• Powerful new 175 PS 2.2-litre Duratorq TDCi performance diesel engine for Ford Mondeo, Ford S-MAX and Ford Galaxy
• Expressive new Titanium S series extends Mondeo and S-MAX customer choice
• New ‘techno’ style Galaxy Titanium model complements the classic Ghia series at the top of the range

Ford Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy customers now have even greater powertrain and series choices with the launch of a new high performance 2.2-litre diesel engine and sporty new versions of the popular ‘Titanium’ series.

From cnnmoney.com

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — Ford Motor company is recalling about 1.2 million diesel-powered heavy duty pickup trucks and vans because of a computer software problem that could cause their engines to stall.

The trucks being recalled are F-series Super Duty trucks, E-series vans and Excursion SUVs from model years 1997 through 2003 equipped with 7.3-liter diesel engines, according to a letter sent by Ford (Charts, Fortune 500) to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

From Autonews.com

LOS ANGELES – Ford Motor Co. confirmed today that its new diesel V-8 engine will see action in the Expedition SUV by 2010 at the latest.

Previously Ford had said that its new diesel, thought to be 4.4-liters and a close relative of the European diesel used in Land Rover vehicles, would be installed in one North American product, the F-150 pickup.

New 200 PS five-cylinder Duratorq TDCi engine, increased payload and a more relaxed, quieter drive on long-haul routes

Ford of Europe’s commercial vehicle range continues to grow with the addition of an all-new engine and Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) capability improvements which are applicable to the Ford Transit – International Van of the Year 2007. These new models mark the culmination of a year of significant activity for Ford of Europe’s commercial vehicle programme resulting in even greater customer choice.

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. will suspend production of its F-series Super Duty pickup for two weeks beginning Monday, Oct. 8.

Ford executives attribute the production cut to the sales crimp that the housing slowdown has put on full-sized pickups. Ford’s Louisville, Ky., Super Duty plant will resume assembly of the trucks Oct. 22.

“We are absolutely determined not to let inventories get ahead of demand for anything,” said Ford sales analyst George Pipas.

The cuts in Super Duty production are not related to September sales performance, Pipas said. The reduction already was accounted for in the fourth-quarter production plan Ford released on Sept. 4.

Ford Motor sales declined 20.4 percent in September. Ford said F-series pickup sales declined 20.8 percent last month.

SPAL USA’s “Rocket Ranger,” driven by Hypermax Engineering’s Max Lagod, has set a new land speed record and claimed the title of World’s Fastest Diesel Pickup Truck during the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week, Aug. 11-17. The “Rocket Ranger” achieved an average speed of 215.091 miles-per-hour — nearly 2 miles-per-hour faster than the previous record of 213.583 miles-per- hour in the “C/Diesel Truck” class. SPAL’s record is recognized by the Southern California Timing Association/Bonneville Nationals Inc. (SCTA/BNI).

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I think everyone is starting to realize by now how green and economical diesels can be, but sometimes it’s important to realize they can still be a blast to drive! Check out this footage, made by DHMotorsports, of what happens when you let loose, have fun, and blow a little smoke…errr…steam off. Now if we can just get some more diesel powered cars in America to join in the fun. Or maybe I just need to find an excuse to buy a diesel truck…

From brisbanetimes.com.au

The Australian automotive industry’s future is in diesel power, according to Ford Australia president Tom Gorman.

Addressing the Australian British Chamber of Commerce in Melbourne, Mr Gorman said the industry’s ever-changing global market was often dictated by emerging technology and better fuels to address climate change.

Mr Gorman, who last week announced the axing of 600 jobs at his company’s Geelong plant, said the environment was an obvious challenge and diesel engine development would play a crucial role.

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Sorry for the slow posting I’m working on a lot of upgrades to the site that will be rolled out soon.

From eemsonline.co.uk

Ford Dagenham’s newest engine production line has won a green award within two months of starting up, the company reports. Judges from Business Commitment to the Environment (BCE) have commended Ford’s environmental plan which underpins the new 1.4/1.6-litre engine manufacturing facilities. Ford is ramping up production of its recently launched 1.6-litre engine and adding the 1.4 version this month.

BCE recognised a raft of measures to use renewable materials, recycle and save energy by Ford’s diesel engine manufacturing operation. For example, fluids used during the machining of new engines are blended from vegetable oil rather than mineral oil. Also metal filings and other waste from the machining process are squeezed dry of lubricants and sold on as briquettes for recycling.

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