The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid was named Car of the Year today at the Detroit Auto Show.

James Kelleher, Reuters Jan 11, 2010

Toronto Star

DETROIT — Ford Motor Co. swept the 2010 North American Car and Truck Awards at the Detroit auto show Monday, marking only the third time in the 17-year history of the award that a single automaker has claimed both titles.

A panel of about 50 U.S. and Canadian automotive journalists named the Ford Fusion Hybrid the car of the year and the Ford Transit Connect the truck of the year.

The Fusion beat out the Buick LaCrosse and the Volkswagen Golf/GTI for the car title, while the Transit Connect beat out the Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback for the truck title.

The automakers typically use the awards, presented at the start of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, to market their vehicles.

“A couple of years ago — a number of years ago — we said we wanted to get back into the car business and we wanted to do it with vehicles that had great quality, great fuel efficiency, technology and safety,” said Mark Fields, president of the Americas for Ford.

Ford is the only one of the three Detroit automakers that did not file for bankruptcy last year or receive any of the $120 billion the U.S. government spent to prop up the industry.

And unlike General Motors and Chrysler, its top leadership has been steady since 2006, when Ford brought in an outsider — former Boeing executive Alan Mulally — to take the reins.

“I think there’s been a big advantage in the steady management over the last three years,” said John Casesa, managing partner at Casesa Shapiro Group.

“It’s kept the strategy very consistent … I think they have done a great job of taking advantage of the disarray of their domestic opponents.”

Ford stock has gained 55 per cent since November and more than quadrupled over the past year as the No. 2 U.S. automaker steered clear of the government bailouts that wiped out equity in its domestic rivals and prompted a massive restructuring of the industry.

WINTER DRIVING

Six tips for staying safe this winter

Check your tires, turn off the cruise control, and get to know your safety alphabet.

By Richard Neumann

1. Vehicle maintenance: Vehicles that have been regularly maintained according to their manufacturers’ required maintenance schedule should be ready for winter weather. If not, a visit to the local dealership to catch up on your required maintenance will ensure the vehicle is ready for the season.

2. Read your owner’s manual: All vehicles have different characteristics that will react to winter weather differently. This is a good time to check the manual for your particular vehicle’s winter driving tips.

3. Monitor tire wear: There are three important aspects when it comes to tires: pressure, tread wear and age.

Tire pressure: Cold weather causes tires to lose pressure and become underinflated; meaning your safety on the road is compromised. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially when the temperature changes.

Tire tread depth: Proper tread depth can be key to slipping less and gripping the road better.

Tire age: Old tires can be unsafe tires, especially in the winter. It is recommended that tires over six years old be replaced.

All season and summer tires begin to lose their grip around 7 degrees Celsius. Consider switching to winter tires for better handling and braking performance.

4. Drive safely and be alert: Safe driving is always important. Remember to slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Also, avoid abrupt moves — don’t stop, start, or change direction suddenly and you’ll maintain better control of your vehicle in inclement conditions.

5. Goodbye cruise control: Never use the speed control in slippery conditions. If the weather suddenly becomes hazardous while cruise control is engaged, simply disengage it manually or lightly tap the brakes.

6. Get to know the safety feature alphabet: Become more familiar with vehicle safety features such as ABS, TC, ESC and RSC, to understand how they can help.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Vehicles equipped with an anti-lock braking system do not require the driver to pump the brakes in slippery conditions when hard braking is required. Apply firm, continuous pressure on the brake pedal and ABS may activate to help you maintain control of the vehicle.

Traction Control (TC): This feature most often engages at low speeds. In the majority of winter driving conditions, it is best to keep the traction control feature ON. However, in extreme conditions – for instance, deep snow or sheer ice – it may be better to turn OFF your traction control to get moving.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC helps prevent your vehicle from skidding out or sliding laterally in slippery conditions.

Roll Stability Control™ (RSC®): AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ helps to avoid a rollover in a collision situation.

Richard Neumann is technical support manager for Ford of Canada, Oakville, ON.