HOCER Instrumentation is a leading company in the field of analyzers for water quality.
The new range of AQUAPOD SPE analyzers detect ultra low levels of micropollution (< PPB, µg/L).
The analyzer integrates a patented technology to cocentrate the pollutions and an UV spectrometry analysis.
The AQUAPOD database integrates most of current parameters (TOC, COD, Hydrocarbons, Nitrate, pesticides, phenols, industrial products,...).
In addition, the AQUAPOD SPE analyser is able to detect all other parameter of interest (on request) and water anomalies
The AQUAPOD SPE is now the new reference in term to protect drinking water plant, process water and urban and industrial effluents.
Photonic Products Ltd, authorised distributor of SANYO laser diodes, has announced that, due to the recent merger between SANYO and Panasonic, SANYO will end production of its industrial red and infrared laser diodes at the end of September 30th 2010. The last time buy date for all affected product lines will be March 31st 2010.
In order to fully support its SANYO laser diode customers, Photonic Products has negotiated an agreement with SANYO whereby it is able to guarantee order coverage for up to two years, providing final orders are placed by March 31st 2010.
Photonic Products will also source and recommend suitable alternatives from leading manufacturers which will provide equivalent performance and reliability at a comparable price. During the transition period, the company’s engineers will work with customers to evaluate and approve alternative laser diodes to prevent disruption to production schedules and minimise any inconvenience.
SANYO will continue to manufacture 405nm blue-violet laser diodes which are available in industrial strength up to 85mW optical output power and with the stability required for critically demanding industrial and medical applications. Photonic Products will continue to distribute SANYO blue-violet laser diodes.
Specially designed for high precision measurements, this water level indicator has a flat tape with a core spring steel with 2 copper wires coated with yellow nylon. Graduation at 1 millimeter intervals.
The probe, made of refined steel with electrode and insulation, has a diameter: of 15 mm. Water level indication by both acoustic signal and led.
Standard available length: from 30 to 500m (longer lengths on request)
Coated abrasive flap discs are designed for light stock removal, blending and finishing all in one application.
Norton SG Blaze R980 Flap Discs offer the longest life and coolest cut rate of any flap disc, and lasts 50% – 200% longer than any flap discs on stainless steel, cobalt, chrome, Inconel, and titanium.
These flap discs are proprietary and are only available from Norton.
Flap discs are most commonly used on right angle grinders and vertical shaft portable grinders.
With the expansion of the GRINDOR product range by the GRINDOR® allround, JUNKER, as strong partner behind the GRINDOR brand, is now providing a further cylindrical grinding machine in its machine portfolio with an outstanding price/performance ratio.
The special feature of the new machine is the successful combination of technically mature technology, quality and maximum precision for a low investment and thus maximum cost-effectiveness in operation. Another plus point is the easy operation.
Plunge-cut grinding, multiple plunge-cut grinding, oscillation grinding (also with swivelled-in B-axis) – the GRINDOR® allround provides practically all possibilities for external and internal cylindrical grinding. With a centre distance and grinding length of 800 mm, the GRINDOR® allround covers a wide part range. It must be emphasised here that as well as corundum, CBN and diamond grinding wheels can also be used for their machining.
The GRINDOR® allround is designed both for the manufacture of single parts and small series as well as for the production of larger series for which there is a comprehensive range of options and accessories available. The control is performed using the Fanuc 21i. Even simpler programming and operation of the machine is made possible using pictograms, dialogue programming and a clear, easily understandable design of the software.
The ChaseFeed Plus is another innovation that provides a high level of productivity. The unique insert design is capable of high feed rates up to 4.0mm/tooth under a maximum depth of cut 2.0mm and its powerful geometry endures high cutting forces when facing and deep cavity machining with high table feeds.
Features
– ChaseFeed Plus is a double-sided insert with six cutting edges designed with a strong clamping action through its inclined dovetail pocket.
– Range
-End mill: Dia. 32-40mm
-Face mill: Dia. 50-80mm
Oxygen is developing a dating competition spinoff of its wildly-successful reality smash, The Bad Girls Club. The new dating series, Love Games: Bad Girls Need Love Too, will feature three former Bad Girls — Amber (Season Three), Kendra (Season Four) and Sarah (Season Three) — vying for the attention of 13 eligible bachelors.
“Over the successful run of the “Bad Girls Club” series, the show’s die-hard fan base has demonstrated an insatiable interest in the dating lives of these flirty and outrageously energetic girls,” says Amy Introcaso-Davis, Senior Vice President, Programming and Development for Oxygen. “Love Games’ gives our avid viewers the opportunity to watch their favorite Bad Girls find love in a fun and wildly entertaining way.”
Name: China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) new office tower
Location: Nanshan Houhai CBD, east side of Houhai Binlu
Tower 1: 230m, ~40fl
Tower 2: 200m, ~34fl
Tower 3: 80m, joining towers 1 and 2 (looks taller than 80m in the render)
Total floor area: 140,000 square meters
Completion: unknown
The white fenced rectangular plot in the mid-ground is the site for the CNOOC new tower.
(3) the construction of a new regional headquarters building, to provide the material basis for the dependencies. Despite the adoption of enterprise culture, local management approach can bring the eastern oil city of South China Sea, the concept and outline sketched out, but because the units are scattered in different cities, different places, after all, not like the Bohai Sea, the South China Sea in the west, common work and daily life In a small circle. The construction of new buildings in Shenzhen, no doubt to the South China Sea, the definition of the eastern oil city of Tim injection of visible and tangible elements. In order to address the serious shortage of office space to meet the Offshore Oil Eastern South China Sea and the cause of the rapid development of the Pearl River Delta region needs of direct care in the head office under the command of the leadership, in Shenzhen city leaders and various departments of the strong support and assistance, the new building the land has been basically implemented step by step all the work is rapidly advancing. If everything goes smoothly, four years later, an "atmosphere, beautiful, spectacular, applicable" landmark – the South China Sea oil in the beautiful headquarters building will be erected in Shenzhen Bay. The new building is not only the headquarters of the South China Sea oil fields, but as far as possible China Sea oil in the Pearl River Delta region, the wholly-owned, holding company’s headquarters relocation to enter into a veritable headquarters building. The new building not only for sea-oil units to provide office, research laboratory for its comprehensive functionality will provide you the meeting, leisure, entertainment and fitness venues.
Through a common corporate culture, sustained by the work of deepening dependency and the rise of the South Headquarters Building, the new blueprint for the South China Sea from the eastern oil city of distant to near, from vague to clear, from the ideal become reality, step by step, toward us. We firmly believe that as long as we take the scientific development concept as a guide, implement the Company’s development strategy, for every one to carry out the work in the eastern oil city of South China Sea, the goal will be realized.
A Chevrolet S10 continua firme na liderança do mercado brasileiro de picapes médias pelo 15º ano consecutivo. De janeiro a dezembro de 2009, foram emplacadas 39.243 unidades, resultado que conferiu ao modelo uma participação de 35,6% no segmento, contra 30.996 unidades do segundo colocado. Além da liderança, o modelo registrou uma evolução de 25,3% nas vendas, comparativamente ao ano de 2008 (31.310 unidades), crescimento superior ao do segmento, que foi de 18,9% (110.113 unidades em 2009 contra 92.621 unidades em 2008).
“A picape S10 é a preferida no País em seu segmento desde o seu lançamento, em 1995, sendo um fenômeno de vendas. Em 2007, a chegada do pioneiro motor 2.4 Flexpower, que teve um avanço expressivo em relação ao motor convencional a gasolina, consolidou definitivamente a nossa S10 em uma posição diferenciada em sua categoria frente à concorrência”, destaca José Carlos Pinheiro Neto, vice-presidente da GM do Brasil.
S10, um case da indústria
A picape Chevrolet tem, da frota de picapes médias circulantes no País, mais de 350 mil unidades, resultado das suas vendas no período de 1995 a dezembro de 2009. Este fato é considerado um dos maiores cases da indústria automobilística brasileira.
Em julho de 2009 o modelo registrou recorde histórico mensal de vendas, com 3.916 unidades emplacadas, o que lhe rendeu a melhor marca já registrada desde 1995, ano de seu lançamento no mercado brasileiro e também 38,4% de participação no segmento das picapes médias. O recorde anterior havia sido registrado em junho de 2009, com 3.722 unidades emplacadas.
A picape S10 não parou de inovar e de se manter na frente de seus concorrentes nos últimos 15 anos. Em 2007, por exemplo, recebeu a tecnologia Flexpower, a única no segmento a oferecer a tecnologia bicombustível, que permitiu ao consumidor a utilização de gasolina e álcool, ou a mistura de ambos os combustíveis em qualquer proporção.
O motor 2.4 Flexpower tem potência superior se comparado a modelos a gasolina: quando abastecido com álcool, gera uma potência de 147 cv e quando utiliza a gasolina alcança 141 cv de potência. O motor 2.8 turbo diesel eletrônico dotado de turbo e intercooler, desenvolve 140 cv de potência.
Uma das principais novidades da S10 é a versão Executive com motor 2.4 Flexpower e cabine dupla, equipada com todo o conteúdo do modelo topo de linha, estendendo o benefício desta motorização para clientes que exigem mais conforto e conveniência. Trata-se de um elo entre as versões ‘flex’ e diesel do modelo. Há ainda a versão S10 Advantage com motor e a cabine simples 2.4 Flexpower, que se tornou a picape mais acessível do segmento.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has pulled out of a job hosting a reality modeling competition on British TV. Last month, a rep for the mean-spirited catwalk maven confirmed that Naomi was in discussions to front the next season of Britain’s Next Top Model. However, Naomi’s potential new gig fell through after talks between the network and the 39-year-old star broke down last week, The Daily Mail online reported Sunday.
Naomi was “really excited” about the prospect of reviving her career with a turn on TV, but pulled out because she couldn”t reach an agreement over logistics or the amount of time she would have to commit, industry insiders say.
The show is being toted as an extension of America’s Next Top Model and Canada’s Next Top Model, hosted by modeling legend Tyra Banks and makeup artist extraordinaire Jay Manuel, respectively.
“The producers felt the last series wasn’t taken as seriously as the American version because presenter Lisa Snowdon just couldn”t carry it off on her own,” says a spy. “What was missing was a real diva supermodel, a British equivalent to US host Tyra Banks,” the source added.
Former Spice Girl Melanie “Mel B” Brown will host the next season of Oxygen’s fitness hit Dance Your Ass Off, the popular women’s cable network said Sunday.
Dance Your Ass Off Season One was hosted by Broadway alum and former Dancing With The Stars ace Marissa Jaret Winokur. It featured 12 full-figured contestants who competed to lose weight by hitting the dance floor.
“After the birth of my second daughter, I wanted to find a fun and effective way to drop the pounds and get back in shape,” Mel told reporters during a press junket in Pasadena over the weekend. “I learned firsthand that dancing was the key to shedding off the pounds and keeping them off.”
Dance Your Ass Off will return to Oxygen this summer on a new night of original programming for the network, Mondays.
the italian made cruise ship "msc fantasia" is the most largest and the most luxurious cruise ship in europe land for the first time in casablanca port as the 4th stop in it mediterranean tour
Great technology improvements over the past decade have proven again that innovation serves as the best currency for progress against our greatest challenges. Terrific new tools and applications in information technology have been on display everywhere during the holidays; green tech ideas abound offering great promise; and even in the more prolonged R&D world of biopharma, we have seen important advancements across a wide variety of diseases. Other better-versed contributors undoubtedly will expand on specific achievements, and what is in the pipeline for the exciting decade ahead.
All these areas of technological innovation are unified by the challenges and opportunities arising from their underlying intellectual property framework. With the “innovation economy” serving as the future driver of our economic well-being, and technological solutions central in finding solutions in energy, health, communications and more, IP has become the critical rudder for the 21st century economy. Alongside our focus on the specific innovations that we will see in the coming decade, we need to more transparently and aggressively understand, expand, address and deploy IP models and methods.
IP unfortunately still remains primarily in the domain of lawyers, innovators and funders, often misunderstood, abused or ignored by the general public, sales channels or policy-makers. Over the past 30 years we have witnessed a remarkable change in the amount of professional attention toward the field: law schools across the country now offering specialized IP programs; thousands of dedicated IP legal and consultancy firms around the world; many new laws, policies, cases, books and articles on the topic; and a modest recognition by the general public that that such rights exist based on the IP noise made in the online media world.
We now must build on those advancements to more effectively educate broadly what intellectual property means to both individuals and our society. We now must address some of the toughest great debates troubling the field (and the related technologies), such as the fundamental conflicts over online content, the appropriate role of IP protection in the context of global health and development, or the rights and obligations that arise from supra-sovereign technology solutions arising in energy and climate change. We now must also be more creative in using IP as a tool for further progress, innovation and positive social change, instead of primarily a defensive sword for protection of vested interests.
Some of the world’s biggest challenges will only be solved by more creative thinking in this regard. For instance, we will meet the challenges of climate change not only through massive policy shifts, but through technology innovations in which we must both reward the innovator and ensure the innovations are shared broadly, quickly and effectively, often across national borders. Reliance only on markets and existing IP infrastructures will not be adequate to meet these demands. Similarly, as we address some of the world’s most troubling global health challenges – whether pandemic flu outbreaks, malaria or TB vaccines, or innovations in therapeutics or diagnostics – engaging more private sector players on terms that both allow for their most aggressive participation and yet ensure the global access to the discoveries for the world’s poor, will force us to engage in new and better ways to manage the rights and obligations arising from these innovations. The same might be said for more still-forming world of online and social media, where the rules of the road are so dynamic that the law is simply not keeping pace with the technologies.
How all this will play out in the coming decades remains unclear. But I would place a big bet that at least as much attention, debate, and opportunity for change and innovation exist in how we think about and manage ownership and distribution of technology, as in the technologies themselves. As we commence the second decade of the 21st century, more attention, analysis and education should be paid to this defining characteristic of our times.
[Editor’s Note: This is part of a series of posts from Xconomists and other technology leaders from around the country who are weighing in with the top innovations they’ve seen in their respective fields the past 10 years, or the top disruptive technologies that will impact the next decade.]
Can you believe it? Another CES has come and gone — and the crew of Engadget was there to capture all the highs and the lows. If you haven’t been keeping track of things, this year was an insanely jam-packed frenzy of gadgety goodness. Our team bounced between the towering monuments to 3D TV, a boatload of smartbooks, netbooks, and tablets, an unexpected deluge of “superphones” and smartphones, and the requisite helping of crazy Crapgadgets and mountains of new laptops with the style and grace of a ballerina on opening night. Of course, we captured all of that madness on the pages (and pages, and pages) of Engadget, blowing it out with our biggest CES showing ever and putting a bunch of our new redesign elements into play to get news to you guys faster. But like all awesome things, they must come to an end, and after a week in Las Vegas, everyone is definitely ready to truck it on home. We wanted to leave our readers with a taste of what CES was like for us (including some awesome video of senior editor Thomas Ricker breaking it down). We also want to shout out a big thank you to you guys and girls for coming to the site every day and making this our biggest and best CES ever. You absolutely rule forever.
We caught up with Else at CES to check on how they’re doing with the First Else since we last saw them back in November. According to CTO Eldad Eilam, the basic functions of the ALP-based phone are finally done and dusted, so now Else will mainly focus on fine-tuning its snazzy visual effects until beta around the end of March. There’s no doubt that it’s also finalizing plans — pricing, content distribution, and remote sync service, etc.– with various partners in the US and Europe. If you happen to be in Asia, then sorry — apparently Else has no intention to visit you guys just yet, but you might get lucky if you sneak into Sharp’s factories in Japan or China. For the rest of us, we shall continuously gaze at our hands-on videos until First Else’s expected end-of-Q2 launch — we’ve got a new one for you after the break.
We have finally arrived in Detroit for the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Welcoming us to Motor City is the new 2012 Ford Focus, which will enter production in Europe and North America in late 2010 with sales to begin in early 2011. Africa and South America production will follow.
The new Focus is just one of the 10 models that will be built on the Dearborn automaker’s C-car platform. The platform is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012. Ford says that the “new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.” The 2012 Focus has been developed by a global team that was headed by Ford of Europe’s small and medium vehicle center in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany. Powertrain development was led by Ford’s technical center in Dunton, England.
Besides the sleek, stylish and sporty, both, the sedan and 5-door hatchback body styles of the new 2012 Focus feature a completely redesigned interior that has us anxious to sit inside of. Other than the new MyFord Touch driver connect technology SYNC and the 8-inch touch screen, the 2012 Focus gets keyless entry and, “Ford Power” start button, a rearview camera and a semi-automatic self parallel parking system.
Power for the 2012 Focus comes from a new 2.0L DI Ti-VCT engine making 155-hp and a peak torque of 145 lb-ft. The engine also contributes to fuel-economy gains of more than 10 percent. The engine is mated to Ford’s latest dry-clutch 6-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. The transmission features a dual-clutch design, which will help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to the 4-speed automatic.
Ford has also confirmed a battery-electric version of the new Focus in 2011, the company’s first battery-electric passenger vehicle. The model will be produced at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Complex, for sales in North America. An EcoBoost model is also planned.
Join us later today when we bring you live images of the 2012 Ford Focus from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.
Click through for the high-res image gallery and the press release.
2012 Ford Focus:
Press Release:
DYNAMIC NEXT-GENERATION FORD FOCUS DEBUTS
• Next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut at 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit
• Focus spearheads Ford’s new generation of global C-cars, all based on a common platform that will underpin up to 10 vehicles around the world and account for 2 million units of annual production by 2012
• Stylish new range provides customers with class-leading new technologies, features and craftsmanship
• New Focus targets exceptional fuel economy, and advances acclaimed levels of driving quality
• New range will start production simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010 and go on sale early in 2011. Asia, Africa and South America production will follow
DETROIT, Jan. 11, 2010 – The next-generation Ford Focus makes its worldwide debut providing customers with more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, as well as detailed craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.
Sleek, stylish and sporty, both the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles of the next-generation Focus are previewed prior to their production start for Europe and North America late in 2010 and market launch early in 2011.
The new Focus will be nearly identical in all markets, with 80 percent parts commonality around the world.
“The new Ford Focus is a clear demonstration that our ONE Ford strategy is providing global consumers with great products that harness the best of Ford Motor Company,” said Alan Mulally, Ford’s president and CEO.
“The efficiencies generated by our new global C-car platform will enable us to provide Ford Focus customers with an affordable product offering quality, fuel efficiency, safety and technology beyond their expectations,” he added.
Simultaneous launch in Europe and North America Production of the next-generation Ford Focus will begin simultaneously in Europe and North America in late 2010, with individual market launches starting early in 2011. Launches in Asia, Africa and South America will follow. Initial production will be concentrated at the Saarlouis (Germany), Michigan (United States) and Chongqing (China) Assembly Plants.
The new Focus will be one of up to 10 unique models to be built from Ford’s new C-car platform, which is expected to generate total sales in all regions of 2 million units annually by 2012. The first of these will be the new Ford C-MAX and Ford Grand C-MAX – unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show – for launch in Europe in the second half of 2010.
“Global customers increasingly want smaller cars with outstanding fuel economy, but without sacrificing any of the style, technology, connectivity and driving quality they demand from larger vehicles,” explained Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.
“Our next generation of C-cars – led by the exciting new Focus – will clearly show that Ford is ready to meet that challenge,” said Kuzak.
Engineered without compromise The new Ford Focus has been developed by a global team, led from Ford’s European small and medium vehicle center of excellence in Merkenich, near Cologne, Germany, with powertrain development led by a similar team at Ford’s technical center in Dunton, England. The vehicle has been engineered without compromise to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.
In developing the vehicle for global markets, the product team in Europe was able to call on the experience acquired from recent programs like the much-acclaimed new Ford Fiesta, and was supported by the expertise of vehicle and powertrain technology specialists located in Ford’s engineering center in Dearborn, Mich.
Ford’s global development and sourcing strategy made it possible to provide a level of performance and feature content that is unrivaled for this vehicle segment and surprising even to drivers of larger, more premium vehicles.
Taking kinetic design to the next level The no-compromise approach to the new Ford Focus is immediately evident from the striking exterior design of the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback models that take center stage at the 2010 NAIAS.
“The all-new Focus is at the center of convergence for automotive trends,” said J Mays, Ford group vice president of Design and chief creative officer. “We’ve designed it with an acute understanding of global customers, yet it’s tailored for each individual region. Focus combines the best from Europe, North America and Asia to deliver a level of emotional driving enjoyment never before experienced in a car this size.”
The two models share a sporty and dynamic character, marking the next evolution of Ford’s acclaimed kinetic design form language, which has contributed to the growing popularity of the company’s latest small and medium cars.
The kinetic design approach uses bold vehicle designs to capture the feeling of energy in motion, so that cars look like they are moving – even when they are standing still.
With its striking front end, sleek profile, dramatic rising beltline and athletic stance, the new Focus clearly telegraphs the rewarding driving experience that awaits customers when they take to the road.
This dynamic quality is reinforced by the distinctive design of the interior. The new Focus has an extremely modern, cockpit-style interior, with the stylish center console wrapped around the driver and providing outstanding access to the vehicle’s major controls and display panels.
A key element of the interior is the quality of craftsmanship. The cabin’s bold and contemporary graphics, the sculptured shape of the soft-touch instrument panel and the choice of superior trim materials all help to give occupants the feeling that they are traveling in a premium-class car.
Unmatched driving quality When it was introduced in 1998, the original Ford Focus brought new levels of agility and responsiveness to the C-segment. The all-new Focus plans to raise the benchmark once more, targeting class-leading driving quality that blends outstanding steering precision and road feedback with significantly improved refinement and ride control.
To deliver this performance, engineers have updated the innovative suspension concepts from prior models, developing optimized new designs for the “control blade” multilink rear suspension and the semi-isolated front and rear subframes.
The chassis design is complemented by a completely new Electric Power Assist Steering system, which has been carefully tuned to deliver pure and precise responses at high speed while remaining light and maneuverable for parking.
Ford’s European driving dynamics specialists have also enhanced cornering stability and agility with the introduction of an advanced Dynamic Cornering Control system, which uses “torque vectoring” techniques to transfer power between the drive wheels to deliver reduced understeer, improved traction and better turn-in.
All global customers will benefit from the same quality of dynamic performance in the new Focus. Identical chassis and suspension architecture is being used for all markets, except for minor regional tuning differences, such as local tire specifications.
Efficient powertrains deliver performance with outstanding economy The engaging driver appeal of the new Ford Focus is magnified by a powertrain range that delivers spirited performance and targets outstanding levels of fuel economy and CO2 emissions.
The global powertrain lineup for the new Focus will include a range of state-of-the-art Ford EcoBoost™ four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) engines – including the 1.6-liter unit in Europe and a choice of advanced and improved Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engines, all of which offer reductions in fuel consumption of between 10 and 20 percent compared to the outgoing models.
For the NAIAS preview, Ford is showing a completely new 2.0-liter gasoline engine for the North American market that features DI and Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. The new 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is up to 20 horsepower more powerful than the current 2.0 Duratec I-4 unit while contributing to projected fuel economy gains of more than 10 percent.
To maximize the performance and economy advantage enjoyed by the new Focus, the 2.0-liter DI Ti-VCT engine is mated with the latest dry-clutch six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission. This transmission uses an advanced dual-clutch design, which alone can help to reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent compared to a traditional four-speed automatic.
The dry-clutch PowerShift transmission is based on more efficient manual gearbox technology, and does not require the additional weight and complexity of torque converters, planetary gears and oil pumps used in conventional automatics. Electronically controlled twin clutches shift gears quickly and smoothly, providing the seamless flow of torque plus the refinement and ease of operation customers expect from a premium automatic transmission.
Ford also has confirmed plans to begin building a full, battery electric vehicle in 2011 at its Michigan Assembly Complex, for sales in North America. It will be the company’s first battery electric passenger vehicle.
Intuitive technology enhances convenience and safety The next-generation Focus will bring C-segment customers around the world an exciting array of advanced technologies generally found in larger, more premium vehicles. The global scale of Ford’s C-car program makes more technologies and features economically viable than ever before for cars in this segment.
The technology package of the new Focus promises not only clear leadership in the C-segment, but also includes features customers in larger, more premium segments would find surprising.
The new technologies have been designed to be simple and highly intuitive to use, while enhancing both convenience and safety for the vehicle occupants.
Within the cockpit, the most significant innovation is the company’s next-generation driver connect technology, MyFord, which provides the driver with a state-of-the-art combination of controls and display screens to operate the key vehicle features. On high series vehicles, the MyFord system includes an 8-inch touch screen, allowing the driver to control a wide range of functions via a clear and intuitive color display.
MyFord is complemented by a new generation of Ford’s powerful SYNC® connectivity package, which includes a sophisticated voice control system, Bluetooth and satellite navigation, along with connection points for a wide variety of external devices and media players.
Other available safety and convenience technologies include keyless entry and “Ford Power” start button, a rearview camera and a semi-automatic parallel parking system that automatically steers the vehicle into a parking spot.
Strength and safety The Focus platform provides an incredibly strong and stiff structure, which not only benefits vehicle dynamics and refinement but also provides the basis for enhanced crash performance.
High-strength steels are used extensively in the next-generation Focus body shell. High-strength steels comprise 55 percent of the body shell, and more than 26 percent of the vehicle’s structure is formed from ultra-high-strength and Boron steels – significantly more than any other Ford product. These advanced materials help the structure meet the most stringent crash legislation across world markets, while minimizing the vehicle’s weight.
The structural integrity of the body shell is also reflected in its torsional rigidity, which is 25 percent greater than the current North American Focus.
Quality and craftsmanship in every detail With global customers now demanding a more premium experience from small- and medium-sized vehicles, achieving outstanding levels of quality and craftsmanship was a primary objective for the new Focus.
The new Focus will make significant strides in reducing cabin noise, promising a quiet cabin environment. This refinement complements the fresh new interior design and higher craftsmanship levels to create a premium feel akin to larger vehicles.
Each component in the vehicle that the customer will touch, see, hear or even smell has been subjected to rigorous analysis to ensure that it will exceed an owner’s expectations. Particular attention has been given to the quality of interior trim materials, and the color matching, gaps, flushness and tolerances where one part meets another.
Across the majority of vehicle attributes, Ford has developed a global DNA standard that defines the exact attributes a part should have to meet the quality requirements of the brand. Examples include the sound the door makes when it is closed, requiring special attention to the door structure and latch mechanism, and the design of a steering wheel, right down to the thickness of padding and size of stitching on the rim.
This meticulous attention to detail is also reflected in Ford’s global manufacturing strategy for the Focus, with consistent standards and processes being applied in every one of the assembly plants, wherever they are located in the world.
“We believe the new Ford Focus will provide consumers with an unmatched driving experience, together with an unrivaled ownership experience,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing. “The Focus brand always has been very special to Ford, and this new global model shows our commitment to developing another generation of exciting and appealing cars.”
On the eve of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, GMC introduced its new Granite Concept, a study that hints at what’s next for the “professional grade” brand. A full 2 feet smaller than the GMC Terrain, General Motors says that the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever – if it’s ever produced.
Sitting on a wheelbase that extends 103.6-inches and measuring 161.3-inches x 70.3-inches x 60.5-inches, the GMC Granite is intended to compete with vehicles like the Scion xB, Nissan Cube and Kia Soul.
While being the smallest GMC ever, the inside of the GMC Granite Concept offers generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats. GM says that a mountain bike can be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed. The Granite provides room for four passengers with a prominent center console that runs between the front and rear seats. The center console features outlets and ports to plug in portable electronic devices, as well as storage compartments large enough for a laptop computer.
Power for the new GMC Granite Concept comes from a 1.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (optional on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze) making 138-hp and 148 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.
GMC Granite Concept:
Press Release:
Industrial-Inspired GMC Granite Concept Makes A Solid Statement About Style And Function
DETROIT – Combining a decidedly urban-industrial design aesthetic with functionality aimed at young professionals, the GMC Granite concept takes the brand’s trademark capability in a new, more progressive direction. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
If brought to market, the Granite would be the smallest GMC ever – but has been optimized to feel much larger. Its length is a full 2 feet (0.6 m) shorter than the new Terrain compact crossover, but its open interior was designed to be spacious and flexible to fit the needs of active people. Generous cargo space and unique flipping/folding seats, for example, enable a mountain bike to be loaded completely inside with the tailgate closed.
“Granite was conceived as a new type of vehicle from GMC – one that could stretch people’s ideas of what a GMC can be,” said Lisa Hutchinson, product marketing director for GMC. “We call it an ‘urban utility vehicle’ and our goal was redefining what the GMC name could mean to a new generation of customers looking for both bold design and functionality.”
Like GMC’s current lineup of trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the Granite delivers style and capability, with advanced features, high-quality materials and exceptional attention to detail. An industrial-influenced exterior is combined with a spacious interior that features precise instruments and leading-edge technology. The climate system, navigation and infotainment technologies, for example, are viewed via an extra-wide, next-generation organic light-emitting diode technology that is more dynamic than the conventional screens used in most production vehicles.
“We think of the Granite as the automotive equivalent of an urban loft apartment,” said Dave Lyon, executive director of North American Interior and Global Cross-Brand Design. “The exterior has an unmistakable industrial look, but the interior is warm and personalized.”
Power for the Granite concept comes from a 1.4L turbocharged engine that is part of GM’s new family of small-displacement, highly efficient four-cylinder engines. It is matched with a six-speed transmission.
Industrial-inspired exterior
A cadre of young designers drew upon the preferences of young, urban professionals like themselves, who are very social and active. They are more likely to take friends to clubs and load outdoor gear on weekend excursions than to haul lumber or tow a boat. With those requirements in mind, they sketched out the dimensions of the Granite accordingly. Its 103.6-inch (2,631 mm) wheelbase is comparable to a Chevrolet Cobalt, but its 161.3-inch (4,097 mm) overall length is more than a foot shorter. Its size gives the Granite exceptional maneuverability, even within narrow urban streets.
The Granite’s comparatively short body length is complemented by a wide, 70.3-inch (1,786 mm) overall width and a tall, 60.5-inch (1,536 mm) height. Those dimensions create unique proportions that depart dramatically from conventional minivan, SUV or crossover designs. “The Design team leveraged the best attributes from different segments: SUV, minivan and crossover, and mixed them with a commercial chic aesthetic. We feel this redefines the premium class of vehicles we call urban utility vehicles,” said Lyon.
Granite has four doors, hinged on each side to open like a set of French doors. There’s no pillar between the front and rear doors, making the Granite easier to enter, exit and load, even with bulky items.
“We gave the Granite a bold yet appealing design that truly makes a styling statement,” said Juho Suh, exterior design manager. “For a new generation of urban professionals, it delivers the look and functionality they need.”
In keeping with the vehicle’s urban theme, the exterior of the Granite has a series of complex, intersecting planes and angles, creating the impression of an industrial machine – an object created out of necessity, but admired for its precision and functional aesthetics.
A forward-angling motif that cuts through the door panels, starting high and behind the doors and cutting to the center of the front door, suggests motion, as does a high beltline and tapered side glass. A rear spoiler is integrated into the roof and extends slightly above the rear glass. Other angles and planes of the exterior appear carefully metal-crafted.
Up front, GMC’s signature grille design is flanked by headlamps that sweep back into the fenders, further suggesting motion. The headlamps and fog lamps are set at the far edges of the front-end bodywork, accentuating the Granite’s planted stance. At the rear, the vehicle’s planes and angles come together tightly, showing careful attention to detail. Other exterior elements include prominent taillamps with a multi-layer appearance and LED lighting technology; and a centered exhaust outlet with a brushed metal tip.
There is no chrome on the exterior of the Granite; all the trim has a satin or brushed metal finish, accenting the industrial look. Large, 20-inch wheels – wrapped in Bridgestone tires – were tailored within the fenders for a low, sporty stance. The exterior color of the Granite is metallic gray that evokes the look of the material for which this concept was named.
Mechanically minded, highly functional interior
The interior was inspired by the design of aircraft-type mechanical instruments and precision tools. That is most apparent on the dashboard and instrument cluster, where gauges were modeled after finely crafted timepieces. A compass incorporated into the “barrel” surrounding the speedometer moves with every turn of the vehicle, providing an at-a-glance directional confirmation. “Our goal was not to hide but to show how this vehicle is put together, and the high quality of its craftsmanship, not unlike the finest industrial-inspired luxury time pieces,” said Lyon.
Red backlighting illuminates the gauges, while a panel of organic light-emitting diode screens is the foundation for the vehicle’s navigation, infotainment, phone and climate control readouts. The screens represent the next generation in vehicle information displays, with bright, multidimensional readouts and intuitive controls that give the Granite a modern feel.
Integrated within Granite are unmistakable GMC cues, including a center stack wing motif similar to that of the new GMC Terrain. A prominent center console runs between the front and rear seats, with ports to plug in popular portable electronic devices, as well as storage compartments large enough for a laptop computer.
The center console also houses a unique transmission shifter. Rather than a handle that actuates within a conventional gate, it is a simple, space-saving knob that rotates with the precise clicks of a torque wrench. The gear selections are confirmed via LED indicators.
Among the most functional elements of the Granite concept are reconfigurable seats. The front passenger and right rear seats flip up and fold in toward the center console, creating a long, unobstructed storage space. The Granite functionally addresses the needs of young professionals and their activities without compromises.
The cargo area includes a number of compartments to store items out of sight. Cargo hold-down provisions are built into the cargo area and the seatbacks have clasps that can be used when the seats are upright or folded to help secure cargo.
The Granite’s interior is finished with dark tones on the bottom and complementing, lighter colors on top, including suede-like Nubuck material on the seats and instrument panel. The interior is further accented by satin-finish and anodized trim. The instrument panel gives the impression of a command console, with driver-focused instruments and controls set in an anodized panel.
“The look, feel and functionality of the instrument panel remind you of a fine instrument or tool,” said Lyon. “Indeed, the Granite is like that – a precision instrument wrapped in a protective, industrial case.”
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