Ford wins Best Car Styling Brand award from KBB.com

Ford is the 2013 Best Car Styling Brand among non-luxury car shoppers in the annual Brand Image Awards according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com), marking the third consecutive year Ford has earned KBB.com kudos for vehicle design. Kelley Blue Book determines the Brand Image Awards winners through its Brand Watch^™ study that taps into the perceptions of 12,000-plus new-vehicle shoppers, meaning Ford’s look is resonating with buyers. In addition to this 2013 Brand Image Award, KBB.com recently honored several Ford models with a variety of accolades including Fiesta, Focus and Escape, and named the 2013 Fusion the Best Redesigned Vehicle of 2013; KBB.com editors describe the all-new car as gorgeous. Click here to read more on the awards and accolades from KBB.com.

 

 

Ford Social - Get to Know the Fiesta ST GRC with Tanner Foust and Andreas Eriksson

Ford Social Citizen Journalists Josh Mason and Ethan Sanborn talk to Global RallyCross stars Tanner Foust and Andreas Eriksson about the Ford Fiesta ST GRC car, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show

Ford's Freshest Line-up at the 2013 Denver Auto Show

Check it out as Denise from Colorado and Company chats with Kendra Clayton from Ford Motor Company about Ford's freshest line-up for 2013!

You'll learn bout the latest from Ford. From world-class sedans, to sporty hatchbacks, to SUVs, to crossovers..you'll find it all at the 2013 Denver Auto Show!

Two Ford Vehicles Earn AAA honors

Both the 2013 Ford Fusion and 2013 Ford Flex have been chosen by AAA Auto Buying experts as top sedan and crossover vehicle, respectively, for commuters. With the average commute 25 minutes each way and gas prices hovering around $3.50 a gallon, selecting the right vehicle can make any commute more enjoyable and lower expenses. The AAA Auto Buying team evaluated hundreds of vehicles for fuel efficiency, comfort and overall performance in determining their picks. To learn more about AAA’s top commuter vehicles, please click here.

 

 

 

Farley: Demographic Shifts, Consumer Fuel Economy Focus, Mobile Growth Reshaping Post-Recession U.S. Auto Industry

• Post-recession consumer and demographic shifts are reshaping the U.S. auto industry, as much if not more than the recent economic crisis
• Google and Facebook provide optimistic vision of “automobility” and mobile platforms
• Ford announcesPersonalized Fuel Efficiency App Challenge to bring new ways for consumers to learn more and further improve real-world fuel economy

 

 

NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 – While the great recession has fundamentally reshaped the automotive industry over the past few years, the real game changer may come from a new post-recession consumer mindset, demographic shifts and how automakers respond.

 

“Just as everyone is breathing a huge sigh of relief about getting back to something resembling normal sales levels, the real news is that the great recession has dealt a fundamental change to the consumer’s mindset,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The question of whether consumers are returning to the market is settled. Now the question is, ‘What do they want and expect from us, and are we really ready to respond to what has just taken place?’”

 

Delivering the keynote address at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Farley said the recession has profoundly influenced how consumers weigh purchase decisions and what they value in automobiles. He highlighted several key post-recession trends that will drive industry change – shifting expectations around luxury, the rise of women and Hispanics, a renewed focus on fuel economy, and the rapid proliferation of mobile platforms.

 

New luxury expectations

Luxury is no longer defined by price, size and exclusivity. “Now, people are breaking the association of luxury with a high price tag,” Farley said. “They are looking for luxury-level quality, performance and features in smaller sizes and at more reasonable price levels.”

 

He noted that a recent Luxury Institute survey found 60 percent of respondents expect a fully equipped luxury vehicle to cost less than $60,000 – significantly less than the former $100,000 price tag standard on many luxury models.

 

Another luxury trend: Small utilities are outpacing all other luxury vehicle segments for growth, with nearly a 60 percent jump in 2012 and a more than 200 percent increase in the past four years.

 

Women, Hispanics transforming the market

While baby boomers will continue to wield the greatest influence on the market for years to come, Farley pointed to shifts among women, Hispanics and millennials that are reshaping the entire consumer market.

 

Perhaps the most powerful trend is the rising consumer power of women globally. “More than 1 billion women will enter the middle class globally by 2020, and many will be buying vehicles for the first time,” Farley said.

 

Rapid urbanization is drawing women to cities all over the world, where they are trading agricultural work for careers in business and other professions. Women buyers are outpacing men for the first time ever in the United States.

 

Meanwhile, Hispanic households are becoming increasingly affluent with a 126 percent increase in U.S. Hispanic households making more than $100,000 a year. Hispanic households have a total net worth of more than $500 billion.

 

“As Hispanics buy luxury vehicles at a faster rate than the overall market, our brands must become more compelling, interesting and relevant than ever,” Farley said. “Millennials are also a significant opportunity, as they will start entering the family stage in record numbers during the next several years.”

 

The power of mobile platforms: Facebook and Google

Mobile devices are significantly reshaping every part of the automotive landscape – from marketing and shopping to the in-vehicle experience. “We need to learn to think the way our customers already do – they come first, they are in control,” Farley said. “Most of us recognize that mobile is a power enabler for customers, putting them in control of the shopping process and changing their expectations around connectivity.”

 

OpenXC kit

As nearly one in seven people worldwide now uses a smartphone, this has significant influence on the auto industry.

 

Doug Frisbie, Facebook head of Automotive Vertical Marketing, joined the keynote, explaining that successful businesses in every industry – from automakers to software companies – put people at the center.

 

“Cars were a step change in giving society the ability to stay connected and engaged with the people they cared about,” he said. “The opportunity at hand today is not about phones or social software in cars – but about remembering that no matter the device, it’s the ability to connect that matters.”

 

Brendon Kraham, Google director of Global Mobile Sales and Product Strategy, joined the discussion as well, adding that the in-car mobile experience will soon be integrated into all the devices that connect a consumer’s life.

 

“Automobiles will soon become a seamless part of the consumer mobile experience,” he said. “Actually it will enhancethe experience. When your dash becomes a seamlessly connected screen, it truly becomes a more important, integrated part of your life.”

 

Fuel economy reigns

Perhaps the greatest cross-demographic shift since the recession is the growing consumer focus on fuel economy. Now the top consideration for vehicle purchases, fuel economy interest has resulted in a flood of claims and data that are starting to overwhelm the market.

 

“We now have a torrent of ‘best-in-class’ claims hitting consumers from all sides, and it’s starting to become noise,” Farley said. “We are seeing more and more confusion as consumers try to make informed decisions. Given the connectivity in our cars and the proliferation of mobile devices, we have the opportunity to give consumers better and more relevant data to understand what they can expect in on-the-road fuel economy performance.”

 

Harnessing the power of mobile platforms, Farley announced developers will have access to Ford’s OpenXC connectivity research platform as a sandbox to create and test innovative ideas in the newly announced $50,000 Personalized Fuel Efficiency App Challenge.

 

Many elements factor into personalized fuel efficiency including temperature, terrain, traffic conditions and individual driving styles. The goal of the challenge is to enable drivers to optimize their efficiency on the road and then share that information with others.

 

“We need to help customers understand the concept of personal fuel economy – based on their own individualized experiences – and give them tools to see, learn and act upon all the information available to know what to expect, how to improve, and even offer guidance in their shopping process,” Farley added.

Ford Marks Countdown to 50 Years of Mustang with All-New Licensed Products

• A select group of licensees will produce merchandise and apparel to celebrate 50 years of continuous Mustang production

• Celebrating its centennial this year, Union, N.J.-based Schott NYC was one of the first manufacturers to sign on for the 50 Years licensing program, designing a one-off Mustang jacket to commemorate the occasion

NEW YORK, March 26, 2013 – The Ford Mustang will soon become the newest member of a very exclusive club – vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. To help mark this milestone, 50 companies will sell products including watches, T-shirts, model cars and more that celebrate the Mustang’s first 50 years.

 

“During its first 49 years of production, Mustang has come to evoke a variety of emotions in our customers – freedom, independence and being true to one’s self – just to name a few,” said John Nens, Ford’s team lead for Global Brand Licensing. “We’re marking this Mustang milestone with a distinctive collection of licensed products from select manufacturers that will carry the unique Mustang 50 Years logo.”

 

All of the new merchandise will be easily identified with a custom logo that celebrates 50 years of Mustang.

 

The logo was crafted by Ford designer Michael Thomson. It features the Mustang’s trademark galloping pony in silhouette over the characters “50 YEARS.” This new icon has a clean and sophisticated appearance in either white on black or black on white. Only 50 companies will be licensed to create products bearing this special logo including high-quality die cast models, videogames, watches and apparel.

 

“We’re working closely with our licensees to ensure every item reflects the unique qualities of Mustang,” said Nens. “Like the car itself, we want our licensed products to convey an attitude of strength, passion and the highest quality.”

 

Over upcoming weeks and months, other Ford licensees will reveal a variety of Mustang products featuring the Mustang 50 Years logo to mark this special moment in automotive history and kick off the next 50 years of Mustang.

 

From the Tuskegee Airmen to 50 Years of Mustang

Celebrating its centennial this year, Union, N.J.-based Schott NYC was one of the first manufacturers to sign on for the 50 Years licensing program. Irving and Jack Schott established their company the same year Ford began producing the Model T on the first moving assembly line. Great-grandson and COO Jason Schott runs the family business today, along with his mother Roz Schott, president, and his uncle, Steven L. Colin, CEO, producing premium jackets, shirts and accessories.

 

During World War II, Schott NYC dedicated its entire capacity to making sheepskin bomber jackets, leather flight jackets and peacoats for American soldiers, sailors and pilots fighting overseas. Among those who went into battle in Schott jackets were the pilots of the 332^nd Fighter Group, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

 

“I can’t think of a better partner with whom to celebrate our 100th anniversary,” said Jason Schott. “We are honored to collaborate with an iconic family business that shares our commitment to domestic production.”

 

While the Ford Mustang is classically identified with the wild horse of the American West, it was actually named for the famed North American P-51 fighter plane, the preferred mount of the Tuskegee Airmen in the final year of the war.

 

Over the next half-century, the Schott Perfecto leather jacket figured prominently in iconic images of Marlon Brando, James Dean, Peter Fonda, the Ramones and Bruce Springsteen. Today Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Adam Levine can all be spotted in Schott jackets.

 

Later this year, Schott NYC will reveal a limited-edition leather jacket celebrating 50 years of Mustang.

 

“The Mustang attitude of freedom and mobility is universal and enduring, and fans around the world will be honoring that heritage with numerous celebrations as we move forward,” said Steve Ling, Ford Car Marketing manager.

An SUV for the City: All-New Ford EcoSport Debuts in ASEAN

• Created for the urban world, the all-new Ford EcoSport serves up style, space and versatility in an agile, fuel-efficient package
• All-new EcoSport offers a high driving position, superior water-wading capability and an array of smart features such as the Ford SYNC® connectivity system, making it the perfect vehicle for city driving and out-of-town exploring
• All-new EcoSport will be powered by the advanced 1.5L petrol engine with twin independent variable camshaft timing technology which improves low-speed torque and increases fuel economy.

BANGKOK, Thailand, Mar. 25, 2013 – The all-new Ford EcoSport makes its much-anticipated debut in ASEAN at the 34th Bangkok International Motor Show, tapping into a growing desire in the region for an urban SUV that combines the agility, affordability and fuel efficiency of a compact car with the flexibility and spaciousness of a sport utility vehicle.

 

Based on Ford’s global B-segment platform, the Ford EcoSport is an aspirational alternative to the compact car, spacious for five adults and their gear. The SUV’s blend of versatility and smart connectivity will attract a target of independent lifestyle customers who not only live life to the full but also love exploring the world at large. Its high driving position, rugged capability, superior fuel economy and convenient features all make it just the right vehicle for both city streets and mountain roads.

 

The well-rounded EcoSport is also just as comfortable wading through 550 mm of water as it is keeping the driver entertained with hands-free phone calls and music selection with the Ford SYNC® in-car connectivity system. It also makes sure the driver and occupants will always have a cold drink at hand, with a glove box that can keep up to six beverage cans cool.

 

Ford is showcasing its top-of-the-line model, the EcoSport Titanium, on stage in Bangkok. Painted in distinctive Mars Red, the EcoSport Titanium is fitted with a sunroof, 16-inch aluminium alloy wheels and a chrome grille.

 

The Ford EcoSport will be built at the company’s new state-of-the-art Ford Thailand Manufacturing facility in Rayong, which will supply the entire ASEAN region as well as other export markets. Other manufacturing locations include China, India and South America. The stylish SUV will be available in about 100 markets around the world.

 

“The all-new Ford EcoSport is yet another milestone in our product-led transformation across the region,” said Matt Bradley, president, Ford ASEAN. “It marries the best of both worlds – fusing the manoeuvrability and fuel economy of a compact car with the practicality and robustness of an SUV in a contemporary package.”

 

Beauty inside and out

 

At first glance, the distinctive and aerodynamic Ford EcoSport looks like it’s ready to pounce. A wide hood sweeps into sculpted bodylines, conveying a dynamic spirit of energy in motion. Slim headlamps frame a high-mounted trapezoidal grille which gives the compact SUV a signature Ford face.

 

Blacked out B-pillars unify the side glass into one elegant shape, while the muscular beltline, formed by the windows and door creases, ascends as it runs to the rear of the car. At the back, the large rear window wraps around to the sides along with oblique tail lamps. To keep the rear profile sleek, the tailgate handle was built into the tail lamp.

 

The spare tyre, with an exclusively designed wheel and cover, is mounted on the tailgate as a classic SUV cue, as well as for practical reasons. This results in more available cargo space in the vehicle, and makes it easier for customers to lift heavy loads into the vehicle over the lower bumper.

 

Inside, soft-touch fabrics, tight gaps and the global Ice Blue dashboard illumination all reinforce superior quality and craftsmanship. Controls and knobs are ergonomically placed while seats are designed to be soft enough for comfort and firm enough for longer journeys.

 

Cool, clever capability

 

Full of innovative features, the Ford EcoSport makes life easier for customers. Drivers no longer need their keys ready either to unlock the SUV or to start its engine. They can just leave the key in a pocket or bag.

 

With Smart Keyless Entry, the doors unlock automatically as the driver pulls the door handle, particularly useful when in a hurry or carrying heavy loads. Once inside, a press of the motorsport-inspired Ford Power Start button gets the engine going. Drivers no longer have to be annoyed over having a bunch of keys dangling at knee level.

 

Another ingenious feature is the award-winning Ford SYNC system, which uses voice-activation technology to enable owners to answer phone calls and select music from devices connected via Bluetooth or USB. First introduced to Thailand on the all-new Ford Focus, SYNC is now making its way into the compact car segment.

 

To take the stress out of driving, the EcoSport comes with an array of driver-assist systems. Rear parking sensors keep customers from backing into obstacles they cannot see. Hill Launch Assist ensures they can make a perfect hill start whether it’s an uphill or downhill slope, by holding the SUV for up to 2.5 seconds while the driver’s foot moves from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

 

The EcoSport’s agile, manoeuvrable chassis also features electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) for outstanding steering response and improved fuel efficiency. The SUV offers advanced safety items, such as dual front airbags and side curtain airbags, as well as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Program.

 

“We packed the EcoSport with a long list of smart and intuitive features that can help reduce the frustration that can accompany congested urban traffic,” said Graham Pearson, vehicle line director for small cars, Ford Asia Pacific. “From an award-winning connectivity system that plays your favourite music at a single voice command to advanced technologies that help you remain in control of the SUV at all times, the EcoSport keeps you relaxed as you drive.”

 

Ready for work and play

 

The Ford EcoSport will launch with the global 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which delivers 108 PS of power and peak torque of 138 Nm. Depending on the market it can be mated to either the fuel-efficient six-speed Ford PowerShift automatic transmission or the five-speed manual transmission.

 

The engine features twin independent variable camshaft timing (Ti-VCT) technology which allows extremely precise, variable control of “valve overlap” – the window of time in which both the intake and exhaust vales in an engine are open at the same time. For the driver, this means improved low-speed torque and increased fuel economy.

 

On top of fuel-efficient power to get customers to where they need to go, the trusty EcoSport also leaves plenty of room for what they need to carry. The cabin has been maximised for ample headroom and knee room for all occupants.

 

The rear seats can be reclined for greater comfort or folded down for additional cargo space. With the rear seats tumbled against the front seats, the boot space increases to 705 litres, big enough to fit a washing machine. If needed, the rear seats can be split 60/40 to transport long objects such as flat-pack furniture while still carrying passengers at the back.

 

Driving momentum in ASEAN

 

Ford has been on a roll in its ASEAN region with overall 2012 retail sales rising 27 percent year-over-year to 87,623 units, its best-ever annual performance. Last year, Ford Thailand’s retail sales rose 88 percent from 2011 to 54,865 units. It was Ford Thailand’s all-time best annual performance and made Ford one of the fastest growing automotive brands in the country for the second consecutive year.

 

Such extraordinary growth is being driven by the continuous introduction of high-quality and segment-leading vehicles from Ford’s global product portfolio. The all-new Ford EcoSport is expected to ratchet up the sales momentum in the region even further.

 

“Ford has been going from strength to strength in ASEAN with our segment-leading One Ford vehicles,” said Bradley. “We’re confident that the all-new EcoSport will draw even more new customers into our Ford showrooms.”

 

Introduced in South America in 2003, the ground-breaking first EcoSport model established a new segment there and has gone on to sell more than 700,000 units in the region. The project was led by Ford’s Development Centre in Brazil, one of the most specialised in the development of compact cars. The team leveraged Ford engineering strength and SUV expertise globally to create the all-new EcoSport, which is projected to help drive additional growth for Ford around the world.

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Baja-tuned suspension will help you conquer all types of terrain.

Know Your Raptor: Engine & Powertrain

The powerful 6.2L V8 and transmission are put to the test.

Ford Cuts Global Water Use 8.5 Percent per Vehicle from 2011 to 2012; Total Usage Down 62 Percent Since 2000

• In late 2011, Ford announced its global water use reduction strategy would decrease the average amount of water used to make each vehicle by 30 percent between 2009 and 2015; water use already has been cut by 25 percent per vehicle since 2009

• Since 2000, Ford has decreased its total water use globally from 64 million cubic meters to 24 million cubic meters – the equivalent of about 10.6 billion gallons –  due in large part to implementation of new methods for monitoring and managing how water is used at each facility

DEARBORN, Mich., March 22, 2013 – Ford reduced the average amount of water used to make each vehicle by 8.5 percent between 2011 and 2012 – putting the company more than halfway toward its current goal of using an average of just 4 cubic meters per vehicle globally by 2015.

 

Since 2000, Ford has reduced the amount of water it uses in everything from cooling towers to parts washing and paint operations by 10.6 billion gallons, or 62 percent. That’s equal to the amount of water used by nearly 99,000 U.S. residences annually, or enough to fill 16,000 Olympic-size pools. Ford’s reduced consumption rates mean even more to regions around the world struggling with water-related issues like drought and extensive population growth.

 

Ford’s water reduction success is a result of the company’s commitment to reduce the amount of water it uses by aggressively monitoring and managing just about every drop of water going into and out of its facilities and properties, says Andy Hobbs, director, Environmental Quality Office.

 

Since 2000, Ford decreased the total amount of water used around the world annually from 64 million cubic meters to 24 million cubic meters.

 

“That’s about 10.6 billion gallons of water that was conserved and went to use somewhere else,” says Hobbs.  

 

Ford voluntarily launched its Global Water Management Initiative in 2000, putting in place ways to manage water conservation, quality and reuse of storm and process water. Ford’s water strategy complements the company’s overall Code of Human Rights, Basic Working Conditions and Corporate Responsibilities.

 

“Ford recognizes the critical importance of water, and is committed to conserving water and using it responsibly,” says Robert Brown, vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Many vehicle manufacturing processes require water and the resource is used at every point in our supply chain.”

 

Ford aims to use an average of 1,056 gallons of water to make each vehicle globally –consistent with its overall goal of a 30 percent reduction in the amount of water used per vehicle between 2009 and 2015. That is slightly more than the 1,000 gallons fire engine tankers in the U.S. are required to contain in their tanks. One cubic meter of water is equal to 264 gallons.

 

Continuing the progress

Ford had a positive impact on the world’s water supply in many ways during 2012. The Ford Fund, for example, supported 19 different water-related projects in China, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, India, Germany and South Africa.

 

One project in arid Southwest China, for instance, involved 60 Ford employees from Nanjing, who helped eight families build water cellars designed to capture water during the rainy season to store and use during drier times of the year.

 

At the same time, Ford’s biggest water-related projects were within its own facilities and included:

 

• Cologne Engine Plant (Germany): Decreased water use by 50 percent per engine through implementation of a dry-machining process
• Silverton Assembly Plant (South Africa): Began using a $2.5 million on-site wastewater treatment plant increasing the amount of water that can be reused by up to 15 percent
• Chennai Assembly Plant (India): Installed a new system that began operating in September and allows the plant to recycle 100 percent of its water
• Chongqing Assembly 1 and Chongqing Assembly 2 (China): Both plants added advanced water treatment equipment to improve recycling. CAF1 recycles an average 100,000 gallons daily, and CAF2 an average 65,000 gallons
• Louisville Assembly Plant (U.S.): Recently replaced parking lot asphalt with pervious paving blocks to manage stormwater runoff, helping protect nearby bodies of freshwater

These accomplishments reflect Ford’s overall approach to water use, which emphasizes several goals:

 

• Minimizing water use and consumption at Ford facilities
• Finding ways to use alternative, lower-quality water sources
• Prioritizing water technology investments based on local water scarcity and cost effectiveness
• Meeting either local quality standards or Ford global standards for wastewater discharge – whichever is more stringent at each Ford location
• Ensuring a stable water supply for Ford manufacturing facilities while working with local communities to minimize impact

New Ford Fusion Minimizes Pollen and ‘Touch’ Allergens

• Ford has begun requiring that more than 100 materials and components meet stringent standards to minimize potential allergy issues on the new Fusion and other Ford vehicles

• Engineers avoid materials such as latex, chrome and nickel – a metal 10 percent of Americans are allergic to – that can cause allergic reactions

• Similar to a furnace filter in a house, cabin air filters in the 2013 Fusion and other new Ford vehicles prevent airborne particles such as dust, spores, fungus and pollen from entering the vehicle

• More than half of all Americans test positive to one or more allergens

 

DEARBORN, Mich., March 19, 2013 – As spring arrives and more Americans prepare to face allergies, the new 2013 Ford Fusion can help combat common airborne and touch-based allergens, while monitoring possible irritants in areas where customers are driving or planning to visit.

 

Ford engineers tested more than 100 materials and components on the new Fusion and other Ford vehicles for allergy issues. Engineers avoid – or minimize – materials such as natural latex, hexavalent chromium and nickel, which can produce an allergic reaction in some people.

 

Components requiring allergen testing include common high-touch areas such as the seats, steering wheel, armrests, door handles and shifters.

 

“Allergies affect large numbers of people, so anything we can do to reduce potential allergens inside Ford vehicles we do through rigorous, controlled testing,” said Linda Schmalz, supervisor of Core Material Engineering for Ford.

 

WebMD says more than half of all Americans test positive to one or more allergens. Allergies have been increasing for the past three decades across all age, gender and racial groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

Ford seeks to reduce the irritation of allergens – associated with seasonal weather and possibly rash-inducing materials – by rigorously testing its vehicles and installing cabin air filters that prevent airborne particles such as dust, spores, fungus and pollen from entering the vehicle.

 

From dust to hexavalent chromium (a chemical sometimes found in dyes, paints and plastics), natural latex to pollen, almost any material or substance can be a potential allergen. Ford testers make sure dyes and formaldehyde are strictly limited to levels that are acceptable even for clothing.

 

Cleanest possible cabin air
Cabin air filters improve driving comfort by reducing particle concentration, improve cleanliness and protect climate control components from particle deposits. These filters also capture soot, smog and tobacco smoke.

 

Because of the seamless way it works, many customers may not realize they have a cabin air filter. In most cases, the filter is accessed through the glove box. Ford dealers change the filters as part of the recommended maintenance for all vehicles.

 

Health and wellness research
In 2011 Ford kicked off a series of research projects for in-car health and wellness-connected services such as medical device connectivity, cloud-based health management services and mobile app integration.

 

In just more than a year, Ford delivered on the initial research with launch of the SYNC AppLink-compatible Allergy Alert app – available on the 2013 Fusion and other new Ford vehicles – and as one of the first steps toward helping drivers take care of themselves and their passengers.

 

With SYNC^® AppLink^™, drivers can quickly access allergy information through the Allergy Alert app. Through the app’s pollen index rating, drivers can request to hear the types of allergen conditions they are likely to encounter that may cause a flare-up in personal allergy symptoms. The app also provides a risk index for asthma, flu/cough/cold and ultraviolet rays.

 

Drivers can access Allergy Alert app information simply by connecting smartphones or tablets to their cars using simple voice commands, while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

 

The SYNC AppLink-enabled version of Allergy Alert is available for iOS devices and is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store.

Teen Driving Deaths on the Rise; Parents Can Help Reverse Trend

• Parents play a key role in teens’ decisions on safe driving. Research for Ford’s Driving Skills for Life program (DSFL) shows teens tend to emulate how their parents drive.

• Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for American teens. There were more than 3,000 teen fatalities in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

• In 2013, Ford Driving Skills for Life will reach about 200 high schools with its safe driving materials, thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund and the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

DEARBORN, Mich., March 18, 2013 – Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of death for American teens. In recent weeks, a number of crashes involving teen drivers have led to more than a dozen teenagers tragically losing their lives. And a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that teen driver fatalities are on the rise among 16-17-year-old drivers.

 

Parents can help reverse that trend. Research done for Ford’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program shows teens tend to emulate how their parents drive. In fact, more than three quarters of teens and tweens surveyed say they rely heavily on their parents’ advice when they start to drive.

 

“By setting a good example behind the wheel, parents can increase the chances their children will adopt safe driving practices,” said Jim Vella, president, Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services. “While state laws and educational programs are critical, ultimately, parents are the most critical component to keep their teen drivers safe.”

 

Tips for parents

Experts from Ford Driving Skills for Life have tips on what parents can do to help their teens be better drivers:

 

• Engage in the driving process – As teens get closer to earning/acquiring their learner’s permit, parents should actively engage with them about driving. Talk about safe driving behaviors, practice with them, seek educational opportunities, and be clear that unsafe actions won’t be tolerated.
• Buckle up – It’s the law, and if parents don’t wear their seat belts, their teen is more likely to do the same. In a crash, a person not buckled up is much more likely to be injured or killed than someone wearing a seat belt.
• Never speed – Research done for Ford Driving Skills for Life shows that if parents speed, their teens are more likely to do the same. Excessive speed continues to be a factor in about one third of all traffic deaths nationally.
• Don’t drive distracted – By setting a tough “no distractions” rule for their teens and modeling this same behavior, parents send the message that distracted driving will not be tolerated.
• Don’t follow too closely – Parents should keep the proper distance from the car in front of them. Rear end collisions are common and preventable.
• Always scan ahead for hazards– Parents should remind their teens to be aware of what is going on around them by scanning to the right and left as they drive
• Limit the number of passengers – Research shows young drivers can easily be distracted by just one additional passenger – increasing the risk of a crash exponentially. Many graduated driver’s license programs restrict the number of passengers as a condition of issuing an early license or permit; parents should enforce those restrictions.
• Never drink and drive – Parents should remind teens that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.

Ford Driving Skills for Life

In 2013, Ford DSFL is doubling the number of students it reaches with its hands on driving programs to 40,000. This includes visits to at least 40 high schools in Arizona, California, Illinois, Michigan, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia with an array of activities focused on common driving challenges faced by teen drivers. Teens will be able to experience real-world driving situations in a controlled environment using specially equipped vehicles. The hands-on clinics offer professional drivers and activities that build skills in five key areas: driver distraction, speed management, space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition.

 

In addition to the hands-on clinics, Ford Driving Skills for Life will reach an additional 150 high schools with its safe driving materials, Web-based learning, partnerships with state highway safety agencies, fun contests and free educational materials for parents and teachers.

 

You can find more information online at DrivingSkillsForLife.com.

1970 Ford Car Commercial

Shown during a ABC Wide World of Sports Broadcast

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An introduction to the "Know your Raptor" video series.

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Ford Social - 2013 Fusion at the Chicago Auto Show

Ford Social Citizen Journalist Jim Heldt talks to Ford product specialist Nate Pace at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show about the 2013 Fusion's styling, engines and technology.

Ford SUMURR Project in Rural India

Ford worked with public and private organizations on a pilot program designed to bring the right health care to the women and children living in an inaccessible part of rural India

Sustainable Urban Mobility with Uncompromised Rural Reach, known as SUMURR, enabled childbirth for 41 pregnant women belonging to the high-risk mothers category, visited 54 villages and reached more than 3,100 people to facilitate community awareness programs focused on maternal and child healthcare

One key element of the SUMURR project was the Ford Endeavor, an SUV designed to handle the rough terrain of the region and powered by some of Ford's most advanced technologies, that extended the physical reach of the healthcare services

Ford researchers are applying what was learned from SUMURR and the use of OpenXC, an open-source technology, to create customized user-experiences and accelerate the creation of apps for mobile health

The 2013 Shelby GT500 Takes on the Autobahn

Jeff Wise, MyFord writer, puts the pedal to the metal in the 2013 Shelby GT500 at the Autobahn. With a car that packs 662 hp, tops out at 200+ mph and goes from 0-to-60 in 3.5 seconds, what else could you possibly need?

Ford Fusion Energi: It Began With A Box

The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid has been rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deliver up to 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined. Not only is Fusion Energi one of five electrified vehicles offered by Ford, but one of the most technologically-advanced offerings ever delivered by the automaker. This video, however, shows how Fusion Energi's origin began with a simple cardboard box.

2013 Ford Focus ST

The high-performance version of Ford's compact car is a blast to drive says Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder. Exceptional handling and an exciting powertrain are two big wins for the Focus ST hatchback. Inside, height-adjustable Recaro sport seats held Wiesenfelder in during his sprint around the track at the Roebling Road Raceway just outside of Savannah, Ga.

F-150 SVT Raptor at the Nurburgring

Watch Tanner Foust rip a SVT Raptor around the world-famous Nurburgring in Germany.

Agent of Change: Ford Empowers Women and Saves Lives in Rural India through New Technology, SUV Capabilities

• Ford worked with public and private organizations on a pilot program designed to bring the right healthcare to the women and children living in an inaccessible part of rural India

• Sustainable Urban Mobility with Uncompromised Rural Reach, known as SUMURR, enabled childbirth for 41 women with high-risk mothers pregnancies, visited 54 villages, and reached more than 3,100 people to facilitate community awareness programs focused on maternal and child healthcare

• One key element of the SUMURR program was the Ford Endeavour, an SUV designed to handle the rough terrain of the region and powered by some of Ford’s most advanced technologies, which extended the physical reach of the healthcare services

• Ford researchers are applying what was learned from SUMURR and the use of OpenXC, an open-source technology, to create customized user experiences and accelerate the creation of apps for mobile health

 

CHENNAI/DELHI/DEARBORN, Mich., March 7, 2013 – Henry Ford believed vehicles like his Model T would improve lives through greater mobility. More than 100 years later on the other side of the world, a young Indian mother named Mageswari connects that vision with the birth of her healthy baby boy.

 

Mageswari, 19, lives in Kodamaathi, a tiny village in rural India where Ford Motor Company just concluded a nine-month pilot program that entailed helping pregnant women overcome geographical and technological barriers that prevented them from receiving adequate healthcare.

 

Called Sustainable Urban Mobility with Uncompromised Rural Reach (SUMURR), the program made use of a Ford Endeavour SUV that was designed to handle the most difficult of terrains and traverse areas previously unreachable by four-wheeled vehicles. After arriving in rural areas, health professionals used laptops and cell phones to connect with doctors and medical help in ways they never have before.

 

As a result, SUMURR made safe childbirth possible for 41 pregnant women; women like Mageswari, who – with the help of the Ford Endeavour – was able to make it to the hospital in just enough time to give birth.

 

“If not for Ford Endeavour, I might have tried to reach the hospital in a two-wheeler,” she says. “I do not know what might have happened.”

 

The intervention area of Kalvarayan Hills has a higher infant and maternity mortality rate compared with most other pockets of Tamil Nadu – a key indicator of the need for prenatal care in the region.

 

Mageswari’s situation illustrates the kind of need that was addressed by SUMURR, and that’s where Ford comes in, according to David Berdish, manager of Social Sustainability.

 

Berdish says Ford is acting as an agent of change for a better world by forging innovative public-private partnerships with government, academic institutions, nonprofit stakeholders and company resources to support positive social advancement.

 

SUMURR represents the overall direction of such efforts. In fact, Berdish says similar projects are already being considered for other regions around the globe, including other parts of rural India, one in the state of Gujarat, India – where Ford has a manufacturing plant – and also in China and Brazil.

 

“Ford Motor Company is not in the business of telemedicine, but between the vehicle and the technology we provide, we can make it better,” says Berdish.

 

Nine months of success

The pilot program began in June 2012 and concluded in February 2013. In addition to facilitating safe childbirth for the women with high-risk pregnancies, the program led to 27 temporary pediatric and gynecology camps being set up in remote villages. Such visits enabled about 1,600 women and children to receive much needed healthcare, including screenings for basic illnesses and immunization coverage.

 

SUMURR reached another 3,100 people with its partners as the program traveled to 54 villages to facilitate community awareness programs on maternal and child health issues.

 

“Leveraging our strengths in building vehicles and in democratizing technology, we have pioneered a unique effort to remove all hurdles to mobility for these women and have made safe childbirths possible for them,” said Joginder Singh, president and managing director, Ford of India. “SUMURR truly embodies Ford’s DNA of utilizing smart technologies for a better world.”

 

Coordinating with Ford on SUMURR were:

 

• Department of Health (DPH) of the Government of Tamil Nadu: Provided guidance and detailed statistics on maternal health and infant mortality; posed a challenge to Ford to pilot the program in Kalvarayan Hills, a region that is remote and hard to access
• U.S. Department of State: Provided guidance on program design and emphasized the need and role of healthcare for women
• George Washington University: Helped manage and track SUMURR
• IIT Madras Rural Technology and Business Incubator (RTBI): A nonprofit organization fostering entrepreneurship and focusing on technologies for rural India; developed and customized the mobile health applications used in SUMURR
• Reliance IIT Center of Excellence (RITCOE): Focuses on providing excellence in the areas of telecom infrastructure and energy; RITCOE was involved in developing solutions for SUMURR around OpenXC platform
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras: A premier academic institute that provides world-class education and research facilities in engineering and technology. It is officially recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the government of India and provides guidance to RTBI and RITCOE
• Hand in Hand India: A nonprofit organization with an overall mission to reduce poverty in India; Hand in Hand was the implementation partner helping to take the initiative to the community including training the government health workers with funding from Ford Motor Company Fund
• University of Michigan: Helped determine the viability of SUMURR prior to program launch

“SUMURR is an initiative to harness the potential of affordable technologies with innovations that address local contexts for sustainable growth,” says Ashok Jhunjhunwala, founder and co-chairman, RTBI and a professor of electrical engineering, IITM. “From voice-based local language interfaces to a portable system architecture that covers significant aspects of women and child healthcare, it is heartening to note that this program has not only democratized technology but is also finding acceptance and adoption of the technology with the rural mothers and healthcare personnel.”

 

Berdish says SUMURR represents how Ford continues to evolve and take on more responsibility when it comes to sustainable issues around the world.

 

Ford’s Code of Human Rights, Basic Working Conditions and Corporate Responsibility, for example, emphasizes the importance of providing proper working conditions and overall human rights for Ford, its suppliers and the communities in which it does business.

 

Ford continues to increase its presence in India, where it operates a vehicle and engine manufacturing facility in Chennai, has invested $1 billion for its second integrated manufacturing facility at Sanand, and is committed to bringing the best of global products and services to the country. Ford also plans to expand its sales and service operations to 500 locations across India by mid-decade, with a focus and commitment to empower communities across its existing and proposed facilities.

 

“Ford views accessibility to a better life as a fundamental human right, so being able to successfully help women and children in parts of rural India obtain healthcare is a perfect fit for what we’re trying to do as a company from an overall sustainable approach,” says Berdish.

 

“SUMURR exemplifies the power of partnerships; through this effort, we are leveraging the best of public and private sector resources to support enhanced healthcare in areas that are hard to reach,” says Gloria Cabe, senior advisor, U.S. Department of State. “Collaborative efforts such as this are game changers, helping to promote innovative solutions to enduring challenges.”

 

Rural India today, Detroit tomorrow

K. Venkatesh Prasad, senior technical leader for Open Innovation at Ford, framed the initial vision for SUMURR, working with Berdish, and oversaw its technology development.

 

Prasad is based at Ford’s Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, Mich., where many of the company’s most talented researchers and scientists have helped develop revolutionary technologies such as Ford SYNC^® and EcoBoost^®. He says the mass-market applications of the kind of technology used in SUMURR are another benefit of Ford’s involvement.

 

For example, in some of the remote hilly villages where the Ford Endeavour was used, cellular phone signals were extremely weak or nonexistent.

 

As a result, researchers are developing a way to use the recently launched open-source platform OpenXC to create a local cloud housed in the Ford Endeavour. This enables nurses in the village to record and store crucial information about patients and transmit it when connectivity is available at a later time. Another new app could help in the timely communication of vital health parameters of the mother and enable hospital readiness while she is en route.

 

Prasad says that what Ford is learning about the technologies it developed for SUMURR, especially their performance under extremely demanding environmental conditions, is invaluable, and can potentially be applied to any Ford global technology development.

 

“SUMURR exemplifies how Ford is using its global reach to address regional issues and causes around the world and at the same time identify local social and technology entrepreneurs who we can partner with to further develop the kind of solutions that will shape our future,” says Prasad. “The fundamental aspects of what we did in rural India could very much wind up in the driveways of Detroit.”

Ford Continues Product Acceleration; Reveals Full Tourneo Range and All-New EcoSport at Geneva Motor Show

• Ford’s product-led transformation in Europe accelerates at the Geneva Motor Show to offer customers the freshest product portfolio among its key competitors
• New product launches in 2013 alone will refresh 40 per cent of Ford volume in Europe
• All-new Tourneo Courier makes global debut at the Geneva Motor Show; completes full lineup of Tourneo people-movers to be launched in Europe by mid-2014
• Ford debuts the all-new EcoSport compact SUV for Europe following the recently launched new Kuga; will be joined by the next-generation Ford Edge in the near future
• Ford SYNC voice-activated in-car connectivity system availability in 2013 doubles to 60 per cent of the vehicle lineup compared to 30 per cent in 2012
• Ford SYNC will be offered in every new Ford of Europe vehicle by 2015
• Total EcoBoost petrol engine production will increase by 35 per cent from 2013-2015

GENEVA, March 5, 2013 – Ford of Europe’s product led-transformation accelerates at the Geneva Motor Show this week as the company debuts the all new EcoSport compact SUV and Tourneo Courier – part of Ford’s pledge to deliver 15 new global vehicles to Europe by 2015.
Including the recently launched new Fiesta and Kuga, as well as the upcoming EcoSport, Tourneo Connect, Transit Connect and Transit, Ford will refresh more than 40 per cent of its European sales volume in 2013 alone.

“This is the most aggressive product rollout Ford of Europe has ever undertaken and we are leveraging our One Ford global strengths to make it a reality,” said Stephen Odell, Ford executive vice president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “We are transforming our business in Europe by increasing product investment in the toughest of economic times.”

All-New Tourneo Courier completes people-mover family

Designed for families and users with active lifestyles, the Tourneo lineup features smart, spacious interiors that provide outstanding flexibility and comfort; efficient powertrains that target best-in-class fuel efficiency; and the latest smart technologies – including SYNC, Ford’s voice-activated, in-car connectivity system.

The stylish and compact five-seat Tourneo Courier, which debuts at Geneva and launches in mid-2014, offers class-leading interior space and safety features, and expands the Ford people-mover range into the small-car segment.

The spacious seven-seat Grand Tourneo Connect makes its European motor show debut alongside the five-seat Tourneo Connect. The Tourneo Custom delivers ultimate space and versatility and offers nine-seat capability in a choice of two lengths.

Flexible and practical all-new EcoSport

Ford expects to sell one million SUVs in Europe in the next six years, an expansion that was kicked off by the launch of the all-new Ford Kuga earlier this year.

The EcoSport SUV that will follow late in 2013 offers space, modern design and smart technology. EcoSport will offer a range of efficient powertrains, including the 125 PS 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine -- International Engine of the Year -- a 110 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 90 PS 1.5-litre diesel engine expected to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency.

The compact SUV’s large front grille, short bonnet and raked front pillars deliver a sporty and contemporary feel, and angular headlamps reinforce the modern look. The small SUV market in Europe is expected to grow by 30 per cent in 2013 compared to last year and SUVs will account for one in ten of all Fords sold in the region by 2016.

Ford also plans to bring to Europe the next generation Ford Edge, a larger and more premium utility vehicle that’s popular in the U.S. and other markets.

Connected by SYNC

Ford also will accelerate the rollout of Ford SYNC that was last year offered on 30 per cent of Ford’s cars after being launched last year in Europe in the new B-MAX.

In 2013, this will double to 60 per cent as the technology has become available on new Fiesta and new Kuga and later in the year, also will feature on the new Transit Connect, new Tourneo Connect and new Transit. At Geneva, 19 of the 21 vehicles Ford is displaying are connected by SYNC.

Ford has also introduced SYNC with Emergency Assistance that directly connects vehicle occupants to local emergency services operators after an accident. Ford is also announcing that that EcoSport will be among the first Ford vehicles in Europe to offer SYNC AppLink, which  enables customers to voice-control smartphone apps from the driver’s seat. Ford is the first automotive manufacturer to collaborate directly with the leading music streaming service Spotify to bring music streaming service into the car.

By 2015, every new Ford vehicle sold in Europe will be offered with SYNC.

Powered by EcoBoost

Ford’s small but mighty 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine was introduced in the Focus in 2012 and production has now been extended to include the new B-MAX, new Fiesta, C-MAX and Grand C-MAX. Of those models, Ford expects that in 2013 one in four will be sold with the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost technology combines direct fuel injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to enable a downsized engine to reduce consumption by up to 20 percent over larger engines, with great performance.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost is the smallest member of Ford’s European family of EcoBoost engines, which also includes the 1.6- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder variants. From 2013-2015, Ford of Europe will increase total EcoBoost petrol engine production by 35 per cent. In five years, more than 50 per cent of Ford petrol engines in Europe will be turbocharged.

A total of 19 of the Ford vehicles on display at Geneva are powered by EcoBoost. Later this year, Ford will launch its first ever battery electric, zero emissions passenger car, the Focus Electric, with a range of hybrid vehicles set to follow.

“By expanding its delivery of vehicles that are equipped with the very latest fuel-efficient powertrain technology and that enable drivers to stay completely connected on the move, Ford is delivering exactly what its customers want,” said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe.

Ford Fusion Marks Best February Sales Ever; San Francisco and Los Angeles Sales More Than Double

• Ford Fusion is achieving the fastest turn rates and the strongest sales momentum in California – the nation’s largest passenger car market 

• Fusion Hybrid retail sales up 556 percent in Los Angeles, Fusion’s largest hybrid market in the U.S.

• Total Fusion sales nationwide up 28 percent last month compared to February 2012

• Fusion sales increase in all regions of the country – L.A., up 115 percent; San Francisco, 102 percent; Atlanta, 51 percent; Houston, 73 percent; Miami; 114 percent and Orlando, 72 percent

 DEARBORN, Mich., March 6, 2013 – With car inventories just beginning to meet consumer demand, the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion posted its best February sales month since the midsize sedan was introduced in 2006.

 

Ford Fusion posted record February sales totaling 27,875 vehicles, a 28 percent gain over last February’s record.

 

The all-time Fusion sales record was March 2012, when Ford sold 28,562 cars.

 

Not only is Fusion selling well nationwide, its volumes are growing very quickly in California and Florida markets, long strongholds for import manufacturers.

 

The Los Angeles and San Francisco markets in particular saw the strongest sales growth in the nation, with year-over-year increases of more than 100 percent.

 

While Texas has long been one of the leading sales markets for light-duty trucks, the Lone Star State – Houston in particular – is also one of the strongest midsize sedan markets in the country. Fusion sales there were up 73 percent last month compared to February 2012.

 

Even Southeast Florida, which represents one of the greatest markets for Ford growth in the United States, is sharing the nation’s love for Fusion. The Miami market saw its Fusion sales up 114 percent compared to last year, while Orlando is up 72 percent.

 

Fusion Hybrid sales skyrocket

While Fusion equipped with Ford fuel-efficient Eco Boost^® engines continue to sell at a record pace, Fusion Hybrid sales are growing even faster.

 

Los Angeles is seeing skyrocketing demand for Fusion Hybrid, with sales up more than 600 percent year-over-year. Part of the reason is fuel economy; while Toyota Camry Hybrid achieves just 41 mpg in combined city and highway fuel economy estimates on EPA tests, Fusion returns a 47 mpg in city/highway and combined EPA estimated ratings.

 

With the recent addition of the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid vehicle, Ford is offering the widest range of fuel efficiency technologies in the quickly growing midsize sedan segment, which is the largest market in the U.S. behind small cars.

 

The story behind the new Fusion
For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blogs.

All-New Ford Transit Chassis Cab and Cutaway Versions Join Widest Range of Commercial Chassis Offerings

• All-new Ford Transit chassis cab and cutaway variations join the nation’s best-selling lineup of commercial vehicles, giving Ford customers best-in-class fuel economy, the segment’s lowest cost of ownership and increased capability

• Ford offers the industry’s broadest lineup of chassis, chassis cab and cutaway configurations, adaptability that enables commercial customers to better optimize vehicles to specific needs and tasks

• Ford Transit chassis cab and cutaway models will be built at the company’s Kansas City assembly plant

 

DEARBORN, Mich., March 5, 2013 – Ford Motor Company announced today the introduction of the all-new Transit chassis cab and cutaway models, engineered to tackle an almost unlimited variety of specialized jobs and vocations.

 

Transit chassis cab features an enclosed passenger compartment and bare frame ready to accept aftermarket body modules ranging from custom cargo delivery to utility body. Transit cutaway is similar to the chassis cab, but with the rear of the passenger compartment open so it can be paired with specialty body modules such as shuttle or school bus bodies.

 

The chassis cab and cutaway will be offered in three wheelbases, 138, 156 or 178 inches, and gross vehicle weight ratings from 9,000 pounds to 10,360 pounds.

 

“No other automaker offers the variety and adaptability that Ford Motor Company brings to our commercial customers,” said Len Deluca, director, Ford Commercial Vehicles. “Transit’s best-in-class capabilities are combined with an extensive nationwide network of commercial upfitters to provide an unparalleled number of body choices to suit almost any job.”

 

Transit chassis cab and cutaway models join the industry’s broadest lineup of commercial chassis, which include E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis, F-Series Super Duty chassis cab, F-650 and F-750 medium-duty chassis cab and F-59 stripped chassis.

 

 

Power of choice

Transit offers a range of fuel-efficient engines, including a standard 3.7-liter V6, the same award-winning 3.5-liter EcoBoost^® engine proven in the Ford F-150, and an all-new 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® Diesel option.

 

Ford will offer the Transit 3.7-liter V6 with a compressed natural gas/liquid propane gas (CNG/LPG) prep kit to assist customers running their vehicles with these abundant, affordable, clean fuels. This 3.7-liter V6 is also engineered for optimal performance with E85 flex- fuel capability.

 

Each fuel-conscious engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission for efficient rear-wheel-drive operation.

 

Transit tested tough

The foundation for Transit cutaway and chassis cab variants is an innovative uni-ladder structure that combines the cab with a durable girder frame. The fully welded platform underpins 100 percent of the cab area, with frame rails reaching from the front to the rear bumper mounts.

 

Extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame, delivering up to 50,700 psi of rigidity, helps shoulder heavy loads while high-strength boron steel in the cab structure helps improve safety.

 

To increase adaptability, the high-strength steel uni-ladder frame can be extended with support plates, allowing an upfiltted body to accommodate additional cargo through extended length.

 

This extra-length body support is the result of the Ford Transit development team listening closely to fleet customer needs, responding with thoughtful engineering features that make the versatile Transit platform even more adaptable.

 

Transit cutaway and chassis cab models can be specified with a factory-installed towing package including hitch and lighting connections, as well as a prewire package for upfitted body lighting.

 

The cab area and uni-ladder frame rails of cutaway and chassis cab Transit models have been reinforced with boron to add strength and save weight, before treatment with advanced anti-corrosion coatings for maximum durability.

 

The all-new Ford Transit has been tested to the same standards as the legendary E-Series commercial vehicles at Ford’s proving grounds and in the hands of real-world fleet customers in North America.

 

Ford Motor Company Sales Up 9 Percent, Best February In Six Years; Fusion, Escape Set Sales Records

• Ford Motor Company U.S. February sales up 9 percent – best February in six years, with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent
Fusion sets an all-time February sales record, surpasses last year’s record by 28 percent
• Escape produces its best February sales ever; Explorer reaches best February sales since 2006, up 59 percent
• America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years running, F-Series posts 15 percent gain
• Ford announces 2013 second-quarter production of 800,000 vehicles, up 9 percent from the prior year


DEARBORN, Mich., March 1, 2013 – Ford Motor Company’s U.S. February sales grew
9 percent with 195,822 vehicles sold. This marks Ford’s best February sales in six years – with cars up 6 percent, utilities up 21 percent and trucks up 4 percent.

“As more new vehicle buyers continue returning to the marketplace, our fresh new product portfolio of fuel-efficient vehicles is winning over customers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “People are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, thanks to strong fuel economy and innovative new technologies.”

Ford Fusion posted record February sales totaling 27,875 vehicles. This is a 28 percent gain over last February’s record.

Escape followed January’s record sales with a new February sales record of 24,110 vehicles – a 29 percent increase over last year. Plus, Explorer boosted its sales 59 percent in February, with 16,586 vehicles sold – its best February sales results in seven years.

America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series, sold 54,489 pickups in February, a 15 percent increase over last year. F-Series had its best February sales results since 2007. This marks F-Series’ 19th consecutive month of monthly sales increases. Transit Connect also continues to strengthen, selling 3,610 vehicles in February – a 57 percent increase over last year.

Ford also announced its 2013 second-quarter North American production plan. The company plans to build 800,000 vehicles in the second quarter, up 9 percent (63,000 vehicles) from 2012’s second quarter. First quarter production of 770,000 vehicles is unchanged from previous guidance.

2012 F-650 Dump Truck at 2013 NADA/ATD Show

Ford Motor Co.'s Medium Duty Brand Manager Todd Kaufman shows off a 2012 F-650 dump truck at the 2013 NADA/ATD show.

Ford's Global Waste Reduction Program

Cutting waste-to-landfill at Ford's Van Dyke Transmission Plant has always been important to workers there, but they weren't satisfied until last fall, when a small, diligent local committee played a major role in solving a nagging 10-ton problem.

Ford All-Wheel-Drive Retail Sales up 72 Percent Since 2009 Surpassing Industry Growth Rate

• All-wheel-drive technology accounted for more than 20 percent of new car and utility vehicle retail sales in 2012, based on Ford’s analysis of Polk retail registration data 
• These figures also show that nearly 37 percent of Ford vehicles available with all-wheel drive were equipped with the technology in 2012 
• Affordability, increased efficiency and improved technology helped Ford capture a share of this growing market

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 28, 2013 – Ford is capitalizing on the popularity of all-wheel-drive technology, with its AWD sales growing 72 percent since 2009, outpacing the industry growth rate of 53 percent. In 2012, more than 20 percent of the industry’s new car and utility vehicles were sold with AWD systems.

Originally introduced on the 2013 Escape, Ford’s new intelligent AWD system is now available on Edge, Explorer, Flex, Fusion and Taurus, making Ford unsurpassed in the number of AWD vehicle offerings for a non-luxury brand.

Based on Polk retail registration data, nearly 37 percent of Ford vehicles that are available with AWD were equipped with the technology in 2012.

“All-wheel drive acceptance continues to grow in the East and Great Lakes regions, as expected, but nationwide AWD sales have grown, particularly in the Pacific Northwest over the past six years,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst.

The increase in demand by American car buyers is seen throughout the country, as improved technologies like Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system is keeping customers calm and confident on the road.

In fact, AWD is the No. 1 purchase consideration for Ford customers looking to buy a small utility vehicle in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states – outpacing well-established factors such as reliability, value for the money and fuel economy.

In total, 20 percent of all retail cars and utilities purchased nationally in 2012 had AWD, according to Polk data. AWD sales were at a five-year high in 2012 in the East, Southeast and Central regions, with considerable growth also seen in the Pacific Northwest over the last six years.

Better system, same price 
Even with the addition of an improved AWD system, Ford has not increased the cost for its technology.

“While we continue to make our technology better, this doesn’t come at an added cost for our customers,” said Mike Murphy, global small car and SUV marketing manager. “Ford is enhancing the confidence and capability that driver’s desire.”

The advanced Ford-developed software behind the new intelligent AWD system preemptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction – at all times.

If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is on pavement, the AWD system can send all of the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear of the vehicle, putting power where the driver needs it most.

Using advanced software and sensors, the system gathers data from 25 external signals – including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle – to deliver outstanding driving performance in both wet and dry conditions, as well as excellent off-road traction.