Freedom Ford

Near the beginning of next year, the brand new 2011 Ford Focus Compact will be hitting US dealership showrooms like Freedom Ford - 7520 N. Military Highway Norfolk, VA 23518, with a 160-horsepower, two-liter four-cylinder engine. That powerplant will assist the car in receiving 40 miles per gallon on the highway, Ford said Wednesday.

Ford's new engine will include high-pressure direct gasoline injection into the cylinders, making it more efficient than previous models. Focus will have variable valve timing to adjust the intake, and exhaust valve openings for maximum efficiency while still accelerating quickly.

"Drivers will notice improved low-end power…

The Ford Transit, the popular work van, is receiving a much needed upgrade. An estimated $630 million in funds has been given to the Turkey plant that produces this vehicle for Europe and the United States.

Ford builds the smaller Transit Connect commercial van in Turkey as well, which it began exporting to the States last year. That venture has generated $3 billion in revenue for the American auto maker since 2005 - making it one of Turkey's leading exports.

Given Ford's goal of building global platform vehicles, the full size Transit has a great chance of coming to…