c-max

Future infotainment systems may read sign language

In an effort to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, researchers at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence are working on new technology that could let drivers control their vehicles' in-cabin systems with a just a wave of a finger.

Geremin is a multimodal interaction technology that enables drivers to control temperature, volume, and entertainment systems using gestures. As infotainment systems become more complex and cars pull double duty as mobile offices, dashboards and steering wheels will become overloaded with buttons. Finger gestures give drivers a new way to communicate with the vehicle without taking … Read more

Ford chops the C-Max's top

DETROIT--When presenting the upcoming C-Max at the 2011 North American International Auto Show, Ford must have felt that saying the tiny minivan seated seven wasn't good enough. The company needed to show us all seven of those seats, at the same time.

To accomplish this, the automaker has taken an example of the C-Max and surgically removed it's greenhouse. Viewed from the top, it's a nicely executed cutaway. Tilt your head, however, and it becomes a C-Max convertible with a shortened windscreen. This got us thinking: if Nissan can rip the top off of a crossover to … Read more

Ford to debut C-MAX minivan in Detroit

Ford will debut at the 2011 North American International Auto show a more mini minivan. The C-MAX is a compact family vehicle that was developed for the European market but will be making its way into the U.S. next year. Despite its Americanization, it retains European proportions. At 178 inches the C-MAX is almost 15 inches shorter than the Honda Odyssey and Chrysler Town and Country, yet it still manages to seat up to seven.

Ford describes the vehicle as a 5+2, meaning it seats five in the first two rows with two smaller seats in the third … Read more

Ford of Europe scales down in wake of global economic crisis

Ford of Europe will do whatever it takes to ensure the company continues to make cars, and a profit, said John Fleming, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.

Announcements the company made today primarily affect Ford's manufacturing operations in Germany, Spain, and its new manufacturing facility in Craiova, Romania.

The Valencia Plant in Spain will move to a two-shift pattern from May 1. Further talks will take place on how to manage the surplus labor in the short term. Longer term, two-shift versus three-shift working will depend on market demand.

Current Fiesta production will continue at Valencia, and Ford … Read more