Ford40MPG.com - Courtney Force and Text Messaging

John Force Racing's Courtney Force demonstrates the 2012 Ford Focus audible text messaging system as part of the Ford 40MPG sweepstakes promotion. You can register to win a 2012 Focus at www.ford40mpg.com.

Full Size Passenger Vans - We Have A Large Selection In Stock

Full Size Ford Passenger Vans are hard to find on some dealers lots, but at Folsom Lake Ford, we have a great selection all the time. We have them for commuter pools, business shuttles, hotel shuttles, RV use, and Mobility Vans too. Stop in and let us give you a tour!

Tanner Foust X Games 17 Ford Fiesta Walkaround!!

2010 X Games champion Tanner Foust takes Ford Racing TV for a walk around of the ROCKSTAR Fiesta on the eve of X Games 17.

Azure Dynamics To Begin Integrating Plug-In Hybrid Technology in Ford F-Series Super-Duty Trucks

•Azure’s plug-in hybrid technology to be initially integrated on Ford’s market leading F-Series Super Duty cab and chassis, the F-550, expected in early 2013
•Agreement provides for Azure to integrate its plug-in-hybrid technology on other Ford F-Series Super Duty cab and chassis, including the F-350 and F-450
•The commercial cab and chassis industry supports approximately 100,000 vehicles per year
•Ford F-Series Super Duty platform is the clear cab and chassis market leader with greater than 50% share
•F-Series program furthers existing business relationship between Azure and Ford that previously brought the innovative Transit Connect Electric and the E-450 BalanceTM Hybrid Electric Step Van and Shuttle Bus to market

Oak Park, Michigan – July 27, 2011 – Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) (“Azure” or the “Company”), a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles, today announced an agreement with Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) whereby Azure will integrate its proprietary plug-in hybrid (“PHEV”) technology into the market leading Ford F-Series Super Duty product line.

In collaboration with Ford, Azure’s plug-in hybrid technology will be initially integrated on Ford’s market leading F-Series Super Duty cab and chassis, the F-550, which is expected to be available in early 2013. The agreement also allows Azure to perform hybrid powertrain conversions on other Super Duty platforms including F-350 and F-450 models and spans all engine, frame length and regular production options and configurations. The Super Duty program will allow Azure to further expand its product line-up in its targeted medium duty commercial truck segment.

The Azure/Ford agreement includes a ‘ship-thru’ provision that permits Azure to place vehicles in the Ford transportation system and allows qualified Ford Commercial Truck dealerships to sell and service the product in key markets in North America.

“We are extremely pleased to expand our relationship with Ford and launch our PHEV technology on the F-Series Super Duty platform, which is the largest and most successful cab and chassis brand in North America,” said Scott Harrison, Azure’s CEO. “This is an ideal outcome for Azure and our customers.”

With more than a 50% market share, the Ford F-Series Super Duty is the most established cab and chassis brand in the North American market. The commercial cab and chassis industry supports approximately 100,000 vehicles per year and is the preferred active work-truck for thousands of commercial fleets managing a broad range of logistical needs. The Super Duty offers several diesel and gasoline engine options and a variety of cab, bed and accessories options.

Collaboration builds on existing business relationship
Azure and Ford teamed up in 2009 to bring the innovative Transit Connect Electric to market in just 13 months after the program was first announced. The new PHEV F-Series program further expands the Azure/Ford business relationship which, in addition to the Transit Connect Electric, also markets the E-450 BalanceTM Hybrid Electric Step Van and Shuttle Bus.

“As interest in alternative energy products continues to grow, consumers are looking for more powertrain options that are both environmentally friendly and fit their driving needs,” said Rob Stevens, Commercial Vehicle Chief Engineer, Ford Motor Company. “The flexibility of our vehicle platforms and chassis allows Ford to develop our own alternative fuel products or work with partners, like Azure Dynamics, to deliver consumers with the power of choice when purchasing a greener, more fuel efficient vehicle.”

Prior to the Transit Connect Electric development, Azure and Ford collaborated on the E-450 cutaway and strip chassis to create the BalanceTM Hybrid Electric, a truck or shuttle that achieves up to 40% fuel improvement while reducing emissions and maintenance costs by up to 30% each. BalanceTM Hybrid Electric has 60% share in the medium duty (class 2c – V) hybrid commercial truck market in North America and is deployed in notable fleets like AT&T, CINTAS, DHL, FedEx Express, and Purolator to name a few.

Market Outlook
It is expected that the cab and chassis market could grow by as much as 50% over the next five years as fleet operators, who have delayed purchase decisions, return to market to replace aging inventory. Interest in fuel efficient cab and chassis alternatives has never been greater due to rising and unpredictable fuel costs.

Moreover, enthusiasm for eco-friendly technologies that began with the largest national commercial fleets, is spreading to smaller, regional fleets that increasingly understand that alternative energy technologies do not require a sacrifice in performance or durability. The Ford F-Series Super Duty has already attracted legions of loyal customers, many of whom are enthusiastic about the performance benefits associated with the new PHEV option.

“The F-Series program aligns perfectly with our product development strategy,” said Harrison. “We’re able to focus on development and integration of our powertrain solutions and at the same time benefit from Ford’s expertise in building ground-up vehicle platforms keeping Azure’s capital costs in check.”

“Our engineering team has proven the flexibility of our technology through more than 40 different vehicle integrations and 35,000,000 miles of real world driving experience. We’ve been searching for the right opportunity and knew we could move quickly and intelligently when we found it. We feel strongly that the Ford F-Series program is exactly the right opportunity.”

About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with a variety of partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.

The TSX Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

Ken Block HFHV Fiesta X Games Test

Ken Block puts the HFHV Fiesta through the paces at California Speedway and Ford Racing TV is on site.

Ford Fiesta's at X Games in Los Angeles

Ford takes on the world at X Games 17 in Los Angeles. Catch the action on July 30-31 at LA Live! or on ESPN.

Ford puts blind drivers behind the wheel

Hal Mellegard, of Yellow Cab in San Francisco talks about their experience with Ford Hybrid taxis

Alan Mulally on the Second Quarter 2011

Alan discusses the Ford 2nd quarter announcements released today.

Yellow Cab of San Francisco Comments on Ford Hybrid Taxis

Hal Mellegard, of Yellow Cab in San Francisco talks about their experience with Ford Hybrid taxis

Ford Hits Hatchback Sweet Spot

2011 Ford Fiesta 5-door Hatchback

• Rise in hatchback popularity in the U.S. may signal lasting market acceptance shift
• Approximately 50 percent of 2011 Ford Fiesta vehicles now being sold in the U.S. are hatchback models; 41 percent of the all-new 2012 Ford Focus sales are hatchbacks
• Ford is the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer both sedan and hatchback versions of its small B- and C-car lineup in America
• In addition to more cargo space, both vehicles offer impressive fuel economy and deliver up to 40 mpg

DEARBORN, Mich. – Customers seeking more versatile vehicles with better fuel economy are finding what they’re looking for in hatchbacks and U.S. sales of these popular five-door cars continues to skyrocket.

It’s a trend reflected in sales of two of Ford’s hottest-selling cars. Approximately 50 percent of retail sales of the 2011 Fiesta have been for hatchbacks. On the market for just a few months, 41 percent of retail sales for the all-new 2012 Focus have been for the hatchback – a number Ford expects to continue rising.

“The hatchback is hitting an unmet need for versatility as people continue to downsize their vehicles,” said Paul Russell, Focus brand manager. “No other competitor in the top-five of total market share offers a hatchback option in the small car segment.”

The total number of hatchbacks available in the U.S. market increased 63 percent between model years 2006 and 2010, going from 291,853 to 475,048, according to Ward’s Auto World data.

“American car buyers have become appreciative of the convenience and flexibility that hatchback bodystyles offer after years of owning SUVs and crossovers,” said George Pipas, Ford sales analyst. “Combined with the generation of younger drivers who have been exposed to popular high-performance hatchback offerings in Europe and Asia, we may be seeing the beginning of a shift in buyer acceptance of hatchbacks.”

Unsure of how the market would react to new hatchback offerings, Ford prepared itself by investing in flexible plant capacity. This flexibility ensures Ford is able to react quickly to changing tastes, providing a vehicle mix – hatchback or sedan, base model or fully loaded Titanium – to serve varied customer demands.

Hatchbacks for space and fuel efficiency
Today’s hatchbacks offer more cargo space than sedans. The five-door Focus hatchback provides an additional 10.6 cubic feet compared with the sedan model and features a wide cargo opening and fold-flat load floor.

The Focus delivers up to 40 mpg on the highway. Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com recommended the 2012 Focus hatchback as a ride that’s fit for students who long for the open road, due in part to the extra cargo room afforded by the hatchback design.

The five-door Fiesta hatchback also brings additional cargo room to the table, providing 15.4 cubic feet of space.
“Our fun, vibrant Fiesta customers like the versatility of the hatchback’s access to cargo both inside and outside the vehicle,” said Sherryl Brightwell, Fiesta brand manager. “The additional square footage allows the on-the-go customer the ability to maximize cargo space when needed.”

The hatchback Fiesta is styled to have a “sporty, Euro-racing” feel, along with impressive fuel economy that delivers up to 40 mpg.

Hatchbacks for style and technology
Ford Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks offer more than additional space.

The all-new 2012 Ford Focus redefines the small car category with impressive fuel economy, distinctive design and strong driving dynamics. Focus offers class-exclusive technologies and first-to-market features such as hands-free SYNC®, MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology, push-button start, six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, heated and leather-trimmed seats and active park assist.

The Fiesta offers a vibrant, expressive design and a global track record that redefines small car expectations for customers along with 15 class-exclusive technologies and features.

The Ford Fiesta and Focus recently were named to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2011 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list.

Combined sales for the Fiesta and Focus in June were 26,920, up 66 percent from June 2010. Fiesta sales were 5,535 and Focus sales were 21,385, up 41 percent from the prior June – making it the best-selling Ford car of the month

Ford Octane Academy

Ford is taking action sports to the extreme with the launch of Octane Academy, a new consumer-focused program aimed at a younger, more diverse generation of action sports and race enthusiasts. The Ford Octane Academy will unite ultimate fans with their favorite Ford action sports driver -- Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr. -- for the unique opportunity to get behind the wheel and experience the extreme excitement of performance driving.

Ford Racing Action Motorsports

As a way to reach younger consumers and ignite their passion for its vehicles, Ford Motor Company is expanding its motorsports programs to encompass action sports, one of the most viewed sporting events today.

Nontraditional forms of motorsport -- drifting and rallycross, and stage rally and off-road truck racing among younger demographics -- have captured the fascination of many around the globe and are becoming the motorsports of choice for Millennials.

Ford Racing's involvement in action motorsports with drivers like Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Tanner Foust and Vaughn Gittin Jr. and through the Octane Academy gives Ford Motor Company a high-profile place in the culture of action sports

Toby Keith Locked and Loaded Sweeps

Enter the Toby Keith Locked and Loaded Sweepstakes for your chance to win a Custom Toby Keith Edition F-150 EcoBoost, delivered to you by Toby himself. Visit http://www.FordLockedandLoaded.com for your chance to win.

*No purchase necessary. Contest ends 3/31/12

2010 Invasion of the Bulls Sweepstakes Winners

Watch the 2010 Invasion of the Bulls finalists talk about their adventures in Las Vegas during the 2010 Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough World Finals and see who walks away with a new F-Series Truck! Visit http://www.Invasionofthebulls.com and enter for your chance to become one of three lucky finalists this year at the 2011 World Finals!

*No purchase necessary. Contest ends 10/16/11

Ford “Blue Angels” Mustang Salutes 100 Years of U.S. Navy Aviation, Supports Education Program for Young Aviators

The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a truly unique “Blue Angels” edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction Thursday, July 28, during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2011 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration.

• One-of-a-kind 2012 Ford Mustang design inspired by the acclaimed Blue Angels naval aviation demonstration team to be sold at charity auction July 28 at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
• Sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization
• Since 2006, Ford auction vehicles have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support Young Eagles
• Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15, 2011 – The engineering and design teams at Ford Motor Company have produced a truly unique “Blue Angels” edition 2012 Ford Mustang GT. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will be sold at the Gathering of Eagles charity auction July 28, during the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2011 AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s greatest aviation celebration.

All proceeds from the car donation and sale will benefit the EAA Young Eagles organization, which has provided free introductory flights to more than 1.6 million young people since 1992 while also teaching the value of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills.
Ford is the exclusive automotive partner of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis.

“The precision, discipline and excitement that define the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels flight team are qualities we celebrate at Ford,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford’s board of directors. “With this year’s beautiful ‘Blue Angels’ edition Mustang GT, we’ve captured those qualities and paired them with the innovation Ford design and engineering team members build into all of our vehicles. Through this project, we take great pride in continuing our support for EAA and the Young Eagles organization.”

The Ford “Blue Angels” Mustang pays tribute to 100 years of naval aviation, which will be celebrated all week at AirVenture 2011 as part of the show’s Tier 1 event status from the U.S. Navy tied to its yearlong Centennial of Naval Aviation festivities. The car will be on display inside the Ford Hangar throughout EAA AirVenture.

The exterior of Ford’s “Blue Angels” Mustang GT was inspired by the acclaimed naval aviation performance demonstration team and the F-18 Hornet aircraft it flies. The car’s custom rear spoiler’s vertical tailfins, the “screaming yellow” gloss accents, inclusion of the Blue Angels script and crest all are drawn from the Navy aircraft. The unique chrome blue paint, courtesy of Creations n’ Chrome, is unlike anything available on a production vehicle anywhere in the world.

With the Blue Angels crest stitched into its leather Recaro racing seats, the car’s interior also features offset stripes inspired by pilot flight suits.

Additional unique details of the “Blue Angels” Mustang include cluster graphics, performance gauges, navigation screen images, safety belt fabric, instrument panel appliqués, rear seat-delete and cross-brace, Blue Angels script in the illuminated sill plates and puddle lamps that project jet images when the doors open.

Under the hood, the “Blue Angels” Mustang is all performance with a Ford Racing supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 624 horsepower. The Ford Racing components also include a handling pack, performance exhaust and racetrack brakes.

Mustang Chief Designer Darrell Behmer, Design Manager Melvin Betancourt and Chief Nameplate Engineer Dave Pericak lead the design and engineering teams that developed the “Blue Angels” Mustang.

The Young Eagles Auction is part of the EAA Gathering of Eagles at the EAA AirVenture Museum. The Gathering of Eagles annually draws more than 1,000 aviation enthusiasts in support of Young Eagles and other EAA programs that inspire young people to become engineers, aviators, astronauts, scientists and innovators – the aviation pioneers of tomorrow.

“Ford is a longtime supporter of EAA and our mission to showcase the finest innovation and technology in flight,” said Tom Poberezny, EAA chairman/president and AirVenture chairman. “The high interest among aviators in the U.S. Navy and the ‘Blue Angels’ Mustang team will make this a very sought-after item and ensure EAA’s ability to do some amazing things for our future aviation enthusiasts.”

The “Blue Angels” edition joins three other one-of-a-kind Mustangs created by the Ford design and engineering teams for the EAA Young Eagles Auction in recent years, each generating excitement among aviation and automotive enthusiasts alike. Ford vehicles sold at auction during past EAA AirVenture events have collectively raised more than $1.3 million to support Young Eagles.

Other unique vehicles produced by Ford in support of EAA Young Eagles include the Mustang AV8R, with cues from the F-22 “Raptor,” which in 2008 helped introduce the glass-roof canopy and delivered a record auction contribution of $500,000. In 2009, Ford’s AV-X10 “Dearborn Doll” Mustang was crafted in honor of World War II aircraft. In 2010, two automotive icons – Carroll Shelby, formerly a U.S. Air Force flight instructor, and Jack Roush, a longtime P-51 pilot – collaborated for the first time to create the SR-71 “Blackbird” Mustang inspired by the legendary reconnaissance jet.

During EAA AirVenture, Ford also will offer attendees access to the latest advances in automobile technology at the Ford Hangar, as well as many of the industry’s most revered classics at the popular Cruisin’ Legends area on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport. Ford activities include top-tier entertainment and interactive components that will add excitement for the hundreds of thousands of aviation fans in attendance.

To participate in the auction, candidates must prequalify by contacting Matt Miller in the EAA Development Office at (800) 236-1025 or by email, mmiller@eaa.org, by July 25. Visit www.AirVenture.org/gathering for more information.

To stay connected to all Ford EAA AirVenture news, connect with the Ford EAA AirVenture team on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/FordAirventure or visit http://www.fordairventure.com/.

For more information on EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2011, visit http://www.airventure.org/

Police and Fire Badge Collection at Folsom Lake Ford Fleet

Dan Raimondi, Fleet Director at Folsom Lake Ford has gathered a collection of police, fire and other public servant badges that is constantly growing and now contains badges from all over the country.

Folsom Lake Ford Fleet is located in Folsom, CA. Their website is http://www.folsomlakefordfleet.com/.

Road to X Games 17: Tanner Foust

Defending X Games Rally champion Tanner Foust talks about the challenges he's facing on the Road to X Games 17.

Police and Fire Badge Collection at Folsom Lake Ford Fleet

Dan Raimondi, Fleet Director at Folsom Lake Ford has gathered a collection of police, fire and other public servant badges that is constantly growing and now contains badges from all over the country.

Folsom Lake Ford Fleet is located in Folsom, CA. Their website is www.folsomlakefordfleet.com

Road to X Games: Brian Deegan

The Metal Mulisha's own Brian Deegan talks about X Games, his Ford Fiesta and more in the latest installment of The Road to X Games.

Scelzi Contractor Body at Folsom Lake Ford

Mark Higdon, Commercial Truck Manager at Folsom Lake Ford's Fleet Department shows off a 12' Scelzi Contractor Body mounted on a Ford F450 diesel chassis.

Folsom Lake Ford is located in Folsom, CA and the Fleet and Commercial website is www.folsomlakefordfleet.com.

Ford Takes On Ferrari and Wins the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Henry Ford II wanted to beat Ferrari in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, so he made it a priority to show the world what his American company could achieve on a global stage. Ford not only won the 24 Hours of Le Man in 1966, but '67, '68 and '69 as well. This video looks back at that era with Edsel B. Ford II, Dan Gurney and Mose Nowland.

Marathon Van Demonstration At Folsom Lake Ford

Mark Higdon, Commercial Truck Manager at Folsom Lake Ford gives us a brief tour of a new Marathon Van mounted on a Ford E350 Single Rear Wheel Chassis with some optional features, including a back-up camera and monitor.

Folsom Lake Ford is located in Folsom, CA and the website for the fleet department is www.folsomlakefordfleet.com.

Folsom Lake Ford Fleet Department

Dan Raimondi, Fleet Director of Folsom Lake Ford in Folsom, CA talks about his department and the volume and expanse of their business.

The Fleet and Commercial department website is http://www.folsomlakefordfleet.com/.

Test driving a Ford Model T

Croatian journalist Neven Novak visited the UK a short while back to test drive a couple of Ford heritage vehicles including the Model T.
http://Facebook.com/FordofEurope
http://twitter.com/FordEu

Malcolm Gladwell Answers Ford Fans' Questions

At Forward with Ford, a futuring and trends conference, best-selling author, Malcolm Gladwell took a moment of his time to answer questions from Ford's own Facebook fans.

Testing in France

Follow the team on http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC

The Ford Abu Dhabi team is in France testing the Fiesta RS WRC in asphalt set-up, ahead of the big tarmac rallies later this year.

It's the début too of the Fiesta as Black Mean Machine - the stunning new black test livery for the car.

We go into the Vosges Mountains in Alsace to talk to the key people involved in the test, including Jari-Matti Latvala....

Forward with Ford Media Event

Lifestyle journalists, photographers and bloggers were invited to Ford to experience Ford vehicles first hand. Here's some of the fun they had at Ford's test track.

Art of Elysium Boss 302 Workshop

The Art of Elysium is an organization that bridges the gap between the artistic community and hospitalized children, giving children the opportunity to express themselves through creative workshops. Watch as Ford partners with Art of Elysium to turn the Boss 302 into the centerpiece of their artwork.

Webisode: Go Do Adventure in South Dakota

The new Ford Explorer takes nine-year old dinosaur lover Ethan True and his family to hunt for dinosaur bones at a top-secret location with the expert guidance of a world-class paleontologist.

What happens when you ask the question "What adventure would you Go Do if you had the new Ford Explorer for a week?" You get a lot of bigtime adventure ideas.

Submit your own entry here on Facebook! http://on.fb.me/joGYzb

Doug, Ford's Spokespuppet: Origins

In this rare sit-down interview we get up close and personal with Doug and John, Ford Marketing Specialist. See Doug's humble start as an anonymous YouTube hero and click the toolbar to discover more exciting adventures with this dynamic duo in their 2012 Focus.

Keenan Cahill got nothin on Focus Doug, skip ahead to watch Doug get his dance on. http://youtu.be/S9udCp32LdA?t=1m25s

Like Doug? Follow him on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/focusdoug/ or @focusdoug
Like John? Follow him on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/focusjohn/ or @focusjohn

Road to X Games 17: Marcus Gronholm

World Rally Champiohnship legend Marcus Gronholm will make his X Games debut in 2011 driving the Best Buy Ford Fiesta. Gronholm has had an interest in RallyCross for several years and has dabbled in the sport since his retirement from the WRC. He has competed in two of the three Global RallyCross Championship events this year sweeping the SuperRally and RallyCross wins at Irwindale and winning the RallyCross and taking second in SuperRally at Pikes Peak. Gronholm talks about the upcoming X Games and what he expects in LA.

Make Holiday Driving a Breeze with Safety Tips from Ford

Vacation Safety Tips

Dearborn, Mich., June 30, 2011 – Screaming kids, congestion, road work, scorching weather: While we all like to get away for the summer, issues such as these can make for a lot of stress for people who are driving long distances, especially during the busy Fourth of July weekend.

But Ford has some helpful safety tips for travelers heading out on the roads for the holiday season, to ensure that the trip is memorable for all the right reasons – even if the kids keep asking “Are we there yet?” from the minute you take off.

Top safety tips from Ford:

•  Buckle up and do it right: The seat belt remains the most important piece of safety equipment. Ensure that it tightly encircles your hips, not your waist. Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm
• Keep small children belted in safety or booster seats: Children under four-feet-four-inches tall who weigh less than 79 pounds should by regulation be fitted in child safety seats or booster seats and properly belted. The safety seats need to be securely fitted to the rear seat – and the latest Ford cars are now designed with ISOFIX fittings, which provide a rigid and robust connection between the vehicle and the seats
• Ensure that the tilt and height of all head rests are correctly adjusted
• Avoid placing objects over the airbag cover: Do not place any object between an occupant and an airbag or near any other airbag covering. The airbag may not inflate properly and might force an object into that person, causing severe injury or death. The instrument panel grab handle should never be used for storage. The path of an inflating airbag must be kept clear at all times
• Do your homework. Know your car’s condition and its safety features: Check for basic maintenance and items in your car before heading off for a trip. Items to check include tire tread depth, tire pressures, and ensuring oil and water levels are correct
• Be responsible and know the speed limits: If you’re traveling across the country, be aware of the speed limits and road laws of the states you will travel through. Always carry your driver’s license with you
• Give yourself enough time to complete the journey: Plan for stops along the way. Drive at an appropriate speed for the road conditions and leave sufficient space between the vehicles around you
• Pack heavier items in lower areas of the vehicle: When filling up the cargo areas of the vehicle, always place the heaviest items close to the vehicle floor or truck bed so that in the event of a quick stop, those items remain in place and do not move forward in the vehicle where they can collide with passengers or other materials
• Use a voice-activated, hands-free connectivity system like Ford SYNC^® to control your mobile phone or navigation system: Ensure the system is ready to go before you set off 
•  Don’t drink and drive  
• Don’t drive when you’re tired: It is recommended that you take regular breaks on a long journey

Technology that can help
Ford offers a variety of technologies in its vehicles that can support the driver on long journeys – and hopefully make such trips more enjoyable and less stressful:

• SYNC:SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system for Bluetooth^®-enabled mobile phones that allows hands-free calling among its many available features
• MyFord Touch^™: MyFord Touch driver connect technology provides an intuitive way for drivers to connect in-car technologies and their digital lives
• Active park assist: An advanced new system that automatically guides the vehicle into parallel parking spaces. The system uses two ultrasonic sensors to scan for a suitable space between parked cars. Once a space has been identified, which can be as little as 1.2 times the length of the vehicle, the driver is informed and clear instructions are shown in the center display. The driver controls the accelerator and brake pedal, and selects a forward or reverse gear, while the steering system is automatically controlled by the vehicle
• Auto high beams: This feature is designed to detect light sources ahead and automatically switch the headlamps between main and low beam to avoid glare and help maximize visibility when driving at night
• Adaptive cruise control: A radar-based cruise control system that helps to maintain a preset cruising speed as well as a preset distance from vehicles ahead. If the system detects the vehicle in front is slowing down or is too close, it decelerates automatically. Once the road is clear again, it will accelerate back to the chosen cruising speed

And a few things you might not know…

• Bothered by bugs? Going on a long trip and don’t want to face a windshield and/or bumper full of dead insects by the time you arrive? Wipe down your windshield with a tumble dryer sheet; bugs won’t stick to the glass as easily. Also, give your bumpers the once-over with cooking spray
• Sheets: If your trunk looks like a linen closet before you leave, then you’re prepared. Pack bed sheets – you can drape them over car seats that have become baking hot in the sun
• Tennis, anyone? Slice open a tennis ball and use it to cover your tow bar when you’re not using it. It will protect it from scratches, and will keep the moisture out
• Don’t forget your shades: Troubled by sun glare? Add a few pairs of sunglasses (in case you lose one) to your travel bag before you leave
• Don’t scratch it; smear it: Can’t get that sticker from the amusement park or beach parking lot off your window? Saturate it with cooking oil before you start scrubbing