Ford Focus goes SEMA mad

A total of seven Ford Focus at the 2011 SEMA Show There’s nothing American petrolheads (perhaps we should say gearheads) like more than tarting up a car. Which explains why the relatively sensible Ford Focus is being pimped to within an inch of its life for this year’s SEMA show. The SEMA Motor Show is a trade-only gathering – despite which it gets around 50k visitors – which the organisers call the “premier automotive specialty products trade event – in the world.” It attracts trade visitors from across the globe to see parts, tools and components and the ‘SEMA’ special cars brought along by car makers and car modifiers.

Ford offers Sync download for voice control of smartphone apps

Ford Fiesta owners can download Sync Applink for hands-free voice control of smartphone applications while driving. Sync extends app functionality to the car using voice and steering-wheel controls. It offers a better alternative to manually controlling apps while driving.

Ram beefs up heavy-duty trucks for more towing

The Chrysler Group is upgrading its heavy-duty Ram pickups for the 2013 model to deliver what it says will be class-leading towing capacity. Diesel-powered versions also adopt selective catalytic reduction exhaust treatment to cut emissions and extend maintenance intervals. The automaker has also created a dedicated commercial vehicle team within the Ram brand to boost its business with fleet and work truck buyers.