Ford's Auto Start-Stop Coming To North America (F)

Another Ford F fuel-saving technology is coming to North America, according to this article. This feature is available on Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid and other Ford cars in Europe, and will be available on conventional Ford cars, crossovers and SUVs in North America. The system is designed to improve fuel economy. For most drivers, it will improve it by 4%, but can be as high as 10% depending on the vehicle and use. The new technology is also designed to reduce tailpipe emissions to zero while the vehicle is stationary. “For the driver, Ford Auto Start-Stop provides extra fuel efficiency without inconvenience, as it works completely automatically,” said Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president of Powertrain engineering. “And, just like in our hybrid vehicles, the heater and air conditioner work as normal so drivers will not sacrifice comfort.” This is just another reason to own Ford for the long haul. Allan Mulally and his team have turned around this company into something consumers want, and with technologies like this, it's just another reason to go long the Michigan-based automaker. Shares have run up sharply since the financial crisis of 2008, gaining some 1600%, but 2011 should continue to see the company make gains. $20 is a reasonable price target for the end of 2011, barring Ford continues its turnaround story and continues to operate as it has been the past couple of years. Shares of F are up 50 cents to $17.29, a gain of almost 3%.