Envy is not good for a person’s soul, but I envy the members of the Internet Car and Truck of the Year jury who had the privilege of going to the launch of the new Jaguar XJ. Oh Jaguar, why dost thou forsake me?

As Mark Elias from Left Lane News so eloquently put it:

“With chief designer Ian Callum performing at the top of his game as the preeminent automotive stylist working today, the Jaguar XJ doesn’t necessarily chart a new course for Jaguar, but it sure does help define the brand. Smooth and capable, this isn’t the Jaguar of yore.”

Aaron Gold from Cars.About.Com

“The XJ is supposed to be the least-sporty Jag, and it does put comfort above handling, but it still knows its way around a curvy road. It’s a different sort of Jag, and I’m still coming to terms with that — but overall, I was really taken with the car.”

2011 Ford Fiesta goes on sale in June.

Ford invited scores of journalists to San Francisco last week to drive the 2011 Ford Fiesta that arrives in the U.S. in late June. Here is what a couple of the Internet Car & Truck of the Year jurors had to say about the 2011 Ford Fiesta:
Mark Elias, Left Lane News

“Designed to compete against the natural predators in the segment, including the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa, it manages to hold its own both in terms of performance and in its ample feature content.”

Aaron Gold, Cars.About.Com

“(T)he Fiesta is huge fun to drive. I hate to sound like a Euro-car snob, but there’s no mistaking which side of the Atlantic the Fiesta comes from …”

Don’t be surprised to see the Ford Fiesta among the finalists for Internet Car of the Year!

Ford’s $2.1 billion in net income for the first quarter of 2010 is great news for the domestic automotive industry. Ford and GM are really starting to get it when it comes to new product that people enthusiastically embrace – Chrysler has some catching up to do.

Here’s the official release from Ford:

DETROIT – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported first quarter 2010 net income of $2.1 billion, or 50 cents per share, a $3.5 billion improvement from first quarter 2009, as strong selling new products, improvements in its global Automotive operations, and higher profits at Ford Credit boosted results.

Excluding special items, Ford reported pre-tax operating profit of $2 billion, or 46 cents per share, an improvement of $4 billion from a year ago. It marked Ford’s highest quarterly pre-tax operating profit in six years.

Ford North America posted first quarter pre-tax operating profit of more than $1.2 billion, a $1.9 billion improvement from first quarter 2009, as a result of higher volume and mix and favorable net pricing. Ford operations in South America, Europe and Asia Pacific Africa as well as Ford Credit also posted pre-tax operating profits in the first quarter and improved results over the same period in 2009.

“The Ford team around the world achieved another very solid quarter, and we are delivering profitable growth,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “Our plan is working, and the basic engine that drives our business results – products, market share, revenue and cost structure – is performing stronger each quarter, even as the economy and vehicle demand remain relatively soft.”

At the end of March, Ford entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group for $1.8 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010. As a result of the agreement to sell Volvo, all of Volvo’s 2010 results are being reported as special items and excluded from Ford’s operating results; 2009 data include Volvo.

Ford’s first quarter revenue was $28.1 billion, up $3.7 billion from the same period a year ago. If Volvo had been excluded from 2009, automotive revenue would have increased by $7 billion, or more than 30 percent.

Here are the highlights:

• Ford reports first quarter net income of $2.1 billion, or 50 cents per share, a $3.5 billion improvement from first quarter 2009. Pre-tax operating profit of $2 billion, or 46 cents per share, a $4 billion improvement from first quarter 2009
• Ford Automotive operations posted first quarter pre-tax operating profit of $1.2 billion, a $3.2 billion improvement from first quarter 2009
• Ford North America reported first quarter pre-tax operating profit of more than $1.2 billion, a $1.9 billion improvement from first quarter 2009; Ford Europe earned a pre-tax operating profit of $107 million, a $692 million improvement from a year ago
• Revenue for the quarter totaled $28.1 billion, a $3.7 billion improvement from first quarter 2009
• Strong response to new vehicles drove the largest quarterly U.S. market share gain since 1977
• Ended the quarter with $25.3 billion of Automotive gross cash, with operating-related cash outflow of $100 million. Ford ended the quarter with $34.3 billion in Automotive debt
• Ford Motor Credit Company reported first quarter pre-tax operating profit of $828 million, an $864 million improvement from first quarter 2009
• Based on Ford’s improving performance, the gradually strengthening economy, and its present assumptions, Ford now expects to deliver solid profits this year with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow

• The 2011 Ford Fiesta adheres to the same noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) control principles as larger Ford car lines, delivers class-leading quietness
• Fiesta highway wind noise at 80 mph is 10 percent quieter than a Honda Fit and still quieter than the Toyota Corolla
• The Fiesta body structure was designed with ultra-high-strength steels for rigidity, resulting in a quiet, rattle-free ride
• Using the global Fiesta as a platform, the North American Fiesta team enhanced NVH control for the market-specific PowerShift transmission and all-season tires

SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2010 – The 2011 Ford Fiesta delivers big car quiet in a small car package through the application of principles that until now have typically only gone into the development of bigger, more expensive cars.

“The global Ford Fiesta platform really raised the bar for small car quiet,” said Vehicle NVH Supervisor David Snyder. “For the North American market, we started with an inherently quiet package, enhancing it specifically to accommodate the all-new PowerShift transmission, all-season tires and discriminating customer expectations.”

Fiesta quiet begins with a rigid body structure, half of which is created from ultra-high-strength steels such as boron. These lightweight yet strong alloys give the Fiesta body rigidity, helping to keep the finished vehicle tight and rattle-free.

The stiff Fiesta body structure, NVH control actions taken and a slippery aerodynamic design combine to deliver ten percent less highway wind noise at 80 mph than a Honda Fit. In the same measure, Fiesta is quieter than both Toyota Yaris and Corolla.

Transformational transmission tuned

The PowerShift automatic is a North American Fiesta-exclusive offering. This unique transmission – based on hyper-efficient manual transmission technology – provides the convenience of a traditional automatic while offering the mechanical efficiency of a manually shifted gearbox.

The PowerShift automatic is a key factor in helping the Fiesta deliver up to an estimated 40 mpg highway.

PowerShift-specific Fiesta engine and transmission mounts were specially tuned to virtually eliminate driveline noise. This advanced transmission also features micro-slip, a technology that actually induces minimal clutch slip for smooth gear changes and isolation of engine vibration as an NVH control action.

Quiet in all seasons

To preserve the dynamic driving characteristics of the global Fiesta package while accommodating all-season tires, the North American development team added specially tuned shock absorber valving, increased front spring rates and damping.

These actions result in the North American Fiesta sharing the same engaging driving dynamics with its global counterpart, with reduced noise from the suspension and tires.

Uncompromisingly quiet

Multiple enhancements were made to Fiesta’s interior NVH control package to meet the unique expectations of North American drivers. These include:

• Acoustic-laminated windshield, reducing wind noise
• Wind tunnel-optimized side-view mirrors, reducing wind noise
• Stiffened door modules, reducing the potential for rattles
• Roof-mounted antenna for less wind noise and improved aerodynamics
• Wind noise-optimized grille for reduced wind noise
• Enhanced hood seal for reduced engine noise
• Additional sound-absorbent material for a quieter interior environment
• Revised seals for reduced wind noise

“The Fiesta delivers the refinement and quietness of a larger, more expensive car” said Snyder. “This combined with the expected class-leading fuel economy of up to 40 highway miles per gallon make the Fiesta a compelling alternative for small car buyers.”

COLOGNE, April 16, 2010 – The stylish, latest generation Ford Fiesta is officially Europe’s best-selling car in March and for the first quarter 2010, according to the latest figures from the world’s leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, JATO Dynamics, Ford Europe announced today.
By the way, I’m off to San Francisco tomorrow to drive the new Fiesta. I’ll try to post a link about it when I return.
According to the figures compiled by JATO Dynamics, 68,630 Ford Fiestas were sold in March, a 25.8 per cent increase from the same month last year, and almost 11,800 units ahead of its nearest rival, the Volkswagen Golf.
In the first quarter of 2010, JATO records that 140,496 Ford Fiestas were sold – over 5,400 units ahead of its nearest rival.
“Fiesta simply outpaced VW Golf, with its move to pole position particularly due to its strong March sales in the UK (+14.7%) and Italy (+87%) where 57% of all Fiestas sold (11,251) were LPG-powered,” said JATO Dynamics.
Ingvar Sviggum, Ford of Europe’s Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, said: “Last year was a great year for the Fiesta despite the economic conditions, but this year has been even stronger so far! March sales of the Fiesta were the highest we’ve ever recorded for any Ford model in a single month in Europe.”
“We’re very proud of the latest-generation Ford Fiesta, and our customers love it,” Sviggum added. “Since it first went on sale 18 months ago, over 750,000 have been sold to customers around the world – this would be an outstanding achievement any time, but even more so given the unprecedented economic situation. And with the launch now underway in North America, I believe the Fiesta will continue to go from strength-to-strength.”
In its news release dated April 19, JATO Dynamics also confirmed Ford as Europe’s best-selling brand in March.

(SOUTHFIELD, MI) April 12, 2010 – Ward’s Auto Interior of the Year Awards, North America’s only honors for excellence in automotive interiors, have been announced for 2010. The list features winners in pricing and vehicle type categories, as well as special award winners for design, versatility and brand expression.

The 2010 Ward’s Auto Interior of the Year winners are:

• Subaru Outback (Popular-priced car under $29,999)
• Infiniti M56 (Premium-priced car)
• Lexus HS 250h (Hybrid car)
• Chevrolet Camaro (Sports car)
• Chevrolet Equinox (Popular-priced truck under $39,999)
• Volvo XC60 (Premium-priced truck)
• Acura ZDX (Design Breakthrough)
• Mazdaspeed3 (Brand Expression)
• BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo (Design Versatility)
• Porsche Panamera (Inspired Design)

“For years, the focus on safety and functionality has given us drab, uninspired vehicle interiors,” said Ward’s AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter. “This year’s winners show style and original design is becoming as important inside the vehicle as it already is to the sheet metal outside.”

A team of eight Ward’s editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year. The vehicles – both car and truck – were divided into segments, with one winner named in each category. In addition, Ward’s bestowed special awards for outstanding achievements in key areas. Having both designations allowed judges to rank vehicles against the entire field, regardless of segment and price. Judging criteria included aesthetics and design harmony, comfort, driver information, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials, safety and overall value.

The awards will be presented during a ceremony held as part of the Ward’s Auto Interiors Conference on May 19 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, MI.

Now Expects To Deliver 1.5 Million Annually by 2013

• Ford to launch three more EcoBoost™ engines by the end of 2010
• The company remains on track to equip as much as 90 percent of its North American nameplates with EcoBoost, which would deliver worldwide sales of about 1.5 million units – 200,000 more than earlier estimates
• By 2014, nearly 20 percent of Ford’s global vehicle nameplates will be available with a fuel-saving stop/start system

DETROIT, April 12, 2010 – Ford Motor Company announced today that three more engines with the company’s patented EcoBoost fuel-saving technology are scheduled to be launched by the end of the year. By 2013 Ford expects to be producing approximately 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally, about 200,000 more than originally expected.

Plans call for an EcoBoost engine to be available in 80 percent of the company’s global nameplates and 90 percent of North American nameplates. About half of the 1.5 million EcoBoost engines are expected to be sold in North America, while the rest are to be sold in Europe, South America and Asia Pacific regions.

“We are focused on sustainable technology solutions that can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars, but for millions of cars, because that’s how Ford will truly make a difference,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford’s vice president of powertrain engineering.

Samardzich is expected to detail EcoBoost production plans as well as the next three EcoBoost engines scheduled for launch by the end of the year during remarks Tuesday at the SAE World Congress.

The next three EcoBoost engines include:

• 1.6-liter four-cylinder that will be offered in the European C-Max people mover. The 1.6-liter EcoBoost will deliver quick acceleration and class-leading fuel economy.
• 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the next-generation Ford Explorer SUV and Edge CUV. This new engine will deliver best-in-class fuel economy and V-6 performance.
• 3.5-liter V-6 for the F-150. Ford engineers have upgraded the 3.5-liter V-6 for rear-wheel-drive applications. The EcoBoost F-150 is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy along with the power and towing capability of a V-8.

The three new engines will increase the number of global nameplates available with EcoBoost to 11. EcoBoost is available now in the Ford Flex and Taurus and Lincoln MKS and MKT.

EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, variable cam timing and turbocharging to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and cut vehicle weight, while giving drivers the performance of a bigger engine.

While Ford is rolling out the first generation of EcoBoost engines, researchers are studying ways to further downsize future EcoBoost engines, while preserving performance and raising fuel economy. More efficient turbochargers, super-precise control of the direct-injection fuel system, optimum gearing of the transmission and final drive will enable a smaller engine to run in what engineers call its “sweet spot” more often, said Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering.

When an engine is in its sweet spot, it is running at its most efficient. That, combined with dramatic reductions in vehicle weight, will improve performance and fuel economy. Ford has committed to reducing vehicle weight by between 250 and 750 pounds per vehicle.

“We are trying to get in front of the pack in leveraging EcoBoost for fuel economy,” Kapp said. “It’s going to be a trend in the industry, and we can’t rest on our laurels for one minute. We are going to keep wringing more efficiency out of EcoBoost.”

EcoBoost is a key technology that will enable Ford not only to fulfill the company’s goal to be among the leaders in fuel economy in every segment, but also to meet the federal government’s new 35.5 mpg fuel economy standard, which takes effect in 2016. Samardzich said Ford could develop EcoBoost engines smaller than 1.6-liter.

In addition to high volume, affordability will be another key attribute of not just EcoBoost, but Ford’s other fuel-saving powertrain technologies.

The new Fiesta, for example, is available with an optional fuel-saving six-speed dual-clutch PowerShift automatic transmission. When equipped with PowerShift, Fiesta is expected to get an EPA-rated 40 mpg on the highway. The PowerShift transmission also will be used in the next-generation Focus due in early 2011. PowerShift improves fuel economy as much as 9 percent over a four-speed automatic.

In addition to EcoBoost, other near-term powertrain technologies Samardzich outlined include:

Electrification: Ford has committed $1 billion to build plug-in, hybrid and battery electric vehicles and a plant that will assemble battery packs for these vehicles. The Transit Connect Electric is being launched later this year, while the Focus Electric is due next year. A hybrid and a plug-in hybrid will be built off Ford’s global C platform, which underpins the Focus. Ford also plans to move battery pack production from Mexico to Michigan to support the production of electric and hybrid vehicles.

Six-speed transmissions: By the end of 2012, 98 percent of Ford North American vehicles will be equipped with fuel-efficient six-speed transmissions. A six-speed transmission can improve fuel economy between 4 and 6 percent. The latest vehicles to get six-speed transmissions are Mustang, which gets a new six-speed manual and a new six-speed automatic; Super Duty, which gets a new six-speed automatic; and Fiesta, which will introduce the segment’s first dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission.

Stop/Start systems: By 2014, as many as 20 percent of Ford’s global nameplates could be equipped with stop/start systems, which turn off the gasoline or diesel engine when the vehicle comes to a stop and quickly restarts the engine when the driver’s foot leaves the brake pedal. A stop/start system can reduce fuel consumption and emissions by around 5 percent, depending on conditions