Ford Motor Company Archives

Sime Darby Auto ConneXion participates in 14th Ford Global Caring Month

Big corporations continue to be successful because of the support and business the communities they operate in give them. Never forgetting this, companies like Ford Motor Company have a Global Caring Month where thousands of its employees around the world participate in community projects to reciprocate and to create positive impact in people’s lives

For the 14^th year of the Global Caring Month, Ford together with its sole distributor, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), organised a full-day activity for the elderly at the Sincere Care Home to help improve their living conditions as well as to provide emotional support. During the full-day visit, SDAC-Ford volunteers offered help with housekeeping and meals preparation and entertaining the senior folks. Apart from food and games, a spa corner offering manicure, pedicure, facial and haircut services were also set up by the talent volunteers to help groom the residents of the nursing home.

Sincere Care Home is a nursing home dedicated at looking after senior citizens who were found living on the streets, sent by families who are less able and referred to by the hospital. To help reduce the financial burden of its daily operation, the volunteers also made contributions in kind and in cash.

Enhancing quality of life
“Ford Global Caring Month programme is a great platform and we are proud to be a part of it. Each year, we get to contribute to a different cause and make a difference in people’s lives. Together with Ford, we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for people in our communities where we live and work” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, Managing Director, Sime Darby Auto ConneXion.

Ford Global Caring Month is a signature annual event of the Ford Volunteer Corps. Since its launch in 2005 by Executive Chairman Bill Ford, Ford Volunteer Corps members have contributed more than 1.5 million hours of community service in 50 countries, representing more than US$40 million of in-kind community investments. During the month, the Ford Volunteer Corps tackled hundreds of projects in cities, towns and villages in six continents. Ford Fund is contributing more than US$675,000 in grants to purchase tools and supplies for many of the global projects.

“Ford volunteers are improving access to clean water, feeding the hungry, building homes, renovating schools and providing opportunities to help make people’s lives better all over the world,” said Todd Nissen, director, Ford Volunteer Corps. “Each Ford volunteer is making a valued contribution to stronger communities and a better world.”

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Ford uses 1.2 billion plastic bottles for auto parts each year

Drinking water is good for you and many take water bottles with them in their car or bag when they go out. However, where the empty bottle ends up is not always certain. Those who care for the environment will make sure they dispose of the plastic bottle in the right place, like a rubbish bin if not a recycling centre. Many though will just throw it by the roadside without a thought and if not collected, it will remain there for the next 450 – 1,000 years, depending on the type of plastic used.

In coastal areas, the bottle may wash into a drain and then into the sea where it joins other rubbish – and more plastic bottles – that float around. Sea creatures are at risk and in areas such as the Pacific gyre, there is a floating mass of plastic bigger than the size of Mexico in the Pacific Ocean!

Carmakers undertake recycling activities
It’s a big challenge getting mankind to stop such pollution so car companies like Ford are helping by using recycled plastic bottles for auto parts. Ford’s use of recycled plastics dates back to the 1990s. In the past decade, aerodynamics has driven the need for underbody shields, and the use of plastics in vehicle parts is used globally and has grown exponentially. Ford uses about 1.2 billion recycled plastic bottles per year – about 300 bottles per vehicle on average.

One area where the plastic bottles are used is the underbody shield of the car. “The underbody shield is a large part, and for a part that big, if we use solid plastic it would likely weigh 3 times as much,” said Thomas Sweder, a design engineer at Ford Motor Company. “We look for the best materials to work with to make our parts, and in this case, we are also creating many environmental benefits.”

Ideal material
Due to its light weight, recycled plastic is ideal for the manufacture of underbody shields, engine under shield, and front and rear wheel arch liners that can help improve vehicle aerodynamics, which impacts fuel efficiency.

Here’s how it works: when plastic bottles are thrown into a recycling bin, they are collected with thousands of others, and shredded into small pieces. That’s typically sold to suppliers who turn it into a fibre, by melting the bottle and extruding it. Those fibres are mixed together with other various types of fibre in a textile process and used to make a sheet of material – which is then used to make the automotive parts.

“Ford is among the leaders when it comes to using materials such as this, and we do it because it makes sense technically and economically as much as it makes sense for the environment,” Sweder said. “This material is very well suited for the parts we’re making with it and is extremely functional.”

camping — *Ford trucks enable you to explore and camp in our jungles but remember to leave nothing behind when you come out. Help to preserve the environment you enjoyed so the next generation can also enjoy it.*

Ford Donates RM33,000 to Montfort Boys Town

Ford Motor Company together with Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC) awarded the Montfort Boys Town a grant worth US$8,000 or RM33,000 as part of the Ford Education Grant program here in Malaysia. This generous deed was done to help support the local automotive industry with training to develop qualified technicians. (more…)

Sime Darby Opens Upgraded Ford Facility in Kota Kinabalu

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), Ford Motor Company’s exclusive distribution partner in Malaysia, today announced the opening of its newly upgraded Ford dealer showroom and service centre, Sime Darby Auto Connexion Kota Kinabalu.

Strategically located at Jalan Limau Manis, the 3,216 square-metre facility is designed with Ford’s global Brand@Retail standards, including six additional service bays with vehicle hoists, totaling 13 service bays. The facility also features a dedicated customer service lounge with complimentary Wi-Fi, where customers can enjoy hot beverages and snacks while waiting for their service appointments.

“Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) is designed to offer an unmatched customer experience, with convenience, efficiency and comfort,” said Syed Ahmad Muzri Bin Syed Faiz, (below) managing director, Sime Darby Auto Connexion. “This upgraded facility is part of Ford and SDAC’s network expansion and customer service enhancement plan aimed to offer the very best sales and aftersales services to better serve growing number of Ford customers in East Malaysia.”

Staffed by certified technicians, the Kota Kinabalu showroom is equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic equipment and special tools to provide Ford Authorised Service, and maintains a full supply of genuine spare parts. “The quality of the ownership experience we provide is just as important as the quality of our world-class Ford vehicles,” said Truong Kim Phong, managing director, Asia Pacific Emerging Markets, Ford Motor Company. “The newly upgraded Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) demonstrates our joint commitment to offer Ford customers an even better experience.”

The Sime Darby Auto Connexion (Kota Kinabalu) is located at Jalan Limau Manis, Off Jalan Lintas, 88450 Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Showroom is open from 8:30am-5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and from 8:30am-12:30pm on Saturday, while Service Centre opening hours are 8:00am-5:00pm from Monday to Friday, 8:00am-12:30pm on Saturday.

For more information, call the Kota Kinabalu hotlines – showroom 088 425 255, service centre 088 427 666, or visit www.sdacford.com.my.

Top 10 list of most searched cars by Auto Trader

Auto Trader, one of the UK’s biggest online marketplaces for new and used cars, has published a list of the top 10 most searched vehicles of this past year. The results were based on users who searched through Auto Trader’s online portal for their desired vehicles in 2017.

The results portray a very interesting story, and despite the unstable economic situation, Brexit and the dieselgate saga, premium vehicles are still in high demand. At the top of the list is the BMW 3 Series, thanks to youthful styling, peppy turbocharged engines and a slew of tech features, it was the most desired car of the year.

Finishing second, was the Volkswagen Golf. The Mack Daddy of family hatchbacks was very popular among visitors but not enough to be crowned king of the hill. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class came in a respectable third place, just edging out another stalwart, the Ford Focus.

Following is the top ten list of most searched vehicles:

1. BMW 3 SERIES

2. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

3. MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS

4. FORD FOCUS

5. BMW 1 SERIES

6. BMW 5 SERIES

7. FORD FIESTA

8. AUDI A3

9. MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS

10. VAUXHALL ASTRA

Ivan Aistrop, Road Test Editor at Auto Trader, said, “In fact, if you look at the list of most searched-for diesel cars, you’ll see it contains more premium products than for any other fuel type, suggesting that diesel cars are still desirable for buyers despite recent negative press coverage.”

Apart from this, Auto Trader also came out with a list of the most searched for electric cars. Dominating the list was Nissan’s Leaf due in part to its sensible styling, conventional knobs and switchgear as well as its ‘down to earth’ method of operation. Tesla’s Model S was placed much lower than expected, finishing in 9th place, just ahead of the Vauxhall Ampera.

The influx of efficient and advanced electric cars in the next few years, could mean that an EV, not a petrol or diesel car, will take the No.1 spot for next year’s Top 10. Overwhelming demand for vehicles like the newly launched Tesla Model 3 may relegate today’s most wanted petrol cars to the bottom section of the 2018 list.

Ford and SDAC celebrate Christmas with patients

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the sole distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, provided some much needed holiday cheer this Christmas season. Members of SDAC visited the children’s ward of Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-kanak Sabah, Likas, Kota Kinabalu.

The group provided kids with books, bags and stationary in support of Kupikupifm DJs Cheer to Patient CSR Programme. This is part of Ford’s charitable initiative to help give back to local communities and provide the less fortunate with the means to progress further.

Staff and patients at the hospital were regaled with Christmas carols at the foyer area. Though brief, the event helped lighten the somber mood that is usually associated with patients in such facilities. It helped provide a glimmer of hope to those who had lost theirs.

The Blue Oval is heavily invested in programmes such as these to help community building and sustainable development for future generations. Hospital Wanita dan Kanak-kanak Sabah is a small hospital focusing on obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatrics and is associated with the general hospital, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Red Edition Focus RS to be launched soon

Ford has decided to introduce a limited edition Focus RS just in time for the holidays. Called the RS Red Edition, with just 300 examples salted for production, will feature a Race Red exterior, grey brake calipers, black cast alloy wheels as well as contrasting black roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler.

Like the special edition RS, this one also gets a front mechanical Quaife limited-slip differential (LSD). This clever tech provides the car with better traction to the wheel that needs it most. As such, during hard cornering, the Focus RS will be able to deliver impressive levels of grip and stability.

“The Focus RS Edition represents accessible performance at its finest”, said Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain. “As RS production nears its end, we wanted to celebrate with a limited run of cars for those who want to stand out as an RS fan.”

The car is available to order now at Ford dealerships but its production will only begin in February of 2018. As such, this jolly red Focus RS won’t be rolling out in time for this Christmas but we are sure many enthusiasts wouldn’t mind the wait.

In general, the latest Focus RS is a technological masterpiece, it crams sports car-like performance into a compact package. Powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, all-wheel-drive and a Limited Slip Differential, it’s a hot hatch that can give certain supercars a run for their money.

Ford’s survey says parents are hypocrites

“Do as I say, not as I do” is a saying used to describe parents’s driving habits. According to Ford’s survey, it appers that parents, not their teenage/young adult, children tend to fiddle about with their mobile phones will driving. Despite the notion that millennials suffer from short attention spans, Ford’s statistics prove the contrary to be true.

Ford’s recent study conducted of drivers across Asia Pacific, would suggest that parents are the most distracted group of drivers on the road. Apparently, 43% of them reported to have experienced a distracted driving incident compared to 40% of people without children. Fathers were more likely to use their phones will driving.

The most popular excuses given for using a phone while driving are, taking calls from friends or family (62%), being stuck in traffic or at a traffic light (59 percent), and answering work calls or emails (46%). About 24% of millennials and 17% of parents have admitted to using their phones while driving because ‘they were bored’.

This survey was conducted to help understand distracted driving behaviour and attitudes. And it coincides with the expansion of DSFL, Ford’s flagship corporate social responsibility programme. Through this, the automaker conducts various campaigns that benefit drivers and society as a whole.

“Ford is committed to helping raise awareness of road safety and educating drivers on safe driving practices,” said Cynthia Williams, director, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Asia Pacific. “Phones are a great distraction normally, but behind the wheel they can be life threatening.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) data states that over 1.25 million people die each year from car crashes and between 20 to 50 million more of them suffer non-fatal injuries. Drivers who use their phones will driving are about four times more likely to be involved in a crash than those who don’t.

In Asia Pacific, 54% of drivers say that they try to refrain from using their phones while driving, but end up doing so anyway. Many believe that bad weather or the presence of a police officer are the only deterrents from using a phone while driving.

These numbers are nothing short of alarming, considering that how many driving licenses are issued each year. If nothing is done to curb the practise, our roads are going to become extremely unsafe overtime.

Ford Focus RS is experiencing engine problems

Ford’s hothatch, the Focus RS, may not be as perfect as we hoped it would. According to a recent article by Autocar UK, several owners if the latest car have reported seeing white smoke from the exhaust. This is a result of coolant being burnt during cold running. A remedy has yet to be established but Ford has stated that a fix will be rolled out to all customers, even ones not affected by the issue.

Several affected owners have already had their engines replaced with ones that are of the latest specification. Whether or not Ford resorts to swapping all these engines with newer ones, remains to be seen but there are several theories as to why the problem occurred in the first place. Some are saying that the issue could be related to the engine head gasket failing to maintain a seal, while others say it’s something worse.

The problem could also be due to the engine block itself getting distorted over the course of several heat cycles. It may not be as tolerant as Ford had hoped with coping with the demands of enthusiastic owners. Whatever the case, Ford could be looking at a major campaign to rectify the issue and help pacify disgruntled owners who yet to even to break-in their new cars.

Coincidentally, the Ford Mustang uses the same engine as the Focus RS but may not inherit the problem. Autocar UK‘s article states that the material used for the Mustang’s block differs from that used for the Focus. Stay tuned and we will keep you updated as the story unfolds.

Source: Autocar UK

Classic Mustangs live on as timepieces

Die-hard Mustang fans will be happy to know that a watch company called REC Watches, has a new product line that involves building timepieces out of classic Mustangs. But it isn’t what you think, the company isn’t going about ripping apart valuable cars. Instead they acquire components from cars headed to the scrapheap.

This interesting idea is the brainchild of Christian Mygh and Jonathan Kamstrup, who together scour salvage yards around the world for Mustang models. Each car’s components can be used to create hundreds of unique timepieces, costing from $1,495 (RM6,087).

Based in Denmark, REC Watches is dedicated to this concept, and is willing to create an entirely new watch from parts given to them by customers. Once such person is World Champion Drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr., has had a timepiece specially made out of carbon fibre bodywork taken from his 700‑horsepower World Drift Series Ford Mustang RTR.

“Most people would just see a pile of metal, a ghost of a Mustang. We see something completely different – the soul of a car and a story that needs to be told,” said co-founder Mygh. “I’m not cutting up Mustangs. I’m bringing Mustangs that are beyond repair back to life as a watch.”

Behind every uniquely crafted timepiece, is a special story, which is the case here. REC Watches painstakingly trace the history of each vehicle that is used, speak with previous owners as well as collect stories and images from the car’s past life. All this information is summarized and presented to buyers and fans alike through a short video.

Each watch’s design incorporates the donor vehicle’s identification number, year of production and classic Mustang design cues. These designs include a power dial designed to look like a fuel gauge, watch hands that look like speedometer needles, date and dials that are a homage to the Mustang’s classic dashboard.

A rare 1966 Raven Black Mustang model was used to create the company’s limited edition P51-04 collection of 250 watches. Expect more of such timepieces from REC Watches because there a plethora of Mustangs at various scrapheaps waiting to be crushed. Atleast here, they get to live on as a timeless wristwatch.