Lincoln’s overhaul of their SUV lineup looks to be nearing an end with the release of the all-new Corsair. Following the Aviator, Nautilus, and Navigator, the replacement for the MKC has been revealed in full, and the look of this small SUV is incredibly appealing. It’s essentially a smaller Aviator, sporting a strong front end, a wide-stance, and a gently sloping roofline.
While this vehicle is built on the same front-drive platform as the Escape, that’s essentially the only similarity between the two. The Corsair comes standard with Ford’s 2.0L turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, which comes as the top tier engine on the Escape. This produces 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque.
There’s also a high-performance 2.3L turbo I4 that puts out 280hp and 310 lb-feet of torque, which comes standard on the AWD model. The AWD system also received some upgrades and has the ability to shift 100% of the power to the front or rear axles depending on need. And as a third offering, there’s said to be a hybrid in the works, though no formal announcement has been issued.
The interior follows the path of Lincoln’s larger SUVs, something we’re grateful for. Some of the unique aspects include a center stack that extends outward from the dash, standard sliding and reclining rear-seats, an active noise cancelling system, and an air vent that runs the length of the dashboard.
The Corsair will go on sale in fall of 2019 and will be built in Louisville, KY. Pricing is expected to be announced later this summer.
Apr 2019
Canadian Government Outlines Plan for Expansion of Zero-Emission Vehicles
The Canadian Minister of Finance recently released his government’s fourth and final budget in the House of Commons prior to the 2019 election. An aspect of this budget was centered on the expansion of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). The plan detailed the government’s goal to sell 100% ZEVs by 2040, 30% by 2030, and 10% by 2025.
A number of incentives were announced that should help to increase the adoption rate for these vehicles. These incentives include:
Budget 2019 introduces a new federal purchase incentive of up to $5,000 for electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a MSRP of less than $45,000. Transport Canada will administer the incentive program through $300 million of funding over the next three years.
Businesses will be eligible to fully deduct the capital of costs of ZEVs up to a limit of $55,000 in the first year of investment, effective immediately and before Jan. 1st, 2024.
Over 5 years, beginning in 2019-2020, $130 million will be invested to deploy new charging and hydrogen fuel refueling stations across the country
Budget 2019 proposes to provide $5 million over 5 years, starting in 2019–20, to Transport Canada to work with auto manufacturers to secure voluntary zero-emission vehicles sales targets to ensure that vehicle supply meets increased demand.
Automotive manufacturers and parts suppliers can access funding through the Strategic Innovation Fund, which was recently provided $800 million in additional funding through the 2018 Fall Economic Statement for investment in zero emission vehicles.
Apr 2019
2020 Ford Escape Debuts with New Look, Unique Engine Offerings
As Ford moves forward with the overhaul of their lineup, the all-new Escape looks to be primed to take over the role of the Fusion as the go-to passenger vehicle for the automaker. The size, pricing, and efficiency of the Escape make it an attractive option for sedan and SUV lovers alike.
Ford made a concerted effort to improve the look and feel of the interior, resulting in some major changes. They increased both the visibility and interior space. The rotary gear shift was moved to a more convenient position, allowing for more storage compartments. The second row is equipped with a sliding and reclining feature that lets you opt for more cargo space or more legroom. The bench moves 6” forward or backward and is even equipped on the hybrid and PHEV models, which have the batteries stored below the bench.
The engine offerings also seemed to be a major focus. Options include a 1.5L turbo three-cylinder, a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The three-cylinder engine includes a cylinder deactivation feature that increases efficiency by 6% according to Ford.
The PHEV has a 14.4 kWh battery pack and will reach a full charge on a Level 2 charger in around 3.5 hours. No official numbers have been released on the electric range of the plug-in hybrid, but it’s expected to be in the area of 30 miles. The PHEV is the only model that does not have an AWD option.
A unique aspect of the PHEV is the ability to control when the electric engine is used. “Auto EV” allows the vehicle to decide when to utilize the electric engine. “EV Now” does exactly what it sounds like and engages the EV engine. “EV Later” forces the Escape to use the gas engine, and the “EV Charge” setting allows you to charge the battery while driving.
The 4th generation Escape is longer, wider, and lower than the previous model. The physical appearance is far less rigid than the previous model and has cues from some other Ford Motor Co. products. You can see hints of the new Lincoln SUV’s from the side and rear, and the front looks a bit similar to the Fiesta.
Technology upgrades were abundant and include an 8” infotainment screen, a 12.3” digital instrument display, and a 6” heads-up display, all of which are optional features. All trim levels come standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, but options such as adaptive cruise control and actual lane-centering are available at an extra charge.
The all-new Escape will be available in fall of 2019.
Mar 2019
Ford Investing Heavily in EVs, AVs, and Next-Gen Mustang Production
Ford Motor Co. announced on Wednesday that $850 million is set to go towards their Flat Rock plant to create electric vehicle production capabilities at the location. This move will result in the addition of a second shift and 900 jobs through 2023.
Ford also revealed plans for a facility in Southeast Michigan that will focus on autonomous vehicle production starting in 2021.
The EVs set to be built at the Flat Rock location isn’t the Mustang-based utility vehicle that is reportedly scheduled to debut in 2020, as that vehicle will be built in their Cuautitaln, Mexico plant. However, it comes as no surprise that Ford is working to add EV-production capabilities to their plants. They announced in January 2018 that they plan to invest $11 billion in electric vehicles through 2022, with their offerings projected to include 40 hybrid and fully electric vehicles by that time.
“We’ve taken a fresh look at the growth rates of electrified vehicles and know we need to protect additional production capacity given our accelerated plans for fully electric vehicles,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford’s president, Global Operations.
EMKAY Continues Longstanding Partnership with JDRF
Throughout our partnership that now spans 13 years, EMKAY has contributed over $770,000 to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This venture is incredibly important for countless families and we’re honored to have a strong relationship with an organization such as this.
Year-over-year we’ve seen our contributions substantially increase. Though any amount is greatly appreciated, we’re very proud to have seen our donations grow from $4,833 in 2006 to over $120k in 2018, or best year yet.
We’re excited to see this partnership continue its growth in the coming years!
To learn more about JDRF, or to donate, go to www.jdrf.org
Mar 2019
Ford Revamps Super Duty Lineup; Adds F600
Ford has wrapped up their super duty revamp with the announcement of an all-new F600, fitting into their lineup of super duties between the F550 and F650.
The F600 is physically the same size as the F550. Where it differs is in the driveline, chassis, wheels, and tires. These changes kick the F600 up to a max GVWR of 22,000 lbs., making it a Class-5 truck that delivers the capabilities of a Class-6.
Both gas and diesel engines are available as well as 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains. The engines range from a 7.3-liter gas V8, a third-generation 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel, and a 6.2-liter gas V8. An all-new 10-speed TorqShift® automatic transmission is available across all engine offerings.
It comes as no surprise that a focus was also on updating the technology and safety features. Smart driver assist technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, Driver Alert System, and auto high-beam headlamps, are available on all Ford commercial vehicles. Factory installed modems come standard on all commercial vehicles, allowing for 4G LTE Wi-Fi. This feature opens the door for companies to utilize the new Ford TelematicsTM and Ford Data ServicesTM solutions.
Orders for the F600 will begin in early 2020, with deliveries scheduled to begin in mid-2020.
A link to the official announcement from Ford is below:
2020 Ford Transit Gets AWD Drivetrain, Safety and Convenience Updates
The 2020 Ford Transit received some major upgrades, including an available AWD option, two new engine choices, upgraded safety and interior features, and a 10-speed transmission.
The Transit comes standard with a 3.5L V6, replacing the 3.7L, which should offer better efficiency. A 2.0L bi-turbo inline-four diesel is also available, offering more torque and power than the outgoing 3.2 diesel. The 10-speed auto transmission should help to improve acceleration and fuel economy.
The move to offer an AWD option for the 2020 Ford Transit makes sense. The Mercedes Sprinter has been offered as an AWD since 2015, but other options such as the RAM ProMaster, Nissan NV, and Chevrolet Express are only available in FWD or RWD.
Many parcel delivery, construction, and utility companies employ this type of van, so the need is there. Many of these companies operate in adverse weather conditions and on sub-par roadways.
In regards to convenience, the AWD has the same ride and floor height as the RWD van, ensure ease-of-entry and loading. Power-sliding doors are also being offered for the first time, an incredibly useful feature for Transits being used as shuttles.
Ford also focused on safety and driver convenience. Available safety features include pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, post-collision braking, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beam headlights.
Other options include active park assist, front and rear cameras, adaptive cruise control, and an adjustable speed governor. Ford Co-Pilot 360, which comes on the XLT passenger van, includes a blind spot alert system, trailer cover, side and rear sensing, and cross traffic alert.
Feb 2019
Three-Row Chevrolet Blazer in 2020; Unlikely to make it Stateside
A report by GM Authority details Chevrolet’s plans to release a three-row Blazer in China in 2020. The bigger Blazer will expand to other markets from there, though no confirmation has been made whether the US and Canada are on that list.
The potentially dubbed Blazer XL is reported to be 5.5” longer than the current Blazer, sporting larger rear doors and third windows and a more traditional roofline paired with a more vertical tailgate. The two engine offerings include a 3.6L V6 and a turbocharged 2.0L I4.
China and the regions that will follow were targeted due to the Traverse not being offered there due to its size. The Blazer XL is smaller than the Traverse, making its success more viable in these markets.
However, if offered in the US and Canada the three-row Blazer would compete with the Traverse, putting a bit of a damper on the optimism that it’ll make it stateside. But until that’s confirmed, we’ll hold out hope.
Feb 2019
Rivian’s Goal to Produce First Electric Pickup Receives $700 million Backing from Amazon
The electric vehicle market gets a major shakeup with talks between Amazon and electric-vehicle manufacturer Rivian ending up in a $700 million investment. According to Reuters, General Motors Co. has also been in talks with Rivian in regards to an investment. However, no official announcement has been released by either company.
Rivian, a Michigan-based EV manufacturer, strives to be first to market with an electric pickup. This investment should make that a reality. The start-up company is looking to launch both their R1T Pickup and R1S SUV in the US in 2020.
The Rivian R1T pickup debuted at the LA Auto Show last November with an estimated starting price of $69,000 and an advertised 400-mile range with the higher-kilowatt battery. The base model is said to have a 300 mile range. Rivian claims that the payload capacity is 1,764 pounds and the towing capacity is 11,000 pounds.
Other manufactures are also looking to capitalize on the un-tapped EV pickup segment. Ford recently announced plans for an all-electric version of the best-selling pickup ever, the F-150. This is expected to coincide with a redesign of the F-150, which is at still at least a model year away. Tesla also has plans to produce an electric pickup, but you have to assume much of their focus continues to be on working out the kinks of their Model 3 production process.
This type of investment, paired with good timing in regards to the market condition, could really propel Rivani into being a serious contender in the EV market for years to come.
Feb 2019
Ford Invests $1 Billion in Chicago Assembly and Stamping Plants
Ford Motor Company released details on their plan to invest $1 billion in their Chicago Assembly and Stamping Plants. The investment will support the move to expand capacity in order to produce the all-new Ford Explorer, Police Interceptor Utility, and the Lincoln Aviator. The move also brings an additional 500 jobs to two the plants.
Work is set to begin in March, with the plant and new employees being projected to be up and running later this spring. Some of the additions to the Chicago assembly plant include all-new body and paint shops, stamping lines, assembly locations, and some 3D printed tools for improved quality.
The move will help Ford to increase production and retain their hold on the both the US and international markets. For 2018, Ford produced the most vehicles in the US (2.4 million) and also exported the most vehicles from the US.
“We are proud to be America’s top producer of automobiles. Today, we are furthering our commitment to America with this billion dollar manufacturing investment in Chicago and 500 more good-paying jobs,” said Joe Hinrichs, president, Global Operations.
A link to the full release on the Ford website is below:
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Lincoln’s overhaul of their SUV lineup looks to be nearing an end with the release of the all-new Corsair. Following the Aviator, Nautilus, and Navigator, the replacement for the MKC has been revealed in full, and the look of this small SUV is incredibly appealing. It’s essentially a smaller Aviator, sporting a strong front end, a wide-stance, and a gently sloping roofline.
