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New Explorer from Ford. The 2011 Ford Explorer has been debuted to the media and will be released later this year. The next-generation Explorer has been dramatically redesigned with new styling, new engines, and plenty of new features.
While it was a truck-type construction in previous models, it now has a unibody design, though it remains a tough competitor in SUV segment. The wheelbase is an inch shorter but overall length is four inches longer. The three trim levels are available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Powered by a standard 3.5-liter V-6 engine that products 290 HP, the EcoBoost 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with a horsepower rating of 237 is also available. All Explorers are equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Improvements include the Explorer’s pillar design and a Curve Control system, an advancement on the stability control system. MyFord Touch allows driver voicing and touch screen control for the information system, the AWD versions include a terrain management system so drivers can change suspension and powertrain calibrations based on road conditions, and there are enhancements in suspension and other systems.
July light-truck sales. While light-truck and 4x4 sales have generally suffered during the past few years of tough economic times, there have been some bright spots for some manufacturers this summer. In July, the Nissan Frontier had a 48.5 percent increase over July 2009 sales (3,967 units), Ford F-Series were up 38.9 percent (50,449), Nissan Titan increased 29.1 percent (2,139), and Toyota Tundra was up 28.5 percent with sales of 9,201. The Tundra is up over 40 percent for year-to-date sales.
Others that had favorable July sales include the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra that had double digit increases and the best sales since 2005. Dodge Ram pickups were reported to be up 14 percent with sales of 20,138. Dodge Dakota posted a 49 percent boost in July over 2009.
Ford posted its best light-truck sales since the huge fuel cost increases during the summer of 2008.
It’s a Bright Idea. Bright Automotive of Indiana got a recent boost as General Motors invested $5 million in the electric-vehicle manufacturing company. The strategic partnership, through the newly formed General Motors Ventures LLC, allows Bright Idea to get engine and transmission technologies for electric plug-in vehicles, while GM will get a small stake in the company.
Bright is close to production of its IDEA model, a light-duty commercial truck, an electric plug-in that runs about 40 miles on electric power before it switches to a hybrid mode that offers an estimated 36 MPG (up to 100 MPG combined, based on driving habits).
The company was formed in 2008 by automotive entrepreneurs, including some of the most experienced hybrid electric vehicle and battery pack engineers in the industry. Bright said that in just over 12 months the firm has accomplished what others have take years to develop–a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
The IDEA is an all-wheel-drive unit that is 211 inches long and has a cargo volume of 180 cubic feet. Its payload is 2,000 pounds. Bright said the IDEA provides comfort, maximizes utility, and offers unprecedented fuel economy.
