Ford Introduces 'Video Snacks' to Ford Owners to Help Them Learn New Features

SYNC with MyFord Touch: Navigation/ Setting Route

Does complex in-car technology make your head spin? Ford Motor Company thinks they have found a way for you to master the features in their vehicles. More than 100 short how-to videos, called “video snacks,” are supposed to help Ford owners become more familiar with the features their new car offers.

According to a Ford press release, the video snacks are a part of a new Vehicle Orientation program that starts this week in Ford dealerships nationwide. At the end of the car-buying process, customers go over a list of features in their new vehicle that they’d like to learn about with their salesperson. That list is then emailed to the customer with links to video snacks that they can watch any time at Fordowner.com. The video snacks are also available on YouTube at Ford’s Know Your Vehicle channel.

"We know that just because a cool feature is available doesn't necessarily mean it is being recognized or used by the consumer," said Andrew Ashman, Ford and Lincoln consumer experience manager. "Our goal is to simplify and enhance the sales experience by providing customers with the resources they need when they need them so that they can fully enjoy all the benefits their vehicle has to offer them."

In an interview with Ford’s employee site, @Ford Online, Laura Fraga, manager, Marketing Communications, Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD), says, “Despite the fact that we are leaders in in-vehicle technology, our quality scores seem to indicate that many times people just either don’t know a feature exists or they don’t know how to use it.”

One of the features widely criticized is Ford’s infotainment system, MyFord Touch. The most recent 2012 U.S. Initial Quality Study, which looks at problems new owners have faced within 90 days of their new-vehicle purchase, found that owner complaints regarding hands-free communication systems have increased 137 percent over the last four years. In the 2010 survey, Ford ranked fifth in this study, and in the 2012 study Ford is struggling at 27 out of 34 automotive bands.

What do you think? Would you use videos to learn about your new car's features, or would you prefer to figure it out on your own?"

In the market for a new vehicle? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars. Then, look for a great deal on a new car by checking out this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Better Fuel Economy Could Mean Worse Tires

A study released by J.D. Power & Associates last Thursday shows that car buyers are not happy with the run-flat and low-rolling resistance tires automakers use to improve fuel efficiency.

According to the study, run-flat tires, commonly used on performance sport cars and luxury vehicles, have about a 6,000 mile shorter life span than standard tires. These tires have to be replaced more often than conventional tires and often have to be replaced in pairs. This could make for a costly expense sooner than what owners had planned on.

USA Today says that “more automakers are equipping cars with run-flat tires, which can keep rolling for enough miles to get to a gas station or tire store, rather than putting a traditional spare tire to the trunk. The spare adds more weight to the car, which burns more gas.”

Brent Gruber, director, global automotive division at J.D. Power and Associates says, “Automakers are trying to reach the next level of fuel economy, and are looking to their suppliers--in this case, tire manufacturers--to help them get there.” He goes onto say, “The challenge is doing this while finding tires that meet customers’ expectations. Run-flat tires are not currently meeting those expectations.”

Customers are also hesitant about low-rolling resistance tires because of what they may have to give up for better fuel economy, according to the survey. Most of them are concerned that traction and the tire’s durability are worse on low-rolling resistance tires than standard tires.

"While the marketing of low-rolling resistance tires has primarily focused on fuel efficiency, tire manufacturers may also benefit from advertisements that help educate consumers about the traction and dependability of the tires," said Gruber. "Consumers don't fully understand the benefit of low-rolling resistant tires. They believe they are forfeiting important aspects of tire performance by opting for low-rolling resistant tires, yet don't know how much improvement in fuel efficiency they should expect in return."

In an interview with The New York Times, Goodyear says it supplies low-rolling resistance tires for the Toyota Prius and Chevy Volt among other fuel-efficient cars. They say the Assurance Fuel Max tires they use for these vehicles improve traction and durability by 27 percent over the previous model of Assurance tires.

Michelin provided the New York Times with a graphic that explains how tire companies are making tires that perform well and help owners safe on gas.

The New York Times also reports that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is updating labeling rules on tires that will help consumers choose the correct replacement tires. The labeling will add fuel-efficient grades, safety and durability. John Emerson, director of industry standards and government regulations at Michelin tells the New York Times he expects to see these new rules mid-2013.

Before purchasing your new car, look to see what type of tires it comes with. If they are run-flat tires, expect to pay for some new tires sooner rather than later, and try to avoid scenarios that could result in a flat tire or blowout.

In the market for a new car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars. Then, look for a great deal on a new car by checking out this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Affordable Small Cars Attract Young Buyers

Edmunds and R.L. Polk released a study on Wednesday that found the percentage of 18-34 year olds purchasing South Korean and U.S. brand cars has gone up since 2008.

According to USA Today, “Detroit automakers have reached out to young buyers as never before with a raft of appealing small cars that they would have rejected as unprofitable in the past. Chrysler Group has the fun Fiat 500, General Motors has models like the small Chevrolet Sonic and smaller Spark and Ford has sponsored TV’s American Idol for its small car lineup, such as the Fiesta and Focus.”

In 2008, European and Japanese car brands attracted younger buyers, but Edmunds.com Sr. Analyst Jessica Caldwell says, “U.S. automakers have burst onto the scene in recent years with small, fuel-efficient and affordable cars that really appeal to a young set of buyers.” She goes on to say, “But while Detroit might be chiseling away at the Japanese grip on Gen X and Gen Y, South Korean brands are taking big hacks.”

Since the affordable small car field has grown so much over the last few years, buyers looking in this segment have more vehicles to choose from. In our rankings, the 2013 Ford Fiesta, 2013 Honda Fit and 2013 Mazda3 are all tied for the top spot. Those whose main focus is buying a car with the lowest starting price should look at the 2013 Nissan Versa and 2013 Chevrolet Spark. Want the safest affordable small car? The 2013 Subaru Impreza currently has the highest safety score for the class. However, there are quite a few others that still get a near-perfect score.

In the market for a small car? Check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars. Then, look for a great deal on a new car by checking out this month’s best car deals. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.