U.S. New Vehicle Industry Trends

by L Baures | Aug 27, 2019 | Automotive News

Automotive Industry is Healthy

Tom Libby, Loyalty Principal at IHS Markit gives a talk at the recent Digital Dealer Conference and Expo and describes the automotive industry as healthy.
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Ford Submit Case For Pickup Truck Emoji

by L Baures | Aug 2, 2019 | Automotive News

No pickup truck emoji?

According to emojipedia.org, there are 3,019 emojis currently in the Unicode Standard. Of those 3,019 included is everything from a smiley face to a studio microphone. Within the travel and places category, there are icons for a tram car, race car, taxi, police car, bus, and even an articulated lorry. But no pickup truck!

Ford designs a pickup truck emoji

“When customers started demanding a truck emoji, we knew we had to help make it happen,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president, automotive. “Given the popularity of Ford trucks globally, there’s no one better than Ford to help bring an all-new pickup truck emoji to hard-working texters around the globe.”

In charge of emoji’s is the Unicode Consortium. Every year, people submit new emoji designs for consideration, and the Unicode Consortium decide whether they are allowed or not according to the guidelines.

 “Our team spent a lot of time digging through message boards, texting influencers and watching social media feeds to really understand our customers’ needs,” said Craig Metros, Ford North America design director. “People want a truck emoji that’s fresh, stylish, carries their ideas, and ‘tows’ the line on what a truck means. The end result is a modern icon that should give all truck fans a smiley face emoji.”

What gets a new emoji approved or rejected?

According to the Unicode, exclusions for emojis would be factors such as; overly specific, open-ended, already represented, logos, brands, specific people, deities, signage, faulty comparison or transient.

Factors for a new emoji approval are; compatibility, frequently requested, multiple usages, use in sequences, evidence of frequency, breaking new ground and image distinctiveness.

When will the pickup truck emoji be decided?

We will have to wait until June 2020 when the next batch of emojis are released to our phones.

Your thoughts on the emoji?

What do you think of Ford’s design? Do you think Unicode will approve the truck emoji? Will there be an emoji movie sequel with a pickup truck?

2020 Twin-Turbo Ford Explorer ST Arriving at Dealerships

by L Baures | Jul 23, 2019 | Automotive News

One of the best selling SUV’s in Wyoming gets a completely new design, the 2020 Ford Explorer. From the ground up, the all-new Ford Explorer is now in its sixth generation. The 2020 Ford Explorer ST is the souped-up sporty version of the SUV.

A new rear-wheel-drive platform is based on the Lincoln Aviator, with front-wheel drive versions no longer available. 4WD still an option. On the ST model only, is intelligent 4WD as standard.

2020 Ford Explorer ST Specs

• 3.0 EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 engine
• 400 horsepower
• 415 lb-ft of torque
• Intelligent 4WD
• 10-Speed automatic SelecShift transmission
• Max loaded trailer weight for towing is 5600 lbs
• Seating capacity: 6 (captains chairs in middle row)
• 8.3″ ground clearance
• Sport-tuned suspension

Standard on the ST is an all-new Terrain Management System which has up to 7 choices of drive modes; Normal, Trail, Deep Snow/Sand, Slippery, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco.

“As with Edge ST, Explorer ST offers a Sport mode for an exhilarating ride. When engaged via the selectable drive mode dial in the center console, the steering system tightens for sportier reaction, the gas pedal responds more aggressively, gears hold longer and shift quicker, and an enhanced engine note plays through the cabin,” says Ford.

Each drive mode has matching 3D graphics on the 12.3″ digital cluster.

Towing

Also included on the 2020 Ford Explorer ST trim is a Class III Trailer Hitch Package. This package includes the hitch, trailer connectors, and an engine oil cooler. This enables max towing at 5,600 lbs.

Interior

Exclusive interior features on ST consist of perforated leather sport bucket seats, ST accent stitching, and unique floor mats.

FordPass Connect, Sirius XM Radio, and SYNC 3 are standard on the Explorer ST so you can listen to your favorite tunes through the 12-speaker B&O sound system. Voice-activated touch screen navigation is also included on the ST.

Third-row power-fold seats and Second Row Captains with E-Z Entry and Step-Over Center Console allows for easier exit and entry into and out of the vehicle.

Safety

Here are some standard safety features on the new 2020 Ford Explorer ST;

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is a package that automatically comes on ST which has advanced safety and driver-assist features comprising of;

• Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition
• Evasive Steering Assist
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System)
• Rear View Camera
• Lane-Keeping System
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps

Also new for safety features on the Explorer is side-wind stabilization.

Packages and extras

There are of course so customizations that can be made to the Explorer through available extra packages.

High Performance Package

This package has 21″ Aluminum Wheels, high-performance brakes, and red-painted brake calipers and comes in at $1,595.

ST Street Pack

ST Street Pack includes 21″ aluminum wheels, performance brakes
red-painted Brake Calipers for $995.

Premium Technology Package

Multicontour Seats with Active Motion® (front only), a 10.1” LCD capacitive portrait touchscreen in the center stack with swipe and pinch-to-zoom capability, and a 980 Watt B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen with 14 Speakers for $995.

For more information on the 2020 Twin-Turbo Ford Explorer ST or to reserve one, call your local Ford dealership.