Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Mercury Archives

August 12, 2008

Ford Sets Best-in-Class Quality Targets on New Global Small Vehicles

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- After climbing to the upper ranks in vehicle quality in the past two years, Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) said today it has set an aggressive new target -- best-in-class initial quality for compact cars the company will launch in North America in 2010.

"We aim to launch our new compact vehicles at 800 things gone wrong per 1,000 vehicles," said Bennie Fowler, Ford's group vice president, Global Quality. "That's more than 500 TGWs less than the predicted industry average -- and we believe these levels will ensure our upcoming small cars will achieve industry-best initial quality."

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August 12, 2008

Ford jumps into quality race

TRAVERSE CITY -- Ford Motor Co. threw down the gauntlet to its Japanese rivals Monday, vowing to snatch the quality title from rival Toyota Motor Corp., starting with the launch of its new small car lineup in 2010.

"That's right, I said it. Ford Motor Co. will be the quality leader," promised Bennie Fowler, Ford's group vice president of global quality. "This time, we're playing for all the marbles -- and we aim to win."

To help achieve its goal, the Dearborn automaker will enroll hourly workers from each of its U.S. factories in a rigorous quality training program at Wayne State University that is usually reserved for managers.

August 10, 2008

Ford introduces powertrain upgrades for 2009

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is meeting the rapidly changing market and shifting customer preferences with a new 2009 lineup that features an array of all-new or upgraded vehicles as well as major improvements in fuel economy, smart technology, safety features and quality across its vehicle portfolio.

"This is without question the best Ford lineup we've ever produced - and it comes at a critically important time for the company," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Our product-led transformation is well under way, and there is much more to come."

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August 9, 2008

Ford boosts better fuel economy in engines

Ford Motor Co.'s group vice president for global product development, Derrick Kuzak, said Wednesday that Ford would "achieve class-leading fuel economy" for its new cars and trucks in North America "through unprecedented spending on advanced gasoline engines."
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That includes EcoBoost, a Ford-branded engine technology that combines gasoline-injection with turbocharging for up to a 20% improvement in fuel economy, as well as other technologies.

August 7, 2008

2009 Ford Edge sports industry-first Blind Spot Mirror

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford is moving quickly to address driver demands for increased visibility with an industry-first innovation, the Blind Spot Mirror, pulling ahead the feature's introduction by one year to launch this fall as standard equipment on the 2009 Ford Edge.

"Ford is committed to delivering innovative features that provide a better driving experience for the customer," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. "The Blind Spot Mirror is the latest example of our strategy to move fast and to be industry leaders in enhancing the ownership experience."

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August 3, 2008

Ford tunes cars to run on regular, vs. premium

DEARBORN, Mich. - With per-gallon prices hovering around $4, customers are sensitive to every penny spent at the pump, and Ford Motor Company is leveraging technologies to help consumers avoid an even further hit to their wallets.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, including luxury models like the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS, run - and run well - on regular unleaded gas, a true competitive advantage given today's skyrocketing fuel costs.

Continue reading "Ford tunes cars to run on regular, vs. premium"

Ford revs up for Woodward Cruise

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company will be at the heart of the action when 1.5 million car and truck enthusiasts flock to the city of Ferndale, Mich. for the start of the 2008 Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug.16.

"It's a great place for us to be because it truly reflects the essence of Woodward -- car lovers coming together and cruising, just like they've done for decades," said Robert Parker, Ford car marketing manager. "The Dream Cruise originated in Ferndale 14 years ago, and the city has been the home to Mustang Alley for the past 10 years."

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Ford Touts 10 Top Success Stories

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford continues to make great strides toward achieving its goal of best-in-class quality. The following ten examples show some of the successes already achieved along the way.

1. Now shoulder-to-shoulder with industry leaders in initial quality -- The quality of Ford brand vehicles soared to the top of the charts equaling that of Toyota and Honda, according to 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., for Ford.

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August 2, 2008

Ford Foundation Supports People Living Longer with HIV

MEXICO CITY -- As millions of people across the globe begin accessing treatment and care for HIV/AIDS, the Ford Foundation today said that creating a world where people with HIV/AIDS can lead full lives with dignity, purpose and access to opportunity is a critical priority in the global response to the disease.

The foundation invited donors, government agencies, NGOs and others to come together around initiatives that advance human rights, elevate leaders from marginalized groups to the highest levels of the AIDS movement, promote government accountability on both medical and social progress, and ensure equitable distribution of AIDS programs and services.

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August 1, 2008

Ford Sales Drop Less Than Expected

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford's redesigned Focus continues to surprise auto industry watchers and customers alike with strong sales, revenue growth, fuel economy and industry-first technology.

While Ford and industry sales experienced a double-digit sales decline in July, Ford Focus sales climbed 16 percent versus a year ago. Year-to-date, Focus sales were up 26 percent, compared with industry-wide small car growth of approximately 9 percent.

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July 27, 2008

Ford repositions Mercury brand

Ford Motor Co. will reposition Mercury as an entry-level premium brand that will support Lincoln, according to senior executives.

Lincoln will no longer get any smaller vehicles, as had been planned, while Mercury will only get smaller cars and crossovers, said Derrick Kuzak, Ford's global product chief.

"Mercury and Lincoln will complement each other," Kuzak told The Detroit News Thursday. "Lincoln will start with midsized sedans and move up from there."

Until recently, Ford had planned to eliminate the Mercury brand and give Lincoln a wider range of products. Dealers were skeptical, pointing out that Mercury brings a different demographic into the showroom than any other Ford brand -- a fact Kuzak acknowledged.

"Mercury brings a younger, more female customer than the Ford brand," Kuzak said during a briefing with reporters earlier Thursday. "We're focusing (Mercury) very much on small, fuel-efficient products."

July 25, 2008

At Ford, End of a Big-vehicle Era Takes a Toll

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Company tallied the financial impact on Thursday of falling sales of its big pickups and sport utility vehicles, which contributed to the worst quarterly loss in its 105-year history. While Ford's auto operations lost $1 billion in the second quarter, the bulk of the company's $8.7 billion loss came from write-downs in the value of its truck factories and lease portfolios.

The huge charges reflect the diminishing value of both the plants and the vehicles they produce. So far this year, sales of large pickups are down 25 percent, and S.U.V.'s have fallen 32 percent, according to the trade journal Ward's Automotive Reports.

But the impact is hurting automakers in more than just sales of new trucks. "There are multiple second- and third-order impacts," [said Brian Johnson of Lehman Brothers.] "We're seeing it in lease residuals, we're seeing it in loan losses, and we're seeing an impact in the showroom, because people can't get enough on their old cars to make it worthwhile to get into a new car."

July 24, 2008

Ford Accelerates Transformation Plan With Small Car Offensive, Manufacturing Realignment

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today announced a significant acceleration of its transformation plan with the addition of several new fuel-efficient small vehicles in North America and a realignment of its North American manufacturing.

The actions represent a considerable shift in Ford's North American product plans and investments toward smaller vehicles and fuel-efficient powertrains in both the near- and mid-term in line with rapid changes in customer buying preferences.

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Ford Motor Credit Reports Second Quarter 2008 Preliminary Results

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Company reported a net loss of $1,427 million in the second quarter of 2008, down $1,489 million from net income of $62 million a year earlier.

On a pre-tax basis, Ford Motor Credit reported a loss of $2,380 million, compared with earnings of $112 million in the previous year. Excluding a $2.1 billion impairment charge for operating leases, Ford Motor Credit incurred a pre-tax loss of $294 million in the second quarter of 2008.

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July 22, 2008

Ford honors the 100th anniversary of Model T

RICHMOND, Ind., July 22, 2008 - A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford continues building on its tradition with industry-leading, high-volume technologies including SYNC and EcoBoost engines, a new fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, a new small car for the world as well as America's most head-turning crossover and most-capable pickup.

"Henry Ford and his Model T helped reshape the landscape of America a century ago by making the automobile accessible to the average person," said Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company executive chairman.

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Ford to Convert Three Plants From Trucks to Cars

Ford Motor Co. plans to transform three North American truck plants to build small cars developed originally for European markets, according to people briefed on the company's plans.

The move, expected to be announced as part of Ford's second-quarter earnings report on Thursday, is an attempt to ratchet up production of passenger cars in North America in response to this year's dramatic rise in gasoline prices.

Once its plants have been retooled, the auto maker would be able to use a common base to build its next generation of passenger cars, many of which originated in Europe. The so-called global platform is now used to produce the European Focus subcompact, the Ford Kuga crossover and the Ford C-Max small wagon among other vehicles off the same production line.

July 18, 2008

Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs

DEARBORN, Mich. -- With elevated gas prices and the summer travel season in full swing, Americans are looking for ways to save at the pump. Ford has some quick tips for all consumers, suggesting changes to their driving behavior.

Ford calls it EcoDriving - ECOnomical because it saves money and ECOlogical because it is better for the environment. Following are simple tips from Ford that any driver can use:

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July 16, 2008

Ford Scores High on Annual NAACP Report Card

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announced today that Ford Motor Company once again received one of the highest grades awarded on the Economic Reciprocity Initiative (ERI) automotive industry report card. Results of the study were released at the NAACP's 99th Annual Convention, themed Power, Justice, Freedom & The Vote, at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati, OH.

The NAACP ERI report card measures the exchange of economic costs and benefits between African-American consumers and various industries.

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July 12, 2008

Ford's Quick Lane Business Bolstering Dealership Bottom Line

DEARBORN, Mich. - When Bill Vann, owner of Albion Motors Ford Mercury, Inc., opened up a Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center at his dealership in Albion, Mich., he hoped it would provide a convenience for his customers that would bring them back to the dealership for routine maintenance and maybe even a new vehicle.

Three years later, Vann says his Quick Lane business is surpassing his original expectations.

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Ford speeds active safety research

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company is strengthening its commitment to active safety with plans to offer more new product features and technologies that consumers increasingly want as well as ramping up research and development into next-generation accident avoidance safety technologies.

In the next year, Ford will introduce three new active technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control, BLISTM (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert and a third to be named later in 2008.

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Ford enlists 'Army Wives' in breast cancer battle

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company is continuing the battle against breast cancer this summer in a number of creative ways.

This week, Ford Warriors in Pink teams up with the hit Lifetime Television show "Army Wives" to spread awareness of breast cancer and the need for early detection during a special episode that will air on July 13 at 10 p.m. EDT.

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July 11, 2008

Ford's New Smart Intersection 'Talks' to Cars to Help Reduce Collisions

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company researchers today unveiled one of the first privately funded "smart intersections" in North America, a key step toward leveraging GPS technology and wireless infrastructure-to-vehicle communications to reduce traffic accidents and ease congestion.

The smart intersection, established near Ford's Research & Innovation Center in Dearborn, communicates with specially equipped test vehicles to warn drivers of potentially dangerous traffic situations, such as when a vehicle is about to run through a red light.

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July 6, 2008

Ford tops among licensed auto brands

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Some of this year's hottest summer toys are Ford official licensed products.

Although thousands of items - from t-shirts, caps and jackets to desk accessories, wall art and fragrances - bear the name of a Ford brand, toy manufacturers represent the majority of the company's 300 licensees.

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July 3, 2008

How the Ford Model T Changed the World

DEARBORN, Mich. -- This year, Ford Motor Company is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the car credited with "putting the world on wheels," the Model T.

Henry Ford's iconic vehicle, which officially brought the world into the age of the "horseless carriage," also is responsible for hundreds of innovations that jumpstarted the automotive industry as we know it. This list focuses on the 10 most important influences of the Model T and how the world was forever changed by them.

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July 2, 2008

Ford Names Ken Czubay Head of U.S. Sales and Marketing

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today announced the appointment of veteran auto industry executive and retailer Ken Czubay as vice president of U.S. Sales and Marketing.

Czubay, who has 38 years of automotive experience and served in a variety of management and executive roles at Ford from 1970 to 1983, rejoins the company from his current positions as president of Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, executive vice president of parent company JM Family Enterprises, Inc., and president of JM Lexus, the world's largest volume Lexus dealership.

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July 1, 2008

Ford Reports June Sales Down 28%

DEARBORN, Mich. -- In the first half of 2008, sales of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and crossovers to retail customers were higher than a year ago.

Retail sales for cars increased 3 percent and crossovers also were up (less than 1 percent). Together, cars and crossovers accounted for 59 percent of Ford's first half retail sales compared with 49 percent in the first half 2007.

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June 26, 2008

Ford credit offers relief to Midwest flood victims

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the devastating floods in the Midwest the option to delay some car payments. Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

"We understand that some of our customers have been affected by the terrible flooding in the Midwest. We hope our Disaster Relief Program will give them one less thing to worry about as they recover and rebuild," said Mike Bannister, CEO and chairman.

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Ford comment on Barack Obama meeting

The following statement is attributed to Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company:

DEARBORN, Mich. - "It was a very productive meeting. The vitality of our economy will depend on our government seeking a partnership with industry. I was pleased to share the perspective on the important role American manufacturers play."

June 22, 2008

Ford Further Cuts Truck Production as Demand Slows

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company said it is making further reductions to its North American truck production plan while adding more small cars, crossovers and fuel-efficient powertrains, as the company responds to the continued deterioration in the U.S. business environment and the accelerated shift away from large trucks and SUVs.

"As gasoline prices average more than $4 a gallon and consumers worry about the weak U.S. economy, we see June industry-wide auto sales slowing further and demand for large trucks and SUVs at one of the lowest levels in decades," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally.

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June 20, 2008

Ford's Green Plant Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

DEARBORN, Mich. - When Ford Motor Company's Rouge Plant Manager Rob Webber looks out his office window at the facility's "living" roof he sees a field of green where Canadian geese, mallard ducks and killdeer nest and raise offspring. Seeing wildlife flourish at the Rouge Center would have seemed farfetched five years ago.

"You wouldn't have seen this when the Rouge was just black top, concrete and steel," Webber said. "The greening has transformed it."

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June 8, 2008

Ford's productivity improve in annual report

The following statement is from Joe Hinrichs, group vice president, Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs, Ford Motor Company.

Dearborn, Mich., June 5 – Ford Motor Company is making continued progress in manufacturing productivity, and improved 3.7 percent – our sixth consecutive year of improved efficiency – in The Harbour Report™ North America 2008.

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June 6, 2008

Ford continues voice-activated research

DEARBORN, Mich. -- As the National Safety Council turns the country's attention to distracted driving next week, the Ford Sync in-car communications and entertainment system continues gaining popularity as one of the most advanced answers yet to the distractions nearly 190 million Americans encounter as they talk on cell phones while driving.

A recent survey found that more than 80 percent of mobile phone owners said they talk on the phone while driving, and 40 percent of teen and 20-something American mobile phone owners admitted to composing and sending text messages while driving.

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Ford brand quality improves faster than industry average

DEARBORN, Mi. – Ford brand vehicles improved in quality at a rate faster than the industry average, according to a customer-based initial quality study released today by J.D. Power and Associates. Ford brand also is the only full-line brand to show continuous improvement since 2004.

The research firm's 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) showed Ford brand improving by eight points over last year's study, besting the industry average seven-point rate of improvement and continuing its five-year upward trend.

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Ford's Fumes-to-Fuel system turns emissions into 'green' fuel

OAKVILLE, Ont. -- Ford's Oakville Assembly Complex (OAC) in Ontario, Canada, will begin producing 'green' energy this summer through the use of the company's patented Fumes-to-Fuel system, an eco-friendly, industry-leading pollution-control system that converts emissions from the plant's paint shop into electricity to help power the plant.

The experimental Fumes-to-Fuel system at OAC already is turning emissions from the plant's paint shop into useable fuel, which will later be used to power a fuel cell that generates electricity.

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Ford purchased $4.2 billion from minority suppliers in 2007

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company North America set a new record in purchasing spend from minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) in 2007.

Ford purchased a record $4.2 billion in goods and services from tier one minority-owned suppliers and broke through the billion-dollar barrier by spending $1.2 billion with tier one women-owned suppliers.

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June 3, 2008

Ford Reports May Sales Down 16%

DEARBORN, Mich. -- For the second time in its nine-year history, Ford Focus sales eclipsed the 30,000-unit milestone in May.

Focus sales totaled 32,579, up 53 percent compared with a year ago. Retail sales to individual customers more than doubled (up 105 percent). The first time was October 2001, when industry sales soared in response to zero-percent financing.

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May 31, 2008

Ford Motor Credit Offers Financial Relief to Tornado Victims

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the recent devastating tornados in Iowa the option to delay some car payments.

Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

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May 29, 2008

Cadillac Tops 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

TUSTIN, Calif. -- A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

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May 23, 2008

Ford Donates Customized Escape Hybrids to LA County Lifeguards

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Company is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, to help save lives while protecting the environment.

Today, Ford presented the squad with the first 10 of a fleet of 45 eco-friendly Escape Hybrids with Intelligent four-wheel-drive, specially equipped for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline.

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May 22, 2008

Ford Lowers Production; Profit Outlook Revised

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today said it is making adjustments to its production plan and revising downward its near-term North American Automotive profit outlook, while planning further manufacturing capacity realignments, additional cost reductions and changes to its product mix to respond to the rapidly changing business environment in the U.S.

The company said it is increasing 2008 North American production of the hot-selling Ford Focus, Fusion, Edge and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner, as well as the Lincoln MKZ and Lincoln MKX. At the same time, Ford is reducing 2008 production of large trucks and SUVs, as gas prices soar and customers move more quickly to smaller and more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers.

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Ford remains Neutral on Tracinda Tender Offer

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company announced today that its Board of Directors has determined that Ford will express no opinion and is neutral with respect to Tracinda Corporation's tender offer to purchase up to 20 million shares of Ford's common stock at a price of $8.50 per share, net to the seller in cash.

The shares sought in the tender offer represent just less than 1 percent of Ford's outstanding common stock. According to the Schedule TO filed by Tracinda on May 9, 2008, Tracinda's tender offer will expire on June 9, 2008 at 5 p.m., New York City time, unless the offer is extended.

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May 17, 2008

Kate Voegele promotes safe teen driving for Ford

CHIGAGO, IL -- Kate Voegele, a recording artist and guest star of TV's "One Tree Hill," has joined forces with Ford to encourage teens to drive safely during prom season.

The goal is to continue the safety improvements that resulted in a dramatic 61 percent drop in teen auto fatalities in Illinois from 57 in Jan. 1 - April 15, 2007 to 22 during the same period this year.

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May 15, 2008

Ford's SYNC leading auto industry in connectivity

Industry-exclusive Ford SYNC is a fully integrated, voice-activated in-car communications and entertainment system that works with most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players.

Beginning later this year, SYNC will also provide accident assistance through ‘911 Assist,’ and will be able to send customers Vehicle Health Reports on key systems to help them plan routine service appointments and alert them to critical systems issues.

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Ford takes the cap off the gas tank

The EasyFuel Capless Fuel-Filler System eliminates the gas tank screw cap for more simple fuel fill ups. No more gas odor on hands or gloves, or the unwanted amber dash light because the gas cap wasn’t screwed on tightly enough.

In addition to eliminating these hassles, EasyFuel helps reduce evaporative emissions that create smog and contribute to global warming.

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Ford uses Sirius Travel Link for in-car data delivery

SIRIUS Travel Link technology provides customers with a valuable tool that can be used daily to get just-in-time details about traffic, current weather conditions, gasoline prices, movie theater details and sports updates. The system will be available on several 2009 models including Ford Flex, F-150, and Lincoln MKS.

Specifically, Travel Link delivers:

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May 14, 2008

Ford working to make Escape, Mariner more fun to drive

DEARBORN, Mich. – The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner are more engaging to drive than ever.

For 2009, the compact SUVs combine improved performance and responsiveness with fuel-economy savings. Improvements include powertrain upgrades, new low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamics refinements – all of which contribute to a more dynamic, fun-to-drive experience.

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Ford designers virtually create color

DEARBORN, Mich. – The same virtual process that enables Ford designers to create new vehicles without the use of clay is helping designers develop colors without opening a single can of paint. It’s all part of Ford’s continued advancements in virtual design, which are helping the company bring more products to market faster.

“There is no room in our competitive industry for waste,” said Peter Horbury, Ford’s executive director, Design for The Americas.

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Ford challenges students to build $7,000 car

DEARBORN, Mich. – A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford is challenging five universities from around the world to dream big and create a Model T concept for this century.

In 1921, the Model T accounted for almost 57 percent of the world's automobile production. Today, Ford is launching an important new small car – the Fiesta – around the world, and the company continues challenging people to create truly ground-breaking vehicles.

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Ford 's "Operation Goodwill" to give $1 million to Chicago area

CHICAGO, Illinois -- Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund announced today that they plan to invest more than $1 million in Chicago community programs and charities in 2008.

The contribution is part of "Operation Goodwill," a Ford Fund initiative launching this year to increase Ford Motor Company's commitment to local communities, such as the Chicagoland area.

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May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 11, 2008

Team Mustang Member to Tell Her Story on NBC's 'Today' Show on Mother's Day

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When Ford Mustang business manager Jackie DiMarco was working on the development of the "Warriors in Pink" package for the 2008 Mustang, which was designed to raise money for breast cancer education and research, she had no idea that the project would hit so close to home.

"We were ready to roll with the 'Warriors in Pink' program in the fall of 2006, and in February of 2007, I discovered a lump in my breast that turned out to be malignant," said DiMarco, who shares her story on Sunday's NBC's "Today" show.

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May 10, 2008

New Ford transmission gets improved MPG

DEARBORN – Ford Motor Company is fitting the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner with the automaker’s newest, advanced 6-speed automatic transmission, further demonstrating its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy for customers.

The new 6F35 front-wheel-drive transmission offers a 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel economy versus conventional 4- and 5-speed automatics, in addition to improved acceleration.

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Ford launches Operation Goodwill in Arizona

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company and the Ford Motor Company Fund announced today that they plan to invest more than $1 million in Arizona community programs and charities in 2008, an increase of more than $600,000 over last year.

The added funds are primarily from Ford Motor Company Fund, Ford’s philanthropic arm, as part of its Operation Goodwill initiative.

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Ford previews safety programs in Arizona

Chandler, Arizona -- Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety Association have teamed up to help keep teens and families safe on Arizona roads and highways.

The number one killer of teens across America is driving fatalities. A top priority for Ford is automotive-related safety, and the company is honing in on Arizona as a locale to tackle auto safety issues.

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Ford doubling 6-speed transmission production

DEARBORN, May 7, 2008 – The big shift is on at Ford Motor Company, as the automaker plans to more than double the number – to 1.4 million – of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.

The advanced transmissions provide customers 4 to 6 percent improved fuel economy compared with typical 4- and 5-speed gearboxes, as well as better acceleration and a quieter and more refined driving experience.

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May 7, 2008

Ford Drive One Campaign Bringing Converts to the Edge

DEARBORN, Mich. – Before she was approached to participate in Ford’s “Town-to-Town, Friend-to-Friend” campaign, Christine Wall thought the only thing the company made was trucks. She had never even heard of the Ford Edge.

“When they showed me the car I’d be test-driving, I was shocked,” says Wall. “I said, ‘That’s a Ford?’ ”

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Ford Accelerates Shift to Fuel-Efficient 6-Speed Transmissions

DEARBORN, Mich. -- The big shift is on at Ford Motor Company, as the automaker plans to more than double the number -- to 1.4 million -- of fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmissions in its North American cars and trucks by the end of 2009.

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Ford presents 10th annual Ford Freedom Award

DEARBORN, Mich. – Coretta Scott King and Dr. Dorothy Height were honored this evening as this year’s recipients of the Ford Freedom Award for their outstanding achievements at the 10th annual program.

The two were heralded at a dinner at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Ford’s partner in the program.

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Ford development earns enviro award

ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Ford Motor Company's Fairlane Green retail and recreational development, today received the national Phoenix Award for excellence in brownfield development.

The Phoenix Award recognizes projects that remediate environmentally challenged sites while stimulating economic development.

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May 6, 2008

Ford first automaker to join The Climate Registry

DEARBORN, Mich., May 5, 2008 - Ford is taking an industry-leading move by becoming the first automaker to join The Climate Registry (TCR), building upon Ford's leadership in facility greenhouse gas (GHG) initiatives globally. Ford supports the global harmonization of GHG monitoring and reporting practices. TCR represents a significant step toward that goal.

TCR is a non-profit organization established to measure and publicly report GHG emissions using a single reporting standard across industry sectors.

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May 1, 2008

Ford Focus Posts Huge Gain in Overall Down Month

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford's new Focus continues to defy gravity -- and the U.S. economy -- with a 88 percent jump in retail sales versus last April and the highest total Focus April sales since 2000.

"Focus is the right car at the right time," said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "This is the little car that delivers in a big way for customers, with outstanding fuel economy, cool features including SYNC, a fun drive and the right price, right along with the rest of our newest cars and crossovers."

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Ford ranks among tops in corporate sustainability

BOSTON -- For the second time in five years, Ford Motor Company has won the award for “Best Sustainability Reporting” from the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (Ceres) and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Ford previously earned the honor in 2004, and shares this year’s award with Timberland clothing company.

“Ford’s commitment to sustainability reporting isn’t surprising,” said Brooke Barton, Ceres manager of Corporate Accountability.

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April 28, 2008

Ford responds to Kerkorian's 20 million share bid

The following statement is attributable to Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally:

Dearborn, Mich., April 28 –“We welcome confidence in Ford and the progress we are making on our transformation plan. Any investor can purchase Ford shares, which are sold on the open market. The Ford team remains focused on executing our plan to transform Ford into a lean global enterprise delivering profitable growth for all.”

Editor's note: Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corp. announced Monday that it has purchased 100 million shares of Ford stock this month and that it plans to acquire an additional 20 million through a tender offer. Once completed, Mr. Kerkorian will have a 5.6% stake in Ford.

April 27, 2008

High School Auto Techs Compete for Opportunity with Roush Fenway Racing

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Roush Fenway Racing, AAA and Ford announced today that the nation's best young automotive technicians, as identified during the 59th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills competition, will receive an opportunity to spend a week behind the scenes with Roush Fenway Racing.

They'll learn about the race team's operation first-hand, at the shop and the track.

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April 24, 2008

Ford Motor Posts Huge Income Gains

DEARBORN, Mich., April 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported net income of $100 million, or 5 cents per share, for the first quarter of 2008.

This compares with a net loss of $282 million, or 15 cents per share, in the first quarter of 2007.

Ford’s first quarter pre-tax operating profit from continuing operations, excluding special items, was $736 million, up $669 million from a year ago.

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Ford Motor Credit Posts Sharp Earnings Drop

DEARBORN, Mich., April 24, 2008 – Ford Motor Credit Company reported net income of $24 million in the first quarter of 2008, down $169 million from earnings of $193 million a year earlier. On a pre-tax basis, Ford Motor Credit earned $36 million in the first quarter, compared with $293 million in the previous year.

The decrease in earnings primarily reflected higher provision for credit losses, higher depreciation expense for leased vehicles and higher net losses related to market valuation adjustments from derivatives.

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St. Clair Seniors Are Michigan's Best Young Auto Techs

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Alex Super of St. Clair and Bob McClain of Ruby, seniors at St. Clair Tech Center, took first place in the Michigan state final of the 15th annual Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition, held today at the Macomb Community College Expo Center in Warren.

The victory over nine other two-person teams from Michigan high schools means more than $43,000 in scholarship prizes and automotive merchandise for Super and McClain.

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April 23, 2008

Ford Focuses on Bringing Fuel Cells to the Masses

Ford Motor Company is not content to take a backseat position in protecting the environment. With the world’s enormous reliance on fossil fuels, Ford has no choice but to seriously contend with the matter of global warming. That’s why the company has launched an urgent, multilevel approach to finding solutions.

Ford’s strategy for sustainability is built around a variety of technologies that attack this challenge from several angles. Today’s focus is:

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April 22, 2008

Ford Reduces Global Environmental Footprint

DEARBORN, Mich. – Earth Day (April 22) is a time to reflect on what society is doing to address climate change and energy security, and a reminder that preserving the earth is the responsibility of all who use it.

As part of Ford Motor Company’s commitment to do its part, the company is dramatically improving the efficiency of its manufacturing operations worldwide and increasing the use of renewable or “green” energy sources.

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Lear Receives Three 2007 World Excellence Awards from Ford

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- Lear Corporation (NYSE:LEA) today announced it has received three Ford Motor Company World Excellence Awards for superior performance in 2007, tying for the highest number of awards for any single supplier.

There are three types of World Excellence Awards -- Gold, Silver and Recognition of Achievement.

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April 21, 2008

Ford's Model T Turns 100

LOS ANGELES – A century after the Model T put the world on wheels, Ford continues building on its tradition with industry-leading, high-volume technologies including SYNC and EcoBoost engines, a new fuel-efficient powertrain lineup, a new small car for the world as well as America’s most head-turning crossover and most-capable pickup.

“Henry Ford’s Model T was simple, affordable and reliable. It changed the way we live, work and play, providing mobility and prosperity on an undreamed-of scale,” said Alan Mulally, Ford Motor Company president and CEO.

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April 20, 2008

Ford six-speed transmission is more fuel efficient

New transmission technologies are at the heart of Ford’s commitment to deliver sustainable, quality vehicles. The advanced transmissions deliver 4 to 6 percent improvement in fuel efficiency on average compared with typical four- and five-speed gearboxes.

Approximately half of the 2009 Ford lineup will feature fuel-efficient six-speed automatic transmissions including the new 2009 F-150.

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Ford moving forward on plug-in hybrid research

Ford has teamed up with the independent, non-profit organization Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to develop and evaluate new Ford Escape plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), study how they would fit into the nation’s electric grid and help accelerate the introduction of the eco-friendly vehicles.

This new partnership will work in conjunction with Ford’s existing project with Southern California Edison (SCE). For SCE, Ford is building 20 Escape PHEVs for testing in the Los Angeles area.

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April 19, 2008

Ford leads in bringing Virtual Technology online

Ford has been advancing its approach to digital ergonomics work since it began using virtual tools to improve vehicle product development processes and quality since 2000. As a leader in virtual technology, Ford is involved in two major consortiums working to advance the use of virtual ergonomic technology:

The Human Motion Simulation Laboratory at the University of Michigan predicts and evaluates realistic human movements.

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Ford quality increases in GQRS study

Ford is now in statistical tie with Honda and Toyota according to the first quarter 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study.

The study, which is conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, surveys customers of all major automotive makes and models on car troubles and asks owners to rate their overall satisfaction with their three-month-old vehicles.

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Ford creates environmentally safe paint processes

Even though Ford leads the industry with the most long-term paint durability and fewest chips and scratches, according to Global Quality Research System studies, the automotive company is committed to exceeding customer expectations through continuous quality improvements.

The Ford paint team examines the competition by conducting rigorous side-by-side paint resilience testing to ensure that the vehicle looks as good several years later as it did when it rolled off the assembly line.

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April 18, 2008

High School Auto Techs Compete at Ford/AAA Event

Ten two-person teams of students from Michigan high schools and tech centers will work to diagnose and repair electrical and mechanical "bugs" deliberately placed on new Ford automobiles by Ford engineers.

The 20 young men will work with their partners competing for scholarships and automotive merchandise. The winners will represent Michigan in the Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals on June 24 at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. -- the birthplace of the auto industry.

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April 17, 2008

Ford pours research into active safety, blind spot tech

DEARBORN, Mich., April 17 – Researchers at Ford’s advanced driving simulator, Virtual Test Track Experiment (VIRTTEX), are devoting much of 2008 to study how active safety technologies in vehicles should alert drivers of potentially dangerous driving incidents.

Ford also conducted customer driving clinics to test warning systems for its new backup system, the Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring warning system, which alerts drivers backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from the sides.

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Continental Recognized by Ford with World Excellence Gold Award

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company honored Continental as one of its top global suppliers with a World Excellence Gold Award in ceremonies last evening.

The award recognized Continental for its contributions to Ford's efforts to produce world-class vehicles for global customers. The award is the second bestowed on Continental in two days, having received a 2008 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award Monday evening in the Product category for its groundbreaking gasoline piezo injector technology that contributes to improved fuel economy and engine performance.

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April 16, 2008

Ford Presents World Excellence Awards

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company has recognized 47 top global suppliers at 57 locations for their work in helping Ford develop high quality, lower cost vehicles that customers want.

The World Excellence Awards, which celebrated its 10th anniversary with a ceremony Tuesday night, also recognize suppliers for embracing Ford's vision of profitable growth, teamwork and a better world.

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Ford to Hit Fuel Economy Improvements in Millions of Vehicles

DETROIT -- With rising prices at the pump, it's no surprise that more than 58 percent of car consumers polled by Kelly Blue Book in March indicated that fuel prices affected their purchase decision. While Ford, along with other automakers, are exploring game-changing, long-term solutions, developing affordable, near-term ways to improve fuel efficiency is critical as well.

Andreas R. Schamel, Ford's chief engineer for Research and Advanced Engineering, will explain to SAE delegates today how volume-based, near-term actions -- such as Ford's upcoming EcoBoost engine technology -- can deliver real-world fuel economy improvements for millions of customers within the next five years.

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Ford and Detroit NAACP Host 2008 Career, Youth Summit

DETROIT -- Ford Motor Company and Detroit Branch NAACP will host the 2008 Career Day and Youth Summit on Saturday, April 26, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cobo Conference and Exhibition Center.

This half-day event, the cost of which is entirely underwritten by Ford Motor Company, provides Detroit-area youth with an opportunity to prepare for their academic and professional futures.

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April 15, 2008

Ford Scientists Look to Nanotech for Performance, Fuel Economy

DETROIT -- Fordis leaving no particle unturned in the quest for fuel efficiency.

Ford scientists are embracing the burgeoning fields of nanotechnology in developing paints, plastics, light metals and catalysts that allow Ford to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy without sacrificing quality.

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Farley Driving to Make Ford Relevant

Jim Farley's moment of truth came when he told his Santa Monica, Calif., neighbors he was leaving Toyota for Ford. They told him his move was "heartwarming," but added that they wouldn't buy a Ford.

"I realized they had gone past skepticism to apathy," said Mr. Farley, who is now group VP-marketing and communications at Ford Motor Co. "We have to break that pattern of apathy." In fact, he told reporters last week that not enough Americans "have a favorable opinion of our company."

Ford is out to change that perception with its new "Drive One" marketing blitz that began with a 60-second commercial during "American Idol" last week. The goal is to make believers -- and buyers -- out of Americans who aren't putting Ford on their shopping lists.

April 14, 2008

Ford Transmissions Drive for Fuel Economy Leadership

DETROIT -- The often overlooked transmission is proving to be a secret weapon for Ford Motor Company in the quest for improved fuel economy.

"Transmission technology is playing a key role in bringing down fuel consumption," said Craig Renneker, chief engineer for new automatic transmissions for Ford Powertrain Operations. "That's why Ford is rolling out an industry-leading array of fuel-efficient, six-speed automatic transmissions on more than half of the North American product lineup, including the new 2009 Ford F-150."

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April 11, 2008

Ford's 'Drive One' Message Grows from Bottom Up

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Four hundred-plus employees, thousands of hours of blood, sweat and tears as well as dealer insights are fueling Ford's (NYSE:F) quest to win customers on the strength of its vehicle quality, fuel economy, safety advances and smart technology.

"The best part of Ford's story is unfolding in the studios, labs, factories and dealerships, and we're opening the door a bit, so people can see inside," said Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president of Marketing and Communications.

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April 10, 2008

Ford Launches Sweepstakes for Independent Installers and Body Shops

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Customer Service Division has introduced the "2008 Summer of Savings," a national program exclusively for independent auto repair and body shops.

The "2008 Summer of Savings" offers valuable rebate offers during two redemption periods. The first promotional period, known as "Qualifying I" is open from April 1 to May 31, 2008. The second promotional period, "Qualifying II" is open from July 1 to August 31, 2008.

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Ford driving simulator helps shape teen safety program

DEARBORN, Mich. – The Ford Motor Company Fund is hosting 300 teens at its state-of-the-art test track facility in Dearborn this week for a safe-driving seminar with one goal – help younger drivers improve key driving skills that Ford research shows can dramatically reduce motor vehicle accidents.

Ford translated extensive research from its advanced driving simulator into the Ford Fund’s Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program that teaches teens the necessary skills that could help prevent up to 60 percent of teen accidents.

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April 9, 2008

Shareholders Laud Ford For Setting Greenhouse Gas Goal

DETROIT and NEW YORK -- Religious and other institutional investors joined today with Ford Motor Co. in announcing that Ford is the first U.S. auto company to spell out how it plans to reach the goal of reducing by at least 30 percent the greenhouse gas emissions from its new vehicle fleet by 2020.

The decision by Ford to publish its emission target came in the wake of climate-related shareholder resolutions put forward by members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility and the Investor Network on Climate Risk Network organized by Ceres.

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Ford Mirror, Radar Systems Minimize Blind Spot Risk

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford is actively addressing drivers' demands for increased visibility with the introduction of two new features, the Blind Spot Mirror and the Cross Traffic Alert with Blind-Spot Monitoring System, arriving in 2009.

"Ford is delivering innovative features aiding in a better drive experience for the customer," said Derrick Kuzak, Ford Group Vice President, Global Product Development. "The Blind Spot Mirror and Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring System are enhancing the customer ownership experience and bringing more value to their purchase."

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April 7, 2008

Ford introducing marketing platform, “Drive One”

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford employees will be the stars this week on American Idol, as the company introduces a new and far-reaching marketing initiative called “Drive One” to underscore to consumers its leadership in quality, safety, “green” and smart technologies.

New broadcast, print and digital media will highlight the company’s new products and major accomplishments through Ford employees’ voices and their stories.

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Ad Campaign Featuring Ford Employees Debuts on American Idol

A new national TV advertising campaign for Ford Motor Company premieres on American Idol, April 8, and stars several Dearborn-based employees.

Shot in Ford facilities and on the streets of sunny California, the ads focus on the four pillars of Ford’s “Drive one” campaign: Quality, Green, Safety and Smart Technology. They feature unscripted, real-life interviews with several Ford engineers and technical experts about the work they do and the company’s advances in each area.

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Quality Study: Ford Is Second to None

DEARBORN, Mich. -- When it comes to initial vehicle quality, no automaker performs better than Ford.

The quality of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brand vehicles soared to the top of the charts equaling that of Toyota and Honda, according to the first quarter 2008 U.S. Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study conducted by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

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Ford sponsors NBC documentary on race relations

DEARBORN, MI. – On the heels of Ford's announcement of the sponsorship of "Meeting David Wilson," the remarkable and inspiring story of a young man's reconciliation with his ancestor's history as slaves, Ford has partnered with Ancestry.com for a special promotion that offers the chance for consumers to discover the keys to their family history.

The promotion will kick off on Friday, April 11, following the world premiere of "Meeting David Wilson" at 9 p.m. EST on MSNBC.

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April 5, 2008

April Mercury Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Mercury is offering up to a whopping $5,500 rebate on the Grand Marquis and up to a $2,000 rebate on the Mariner SUV; up to a $2,500 rebate is also available on the Milan sedan. Low interest rate financing is also available.

Programs end in June 2008.

If you would like to research current auto rebates for all make and models for sale in the United States, check out CurrentAutoRebates.com, a fabulous service that allows you to check up on all rebate programs through a handy PDF report. The service is free and available now!

April 4, 2008

Ford's 'Big Drive' Urges Consumers to Give Back to Communities

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is organizing more than 1,100 viewing parties across the nation to gather for "The Big Drive," during ABC's hit show "Oprah's Big Give" on Sunday, April 6, 9/8c, to parallel the charitable philosophy of the show.

Recent Ford buyers will host the parties and collaborate with their guests on a chance to "give big" in their community. Hosts will also introduce their friends and family members to their new Ford vehicle in at-home test drives, which will amount to an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 test drives in one night.

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April 3, 2008

Ford Launches Drive One Marketing Campagin With Four Messages

This month, Ford Motor Company is launching an aggressive campaign to improve consumer opinion of Ford brand vehicles in the U.S. and to encourage employees, retirees, dealers and others to be enthusiastic advocates for the company, the brand and its products.

Dealers and employees across the company worked together on the new “Drive one” campaign, which kicks off with a messaging blitz starting April 3. After internal audiences – employees, dealers and retirees – are engaged, the campaign will be unveiled to the public in a major marketing drive that begins April 8.

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Ford Earns EPA Energy Star Award

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company's actions to reduce the amount of energy used to manufacture vehicles and support its U.S. operations have earned it the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's coveted 2008 ENERGY STAR Award.

A three-time ENERGY STAR Award winner, the 2008 award for Sustained Excellence recognizes Ford's continued leadership and commitment to protecting the environment through energy efficiency.

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April 2, 2008

Ford Continues Global Product, Purchasing Integration

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company is taking further steps to align its product development and purchasing organizations into an integrated global team to accelerate the creation of vehicles customers really want, reduce costs, enhance quality, and improve efficiency by eliminating duplicate engineering and purchasing efforts.

Under changes effective April 1, Ford is reorganizing senior leaders in the product development and purchasing organizations to assign global responsibility for key vehicle segments and major purchasing functions.

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April 1, 2008

Ford Launche Sweepstakes for Independent Installers and Body Shops

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Customer Service Division has introduced the "2008 Summer of Savings," a national program exclusively for independent auto repair and body shops.

The "2008 Summer of Savings" offers valuable rebate offers during two redemption periods. The first promotional period, known as "Qualifying I" is open from April 1 to May 31, 2008.

Continue reading "Ford Launche Sweepstakes for Independent Installers and Body Shops"

Ford Has Some Brights Spots Amidst 14% Sales Drop

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Sales for Ford's redesigned small car and acclaimed crossover utility continued to buck economic trends during March.

Retail sales for the Ford Focus were the highest for any month since August 2005 -- with retail sales up 36 percent in March and 35 percent in the first quarter compared with the same periods a year ago.

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March 31, 2008

Prediction: Jim Press Will Be Named CEO of Ford Motor Company

We're ready to revise our prediction regarding Chrysler, which we wrote about in this post, detailing how the credit crunch will force a fire sale of Chrysler, with Jeep going to a foreign company.

That inevitable action will leave on the industry's best executives, Jim Press, without a place to hang his hard hat. Press, who was once the highest ranking American executive ever in Toyota, has since jumped to Chrysler, where he was paid a boatload of money to sit around and watch Bob Nardelli steer the company into a shipbreaking yard.

Current Ford CEO Alan Mulally, was brought in from aircraft maker Boeing to fix Ford, and by all accounts he's removing redundancies and getting Big Blue back on track. There's recently been some talk about the internal struggle for succeeding his contract, set to expire in 2011, but we think Bill Ford will again choose a company outsider to continue the long road back to dominance.

That would be the smart move, anyway. By promoting someone from within Ford, it would be too easy to go back to the old ways. Our bet is that Press gets the nod after Chrysler fails, because that will be Ford's last full measure of hope at fixing itself for good -- with a major hole left in the marketplace, and Americans hungry to buy American, Ford will be in a perfect position to claim some of that market share that's up for grabs.

And that's why we think they'll hire Jim Press, the guy who stole their lunch money in the first place. In 2011, he'll be 63-ish, and be able to serve several years before handing off the company to Jim Farley, the exec who's currently wielding responsibilities for fixing the marketing and sales programs.

Ford to Offer Electronic Power Steering in Bulk of Lineup

DEARBORN – Ford Motor Company has made a commitment to fit 80 to 90 percent of its Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products with electric power steering (EPS) systems by 2012, improving the overall fuel economy, performance and reliability of the company's lineup.

The 2008 Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and their respective hybrid models are already benefiting from EPS. For 2009, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ will join these products, with other new and refreshed vehicles, including the Ford Mustang, Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator, to follow over the next three years.

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March 28, 2008

Ford's Sync: Rocking the Brand

The 2008 Ford Focus, pictured here, is one of the vehicles where the audio system, called Sync, is compelling buyers to give the model and the brand another look.

Sync, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, is proving to be an unexpected hit for Ford, and proves that, yes, they are in sync with consumer's desires.

The system features a voice activated function that pairs with Bluetooth phones, MP3 players and memory sticks to provide drivers with a voice activated stereo experience that also places phone calls and can even read text messages through the speaker system, all so you canenjoy a seamless media experience while driving, and without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel.

March 27, 2008

Ford Partners With Researchers on Plug-In Viability

PALO ALTO, Calif. – The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Ford Motor Company today announced a three year agreement to develop and evaluate technical approaches for integrating plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) into the nation’s electric grid system, a key requirement to facilitate widespread adoption of the vehicles.

EPRI will form a collaborative of utilities in the New York-New Jersey area that will test Ford Escape PHEVs. Subsequent trials will be conducted with customers of the participating utilities.

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March 26, 2008

Ford uses virtual manufacturing tools to continually improve quality

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company’s use of virtual manufacturing technologies is a big factor of what’s behind the company’s soaring quality performance.

As an industry leader in virtual technology, Ford uses digital tools to predict and eliminate on-the-job injuries as well as ensure manufacturing feasibility part by part.

“The goal of our virtual manufacturing tools is to drive compatibility between the product design and the assembly plant process,” explained Dan Hettel, chief engineer, Vehicle Operations.

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Ford to launch new ad campaign on American Idol

Ford is getting ready to launch a massive new ad campaign, set to debut on American Idol, that uses employees to get the automaker's message across, that the company has great products and is dedicated to improving the customer's experience at every turn.

One reputed tagline in consideration is "Ford. Drive One," that builds on the current "Swap My Ride," campaign where people report their unexpectedly positive experiences after test driving a Ford for a week.

March 25, 2008

Ford names Felicia Fields to head Human Resoruces

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company announced today the appointment of Felicia Fields as group vice president of Human Resources and Corporate Services.

Fields will lead Ford’s global Human Resources and Corporate Services functions, reporting to Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. Fields replaces Joe Laymon, who has elected to leave the company for a new opportunity following eight years of service. Laymon has been appointed vice president, Human Resources and Medical Services at Chevron Corporation.

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March 23, 2008

Ford's EcoBoost Promises Savings at the Pump

NEW YORK – As America watches gasoline prices creeping toward the $4 per gallon mark, Ford Motor Company is coming to the rescue with a new family of engines that promise real-world savings at the pump.

The EcoBoost family of 4- and 6-cylinder engines uses turbocharging and direct injection technology to deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy and and up to 15 percent fewer emissions.

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March 21, 2008

Ford Announces Executive Appointments in Asia Pacific and Africa, Mazda

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today announced key executive appointments within the senior leadership team of its Asia Pacific and Africa business unit to support the continued expansion of the company's fast-growing China operations and to deepen its partner relationships and synergies with Mazda. The appointments are effective April 1.

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March 19, 2008

Ford reveals first Sony-branded audio system in the new Flex

New York – Ford Motor Company and Sony Electronics are showing the first fruits of their new relationship in North America in the form of the new Ford Flex with Sony audio.

The Flex appears at the flagship Sony Style store on Madison Avenue between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, where the first 150 customers will have the chance to get their hands on a Sony BMG MusicPass digital download card sampler.

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March 17, 2008

Ford Gives Grants to States for Safe Teen Driving Programs

WASHINGTON -- The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) announced today that Ford Motor Company Fund will provide over $200,000 in grants to nine states and two U.S. territories as part of the Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program.

DSFL is the national, award-winning, teen driving program developed in partnership between GHSA and Ford Motor Company Fund. This marks the first time a private sector company has given state highway safety agencies grants for teen driver safety programs.

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March 10, 2008

Ford touts regional marketing to increase sales

An innovative marketing effort to sell targeted Ford vehicles in certain regions around the United States is paying off -- and will be used more this year.

In one case, regional incentives helped boost sales of the Ford Ranger by 20 percent in California and by an average of 13 percent in the country's top eight truck markets.

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March 5, 2008

Tax Credits for Hybrid Cars

The deadline for filing taxes is right around the corner, and if you purchased a hybrid vehicle in 2007, the following list can tell you what type of tax credit you can expect to receive on your 2007 return.

Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, certain hybrid and alternative-fuel vehicles can earn credits of up to $4,000. To be eligible for the Energy Policy Act of 2005, vehicles have to fall into one of four categories: fuel cell, advance lean burn technology, hybrid or alternative fuel. Currently, the only mass-market cars that qualify are hybrids and one alternative-fuel car, the Honda Civic GX.

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March 3, 2008

Ford Sales Down 7% in February

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford's new Focus and SYNC are connecting with small car buyers. Focus retail sales were up 36 percent in February -- the fourth month in a row of higher retail sales.

"The new Focus and SYNC arrived at an opportune time," said Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president, Marketing and Communications. "We needed to raise awareness and consideration among younger buyers -- and Focus and SYNC are getting us back in the game."

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March 2, 2008

March Mercury Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Mercury is offering up to a whopping $5,500 rebate on the Grand Marquis and up to a $2,000 rebate on the Mariner SUV; up to a $2,000 rebate is also available on the Milan sedan. Low interest rate financing is also available.

Programs end 3/31/08.

In addition, the Current Auto Rebates document features links to have a local dealer contact you about the vehicle you are interested in -- this is the best way to stay in control of the vehicle buying process, as dealers are essentially competing for your business.

February 28, 2008

SmartAlert makes Lincoln, Mercury Vehicles more secure

Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealerships have begun offering security-conscious customers a new onboard, intelligent communication service that connects them with their car or truck.

This optional system, SmartAlert, provides vehicle tracking and other security and peace-of-mind features vehicle owners say they want. It is available for most new and some previously owned vehicles.

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February 22, 2008

Senator John McCain tours Ford's Wayne assembly plant

Republican presidential frontrunner John McCain visited Ford Motor Company's Wayne (Mich.) Assembly Plant Thursday and saw first-hand how Ford is creating high-mileage vehicles to meet tougher fuel economy standards.

During a one-hour tour, the Arizona senator shook hands with workers on the assembly lines where the 2008 Ford Focus is built for North America and was shown four advanced-technology gas-saving Ford vehicles by Robert Brown, director of Vehicle Environmental Engineering.

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February 11, 2008

Ford's New Campaign Will Focus On Winning Trust

The key element of Ford's new marketing campaign breaking in March or April aims to "restore the trust" of consumers in the automaker's products, according to Jim Farley, Ford's group vice president of marketing and communications. Ford has made great strides in improving vehicle quality, but it still fights a perception among consumers who remember bad experiences.

Farley says that dealers will be the key spokespersons for the campaign, which is nearing completion.

Without going into specifics, Farley says the company must restore trust on issues such as resale value, safety, quality, advanced technology and using new products. "Go to ... any of the third-party evaluators of corporate image and what they'll first say is that you've got to be honest with people," Farley says. "The second thing they'll say is tell them about the trust factors." - Read the whole story...

February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

February 1, 2008

Ford Sales Down 4.1% in January

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Demand for Ford's crossovers remained strong in January. Sales for the Ford Edge were 95 percent higher than a year ago and the Lincoln MKX was up 78 percent.

Retail demand for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars also was strong in January, especially for the new Focus. Sales for the Focus were up 44 percent compared with a year ago, with retail sales up 33 percent. Combined retail sales for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ also were higher than a year ago.

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January 31, 2008

Ford Plans To Sharply Increase Incentives

Ed. note -- It look as if our plan to publish rebate news was spot on this year, as you can see in the story below. Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind -- a 13-page PDF listing all rebates for all vehicles. New edition coming out next week, so be sure to sign up for the automatic update notification!

Ford Motor will pump up incentive spending this year, target regions and older vehicles, and will give dealers more say over where and how the money is spent, sources familiar with the plan say. Key dealers were told about the plan during a meeting in Dearborn earlier this month, according to people who attended the session.

Cutting Ford's reliance on discounts and deals has been an important part of CEO Alan Mulally's turnaround strategy, which is aimed at transforming Ford into a smaller but profitable company. Ford sources say the decision to increase incentive spending does not represent a shift in that strategy.

January 30, 2008

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

January 29, 2008

Ford Honored for Supporting Reservists, National Guard

DEARBORN -- Affirming a company policy that has been in effect for decades, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally signed an official statement of support Monday for Ford employees serving in the National Guard or Armed Forces Reserve.

"When I came to Ford, one of the things I was aware of is that the company has always supported this United States, the Department of Defense and Ford employees," said Mulally. "This is a phenomenal partnership, and you can count on our continued support."

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January 27, 2008

2008 Mercury Sable Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mercury Sable has a $2,000 rebate or 0.9%-4.9% financing available; program ends 3/31/08. The 2008 Mercury Sable base price -- $23,540.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mercury Sable price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mercury rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

Current Auto Rebates is the only publication of its kind: a 13-page PDF file that lists all the current rebates, from every vehicle manufacturer. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars -- get your free report today!

2008 Mercury Mountaineer Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer has a $3,000 rebate or 0.9%-4.9% financing available; program ends 3/31/08. The 2008 Mercury Mountaineer base price -- $26,050.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mercury Mountaineer price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mercury rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

2008 Mercury Milan Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mercury Milan has a $2,000 rebate or 0.9%-4.9% financing available; program ends 3/31/08. The 2008 Mercury Milan base price -- $18,725.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mercury Milan price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mercury rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

2008 Mercury Mariner Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mercury Mariner has a $2,000 rebate or 0.9%-4.9% financing available; program ends 3/31/08. The 2008 Mercury Mariner base price -- $20,920.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mercury Mariner price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mercury rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

2008 Mercury Grand Marquis Rebates Available at Current Auto Rebates.com

The 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis has a $5,500 rebate or 0%-2.9% financing available; program ends 3/31/08. The 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis base price -- $25,005.

Click here to get your free 2008 Mercury Grand Marquis price quote!

To stay up-to-date on 2008 Mercury rebates, check out Current Auto Rebates, the web's #1 source for car, truck and SUV rebates and incentives.

January 24, 2008

Ford Sync Makes Congested Drive More Comfortable

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Building on the huge success of SYNC, Ford is moving to the next generation of in-car communications with the introduction of new capabilities for SYNC with “911 Assist” and new SIRIUS Travel Link navigation.

Both features will be available on the new 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, and their respective hybrid models, being introduced at the 2008 Washington Auto Show.

Continue reading "Ford Sync Makes Congested Drive More Comfortable"

January 23, 2008

Harness the power of free price quotes!

Many of you have seen the link to get a free dealer price quote on our pages, as well as in our Current Auto Rebates report.

The free price quote is one of the best tools for savvy vehicle shoppers -- it's convenient, and there is absolutely no obligation to buy anything. Here are some of the other advantages:

-- You are essentially putting a bid out to local new vehicle dealers to compete for your business. In many cases, several dealers will respond to your price quote request. Armed with your knowledge of MSRP and rebates, you can then have dealers compete on price for your car buying dollars!

-- You can fill out a free price quote for each vehicle you are cross-shopping.

-- Schedule your test drive appointments. Just think, you know longer have to suffer the indignity of walking into a dealership and either being ignored or descended upon like a piece of fresh meat.

-- The dealership will have the vehicle you are interested in ready and waiting [if they are pros, which many are nowadays, given the competition of the Internet.]

-- You will be doing 90% of the work that goes into buying a new vehicle from the convenience of your own computer -- how civilized is that!

Get your free dealer price quote today!

Current Auto Rebates -- What You Don't Know Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

Want to see all the rebates on every make and model vehicle for sale in the United States?

Current Auto Rebates has just launched a valuable 13-page PDF report that is the first of its kind -- listing all rebates for all vehicles. What you don't know about current auto rebates could cost you thousands of dollars!

Aren't you tired of clicking through page after page on web sites to find the information you need? This report has everything you need in one convenient, easy-to-use package.

Check out CurrentAutoRebates.com and get your free PDF report today!

January 22, 2008

2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner improve fuel efficiency

WASHINGTON, D.C – Ford Motor Company has announced its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.

Ford also announced that it is expanding its commitment to biofuels by adding three additional vehicles to its E85-capable flexible fuel line-up for 2009 – the E-Series van, as well as the standard and extended-length models of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs.

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Ford Sponsors Athletes for Life Foundation

LOS ANGELES -- Athletes for Life Foundation ("AFL"), representing such legends as Jimmy Brown, Joe Theismann, Rick Barry, Anthony Munoz -- and dozens of other Hall of Fame athletes from every area of sports and all demographics -- has announced that it has reached a sponsorship accord with Ford Motor Company with respect to AFL's corporate charter of eradicating late-stage cardiovascular disease.

The details of the sponsorship accord have not been disclosed, and -- as well -- are private as between the two corporations.

Continue reading "Ford Sponsors Athletes for Life Foundation"

January 20, 2008

Mercury Rebates Available at CurrentAutoRebates.com

Programs end 3/31/08.

January 16, 2008

Pair From Ford Named Execs of the Year

Two Ford executives were honored Tuesday night for transcending the mainstream and embracing diversity. Vice President of Quality Bennie Fowler was named African-American Executive of the Year and Technical Fellow Dr. Takeshi Abe was named Asian-American Executive of the Year at the 2008 Urban Wheel Awards ceremony at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.

Presented by the multimedia organization On Wheels, Inc. – publisher of African Americans On Wheels, Latinos On Wheels and Asians On Wheels magazines – the star-studded awards ceremony has for 12 years recognized achievements in diversity within the automotive industry in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show.

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January 9, 2008

Survey: Drivers See Toyota, Honda as Best Overall

NEW YORK -- Consumers perceived Toyota and Honda brands to be best by a wide margin, followed by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC, according to Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Brand Perception Survey.

The survey also revealed that car buyers consider safety and quality as the most important considerations, followed by value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technical innovation.

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January 8, 2008

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury to Get HD Radio in 2009

LAS VEGAS – Ford Motor Company today became the first US automaker to announce the availability of factory-installed HD Radio™ technology as a standard or optional feature on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles beginning in calendar year 2009.

The announcement follows Ford’s launch of HD Radio technology in the fall of 2007 as a dealer-installed option. As with the company’s ground-breaking SYNC system, the factory-installation of HD Radio technology expands Ford’s commitment to deliver state-of-the-art entertainment and communications technologies.

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January 7, 2008

Video: Ford EcoBoost Technology Explained

Ford Motor Company is introducing a new technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.

Continue reading "Video: Ford EcoBoost Technology Explained"

Ford's New EcoBoost Improves MPG by 20%

DETROIT – Ford Motor Company is introducing a new engine technology called EcoBoost that will deliver up to 20 percent better fuel economy on half a million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles annually in North America during the next five years.

The EcoBoost family of 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder engines features turbocharging and direct injection technology. Compared with more expensive hybrids and diesel engines, EcoBoost builds upon today’s affordable gasoline engine and improves it, providing more customers with a way to improve fuel economy and emissions without compromising driving performance.

Continue reading "Ford's New EcoBoost Improves MPG by 20%"

Ford adds 911 Assist to SYNC tech product

LAS VEGAS – Ford Motor Company and Microsoft announce today that the award-winning Ford SYNC in-car connectivity system will be available to even more customers and with even more functionality later this year.

In his keynote address at the 2008 International CES in Las Vegas, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates announced that Ford will expand SYNC to nearly all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks by the end of 2008. Gates also confirmed a new “911 Assist” feature that will help drivers connect with emergency assistance in the event of an air bag deployment.

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January 4, 2008

Ford F-Series is Canada's Best-Selling Vehicle for 5 Years Running

OAKVILLE, Ontario – Making a connection with consumers is what it's all about and the Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited certainly saw success in that area driven by its new crossover vehicles – the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX – as well as with the Ford F-Series, the best selling vehicle in Canada for the fifth straight year and the best selling pick-up truck in Canada for a record 42 consecutive years.

Truck sales achieved a solid 6.6 per cent increase for the year. Although combined sales were down 2.2 per cent, as compared to a strong year in 2006, Ford's new and refreshed vehicles drove showroom traffic - the Ford Escape also being an excellent example as it delivered a sales increase of 23.9 per cent.

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Ford Showcases Future of In-Car Satellite Communications

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Building on the success of SYNC, Ford Motor Company unveils the next generation of in-car communications at the International CES on Sunday.

The company will announce what comes next for SYNC - developed in partnership with Microsoft - as well as introduce International CES attendees to Ford's new SIRIUS Travel Link(TM) navigation system.

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Ford SYNC Sales Reach 30,000 in 2007

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company's award-winning SYNC system is one of the rising stars in the auto industry today, and it is on track to reach 1 million sales in early 2009, the company is announcing today.

Ford SYNC - developed with Microsoft - connects people and their favorite portable devices while in the vehicle, including media players and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones. It is a hot new technology exclusive to Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles, with sales in the final quarter of 2007 averaging approximately 10,000 units per month.

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January 3, 2008

Ford Reports December Sales Down 9%

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Led by two new and three redesigned models, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury crossover utility vehicles paced the industry's fastest-growing segment with a gain of 62 percent in 2007, more than triple the industry-wide growth of 17 percent.

In its first full year, Ford Edge sales were 130,125, exceeding Ford's original forecast by 30 percent. In December, Edge capped off the year with its best-ever retail sales month.

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December 28, 2007

Ford Spins Design Visions in Virtual Cave

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford's Virtual Reality Cave, or VRC, is helping the company's North American product engineers evaluate design before production. The lab reduces the need to build physical prototypes and trims thousands of dollars and several months from the product development process.

Located in the Product Visualization Center at the company's Product Development Center in Dearborn, the digital lab, a darkened room about the size of an office, is modeled after a nearly identical Ford of Europe German facility.

With two such facilities, cross-Atlantic collaboration is possible for the development of global vehicle platforms.

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Ford Uses Big Screen "Powerwall" to Speed Design Development

DEARBORN, Mich. -- You haven't seen vehicle design until you’ve seen it on a “powerwall.”

What sounds like an extreme sport maneuver or a video game challenge actually is helping accelerate the globalization of product development and market research at Ford Motor Company.

Ford is completing installation of several state-of-the-art digital powerwall studios at its Product Development Center (PDC) in Dearborn that will help get products to market faster. Powerwalls use high definition (HD) rear-screen projection to enable review and refinement of full-scale computer-rendered vehicle designs prior to fabricating physical properties in foam, clay and fiberglass.

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December 27, 2007

U-Haul trucks painted with Ford's environmentally responsible paint

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company and U-Haul launched the industry’s first fleet of vehicles painted with Ford’s environmentally responsible new technology, which reduces greenhouse gases by 15 percent and cuts Ford’s production costs.

More than 200 Ford E-Series trucks painted with this new technology were delivered to U-Haul facilities around the country. U-Haul began renting the units, tagged with eco-friendly decals, to customers this week.

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Eco-Frontier: Ford Advances Recycled Cars

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ask someone on the street what consumer item they think is recycled more than any other in the U.S. and they’re likely to guess "newspapers" or "soda bottles." Most people probably wouldn’t say "cars" -- but that is, in fact, the answer.

Roughly 85 percent of each Ford Motor Company vehicle is recyclable. What's more, Ford is working with Chrysler and GM through the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR) and its Vehicle Recycling Partnership to raise that number to as close to 100 percent as possible.

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Eco-Driving Course Offered by Ford

DEARBORN, Mich. – Visit Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life Web site and learn the importance of consuming less fuel to help protect the environment.

The online eco-driving tutorial is available on www.drivingskillsforlife.com – click on the Eco-Driving icon from the menu on the home page. The tutorial reviews ways to conserve fuel while driving, which in turn helps reduce CO2 emissions. Some of the tips offered include:

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December 25, 2007

Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting

Ford’s Adaptive Front Lighting system, already available on the Lincoln MKX, features swiveling headlights that follow the curves in the road, which are measured and analyzed using a mini-processor to optimize lighting.

The headlights can swivel up to 15 degrees in each direction, and have the capacity to illuminate a longer distance when the road is winding.

Continue reading "Ford's Adaptive Front Lighting"

Ford's Safety Research Tools

Ford's Safety Research Tools: VIRTTEX and Servo Sled -- Ford’s VIRTTEX (Virtual Test Track Experience) is one of the most advanced laboratories of its kind in the world.

Since 2000, Ford Motor Company has used the controlled laboratory setting to study everyday driving tasks and how they affect driver performance during a variety of simulated driving experiences.

Continue reading "Ford's Safety Research Tools"

Ford's Safety Tech: Occupant Classification System

Ford's Occupant Classification System is an advanced air bag controller uses front passenger classification sensing to determine if the seat is occupied, and if so, whether the passenger is a larger or smaller person.

Air bag deployment is tailored -- or altogether suppressed -- to help provide an appropriate level of protection.

Ford Earns Top Safety Picks

Ford Earns More IIHS Top Safety Picks in 2007 Than Ever Before

The 2008 Ford Taurus, Mercury Sable, Taurus X, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX all earned Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for achieving the highest available individual ratings in front-, side- and rear-impact crash protection.

Taurus, Sable and Taurus X also earned the highest possible five-star crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Ford's Safety Tech: “SPACE Architecture”

Ford's “SPACE™ Architecture” -- The structure of the 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable is engineered with crush zones designed to direct excess energy around the passenger compartment into a high-strength safety cage.

An innovative cross-car beam “SPACE™ Architecture” under the front seats reinforces the structure between the B-pillars, which helps direct energy away from passengers.

Ford's Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) -- Ford's TPMS system warns a driver if one or more tires are underinflated.

An active pressure sensor with a radio transmitter is mounted inside each tire.

A receiver in the vehicle monitors each transmitter, and if tire pressure is not within specific limits, it will activate a visual warning light and message in vehicles equipped with a message center.

Ford's Safety Tech: BeltMinder

Ford’s BeltMinder -- BeltMinder is a safety belt reminder technology first offered in 1999 that takes over after the initial safety belt reminder stops chiming.

If the driver remains unbuckled, the system chimes and flashes a warning lamp for six seconds every 30 seconds for five minutes or until the driver buckles up, whichever comes first. Ford first offered driver-side BeltMinder at no cost to customers in 1999.

Continue reading "Ford's Safety Tech: BeltMinder"

Ford's Safety Tech: Safety Canopy

Ford's Safety Canopy -- Ford’s exclusive collision and rollover activated side curtain air bags feature "roll fold" technology. Ford was the first in the industry to offer rollover deploying side curtain air bags, known as Safety Canopy, beginning with the Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer in 2002.

Today, Safety Canopy with rollover sensors -- which helps protect vehicle occupants during side-impact collisions and rollover accidents -- is available on nearly all Ford Motor Company SUVs, and on certain vans and cars, including the 2008 Taurus and Mercury Sable, as well as the Taurus X crossover.

Continue reading "Ford's Safety Tech: Safety Canopy"

Ford's Safety Tech: AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control

Ford's AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control) -- The only available electronic stability control system with two gyroscopic effect sensors measure vehicle motion about both the Yaw and Roll axes.

More than 1 million vehicles feature Ford’s industry exclusive AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control). Ford Motor Company today has more than 80 patents worldwide for its innovative RSC system.

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Ford's Safety Tech: Electronic Stability Control

Ford Motor Company and its global brands have built 4 million vehicles globally with electronic stability control systems.

Electronic stability control offers additional confidence to drivers in emergency situations by helping them stay on the road and avoid accidents.

It significantly reduces crash risk by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.

Continue reading "Ford's Safety Tech: Electronic Stability Control"

December 24, 2007

How Ford Made Taurus and Mercury Sable Safety Leaders

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable are recognized safety leaders for many reasons. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded Taurus and Sable its "Top Safety Pick" designation for large family cars. And the two vehicles earned the maximum five-star rating in all crash test categories from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"It's like winning the Super Bowl," said Steve Kozak, a Ford Motor Company chief safety engineer, of the double honor.

So what makes the Ford safety system in the Taurus and Sable so superior? Much of the credit is due to the restraints control module, or RCM that masterfully brings the myriad of safety components together in harmony.

Continue reading "How Ford Made Taurus and Mercury Sable Safety Leaders"

Ford Launches "See Me Safe" Child Safety Prorgram

Ann Romo Huerta making sure that her son Ismael Romo Jr. is safely secured in his safety seat

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Child safety seats save lives -- when they're installed and used correctly. Too often, parents and caregivers are left scratching their heads over complicated installation instructions and are never quite sure whether their children are buckled in properly.

In an effort to address this issue, Ford Motor Company Fund is launching See Me Safe, a Child Passenger Safety (CPS) program in partnership with Nashville's Meharry Medical College.

Continue reading "Ford Launches "See Me Safe" Child Safety Prorgram"

December 20, 2007

Ford's Green Cookbook Features Edible Interiors

Pictured: Ford Technical Leader of Plastics Research Debbie Mielewski observes a polyol separation in the laboratory.

From hemp clothing and bamboo floors to chemical-free makeup, today’s Earth-friendly choices are de rigueur for millions of consumers worldwide. A growing social consciousness has elevated sustainability from trend to lifestyle in less than a decade, driven by waning natural resources and global security concerns.

While this cultural shift may be relatively recent, Ford’s history of pioneering renewable solutions dates back to the Model T. Here are just a few green technologies you may not know about – found inside Ford vehicles on the road today – and potential sustainable solutions for the future:

Continue reading "Ford's Green Cookbook Features Edible Interiors"

Ford grants soy-based seating to John Deere

DEARBORN – Farmers could soon bring in the harvest using equipment made with their own crops, thanks to collaboration between Ford and John Deere, the world’s leading manufacturer of agricultural equipment.

The two companies have agreed that Deere will further develop and manufacture Ford’s soy-based flexible foam for seating materials in tractors, riding mowers and other equipment.

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December 19, 2007

Ford comment on House Energy Bill

The following is a statement from Ford Motor Company on the final passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by Congress:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "Ford has worked with lawmakers to enact nationwide requirements that provide a significant increase in fuel economy while protecting consumers’ choices of cars, SUVs and light trucks. We are working to do our part to help reduce greenhouse gases and U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

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December 17, 2007

Ford speeds up design process with high-tech tools

DEARBORN, Mich. – High-resolution animations, life-size presentation screens and virtual cars that come to life with a click of a mouse: No, this isn’t Walt Disney or Pixar studios but rather is the state of the business inside Ford Design studios.

Faster, sharper and with higher quality, the latest digital design tools are being utilized by Ford designers to further accelerate future product development – and reduce costs.

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December 14, 2007

Ford bringing oodles of tech to Consumer Electronics Show

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company will have its largest presence ever at the 2008 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology.

Following the highly successful launch of Ford SYNC at the 2007 International CES—the new technology jointly developed with Microsoft earned the coveted “People’s Voice” award—Ford will return to the annual gathering in Las Vegas on Jan. 6 to showcase key partnerships and further advancements in consumer-oriented, in-vehicle electronics.

“Our goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development.

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Ford invests millions in “Tough Testing” center

DEARBORN, Mich. – A multi-million dollar investment has transformed the basement of a seemingly non-descript Ford engineering facility into a technological showcase featuring robots abusing seats, a tire-squealing conveyer belt and an eight-foot chamber that houses brake testing that used to occur on the streets of Los Angeles.

Ford continues overhauling its testing facilities to speed up development of products that customers want while further fueling the company’s rapid quality gains.

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Ford lab helps NHTSA research into driver distraction

DEARBORN, Mich. – Results from a five-year study aimed at finding ways to develop, demonstrate and evaluate methods to help minimize the risk of driver distraction and enhance the effectiveness of crash warning systems in vehicles are expected to be released in early 2008 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The NHTSA-directed project was initiated in 2003 as a way to learn how automakers might be able to better manage driver workloads and reduce distractions in a day when more drivers are bringing portable electronic devices into their vehicles and as in-car electronics continue to provide greater functionality.

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Ford named to responsible corporate citizen list

Dearborn, Mich. – CRO (Corporate Responsibility Officer) magazine has named Ford Motor Company to a newly released top ten list. Ford is ranked number four, highest among the automobile manufacturers in the “10 Best Corporate Citizens by Industry 2007” report in the “CRO’s 10 Best” in the Autos & Vehicles sector.

“We are honored to be recognized by CRO Magazine for our corporate social responsibility efforts,” said John Viera, director, Sustainable Business Strategies Office, Ford Motor Company.

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December 13, 2007

Ford Names Joe Hinrichs Group VP, Global Manufacturing

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company President and CEO Alan Mulally today announced that Joe Hinrichs has been named group vice president, Global Manufacturing. The appointment is effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Hinrichs, currently vice president of North America Manufacturing, will lead the worldwide integration of the company's manufacturing operations and its engineering support for vehicle, powertrain and stamping.

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Ford Motor Credit Offers Financial Relief to Flood Victims in Northwest

Qualified customers may delay payments

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the flooding and mudslides in Washington and Oregon the opportunity to delay some car payments. Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

Ford Motor Credit customers who are eligible for the Disaster Relief Program will be sent letters with instructions on how to register.

Continue reading "Ford Motor Credit Offers Financial Relief to Flood Victims in Northwest"

Ford Launches Auto Industry’s First Widget Campaign on AOL Network

PASADENA, Calif. -- Interpolls, a leading rich media technology company, announced today it is working with Ford Motor Company to launch the automotive industry’s first Rich Media Widget campaign to showcase SYNC, the award-winning voice-activated communications and connectivity system available exclusively on some 2008 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles.

The upcoming initiative, which launches this week, builds upon Interpolls’ past work with Ford and will set a new precedent in the way that brands and their advertising agencies create, distribute and track Web widgets across leading online portals and media sites.

Continue reading "Ford Launches Auto Industry’s First Widget Campaign on AOL Network"

December 12, 2007

Ford Blue Box crash sensors to be placed on all 2008 Funny Car and Top Fuel race cars

DEARBORN, Mich. – Accelerating safety development in the sport of drag racing, the NHRA and Ford Racing jointly announced today that all cars in the Funny Car and Top Fuel classes will be outfitted with the Ford Racing “Blue Box” crash sensors for the 2008 season.

“Ford, like the NHRA, is committed to continuously improving safety. It’s important to further improving our passenger cars and trucks and also to what we’re doing in racing,” said Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology. “We’re supplying Blue Boxes – at no cost – for all nitro cars for next year. It’s the right thing to do for the sport and the millions of customers who will benefit from whatever we learn on the track.”

Continue reading "Ford Blue Box crash sensors to be placed on all 2008 Funny Car and Top Fuel race cars"

Ford To Launch Widgets On AOL

AS PART OF ITS CAMPAIGN touting the telematics and in-vehicle entertainment technology for the new Ford Sync, the automaker will launch widgets on AOL next week. The widgets, launched earlier this year with client Warner Brothers, serve up advertising and can be distributed virally, said Peter Kim, president of Pasadena, Calif.-based Interpolls, the developer of the program.

Consumers will want to grab the widgets for their personal pages because they offer a rich-media experience, including a free song download, Kim said. The music and youth focus are central to Ford's efforts to pitch Sync to Ford Focus buyers.

"It's viral--it's more of an enhancement to rich media ad formats," Kim said. "Consumers can grab it, place it on their page and show other users the product. Rich media provides multiple goals and objectives through a single execution."

December 10, 2007

Ford has linked Pop Phenom Chris Brown with SYNC

DEARBORN, MI — Ford Motor Company's partnership with Jive Recording Pop Phenom Chris Brown has shifted into drive as the Ford sponsored Up Close & Personal Holiday Exclusive Tour Powered by SYNC kicks off in Cincinnati, Ohio today.

The partnership is a chance for Ford to take its latest technology on the road and ultimately integrate some of the key features of the technology into the tour in a way that has never been done.

Radio and Television advertisements featuring Chris Brown that highlight SYNC will also be a part of the alliance, which represents the first time that Ford is targeting such a young urban audience with a deeply integrated experience.

Continue reading "Ford has linked Pop Phenom Chris Brown with SYNC"

Ford and BP open new hydrogen station to fuel Ford Focus in Florida

OVIEDO, Fl. -- Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F], BP and the state of Florida today marked an important milestone in their collective path towards the use of hydrogen as viable alternative fuel for the future by opening a second hydrogen station that will fuel a fleet of Ford Focus fuel cell vehicles.

The new station is part of the Ford-DOE Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project. Ford and BP officials were joined today by members of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Progress Energy Florida and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Continue reading "Ford and BP open new hydrogen station to fuel Ford Focus in Florida"

December 8, 2007

Ford links Pop Phenom Chris Brown with SYNC

The partnership is a chance for Ford to take its latest technology on the road and ultimately integrate some of the key features of the technology into the tour in a way that has never been done. Radio and Television advertisements featuring Chris Brown that highlight SYNC will also be a part of the alliance, which represents the first time that Ford is targeting such a young urban audience with a deeply integrated experience.

Continue reading "Ford links Pop Phenom Chris Brown with SYNC"

December 7, 2007

High Gas Prices Have Consumers Searching for Hybrids

CHICAGO -- With gas prices again topping $3 a gallon, consumer interest in hybrid vehicles on Cars.com has increased dramatically over the past month. According to Cars.com's latest Consumer Search Index, all hybrid vehicles on the site have experienced an increase in consumer searches.

Six of the top 10 and 12 of the top 25 new cars experiencing the largest increase in search activity over the past month are hybrids.

Continue reading "High Gas Prices Have Consumers Searching for Hybrids"

Ford statement on House Energy Bill

The following is a statement from Ford Motor Company on the passage of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 by the House of Representatives:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- "The House energy bill is an important step towards increasing the national fuel economy standard. It accomplishes our shared goal of reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil and emissions of greenhouse gases.

Continue reading "Ford statement on House Energy Bill"

December 3, 2007

Ford Breaks Year-Long Sales Decline

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Continued growth in crossover sales and increased demand for hybrids, fuel-efficient cars and Ford's industry-exclusive SYNC in-car connectivity technology drove Ford Motor Company's sales in November. Company sales totaled 182,951, up 0.4 percent versus a year ago. November marked the first sales increase following 12 months of declines.

"It is encouraging to see our newest cars, crossovers, hybrids and industry-first SNYC technology resonating with customers," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas. "Continuing to deliver more quality products that people really want and carefully gauging customer demand in the months ahead will help ensure we stay on track with our plan."

Continue reading "Ford Breaks Year-Long Sales Decline"

November 28, 2007

Ford Motor Company Joins Suppliers Partnership for the Environment

WASHINGTON -- The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment (SP) today announced that Ford Motor Company is the newest member of SP.

"The Suppliers Partnership for the Environment is very pleased to announce that Ford Motor Company has joined SP," said Randy Leslie, Vice President & General Manager, Johnson Controls, Inc. and SP's Chair. "SP continues to grow by providing economic and environmental value to all levels of the automobile supply chain," said Leslie.

Continue reading "Ford Motor Company Joins Suppliers Partnership for the Environment"

November 27, 2007

Ford Motor Company and SIRIUS Extend Relationship

NEW YORK -- SIRIUS Satellite Radio today announced that Ford and Mercury brands are targeting approximately 70% factory penetration of SIRIUS radios beginning with the 2009 Model Year vehicles, which will be available next year at dealers.

"We are delighted that Ford has decided to both significantly increase the SIRIUS factory penetration and in addition extend its relationship with SIRIUS, enabling future Ford buyers to experience the Best Radio on Radio," said Mel Karmazin, CEO of SIRIUS.

Continue reading "Ford Motor Company and SIRIUS Extend Relationship"

November 21, 2007

Detroit Blood Donors Can Win a Mercury Mariner Lease

DETROIT -- This holiday season, give the gift of life by donating blood to the American Red Cross. You can save up to three lives each time you give blood, and through February 4, 2008, you'll have a chance to win a 2008 Mercury Mariner Premier from Metropolitan Lincoln Mercury and the American Red Cross Southeastern Michigan Blood Services Region.

The American Red Cross usually struggles to maintain a strong supply of all blood types between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Fewer people take the time to donate blood, and there is an increase in the demand for blood to treat trauma patients. The need also is great for patients undergoing surgeries, treatment for cancer and blood disorders.

Continue reading "Detroit Blood Donors Can Win a Mercury Mariner Lease"

November 14, 2007

UAW-Ford National Labor Agreement Ratified by Members

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Company today confirmed that its new four-year national labor agreement, tentatively reached on Nov. 3, has been ratified by UAW-represented employees. The now-final agreement covers approximately 54,000 employees in the United States.

Continue reading "UAW-Ford National Labor Agreement Ratified by Members"

Ford Forms 'Transformation Advisory Council'

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- In a speech this evening at the University of Michigan, Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company, announced the company is forming a "Transformation Advisory Council" of senior Ford executives and outside sustainability thought-leaders to work together on exploring solutions to society's sustainability challenges.

"This is the start of a world-class group of innovative thinkers who will help propel us along the road to sustainability," Bill Ford said as he announced the council. "Ford has a long heritage of environmental innovation, and a renewed commitment to finding solutions that work for everyone. We also recognize that it will take a collective effort to resolve these issues, and we plan to be a proactive participant in that dialogue."

Continue reading "Ford Forms 'Transformation Advisory Council'"

Ford Rolls Out Plan to Improve Fuel Economy, Reduce Emissions

LOS ANGELES -- Ford Motor Company is rolling out a range of global environmental technologies that will provide customers more fuel-efficient vehicles that emit fewer greenhouse gases without compromising their expectations for safety, interior room or performance, Alan Mulally, the company's president and chief executive officer, announced today.

Continue reading "Ford Rolls Out Plan to Improve Fuel Economy, Reduce Emissions"

November 13, 2007

Popular Science names Ford SYNC top technical innovation of the year

DEARBORN – Ford SYNC has been recognized by the editors of Popular Science magazine as one of the best new technologies of the year and chosen to receive a 2007 “Best of What’s New” award in the automotive category.

Ford SYNC, developed on the Microsoft Auto software platform, provides consumers the convenience and flexibility to bring digital media players – Apple iPods, Microsoft Zunes and other MP3 players – and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheel’s redundant radio controls.

Continue reading "Popular Science names Ford SYNC top technical innovation of the year"

November 11, 2007

2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA edition

MIAMI, Nov. 9 – Mercury continues pushing fashion-forward design, with a new runway-inspired production series called VOGA.

Literally translated as “fashionable and trend-setting,” VOGA hits primetime today at the South Florid International Auto Show, debuting on a 2008 Mercury Mariner. Over time, the VOGA series will be offered on a series of Mercury products.

Continue reading "2008 Mercury Mariner VOGA edition"

November 8, 2007

Check out the latest car videos

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

Check out the latest car videos with our nifty new YouTube player.

November 3, 2007

Video: Ford SYNC commercial - voice

Ford SYNC Debuts -- as an industry-exclusive, hands-free way to use cell phones and portable music players using voice commands. Sync will be standard on Lincoln products and widely available on Ford and Mercury vehicles. Option price: $395.

For more information, visit www.SYNCmyRide.com

Posted by Frank at 3:05 PM | Email to a friend |

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