect as some of the other Ford vehicles, so I was eager and excited to check it out. As we were talking, the idea came up that instead of just a test drive, if I was so inclined, I could drive the vehicle back to Detroit, to really get the entire Transit Connect experience. Always up for a challenge and a new adventure, of course I said yes!

Ford delivered the vehicle on Friday evening, and I was to drive it to Detroit on Sunday. Lo and behold, the driver pulled up in a fire-red Transit Connect, plastered with the Ford logo, which could be spotted from a mile away. So what immediately came to mind was everyone is going to spot the vehicle…. which was exactly the point! For small business owners, the vehicle serves as an advertising campaign, 365 days a year, as the exterior palette is designed to be personalized to fit the owner’s needs. The Transit Connect seemed to look very much like vehicles I’d seen before in Europe. Well sure enough, my suspicions were confirmed that the Transit Connect is not a new concept on the global level. It’s been around since 2003, with over 600,000 vehicles sold in 55 countries.

My next concern was maneuvering on the downtown urban streets of Chicago (which if any of you are familiar with the city, can be a nightmare.) Well no worries there, I quickly (and thankfully) realized that the Transit Connect handles city streets and parking with no problem, including getting in and out of tight parking spots, and it stands at 6 feet 8 inches, so clearance in my parking garage was smooth sailing.

That being said, the smaller size and easy maneuverability does not compromise the carrying capacity of the vehicle. Given that this vehicle is meant for small business owners, and of course I wanted to check out the allotted space for my travel bags, one of the first things that I inspected was the cargo area. I was amazed, given its rather compact size, the Transit Connect encompasses over 135 cubic feet of space and can fit items up to 6 feet long and 4 feet 11 inches wide or tall, and has a payload capacity of 1,600 lbs. (Granted this was simply a day trip, so my bags would fit easily in the area, but I could definitely see the advantage for business owners who needed to transport their inventory.) I was also informed that the cargo area is customizable (just talk to your Ford dealer), and the vehicle can seat 4-5 people.

Before I knew it, Sunday morning rolled around and I was ready for my journey to Detroit. First things first- I had to check out the inside for some of the basic necessities for the drive- AC, check; AM/FM stereo, check; CD player, check; extra bonus- standard audio input jack for MP3/iPods, check! And most importantly (for me at least), was the navigation system. Yes, I have driven to Detroit before, but no, I didn’t remember exactly how to get there. Therefore, navigation was essential if I didn’t want to end up in the wrong state. However, before plugging in an address, I thoroughly investigated the “Ford Work Solutions” system, which is the in-dash computer that not only includes the navigation, but Internet access, Tool Link, Crew Chief, and hands free calling with blue-tooth enabled devices. Right above me I found the keyboard in the overhead “smart storage” area, which I used to browse the Internet to check out what was going on in Detroit that day, and to take a better look at some of the other features. Tool Link allows business owners to scan their inventory and keep track of their cargo, while Crew Chief is a telematics system that provides the capability to track vehicle performance and monitor the fleet. There are also optional printing capabilities, which I think would be quite and convenient for certain jobs that require paperwork to be printed.

I already mentioned the hands-free calling capability, but the Transit Connect is also equipped with other safety features that put me at ease before venturing off to the car capital of the world. This includes front seat and side airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), and a reverse sensing system, which is an audio sensor for obstacles up to 6 feet from the rear (which is key when you’re trying to parallel park in downtown Chicago). And of course when you’re transporting inventory for your business, security is of the essence, so Ford implemented lock and latch doors that are super safe and secure for whatever it is that you’re transporting.

Onward to Detroit! I must say, I was quite impressed with smooth ride of the Ford Transit Connect. For being lower to the ground and capable of carrying quite a load, I didn’t expect the vehicle to handle so much like a car…but it did. The 2.0L Duratec engine produced 136 horsepower and 128 ft.-lbs of torque (ok so it doesn’t have the pick-up of a Mustang), but it gets the job done. And let me tell you, boy was I noticed everywhere I went! I was questioned when I stopped at public places, and I even got a “thumbs-up” sign from a lady who sped up to be right next to me.

After several hours of smooth driving, as well as the entertaining reactions of other drivers that noticed me, I finally arrived in Detroit. Much to my dismay, I had forgotten about the time change and had to head straight to the airport, but it was well worth the journey to get the whole driving experience. And now for the best part of the trip- I only filled the 15.4 gallon gas tank once! Yes ladies and gentlemen, the Ford Transit Connect was rated best in class for fuel economy (for small cargo vans), getting 25 miles to the gallon on the highway (which was most of my journey), and 22 mpg in the city.

Starting MSRP for the Ford Transit Connect is $21,475- quite affordable. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, particularly in urban environments, I highly recommend checking out the vehicle. And stay tuned folks- the filmed journey to Detroit will be up soon!

Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability…..from game plan to execution

Just recently I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with my dear friend, John Viera, Ford’s Director of Sustainable Business Strategies, for an update on where this “blueprint” stands. (If you remember, last August I was in Detroit where I got an in-depth explanation of the plan.) This time, John came to his hometown, Chicago, to give a status update, which I was delighted to hear showed positive progress on Ford’s behalf. Another point John touched on was that many of the European small cars are being introduced in the U.S., known as “global cars”, (think Fiesta), and Ford expects to have 6 global vehicles by the year 2012.

Drive Green: Go farther, Use Less

Did you know that the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is North America’s most fuel-efficient midsize car? In fact, the Ford Fusion Hybrid gets better gas mileage than the Toyota Camry! (8 miles per gallon more to be exact!) After hearing all about the Fusion, John went on to discuss Ford’s electrification strategy, explaining that there are (3) phases. Currently, many Ford vehicles are equipped with the EcoBoost engine, (typically a V8 engine is replaced with a V6 EcoBoost), which is essentially an optimized version of the traditional gasoline engine. So in conclusion, the EcoBoost increases fuel efficiency and decreases CO2 emissions without compromising performance. Fabulous. They didn’t neglect the fundamentals.

In talking about the electrification strategy, John explained that phase one is the hybrid vehicle, which makes use of a gasoline engine and an electric battery, where the electric battery is charged by the engine. Phase two is the plug-in hybrid which takes the technology a bit further, and the more sophisticated electric battery is charged by plugging the vehicle in to a standard household outlet. And lastly, phase three is the [all] battery-powered electric vehicle, which makes use of a more powerful battery and is totally non-polluting. John made sure to highlight that a key part of Ford’s strategy is “affordable technology”, meaning that Ford is not only working on advancing the electric technology in vehicles, but refining the details to make it affordable for consumers. Cheers to thinking strategically!

Later that week…

On Sunday, I ventured to the suburbs where Ford held a consumer product launch event, which nonetheless complemented my visit with John. Nationwide in all the major cities, Ford introduced the new 2010 Ford Fusion, which included a hybrid model. Luckily for Ford (and me), it was a beautifully sunny day in the windy city, and I had no problems taking the Fusion Hybrid for a spin.  I must say- I was impressed! First off, for those of you that have never driven a hybrid, it’s such a weird feeling to turn on the car without the traditional “choking” sound of the engine. And then as you step on the gas, you feel as if you’re in neutral in a manual car, simply coasting along. But don’t let the glide-effect fool you- the vehicle had decent pick up and felt heavy and sturdy on the road.

Another exciting feature in the Fusion Hybrid was Ford’s SmartGauge with EcoGuide…. What, you may ask, is that? Well it’s a new technology implemented in the instrument cluster that allows drivers to optimize performance of their hybrid. It displays information like the fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon, and fluctuates while the vehicle is moving so the driver can determine when (at what speed) they are driving most efficiently.

Red Carpet Treatment

And the icing on the cake? I was given VIP passes to a special American Idol season finale party, which was hosted by Ford, and Chicago’s own 103.5 Kiss FM radio station. Alright so I may not be a die-hard America Idol fan, BUT it was definitely fun to watch the finale red-carpet style, alongside a few folks from Ford who gave me another recap of the Fusion after the event. To give you a bit of background- Ford teamed up with American Idol to showcase the new Fusion. The Ford sponsorship included a sweepstakes in which attendees at the Fusion launch event were entered to win a one-off American Idol Edition Ford Fusion Hybrid. And if you hadn’t already heard, Ford generously surprised the two Idol finalists, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert, with brand new Ford Fusion hybrids! (Not bad, eh? ….well, I wouldn’t complain…)

The World’s Cheapest Car… by Tata Motors

The world’s cheapest car, measuring at a mere 10.2 feet in length, goes on sale next month in India. (And I thought the Smart car was small… geez.) Manufactured by Tata Motors, the Nano will retail for just over $2,000.00, making new car shopping affordable to a whole new demographic in India.

Tata Motors Nano will launch April 2009

Safety fanatics beware– the Nano is not equipped with air bags nor anti-lock breaks. However, for an added cost, you can get AC, a radio and power steering. Boasting a whopping 55.5 miles to the gallon, (and don’t be fooled by its size), it can reach speeds of up to 65mph.

Given the current economic state, this vehicle couldn’t debut at a better time. Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata group, reported that although the U.S. market wasn’t originally part of their plan about a year ago, it’s now looking promising. That being said, Tata is designing a version that would meet U.S. safety and emission standards, that won’t be ready for about another three years, while a Nano Europa is scheduled to launch in 2011.

Like many others, Tata Motors was hit hard by the financial crisis and hopes to turn things around with the Nano’s launch April 1st. However, although they’re expecting the demand of the Nano to exceed their supply, analysts say that this will only increase their total revenues by a few percent.

 

 

Hmm… I, on the other hand, think I’ll still stick to a Ferrari….

Ford MyKey

Just recently, I had the opportunity to learn all about one of Ford’s latest innovations- “MyKey.“ While sitting inside a Mercury Milan, equipped with MyKey, I was given a demo of the product before being able to test it out myself. I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical initially, as I realized this technology gave the vehicle owner the ability to place limitations on such things as the vehicle’s top speed. However, in thinking back on my own first days of driving, I realized that if MyKey was available back then, it probably would’ve spared my parents a few gray hairs…

What is MyKey?

If you haven’t already guessed it, MyKey is a technology introduced by Ford to enhance and encourage driver safety and increase fuel efficiency, particularly amongst new [teen] drivers. As implied by its title, MyKey allows the vehicle owner to program a key to limit the vehicle’s top speed and audio volume when in use. It also encourages safety belt usage by muting the audio and chiming a warning sound until the safety belt has been secured properly. Additionally, a chime sounds when the fuel level is low, at 75 miles to empty, rather than the typical 50 miles to empty. And MyKey can be programmed to prevent the deactivation of the vehicle’s traction control system– so unless they’re Krispy Kremes, no donuts allowed.

Despite the winter wonderland outside, after hearing all about MyKey, I was able to take the Mercury Milan out for a spin to see the MyKey features in action. I realized immediately (while driving), just how MyKey encourages safer driving behavior and limits distractions. As I hit 45mph, 55mph, and then 65mph on the freeway, MyKey kicked in, sounding a warning chime that caused me to take notice of my speed. I reached maximum speed at 80mph, which also made me realize if I didn’t slow down, I’d be doomed for a speeding ticket.

In Action… on the Road

While behind the wheel, I decided to unbuckle my seatbelt for just a moment (not something I encourage) to see what would happen, and sure enough the radio muted and the warning chime again kicked in until I quickly refastened the belt. And speaking of audio, the volume was limited to maximize at 44% of the total volume. So although “loud,“ I was still very aware of my surroundings, and could hear what was going on around me on the road.

Debuting as a standard feature on the 2010 Ford Focus, MyKey will also be offered on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. And not to worry, although MyKey will become standard on many vehicles, it will be offered an additional feature to the traditional key, so the vehicle owner has the option to use (or not use) the MyKey system. What will they think of next?

Your thoughts?

FLEX’n through Chicago (…and a synopsis of my Flex experience thus far)

At a first glance… when I initially saw the Ford Flex crossover back in the winter (2008), I was a bit awestruck. I didn’t particularly love the design, but I was more or less intrigued and wanted to find out what it was and which manufacturer was responsible for such a bold and daring design. The external appearance of the Flex grew on me the more I was exposed to the vehicle and had the opportunity to see the different color combinations, and customization options- from my visit to Ford headquarters in Detroit, to several dealerships thereafter, to actually being behind the wheel.

So just to bring you all up to speed if you haven’t read about my previous experiences/events regarding the Flex- I paid a visit to Detroit where I met with some of the key designers, marketing/communications and product specialist individuals, (i.e. Flex experts), where I learned everything there is to know about the Flex, and had the opportunity to get my own personal walk-around tour of the vehicle. The passion and enthusiasm for the Flex that was expressed by this dynamic group reverberated through the trip and lingered with me even after I left Detroit.

Flex Launch event at Holman Ford in Mt. Laurel, NJ

Following Ford headquarters, I ventured to the retail level, when I visited several Ford dealerships (and was warmly welcomed) for their consumer-focused Flex launch events. The parties themselves were fun, but it was most interesting to gauge the consumers’ reactions to the vehicle, see first-hand who it appealed (or didn’t appeal) to, and finally to listen to their feedback. Overall, I’ve gotta say, the general consensus was positive, met with the surprise that the Flex was produced by Ford. (I think this reaction reflects that they’re stepping up again and raising the bar in the overall quality of their products.)

Flex’n through Chicago

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take an “extended test-drive” of the 2009 Ford Flex (limited model of course), and what a great experience it was! Even though I’ve driven the Flex before, it continues to impress me. I felt more or less, like I was in a luxury vehicle, between the leather seats, the Next Generation Navigation System, SIRIUS satellite radio, and the unexpectedly smooth and quiet ride. And of course, as soon as I stepped into the Flex, I synced my phone with Ford SYNC, and “safely conversed” as I was driving. (It’s hands-free so I avoided any hassle from the Chicago PD and a costly ticket—for all they knew I was talking out-loud to myself….)

Given the monstrosity of bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour in Chicago, I was excited to use the

This is the 2009 Ford Flex Limited I drove through Chicago.

Next Generation Navigation system. No, I didn’t need a map to find my house, however, the system (using TravelLink- $6.99/mo with SIRIUS satellite subscription) gives you up-to-date information on traffic-including all incidents, be it construction or accidents. Sooo when the alert appears on the screen, you have the option to “avoid the incident” and the nav system will redirect you to another route. Fabulous, no? On the first day alone, I cut 25 minutes out of my travel time by using the system- it was great! While I was driving, I was bumping to the tunes of the Sony premium audio system, as I flip-flopped from hip-hop to oldies to Latin beats, kept up-to-date with my sports scores, and even learned something new about my thyroid on “Doctor Radio,” (and I’ll admit, I did check out the “Playboy Radio” station for a few minutes, but you can use your own imagination to figure out what they discussed on that one…)

2009 Ford Flex Limited

Being that the Flex seats 6-7 people, it’s definitely a “people mover” so I was able to chauffer various groups so they could really experience the luxurious ride that the vehicle provides. (And the taller people had no problem sitting in the second row- very comfortably I may add with their own footrests, as the Flex was rated best in class for 2nd row limousine-like leg room.) When the Flex wasn’t fully occupied by passengers, I put the 2nd and 3rd row seats down which gave me 10 feet of space to transport everything from suitcases to a grill to shopping bags, so in essence, it’s very versatile, whatever your needs may be. And get this- the 2nd row console houses a refrigerator/freezer! I don’t know about you but I always keep at least a water bottle with me when I drive. In the Flex I was able to keep several in the fridge, all of which kept ice cold as I plodded through traffic, until I reached my destination.

It’s all about the Details….

Many of you are aware that parking in Chicago is a bear, (no pun intended) but I’m lucky enough to have a [very narrow/confined] indoor structure to park my car. Reversing out of my spot is not a problem with my little RX-8, but I was initially a bit nervous with the Flex as it’s quite a bit longer and I wasn’t sure how well I’d be able to see out of the back window. To my delight there’s a sensor system on the vehicle that not only beeps as you reverse, but also includes a camera, so you can see what’s behind you on the LCD touch screen as you’re reversing! Not to worry, I backed out with ease, sans any dents or scratches.

And finally the issue of gas… although prices have dropped as of recently, it’s still a concern for most of us, including me. Given the size of the vehicle, I thought I’d end up spending a more on gas than usual, but that wasn’t the case. For the AWD Limited Flex that I drove, which gets 22mpg on the highway 16mpg in the city, (FWD model get 24mpg hwy/17mpg city), I was delighted at the reasonable cost to fill the tank with unleaded gas, and I didn’t have to hassle with a gas cap because it’s capless! And given that I could also check all nearby gas stations for the lowest prices through SIRIUS TravelLink, my wallet stayed relatively full- well, at least at the gas station.

Who’s Flex’n?

Target demographic… Ford says it’s a psychographic not a demographic market they’re reaching with the Flex. That may be the case, and I agree that it is for the person that wants to stand out from the crowd as it’s anything but traditional. However, from my experiences thus far, I found that there’s definitely a

FLEXn through Chicago: CarsDiva, Demetra Markopoulos, in front of the 2009 Ford Flex Limited in Chicago.

demographic that this crossover appeals to…

Overall, whether I was driving, parked, or stopped at a traffic light (yes indeed, I even had a guy on his bicycle ride up to ask about the Flex), I continually received the “thumbs up” sign …people were intrigued. The few that saw the Flex, were somewhat interested, and then took a ride, were impressed. So my conclusion is that you have to get the skeptics in the car to win them over.

As much as I love my little race car (Mazda RX-8), I have to admit, I was a bit saddened to return the Flex. It’s definitely a “pimp-my-ride” kind of car.  In fact, I know exactly how I’d customize my own if given the opportunity… “The Diva Flex.”   

Hmmm… I kind of like the ring of that…

Green Fleet Conference 2008

The first ever 2008 Green Fleet Conference, held in Chicago on September 15 & 16, was designed by Bobit Business Media for automotive fleet professionals, in order to educate, discuss and develop solutions to “green” their fleets.

Mike Antich, Editor & Associate Publisher, Automotive Fleet and Demetra Markopoulos

The conference kicked off with a presentation by Key Note speaker, Mike Antich, Editor & Associate Publisher, Mike Antich. He gave the audience a “Sneak Preview of Upcoming Green Fleet Vehicles,” including model line-ups from Chrysler, GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, Mercedes, BMW, Mazda, Hyundai, Porsche, Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Tesla and Zap.

Some of the highlights and/or interesting things I learned:

*The Cadillac Escalade Hybrid was the first ever, luxury hybrid.

*Ford is currently testing their “Eco-Boost” engines, which began with the Ford Explorer, known as the “America concept.” (See my interview with John Viera, Director of Sustainable Business Strategies, Ford Motor Company, to learn more about the Eco-Boost.)

*Toyota has come up with their first ever, dedicated hybrid, to debut at the 2009 Auto Show.

Patsy Brownson, Manager, Fleet Relations, Cox Enterprises, Inc. & Demetra Markopoulos

*One of the most unique/interesting concept vehicles presented was the Toyota RiN Concept, known as a “mood vehicle,” in that the ambient lighting changes color depending on the driver’s mood.

*The Mitsubishi iMiev is an “ALL” electric vehicle.

Now on to the panels…

The sessions began with a panel on what works and what doesn’t when implementing a Green Fleet Initiative, to include “best practices” shared by fleet managers on the panel. Following this panel topic, panelists, moderators and keynote speakers highlighted the cost of “going green,” driver behavior (acceptance or challenges faced), and of course, the topic that is of concern to many fleet managers- how to effectively remarket “green” or Hybrid vehicles.

Learning from Best Practices- Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Scientific Games Corporation, Genuine Parts Company, Shire Pharmaceuticals & Donlen Corporation are already greening their fleets. Representatives from these companies share their experiences.

It’s evident that global climate is changing. The EPA said that in 2007, the US is the largest producer of CO2, and the transportation sector drives 31% of the CO2 output. Each gallon of gas burned produces 19.5lbs of CO2. Panelists discussed their driving force(s) of “going green.” Josie Sharp of Shire pharmaceuticals said that Shire has established corporate policies worldwide to protect the environment. In doing so, they save $800 a vehicle. It’s important to them to educate their drivers/employees on “going green.” Coca-Cola got in the game in 2004, by purchasing 25 Toyota Priuses. This move realized both the economic and environment benefits.

GPS & Asset Tracking

Another thing that many companies have started to do is use vehicle data (via asset tracking) to prevent unauthorized fuel consumption and general vehicle use. That being said, they allow employees to work from home more often, and are working on bringing “California clean car standards” (more rigid than everywhere else) to states like Illinois. Asset tracking provides tangible data that can be used to educate management teams and other employees about the importance of “going green,” and the process to get there. Showing them proven results makes it easier for them to accept the change.

To delve further into GPS Systems, the data produced can be used to reduce idle time, manage routes more efficiently, and cut costs by cutting out unnecessary routes. Overall they prove to be cost effective by reducing fuel costs, creating general company awareness, and serving as a value added acquisition for corporate fleets.

In regards to “going green,” Josie Sharp said “it’s like hitting a home run with the bases loaded.”

And the challenge? Well, going against the “one vehicle fits all” standard. It’s a slow process to transition and gain acceptance. Some of the common push-backs/excuses that panelist shared (which I found humorous myself) were: “I can’t carry my golf clubs in the Prius.” “I can’t fit a car-seat in the Prius.” And “It’s not safe.” I think just maybe, there may be another alternative to transporting the golf clubs!

What does “Green” Mean?

GEM vehicle (Global Electric Motorcars), A Chrysler Company

I think John Dmochowsky, Sales Fleet Manager of Kraft Foods summed it up best to the question, “what does ‘green’ mean,” when he said, ‘It’s an intersection between environmental, social and economic responsibilities.” Other panelists differed in their responses as to the definition and also the evolution of the “green” initiative. One person said they thought it was a big marketing conspiracy, created by the industry, just like seatbelts. They went from being trivial to now ubiquitous.

Needless to say, regardless of the cause, what I kept hearing is that awareness is what drives the green initiative, therefore companies are emphasizing awareness not only to their employees, but also to their customers. Global [environmental policies] have, in many cases, been in effect for a number of years, however their refinement with fleet is a recent thing. For companies like Panda Restaurant, “green equates to frugality,” said KarYeng Liew. They switched to hybrids a long time ago. ADP, on the other hand, is currently working on a policy to encompass their whole company.

Thinking Outside the Box…

The hot button topic dealt with the manufacturers. What was said is that manufacturers need to do something to help the fleet managers with “greening.” It’s a matter of planning. They need to build cars that their customers need. They need to think “outside the box.” In fact, one manager pointed out that she has what [vehicles] she could get, not what she needs.

Sandra Koelzer, Corporate Fleet Manager, Apple Inc & Demetra Markopoulos

In discussing “out of the box” solutions that some companies are initiating to “green” their fleets, Liew said that the CEO of Panda Restaurant drives a Prius to work, with the mindset that in order to set the trend, you have to exemplify something that a consumer wants to embark on. Apple Inc. hosts “brown bag lunches” to discuss fleet initiatives. The common theme resonating amongst panelists though was that before making changes (especially drastic ones) you have to prep your people. The cost difference is trivial (for example, the operating cost of a Toyota Prius vs. a Ford Focus is the same.) And at the end of the day, economic responsibility is key.

What are carbon offsets? Beyond the hybrid vehicles…

A carbon offset is a financial instrument representing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. So for example- the carbon offsets can be used to plant trees to compensate for CO2 emissions caused by transportation. The US is currently an unregulated market (someone described it “like a stock market without the SEC.”) However the argument on the table is that 2012 there will be government regulations put in place. It’s not a matter of “if,” it’s a matter of “when.” Basically this is to say that the “green” initiative deals not only with hybrid vehicles, but encompasses other areas that can play a role in a company’s environmental and sustainability goals.

Remarketing Hybrids or “green vehicles”

A critical difference between the “standard” fleet vehicles and hybrid vehicles is that their value drops significantly once they reach a high mileage. And the panelists’ advice? Sell them quick! When it comes to reconditioning however, the rules remain the same across the board.

Fleet managers have noticed that with hybrids their buyer base is much broader. Vehicles are being shipped all over (especially Califorina), rather than being sold/picked up at their grounding location. For this reason, the Internet plays an important role in remarketing hybrids. That being said, it’s important to brand the hybrids both on the Web and of course, at the auction- i.e. to highlight them. Since the typical buyer often resorts to the Internet, it’s important to leverage the auction companies. In essence, you’re doing them a favor by offering “green” vehicles, or hybrids.

*An interesting fact that I learned regarding transporting a hybrid, is that you cannot tow a hybrid on the rear wheels. (It must be put on a flat-bed.) Towing on the rear wheels generates electricity and this excess energy can burn out the other components of the vehicle.*

And what it comes down to…

Marc Stone, National Account Manager, Fleet Operations, Mercedes-Benz USA & Demetra Markopoulos

Mike Antich summed up the conference by saying that “green is clearly a major topic and initiative for senior corporate and government management and there is a clear need for information, and we think this Green Fleet Conference helps to fill that need.” (Click here to watch my video interview with Mike Antich.)

Sustainability and green fleet initiatives have been an issue in the corporate fleet and public sector for the past several years. On the government side they’re required to implement green fleet initiatives due to regulatory mandates. I agree- the Green Fleet Conference was very comprehensive and covered everything from upcoming and existing regulations, to new [green] product models that will be introduced within the next 4-5 years, to the new area of remarketing hybrid vehicles, which are just now coming out of service. It was great to see the strong interest and quest for knowledge among the attendees, as well as the support from the top (executive levels) down to the consumers.

And of course, it will be interesting to see the transition in the coming years, particularly in the fleet sector of the auto industry, as the green initiatives become more prevalent across the board.

FLEX’n with the Diva: Part 1

I just got back from a trip to Detroit to visit Ford Motor Company, where I had the opportunity to sit down with a dynamic group of individuals and learn all about the new 2009 Ford Flex, got a walk-around tour of the vehicle, and then learned about Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability. I have lots of video coming, but I thought I’d tell you a little bit about it right away.

Anthony Prozzi, Ford Designer

During the first sit down interview (think “The View”), I was joined by several Ford Execs, including Anthony Prozzi, Ford Designer (Interior Design Manager of the Flex), Kate Pearce, Ford Flex Marketing Manager, and Usha Raghavachari, Ford CUV Marketing Communications Manager, who shared their insight, expert information and passion about the Flex. Jay Ward, Ford SUV/CUV Communications Manager, later joined us for the walk-around tour of the vehicle.

What’s a Flex?

So what is the Ford Flex? Well Kate Pearce said that “it’s something really unique and different in the market.” It’s defined by Ford as a crossover, which is a vehicle that combines the best features of a car, coupled with the capabilities of an SUV. “We fundamentally believe that Flex is the next game changer for Ford. There will be nothing else like it in the marketplace,” said Kate Pearce.

Kate Pearce, Ford Flex Marketing Manager

Anthony Prozzi added that he thinks, “what makes a game changer, and a vehicle like the Flex so important is the fact that it is well designed.” (coming from a designer himself!) “In an arena with so many competitors, the thing that’s going to set you apart is obviously the way it looks…first impressions always make the lasting impression. Its looks, its overall appearance, enhanced with all the comfort and driving dynamics of it, you have not only a game changer, but you have something that’s significant and a homerun for Ford Motor Company.”

And the Flex is for…

2009 Ford Flex Limited

And who’s the target customer? Well, this time it’s not about a demographic, but a psychographic. That is, the Flex customer is someone who wants to avoid the norm and make a statement. “Our target consumer, we describe them as an attitude rather than a demographic,” said Usha Raghavachari. “We’re getting so much positive feedback from young and old, alike…we like to

Usha Raghavachari, Ford CUV Marketing Communications Manager talks to the CarsDiva about the Ford Flex customer.

describe them as people who invest in the interesting.”

In my opinion, well the vehicle is definitely interesting, and indeed, it evokes a reaction. As to what kind of reaction- well you decide! Whether you’re a fan or not, you have to admit, the Flex does draw attention. And if you’re not convinced by your first impression, give it the benefit of the doubt and check out the inside. Quite extraordinary, I must say… 

CarsDiva wearing a Haldeman Ford Flex T-shirt

As part of the new vehicle launch, Ford dealers across the country are throwing consumer parties to “unveil” the Flex. Unfortunately I missed some of them, but I was lucky enough to get a couple Flex souvenirs from the successful events hosted by my friends in the Philadelphia area- Lilliston Ford (Vineland, NJ), Haldeman Ford (Hamilton Square, NJ), and C & C Ford (Horsham, PA). And next week (August 18-22), I’ll be checking out the Flex events at Springfield Ford and McCafferty Ford.  Stay tuned…

If you’re interested in learning more…

CarsDiva wearing a Lilliston Ford t-shirt from their Flex event.

For those of you “Flex Fanatics” out there, (or for those whose interest was peaked), check out my new social network devoted to the Flex, spun out of CarsDiva.com, called FlexFans.org, which centers on the Ford Flex. And take a peak at the calendar to learn about Flex events in your area, and to see which Flex event I’ll be at next!

CarsDiva sporting a Flex t-shirt and toting a Flex bag from C & C Ford.

Videos (and more on Ford’s Blueprint for Sustainability with John Viera, Director of Sustainable Business Strategies) soon to follow!!!

What were they thinking???

Everyone remembers cars like the Ford Thunderbird, Pontiac TransAm, and Cadillac Eldorado. However the auto industry’s also had their share of flops through the times.  These are the vehicles that you look back at, raise your eyebrow, and wonder, what in the heck were they thinking? ….or perhaps just laugh…

Some of these of vehicles include:

1. The Dodge La Femme
2. The Edsel
3. The Subaru BRAT
4. The Suzuki X-90 

Edsel

The Edsel division of Ford was introduced as an experimental project, in order to compete with superior number of dealerships of General Motors and Chrysler. Produced in the ‘50’s and known as one of the most spectacular failures in auto history, Ford lost $350 million on this venture.

Subaru BRAT

The Subaru BRAT (Bi-drive Recreational All-terrain Transporter), introduced in the 1970’s, was best-known for its welded-in, jump seats in the cargo bed.  And these were for what??? Well during this period of time, a 25% import tariff was charged to trucks imported to the U.S., while passenger cars were only taxed 2.5%.  The seats were meant to designate the vehicle as a passenger car and avoid the higher tariff.

Suzuki X-90

Initially a concept car that was well-received by the public, the actual production Suzuki-X-90 was a total flop, selling very poorly.  Produced in the ‘90’s, this vehicle was meant to be a small SUV, however it had only 2 seats and a removable roof, and was not equipped with off-road capability, nor a smooth “on-road“ ride.

 

Dodge La Femme

Alright ladies, as the CarsDiva, my “favorite“ of these automotive blunders is the ultimate girly car. The Dodge La Femme, which was launched in the ‘50’s was one of Chrysler Corporation’s first attempts to create a car just for you.   Al Haas, the “On the Road“ columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, referred to it as a “Royal Lancer on estrogen.“  The exterior was sapphire white and heather rose, with gold scripted “La Femme“ on the fenders, and the interior featured pink rosebud tapestry fabric.  To add to this ridiculous concoction, the purchase of the vehicle included the matching accoutrements…. rosebud raincoats, rain bonnets, umbrellas and purses.  (Can’t you just see yourself skipping down the street with your “rosebud“ ensemble?)

In any case, a total of 2,500 Dodge La Femmes were sold in the two years that the vehicle was offered. So what do you think ladies?  Would you buy this car (or a modern replica) if it was back on the market?  (There’s actually a website for ’55 &’56 La Femme enthusiasts or those searching to find one to buy.)

Let me know what you think…

What’s Going on in Spring Hill, TN??? So that’s how cars are made….

Last Monday, March 9, I had the opportunity to be hosted (yet again) by General Motors in Spring Hill, TN, where I took my very first ever tour of a manufacturing plant. The tour of the plant (which is currently preparing for the production of the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse) was interesting and definitely informative…(which you will see from the video clips that will be up on CarsDiva soon.)

Before we took the actual tour, we sat through a short presentation, where I got to see and listen to Ed Pepper, Chevrolet General Manager, and Don Butler, Executive Director- Chevrolet Truck Marketing. The enthusiasm and pride of GM was very evident and motivating, and justified by the great products that keep rolling into the market (thanks to the legendary Bob Lutz!)

Here are some interesting facts about the Spring Hill manufacturing site and Chevrolet as a precursor to the videos:

SPRING HILL MANUFACTURING FACILITY

1. Spring Hill, TN is located 40 miles south of Nashville
2. Opened in 1990; shipped over 3.752 million vehicles to date
3. Home of SATURN, and now in preparation to launch the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
4. 6.86 million square feet
5. 3,981 employees

Other Interesting (Chevrolet) Facts I learned on the trip:

1. Chevrolet was founded on November 3, 1911
2. Chevrolet is named after racing driver, Louis-Joseph Chevrolet (who together with William C. Durant, co-founded the brand)
3. 700 songs in history have used “Chevy” in the lyrics
4. Every 7.2 seconds a Chevrolet vehicle is sold worldwide

 

Stay tuned to get an inside preview of the Spring Hill plant!!!  

General Motors Unveils the “BRIDGE” between Cars & Trucks

I had the special privilege of being hosted by General Motors on Tuesday evening, February 05, for a spectacular dinner in Chicago preceding the Auto Show. What a great opportunity it was to wine and dine with some of GM’s top execs in marketing, communications and product development, and discuss their plans for the future.

The highlight of the evening was the introduction of the “Chevrolet Traverse,” the new vehicle that will be unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show tomorrow at the private press days, (the show opens to the public on Friday, February 8.) Ed Peper, General Manager of the Chevrolet Division, began the discussion by reaffirming that GM has always done well with utility vehicles, and so with great enthusiasm announced that the Traverse, which means “to bridge,” is a big launch for Chevrolet. This vehicle signifies the bridge between cars and trucks. One of GM’s largest target markets is families, as this segment is growing dramatically. The Traverse comes off the heels of the Chevy Malibu, which initially has to key targets- families and commuters.

Is it possible to Look Good AND Be Practical???

Ana Kretz, Chevrolet Vehicle Executive, went on to discuss the features of the vehicle, explaining that it’s a 4-door with a hatch, fits seven to eight passengers, and provides lots of cargo room, really offering that “bridge” for consumers. The Traverse “provides for many families what they’re looking for,” said Kretz. There are multiple purposes to this vehicle and Kretz went on to say that GM “wanted you to always be surprised when you get in it.”

The crossover between the car and truck segment, is focused on trying to really narrow down the details of what consumers want, offering them the best of both worlds. Don Butler, Executive Director of Chevrolet Truck Marketing, said that the Traverse “gives you this package in a sleek, stylish shape,” and “enables you to look good, while still being practical.” And this, in my humble diva opinion, is a critical point because really, before most of us even check out the practicality of a vehicle, we’re either drawn to or deterred by its aesthetic appeal. (hmm… I do believe that this applies to lots of things in addition cars). Safety features, lots of gadgets and a snazzy interior are great… (and important to me), but I won’t even check those things out if the car is ugly.

Safety and… Destination Download

After we found out that the Traverse was stylish, Ana Kretz went on to highlight some of the practicality features that this vehicle encompasses. It’s equipped with V6 engine (performs like a V8), 6-speed transmission, and conventional powertrain. “We think we did a very good job,” said Kretz as she presented how Chevy provided all these capabilities in a fuel economy vehicle. Some of the safety features include OnStar, automatic crash notification, Stabilitrak, seat belt pretentioners, antilock breaks, and what I thought was one of the coolest features—“destination download.” Now how this works is you can call OnStar at any time when you’re driving, give them your destination, they plug it in for you and voila- your directions appear on your screen. This is great when there’s a change of plans and your route changes as you’re driving, and of course, it’s a huge safety feature! (And for people like me who are already trying their best not to be talking on the phone and putting on lipstick, it makes it a whole lot more convenient.)

And the ETA is…

The start date for building the Chevy Traverse is set for September 1st, so we should expect to see volumes in dealerships in the fall. I’ve gotta say, you could tell from the enthusiasm and pride in their voices, these GM execs are genuinely excited about their new products, and it very well sounds like they should be. I’ll let you all know after I check it out for myself tomorrow— as I mentioned earlier, I get to go to the auto show on the private press day since I was so graciously invited by GM. And you know what? I’ve got to admit, I’ll take attending the auto show “VIP style” any time!

More exciting news to follow soon from the 100th Anniversary of the Chicago Auto Show…