Ford launches Ka-Ligraphy accessories

Ford Ka owners can now personalise their car thanks to a new range of specially created exterior graphics launched this month.Known as Ka-ligraphy, the vinyl graphics complement the cute curves of the loveable small Ford and come in a variety of different styles.

Ka-ligraphy costs from just £49.99 (rrp) for the more discreet "I luv my Ka" tattoo in a choice of six vibrant colours. Alternatively there are 12 different "Zodiac" sign roof designs with spoiler graphic in either black, silver or blue at £119.99 or the full-body "Butterfly" treatment.

The "Butterfly" artwork, available in five bright colours, include a small butterfly transfer through to bolder graphics for the rear bootlid, roof and wheelarch pair.

Exclusively designed for the Ford Ka, Ka-ligraphy accessories only takes between five and 30 minutes to fit, depending on the size of the decal and the area of the car being covered. The graphics are warranted for three years and can be ordered now from all Ford franchised dealerships.
Ford's Ka re-wrote the small car rule book when it appeared more than a decade ago and the chic yet affordable 1.3-litre model continues to be a sales success. The current range offers buyers a choice of Studio, Style, Zetec and Luxury 2 sport trim levels priced from £7,095 - £9,195 on-the-road and Ka-ligraphy graphics can be applied to all Ka in the range.

Future Ford plug-in hybrids in 5 to 10 years

This is the first time Ford offered a timeline for producing plug-in hybrids. The news came from FoMoCo's CEO, Mr. Alan Mulally who said that within 10 years we will start to see this technology in our hands.

Mullaly also announced an alliance between the No. 2 American automaker and utility Southern California Edison to test 20 rechargeable electric vehicles.This alliance was made because of the relationship of the two chief executives, both being linked to Boeing Corp(according to Autonews, Mulally was Boeing's executive vice president before joining Ford in September 2006 and Bryson is a director of Boeing).

According to Ford's CEO, the rollout of the plug-in hybrids depends on the developing of the lithium-ion batteries that will be charged by the car's owners using regular household electrical outlets.

Ford engineers and the researchers from Southern California Edison will test together in the "real world" the 20 plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Many environmental advocates see the hybrid vehicles as the best available technology to reduce the petrol consumptions and with this the CO2 emissions because the plug-in hybrids are to use little or no gasoline over short distances and at lower speeds.

Ford showing interest for Romanian plant

Ford Motor Company took the lead in bidding to purchase the former Daewoo assembly plant from the Romanian government after GM dropped out the deal.

Beside General Motors, the Russian automaker GAZ,Chinese from Chery and the Indians from Tata Motors showed interest for Daewoo Automobile Craiova ."AVAS received … only one offer, from Ford Motor Co.," the agency said in a statement.

A General Motors spokesman said that the American automaker intends to increase its capacity in central and eastern Europe.Although GM has financial equity or production deals with several plants in central and easter Europe, this including Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the automaker showed great interest about the Romnian plant but for no reasons the deal went off. Mark Kempe said that GM is looking at all option around the region and this is the reason they decided not to bid.

The factory from Craiova was bought back in 2006 for $51 million plus another $10 million for debts stemming from past loans mad by the Korean automaker.The head of AVAS, Mr. Teodor Atanasiu, said he will have to ensure a minimum yearly output of 300,000 vehicles.

Ford Edge by H&R

Combining sport utility capability with the driving dynamics of a sports car, H&R Sport Springs lower the Edge 2″ for improved handling and superb ride. H&R Trak+ Wheel Spacers provide a precision fit H&R stance and dynamic side profile while H&R Triple C Camber Adjustment Bolts keep everything in spec.

Big 22 X 10 OZ Giotti 3 - 3 piece wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 295/30R22 tires give the H&R Edge a powerful, muscular stance and athletic maneuverability that is perfect for both the hairpin turns of the Pacific Coast Highway or the busy streets of New York City.

The Gemballa bright orange exterior is eye-catching whether bathed in sunshine or silhouetted in moonlight and the subtle Pearl-Ghost world graphics add a hint of mysterious elegance. The exclusive panoramic Vista Roof lets the sun shine in with an expansive view that spans nearly 40% of the total roof area. The H&R Edge also features a blacked-out race-like hood, a Camtec custom composite front bumper light pod with an integrated wind-splitter and Hella Celis LED lamps that give a high-tech night effect for cool city cruising.

When you're on an extended road trip, great sounding music keeps you on track and entertained. The H&R Edge showcases the Ford factory premium stereo system which features an AM/FM stereo, 6-disc CD changer, 4 speakers, MP3, Sirius Satellite Radio and a touch-screen DVD-Based Navigation System.

To look good you must feel good, and the Waimea Cliffstone leather interior coddles you in relaxing splendor. Combined with Mauna Loa Ash Mica accents that enrich your comfort therapy, you'll want to drive forever.

Freedom of mobility with ease spotlights the Edge as a capable, more practical SUV. The H&R Edge is the ultimate road cruiser that can take you where you want to go… from high-altitude to high society. The Edge is the car to do things and be seen doing. Drive to the edge of your world!

H&R 2007 FORD EDGE - " Edge of the World " specifications

Exterior:

• Special Gemballa orange paint with Pearl Ghost world graphics.

• Blacked-out race-look hood.

• Camtec Custom composite front bumper light pod with integrated wind-splitter.

• Hella CELIS lamps - with CELIS LED halo-effect.

• Panoramic VISTA ROOF

Wheels & Tires:

• 22 X 10 OZ Giotti 3 three-piece wheels

• Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asimmetrico 295/30WR22 tires

Chassis/Suspension:

• H&R Sport Springs• H&R Trak+ Wheel Spacers

• H&R Triple C Camber Adjustment Bolts

Interior:

• Custom interior with perforated and non-Perforated Waimea Cliffstone leather tastefully utilized on door panels, seats and head-rests.

• Interior accents painted in Mauna Loa Ash Mica.

• Custom matching floor mats.

• Ford factory premium stereo system with MP3, Sirius Satellite Radio and touch-screen DVD-Based Navigation System.