Going into Rally Ireland, Ford's Marcus Gronholm of Finland was leading defending champion Sebastien Loeb. But an error at the fourth stage of the event saw Loeb move closer to the championship ahead of Gronholm who has been leading the drivers' championship standings for the most part of the season.

Gronholm hit a wall on that fateful fourth stage. His side of the car struck the wall resulting to Gronholm loosing consciousness and being rushed to the hospital for precautionary check up. This is a tough break for Gronholm as he is looking forward to retiring at the end of the season as the champion.

Malcolm Wilson, Ford team principal said in an interview: "I know he’ll be totally devastated about what’s happened. They found some very polished tarmac and Marcus didn’t get the braking he expected. He’s gone into the wall and it was all his side of the car that took the impact."

All is not lost though as the last event of the season may give him the championship still. It can be remembered that his compatriot Kimi Raikkonen who drives for Ferrari in Formula One also went into the last race of the season trailing but came out winning the championship. With his superb driving skills and the prowess of his Ford rally car, Gronholm should not be counted out of the championship race.

Time and time again, Gronholm has shown that he is one of the best drivers around and he can show that once again at the next event.

Marcus had this to say about his accident. "The accident happened at a third gear corner at a point in the stage where I changed my pace notes during the race. It's faster there this year because some trees have been cut down. I slid wide and the right rear wheel hit some straw bales. The impact threw the car down a bank into a tree stump. The impact was hard and on my door. The stage was covered with loose gravel and was slippery all through. It will be hard to repair the damage but the team will do everything it can."

Hey yo what’s up my hommies?! I know most of us are familiar with the Funk MasterFlex, right? Oh yeah! He is one awesome dude, a hip-hop DJ and a certified car geek that customizes cars into a masterpiece. Ford has produced the Ford Expedition Funk Master Flex Limited Edition sporting a two-tone Colorado Red and Black paint design and a complete conventional 3dCarbon body kit and 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels! And guess what? The 2008 Ford Expedition FunkMaster Flex Edition (FMF) is on the way to several dealerships across the country today. Now that shook my rocker arms for real...

Ford is preparing itself for its unrelenting development in the urban market with a traditional SUV that showcases an exceptional approach and presence all the way from the factory in introducing the Funkmaster Flex Edition.

“It’s definitely exciting to see what started as a concept now turns into an actual mass-produced vehicle that can be purchased in dealerships around the country. The vehicle is hot and will without a doubt appeal to those who want an Expedition with some serious urban street appeal. Seeing this vehicle roll off the assembly line is unbelievable to me,” said Funkmaster Flex.

“Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers. He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver,” says Crystal Greene, Ford Sponsorships & Alliances Manager.

General Motors Corporation thinks that their new Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrid sport utility vehicles need to be safer this time. And now they made the Slip Control Boost (SCB) from TRW as a huge safety part of these cars. TRW Automotive Holdings Corporation has given these vehicles the complete set of the Stabilitrak which is made by TRW's Kelsey-Hayes subsidiary.

The system is also called the SCB. The system is also known as a high performance stability control system as well as brake actuation that has a 12-volt system architecture and an integral part of the hybrid Tahoe's regenerative braking system. The news was from The Auto Channel. The brake system degenerates the kinetic energy used by the car and the batteries used by the car are being recharged and saves on fuel because of its hybrid architecture.

The SCB system that wears twin master cylinders to supply brake pressure replaces the traditional boosters, master cylinders and vacuum pumps with an electro-hydraulic control unit (EHCU) and brake pedal simulator unit.

This offers several advantages:
(1) ease of installation with fewer components to fit;
(2) improved packaging in the front dash area versus traditional vacuum boosters;
(3) a decoupled brake pedal that is ideal for integration into autonomous or emergency braking systems; and
(4) best-in-class NVH characteristics.

"TRW is pleased to have worked closely with the engineering teams at General Motors to develop a product that complements the Tahoe's and Yukon's regenerative braking system to help accomplish the dual goals of providing enhanced safety and improved fuel economy," the executive vice president of the Sales and Business Development for TRW Automotive, Peter Lake said.

United Auto Workers leaders countrywide give high praises to the recent Ford pact. They said promises to save jobs will help ratification.

Aside from giving standing ovations for bargainers, the UAW Ford National Council -- made up of delegates from more than 55 Ford facilities across the nation -- voted unanimously to recommend ratification of the proposed 4-year deal, reported Detroit Free Press.

"I believe it will pass," said Nick Kottalis, an official with UAW Local 600, which represents more than 5,000 workers at the Dearborn Truck Plant and other local facilities. Kottalis thought the Dearborn automaker went far to assure workers, who are more nervous than ever about job security. "We're very finicky people after seeing what happened at GM and Chrysler," he said. "But just looking at it, it does look pretty good."

Ford execs are not commenting on the details of the agreement, but they have said it is mutually agreeable. "I can say with conviction it's fair for employees, retirees and paves the way to increased competitiveness," said Mark Fields, president of Ford's business in the Americas. The more than 50,000 UAW members who work for Ford nationwide will now vote to approve or reject the contract at their local union halls over the next week or so.

Despite the fact that Ford is in the midst of a recovery plan for North America, the UAW summary of the deal said: "Ford has agreed that it will not close, idle, nor partially or wholly sell, spin off, split off, consolidate or otherwise dispose of, in any form, any plant, asset or business unit of any type beyond those which have already been identified."

The UAW summary stated:

• Protects U.S. plants that have not already been slated for closure under Ford's Way Forward turnaround plan. The exception is Woodhaven Forging, which "may be considered for sale or closure during the term of the agreement."

That plant, which employs 74 workers, was slated for closure under Ford's 2002 revitalization plan, but Ford never pulled the plug.

• Brings new products and investments to nearly all of Ford's U.S. factories, including some that were thought to be on life support, such as Wayne Stamping and Assembly and Michigan Truck, also in Wayne.

• Establishes a new entry-level wage of $14.20 for employees hired on or after the proposed deal is ratified. The number of entry-level workers corporate-wide will be 20%. Once that level is reached, workers hired at entry-level wages will be transitioned to seniority positions at traditional pay rates before any new entry-level workers are hired.

• Establishes a union-managed health care trust fund for retirees, just like the UAW's deals with General Motors Corp. and Chrysler LLC. Ford will pay $13.2 billion to establish the trust and will provide another $2.2 billion in other retiree health care costs.

• Provides that, for the first time, the UAW will have a say in Ford's current operations and future product. The vice president and director of the UAW National Ford Department, which is currently Bob King, will serve as a member of Ford's manufacturing operating committee.

"This will ensure that the UAW Ford workers have a seat at the table during discussions about the future," continued the summary.

The Ford pact could serve as a controlling agreement in Volkswagen Canada or other automakers - domestic or foreign. Good thing it is pretty responsive to workers’ claims, though a little polishing is much desired.

We all have been waiting for who will be the next owners of Ford Motor Company’s luxury car brands Land Rover ad Jaguar. Now, the Detroit based automaker has not yet decided on who will be the next owners of the brands. After several months of bidding, Ford will be narrowing down the potential buyers to only a few. And Ford promises to reveal the potential buyers of their car brands.

From so many buyers who have expressed their interest in the purchasing the car brands, Ford only expects India's Tata Motors, One Equity, Ripplewood, TPG and Terra Firm to be the potential buyers of their brands.

Ford has reached a $1.5 billion bid from the potential buyers and they are still hoping to receive more bids of up to $8 billion. I just hope Ford is not expecting too much since these car brands are not that selling well right now.

This is what Kicking Tires has to say about the new 2008 Cadillac CTS Sport Concept:

Looks like: A beefier Cadillac CTS
Defining characteristics: Hood scoops and a mesh grille
Ridiculous features: The idea that the new CTS’ grille needed more-radical styling
Chance of being mass-produced: The Sport itself might not become a model, but it could serve as a precursor to the next CTS-V

The new Cadillac CTS in this Sport concept was added with more performance but it was less appealing than the next seriously beefed-up CTS-V. “Since the V line came to the new generation of Caddies, they’ve brought bright grillwork. That’s definitely the trademark styling here, as well,” Kicking Tires revealed.

It may not have the Acura TL radiator but the new car was given more effective 20-inch polished wheels, a Corsa cat-back exhaust with modified tips that integrate into the rear bumper and stronger brakes. Some of the car changes are seen in the picture above.

The newest recipient of the 2007 Scottish Car of the Year is the Ford Mondeo! Many have been impressed by this vehicle that’s why there were no second thoughts about crowning Mondeo as the deserving winner for this year. According to Ford.com, this most recent award for Ford’s significantly much-admired newbie was presented by the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers (ASMW) with the Ford Mondeo grabbing the Family Car category award as well.

“I am thrilled the Ford Mondeo has won the Scottish Car of the Year for the company for a second time. Winning the family car category further underlines that Ford is hitting the right target markets and I would like to thank the Association of Scottish Motoring Writers for the two awards,” says Ian Slater, Ford of Europe Vice-President Communication and Public Affairs.

The honors were presented and given by President of the ASMW Stephen Park.

“Often different motoring journalists have different ideas about what makes a good car a great one but our top choice for 2007 didn’t just nudge ahead by a few votes. It won by what I believe is the biggest margin since our inaugural awards back in 1998,” stated Park.

“Look at what’s on offer and the reason for such unanimous agreement quickly becomes clear. It’s striking, it’s spacious and it’s sensational to drive. Offering a massive choice of engines, bodystyles and trim choices to bring a premium ownership experience at an a-Ford-able price, our winner certainly has a licence to thrill.”

“Bringing buyers back to a segment that’s often overlooked in favour of MPVs and SUVs needed something special and this year it arrived. When members of the ASMW first drove this car abroad they knew it had the potential to scoop a win in the Family Car category. When we drove it again on the test car rota it continued to impress with spacious packaging and a driving experience that’s vastly superior to anything else in the class,” Stephen continued.

The South California wildfire disaster caught the eyes of millions of people around the globe. The news spread like the wildfire itself on international news and public affairs on several TV channels. The world was watching in deep fear as local residents affected by the wildfire ran for their lives while the blazing inferno burned infrastructures, trees and other properties into ashes. It was definitely a picture of hell… even hotter than a Porsche radiator!

Victims of the said catastrophe need all the help they need to recover from the burning occurrence in their area. And talking about ‘help’, the Ford Motor Company is one of the dedicated groups who promised to support the wildfire relief and recovery efforts in South California. Ford will carry out donations, vehicle services and manpower. Furthermore, the affected customers brought by the wildfire will be given the chance to postpone some of their payments for their respective Ford vehicles.

The Ford Motor Company has instantly donated 20 specially outfitted vehicles such as eleven Ford F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks and nine Ford Expedition sport utility vehicles! These vehicles will be provided to fire and rescue departments in a number of of parts most ravaged by the wildfires.

"Many Southern California Ford employees and Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers share the concerns of their neighbors as they also have been affected by this devastating fire," said Hal Dewsnap, Ford Lincoln Mercury Los Angeles regional manager. "Local fire and rescue officials told us they have an urgent need for heavy duty work trucks and SUVs. We located the 20 specially equipped vehicles at local dealerships and they are on their way to local fire and rescue squads."

"The San Diego Chapter Red Cross has a critical need for medical, food, water and other supplies, as well as counseling support for hundreds of residents forced from their homes. We are responding to this need immediately," says Jim Vella, president of Ford Motor Company Fund.

Ford Motor Co.'s aggressive product launch initiative reaches the pinnacle at 2007 Middle East International Motor Show, as the automaker gears up to introduce 5 all-new models across its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands.

With over 20 award-winning and iconic vehicles displayed at Dubai World Trade Centre's Hall 3, Ford Middle East is set to enchant auto enthusiasts. “Our participation in this year's Show complements a truly outstanding year for Ford. 2007 has seen us bring no less than 10 new and award-winning products to the region, and we have a few more surprises for our customers during this year's show,” said Waldo Galan, managing director of Ford Middle East.

"This has been quite a significant year for the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands as they all expanded their lineups with new and dynamic nameplates, and our product-led drive is going stronger than ever, well over into 2008," Galan added.

Ford Middle East's division will offer spectators the chance to witness the launch of no less than 5 product lines including the ground-breaking and award-winning 2008 Ford Mondeo, Focus and Five Hundred, as well as the sleek Mercury Montego and Mariner sport utility. The automaker will also introduce the refined MKZ, Lincoln’s all-new sports sedan entry level.

Speed- and performance-thirsty aficionados will be delighted to know that the automaker has a lot in-store for them this year with legendary and far-out product lines that were engineered to offer superb performance and driving bliss. With the pure power of 500 horses the Shelby GT500 needs no preamble as its undying classic spirit is as preferred as ever.

Another attraction to the Ford stand this year is the appearance of the Ford Focus RS World Rally Car, that is driven by UAE driver Khalid Al Qassimi and co-driver Nicky Beech, leaders of the FIA Middle East Championship, reported AME Info.

“It's all guns blazing this year! Product leadership, innovation, an unsurpassed ownership experience and a clear endeavor to offer customers some of the best products from the Ford plants around the world is what we intend to put on show this year,” said Hussein Murad, director of Sales and Marketing, Ford Middle East.

“Earlier this year, we promised our customers a plethora of new products across our three brands, and we kept our promise with the launches of the all-new Navigator L, Edge, MKX, Milan, Montego, Five Hundred, and we have more to come next month at the show. These new products have seen tremendous response from our dealers as well as our customers, and we are very proud of this. We expect to close 2007 with sales of our North American and European vehicles nearing the 65,000 unit mark,” he noted.

"This record performance comes from the successful combination of an ever diverse line up of quality products that fit all needs and requirements, our youth communications strategy and our relentless drive for excellent customer service,” noted Murad.

"Apart from the products that we bring in, our fruitful year would not have been possible without the ongoing support of our dealers who remain as dedicated to the Ford brands as ever," continued Murad, who pointed out that over US$100 million have been invested in the past years to develop world-class dealership sales and service facilities especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

At Indy this weekend, the Blue Oval team continues to defend its lead to eventually hold this year’s V8 Supercar Championship.

Today at the action packed round 11 of the race, Stone Brothers Racing's Russell Ingall made it second on the podium. Jamie Whincup, meanwhile, looked certain to take out the Gold Coast event until mayhem struck on lap 24 of the 27 lap race 3 today which caused a DNF for the #88 Falcon. But he remains the Championship leader.

Ford Performance Racing continued to radiate ideal form with Mark Winterbottom scoring his 3rd pole of the year with the #5 Falcon however was unfortunately stripped of the position due to a minor ignition timing breach, handing the prime starting spot to Garth Tander who continued to take out the round.

In 2 weeks time, the Blue Oval’s lineup of V8 Supercar drivers will hit the track again for the round 12 of the race in Bahrain. The race is set from November 1 to 3.

RUSSELL INGALL

"I am a big fan of street circuits and Indy rates up there as one of the best. It's a unique track and of the ones that we race at there are only a certain few drivers that can get their head around it. We visit fast and unique tracks around the world, but it's here that a few of the guys get spooked. Our pace in the second race was pretty good even though we were persevering without a sway bar, but Murph managed to give me a bit of a touch up and I lost about four or five positions.

"Pit stops are critical at Indy, and we had a gun go down in race two today which saw us set back a little bit. In race three we had a flat which certainly didn't help. In the final race today I was battling with Jason (Richards) and Murph was in the mix again. At that stage I was leading the points for the round, but I knew that Garth only had to get to 16th to be equal in points. I figured Jason wasn't going to make it too easy for me, I had a crack at passing him but he had pretty good speed and I knew I was a safe second.

"The officials did a fantastic job this weekend, the volunteers and the flaggies were right on the ball all weekend, so I'd like to convey a very big thanks to them."

RAY PRICE

"What Ford has continued to show is that we have a number of cars that have outright competitive speed, and a number of drivers who are in hot contention to win races. Our guys are repeatedly topping the timing charts and combined with pure driving talent and excellent strategy by the teams we're gaining good results. We're still leading the Championship and with three rounds to go it will very much be a fight to the finish."

TOM GORMAN

"Ford is still on a high from winning both Sandown and Bathurst, with the latter boasting a 1,2,3 finish and seven Ford's in the top ten. We're still leading the Championship and the fight is very much alive. Jamie Whincup is showing incredible talent and it was a shame that due to incident he didn't take out a deserved round win today. It was great to see Russell on the podium, and Steven Richards' win in race three was fantastic result for Ford Performance Racing."

INDY V8 SUPERCARS ROUND TOP TEN

1. Garth Tander, TOLL HSV, Holden
2. Russell Ingall, Caltex Racing, Ford
3. Jason Richards, Tasman Motorsport, Holden
4. Jamie Whincup, Team Vodafone, Ford
5. Steven Richards, Castrol FPR, Ford
6. Greg Murphy, Tasman Motorsport, Holden
7. James Courtney, Jeld-Wen Racing, Ford
8. Craig Lowndes, Team Vodafone, Ford
9. Rick Kelly, TOLL HSV, Holden
10. Max Wilson, WPS, Ford

V8 SUPERCAR CHAMPIONSHIP TOP TEN

1. Jamie Whincup, Team Vodafone, Ford 501
2. Garth Tander, TOLL HSV, Holden 492
3. Craig Lowndes, Team Vodafone, Ford 473
4. Rick Kelly, TOLL HSV, Holden 466
5. Todd Kelly, Holden Racing Team, Holden 324
6. Steven Richards, Castrol/FPR, Ford 299
7. Mark Skaife, HRT, Holden 283
8. Mark Winterbottom, Ford Credit FPR 281
9. Russell Ingall, Caltex Racing, Ford 263
10. James Courtney, Jeld-Wen Racing, Ford 257

[credits: Fullboost, Australia]