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Ford Mustang, F-150, Expedition, and Lincoln Navigator recalled

The Basics: Ford will recall 201,900 examples of the 2011-2012 F-150, 2012 Expedition, 2012 Mustang, and 2012 Lincoln Navigator. The affected vehicles have the 6R80 transmission. Of the total, there are 84,000 of them in the United States and 17,900 in Canada. The Problem: The output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame can force the gearbox to downshift into first gear. If this happens at high speed, it could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up. Injuries/Deaths: There are no reported injuries, but Ford know of three accidents related to this problem. The Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to eliminate the problem, and they'll also replace the transmission lead frame. If You Own One: Ford will begin notifying affected customers by mail on May 23. Related Video: FORD MOTOR COMPANY ISSUES THREE SAFETY RECALLS AND TWO SAFETY COMPLIANCE RECALLS IN NORTH AMERICA DEARBORN, Mich., April 27, 2016 – Ford Motor Company is issuing three safety recalls and two safety compliance recalls in North America. Details are as follows: Ford issues safety recall and customer satisfaction program for certain 2011-2012 Ford F-150, and 2012 Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles in North America to update powertrain control module software and inspect for certain diagnostic trouble codes Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 202,000 2011-2012 Ford F-150, and 2012 Ford Expedition, Ford Mustang and Lincoln Navigator vehicles for a potential issue with the output speed sensor on the vehicle's transmission lead frame. Under certain conditions, the transmission controls could force a temporary downshift into first gear. Depending on the speed of the vehicle at the time of the downshift, the driver could experience an abrupt speed reduction that could cause the rear tires to slide or lock up. This condition could result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford is aware of three reports of accidents and no injuries related to this condition. Affected vehicles are equipped with a 6R80 transmission and include certain 2011-2012 Ford F-150 vehicles built at Dearborn Truck Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 19, 2011 through March 9, 2012; 2012 Ford Expedition vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Aug. 19, 2011 through Dec. 19, 2011; Ford Mustang vehicles built at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Aug. 19, 2011 through Feb.

J Mays retiring from Ford design, succeeded by Moray Callum

Ford's highly influential head of design, J Mays, has announced that he'll be retiring from his position after 33 years in the industry, 16 of which were at the Dearborn, MI-based company. Upon departure, he'll be succeeded as group vice president of design by Moray Callum. If that last name sounds familiar, yes, he's the brother of Jaguar's Ian Callum.
It's difficult to explain just how big of a role Mays had on not just Ford's design over the years, but on the entire industry. Before heading to Dearborn, Mays worked for Audi, BMW and then Volkswagen, where he was involved in concept cars that paved the way for design icons like the first-generation Audi TT and the Volkswagen New Beetle. As for his Ford resume, it's extensive.
Mays joined the company in 1997 as design director for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Mazda, as well as the Premier Automotive Group (Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar and Aston Martin). He was heavily involved in the Ford Fusion, Focus, Fiesta, Taurus, F-150 and Mustang, while also contributing to concept cars like the Atlas, Evos, 427, Forty-Nine, Shelby GR-1, Lincoln MKZ and the MKC.

2017 Lincoln Model Year Preview and Updates

For those wondering if there's more to Lincoln than a reflective Matthew McConaughey, the debut of Lincoln's all-new Continental - pictured above - should emphatically answer the question. But aside from a refresh here and there, the Continental is effectively 'it' for the 2017 model year. LINCOLN CONTINENTAL: Although the new Continental may not represent the design stretch Lincoln enthusiasts might have hoped, it's a significant step when compared to the Fusion-based MKZ or displaced MKS. With available all-wheel drive and up to 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, the Continental is described by Lincoln as targeting 'culturally progressive clients who define luxury on their own terms.' In short, this isn't a me-too interpretation of German or Asian luxury; it's the Lincoln Motor Company's interpretation of American luxury, on sale in the spring of '17. MKZ: A freshened design with all-new, Continental-esque front fascia offers an upgraded interior, new technology and available Revel Audio. MKC: It is a year of minor tweaks for Lincoln's compact crossover. A power liftgate is now standard, while Auto Start-Stop is available on MKCs equipped with the 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive, standard on 2.0-liter front-wheel drive. And the MKC receives Sync 3 plus Apple CarPlay and Android Audio. MKT: Aside from color revisions, Lincoln's livery car/crossover is unchanged. MKX: Lincoln's midsize, Edge-based crossover receives little more than color changes for 2017. NAVIGATOR: Lincoln's biggest SUV navigates the model year with few changes except for color. However, with the announcement of an all-new Ford Expedition – on which the Navigator is based – in showrooms this fall, an all-new Navigator can't be far behind it. Lincoln Car Buying whats new 2017