Ford Fusion getting substantial refresh for 2017

It's only been a couple of years since Ford rolled out the current Fusion, but if these spy shots are anything to go by, it's already planning what appears to be a substantial update for the mid-size sedan.

According to our paparazzi on the ground, the new Fusion is being prepared for launch late in 2016 or early 2017. Although heavily camouflaged to keep it from prying eyes such as ours, it appears that the updated Fusion will tone down the Aston Martin-style grille, ditch the small corner window with revised front side glass and tweak the vehicle's overall shape. But there's more to the new Fusion than a styling adjustment, and our spy photographers have caught a glimpse inside and taken us along.

Apparently the new Fusion is to get a completely overhauled interior with soft-touch surfaces and matte wood trim to make it seem more upscale. There's an all-new rotary gear selector (like you'd find on a Jaguar, for example) hinting at the implementation of a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The prototype appears to be packing the Microsoft SYNC system, suggesting that the new Blackberry QNX system isn't ready quite yet – though that doesn't necessarily mean it won't be ready by the time the new Fusion is.
Source: autoblog.com

Ford announces free brake pad offer if customers stop by dealers

These days, when you buy a new car, it's not unreasonable to expect a certain period of free maintenance to come along as well. Sometimes this is through the life of the warranty, in other cases a little less. But Ford Motor Company is going beyond those deals for at least one part of its cars. As of now, if you buy a set of Motorcraft brake pads for a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury model, you get free replacements for as long as you own the vehicle. The offer is good at Ford or Lincoln dealers and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers.

"We will replace the pads for as long as you own the vehicle," said Elizabeth Weigandt to Autoblog. She did clarify that the Motorcraft pads are generally for models from the '90s or newer. Also, to take advantage of this program, a person must return to the same dealer each time to get the free parts.

Of course, Ford isn't just handing out brake pads to anyone who walks by; there are certain stipulations. First, the components have to be worn down to less than three millimeters to be eligible, and the buyer still has to pay for the labor to install them. If the model is used as a fleet vehicle for commercial purposes like as a taxi or limousine, this offer also doesn't apply; the same thing for racecars. On the plus side, if you recently bought a set of pads from one of the participating locations, you're still in luck. The deal covers parts purchased as of July 1.

"This program reflects our commitment to providing customers with an excellent ownership experience regardless of the age of their vehicle," said Frederiek Toney, President of Ford Customer Service, in the company's announcement of the offer. Scroll down to read the all the details.

Ford Offers Motorcraft Brake Pad Replacement Guarantee

• New point-of-sale program at Ford and Lincoln dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers provides consumers with no-cost replacement of Motorcraft brake pads purchased as of July 1, 2014; program applies to passenger vehicles and certain commercial vehicles

• Motorcraft brake pads that have worn down to less than three millimeters will be eligible for no-cost replacement; labor and other parts are not included

• The offer applies to Motorcraft brake pads replaced on a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle


DEARBORN, Mich., August 4, 2014 – Ford Motor Company has launched a new point-of-sale program at Ford and Lincoln dealerships and Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers that provides consumers with no-cost replacement of Motorcraft brake pads purchased as of July 1, 2014.

Motorcraft brake pads that wear down to less than three millimeters will be eligible for no-cost replacement as long as the customer owns the vehicle. Customers must still pay labor and installation costs for replacing the brakes, as well as the cost of other parts needed to return the brake system to original operating condition. This offer, called "Lifetime Brake Pad Guarantee," applies to Motorcraft brakes replaced on any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury passenger vehicle and certain commercial vehicles.

To qualify for replacement brakes, customers will need to present their service advisor with their repair order or vehicle identification number.

"This program reflects our commitment to providing customers with an excellent ownership experience regardless of the age of their vehicle," said Frederiek Toney, vice president, Ford Motor Company and president, Ford Customer Service. "Plus, when you purchase Motorcraft parts at a Ford or Lincoln dealer, or a Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center, you know you're getting the right parts installed by the right people. Motorcraft parts are the officially recommended parts for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, and these technicians are factory-trained and certified to service our products."

Except for taxi, limousine, postal, police, towing or emergency vehicles, commercial vehicles are also eligible for the program. Racing vehicles are not eligible.

Source: autoblog.com