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Consumer Reports testing finds many small turbo engines underperforming; fuel economy, acceleration no better than in larger conventional powertrains

Green Car Congress

Consumer Reports’ own fuel economy tests of vehicles equipped with small turbocharged engines has found in many cases that the turbocharged cars tested by CR have slower acceleration and no better fuel economy than the models with larger conventional engines, the organization said. Ford Escape. Ford Escape.

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Ford Crew Chief telematics system can improve fuel economy by up to 20% through better fleet management

Green Car Congress

Driver behavior has so much influence on not only fuel efficiency but on the overall maintenance and life of a vehicle. The US Department of Energy reports that aggressive driving decreases fuel economy by up to 33 percent. Starting with some 2011 model year vehicles, a new function called Oil Life Minder has been added.

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Ford Introduces 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid; Projected 41 mpg City

Green Car Congress

The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Ford’s Lincoln brand revealed its first hybrid—the new mid-size 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid—during the press preview to the New York International Auto Show. The 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid uses Ford’s second-generation hybrid system, based on the 2.5-liter Click to enlarge. Earlier post.)

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Ford builds 2-millionth EcoBoost engine, with take rates growing globally; expected to exceed Ford’s global diesel production

Green Car Congress

EcoBoost technology combines smaller overall size with turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing to deliver significantly improved performance and fuel economy. Ford says its EcoBoost engines deliver up to 20% better fuel economy than larger-displacement gasoline engines. liter three-cylinder; 1.5-liter,

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Ford Adds Soy Foam Seat Cushions To Explorer; Nearly 100% of North American Lineup to Feature Soy Foam By End of 2010

Green Car Congress

The 2011 Ford Explorer will feature soy foam in seat cushions and seatbacks. The bio-based polyurethane foam will be one of the new features in the new Ford Explorer—which will also deliver fuel economy at least 25% better than the current model—which goes in to production later this year. Earlier post.).

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Ford Increasing Use of Renewable and Recyclable Materials in Vehicles

Green Car Congress

Ford Mustang, F-150, Focus, Flex, Escape, Expedition and Econoline as well as Mercury Mariner, Lincoln MKS and Navigator also use the sustainable material. liter V-6 2010 Ford Escape. Post-industrial recycled yarns for seat fabrics on vehicles such as the Ford Escape and Escape Hybrid. liter Duratec engine.

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First Three Conditional Loan Commitments Under DOEs ATVM Program go to Ford Motor Company, Nissan Motors and Tesla Motors

Green Car Congress

The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, first appropriated in the fall of 2008, will provide about $25 billion in loans to companies making cars and components in US factories that increase fuel economy at least 25% above 2005 fuel economy levels. Ford Motor Company will receive $5.9