Voting Now Open to Determine Final Design of First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women

DEARBORN, Mich., May 24, 2012 – Voting is now open to help select the final concept for the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. To vote now through June 3, the public is invited to visit: http://www.hotrod.com/all-female-mustang-build-ford-sweepstakes/ to view three different design concepts and vote on the one they would like to see used for the build. Voters will be entered into drawings to win several prizes.

Announced earlier this week, the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women is a collaboration between Ford Motor Company and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Led by the SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN), a 2013 Mustang GT donated by Ford will be completely modified using the winning design from start to finish by women.

Beginning with three concepts developed by women designers and concluding with women volunteers performing the hands-on modifications, the project is meant to shine light on women working in the automotive aftermarket and to encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry.

The three concepts are:

High Gear: Designed by SBN Member, Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Company, High Gear –a luxury Mustang concept – is inspired by international products in categories such as jewelry, couture clothing and architecture. Designed to stimulate the senses by fusing luxury and power, the results are fresh and exciting, propelling Mustang into a whole new arena

Chromatic: Designed by SBN Member, Jennifer Seely of Ford Motor Company, the ultimate pop culture edition Mustang takes a futuristic design approach drawing inspiration from such pop culture elements as street art and products for an exciting color palette that is free of all boundaries and disciplines. The anthracite-colored chrome body as a base exemplifies the neon colors bringing this Mustang to life. Design details include anthracite-colored chrome exterior, bright cyan wheels and white leather racing interior coupled with an aggressive track suspension and V8 roar

Fast Metal: Designed by SBN Member, Theresa Contreras from L&G Enterprises. Theresa takes the American muscle car to a whole other level using tone-on-tone dark metallic finishes and red accents for a dramatic design that underscores Mustang’s DNA, raw speed and power
Source Interlink Media (SIM), a partner in the project, posted the three concepts on several of its websites so the public can vote for the design that will ultimately be selected. The concept with the most votes will be used for the build, which will take place at SIM headquarters in El Segundo, Calif.

“Women play a significant role when it comes to customizing a vehicle,” said Bryan Harrison, senior manager of councils for SEMA and project manager on the build. “From purchasing the vehicle and determining what modifications to make, to executing the actual modifications and driving the customized vehicle, women are key players in the entire process. The SEMA Mustang Build demonstrates just how integral women are to customizing today’s cars and trucks.”

The completed vehicle will debut at the 2012 SEMA show in Las Vegas. The modified Mustang will then be auctioned off on eBay, with money raised to benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund is dedicated to fostering the next generation of automotive aftermarket leaders and innovators by awarding cash scholarships to winning applicants.

To learn more about the SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women, visit www.automobilemag.com, www.HotRod.com, www.mustangmonthly.com or www.MuscleMustangFastFords.com; or contact Bryan Harrison at bryanh@sema.org or 909.978.6691

A Taurus SHO on the big screen

Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith take on a third partner in the soon-to-be-released Men in Black 3. A new Ford Taurus SHO – in black, of course – features prominently in the storyline. Click here for a sneak peak, then look for it in theaters nationwide May 25.

Statement on Ford Investment Grade Rating by Moody’s Investors Service

DEARBORN, Mich., May 22, 2012 –The following statement can be attributed to Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company:

“The Ford Blue Oval is back where it belongs with the Ford family of 166,000 employees around the world. This is a great day for us and is the result of several years of hard work and progress by everyone associated with Ford.

“When we pledged the Ford Blue Oval as part of the loan package, we were not just pledging an asset. We pledged our heritage. The Ford Blue Oval is one of the most recognized symbols in the world, and it is a source of great pride and passion, both inside and outside our company. Getting the Ford Blue Oval back feels amazing, and it is one of the best days that I can remember.”

The following statement can be attributed to Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company:

“We are so proud of today’s decision by Moody’s and the resulting release of all collateral – particularly the Ford Blue Oval. This is an important milestone and further proof that, by staying laser-focused on our One Ford plan, the Ford team can deliver great products, build a strong business and contribute to a better world even through the most challenging external environment.

“Moving forward, we will continue to focus on driving profitable growth for all of our stakeholders. We are confident that, by staying focused on our plan and working together, we will maintain strong investment grade ratings through all economic cycles.”

Background
December 2006: Raised $23.5 billion in liquidity, consisting of $18.5 billion of senior secured debt and credit facilities, secured by substantially all of our domestic assets, including the Ford Blue Oval, F-150 and Mustang trademarks, and $5 billion of unsecured convertible debt.

November 2007: Together with the UAW, Ford negotiated a transformational labor agreement, with a lower wage structure for new employees and flexible work rules

March 2009: Reached ground breaking UAW agreement that helped the company achieve parity with transplant automakers, resulting in incremental annual savings and efficiencies

October 2009: Reported first quarterly pre-tax operating profit since Q1 2008

Year-end 2009: Achieved a full-year operating profit and net income of $2.7 billion – an improvement of $17.5 billion from the losses of 2008

Year-end 2011: Reported third year in a row of improved annual operating profits and reduced debt by more than $20 billion compared with year-end 2009

September 2011: Completely paid back the loan

March 2012: First dividend payment in almost six years

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

Stealthy SHO takes to the track at Grattan RacewayThe gap between racetrack and family has finally been filled. The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO with Performa

The gap between racetrack and family has finally been filled. The 2013 Ford Taurus SHO with Performance Package is the ride of choice for anyone looking to burn rubber after work in the same car she uses to drive to parent-teacher conferences. Click here for a special video on the sleeper SHO in action at Grattan Raceway in Belding, Mich., and hear what engineers have to say about this fast and functional Taurus.

4 Million and Rising: Ford Mustang Continues to Gain Fans on Facebook

• Ford Mustang’s Facebook page has reached a milestone – more than 4 million fans on Facebook, which is the most fans of any vehicle nameplate on the world’s largest social network


• Ford has used a blend of highly engaging content such as integrating the Mustang Customizer application into Facebook, in addition to utilizing live chats with various subject matter experts


• A robust mix of awareness advertising through first-in-industry Facebook paid media advertising video units, coupled with strong content and affinity for an iconic brand all contribute to reaching approximately 1.6 million people per week.
  


• 
  
  
  
  
  DEARBORN, Mich., May 21, 2012 – Ford Mustang has reached another iconic milestone, but this time it’s a virtual one – surpassing 4 million fans on Facebook, making it the most popular nameplate vehicle on the world’s largest social network.
  
  Growing at a rate of approximately 14,000 fans a day, Ford head of social media Scott Monty attributes Mustang’s meteoric rise to the legacy of a brand with almost 50 years of content. “We are very fortunate to have such a passionate fan base,” said Monty. “Every fan, owner and enthusiast – regardless of age – feels a connection with Mustang, and that affinity is reciprocated through the online content we share with them.”
  
  A balanced approach of paid, owned and earned media
  While passionate fans make up the majority of the Facebook page’s success, Ford also uses paid digital media to continue to grow the Mustang tribe. For example, leveraging the times Facebook users log out, Ford – in partnership with Facebook – created a unique digital video ad unit that played the popular 2013 Mustang commercial that debuted during the Daytona 500. The video was viewed more than 1 million times during the lifetime of the ad on Facebook. This resulted in more than 80,000 “likes,” which significantly increased ad recall and attitudinal measures.
  
  Additional engagement tactics include integration of the Mustang Customizer into Facebook, as well as a 2013 Mustang reveal application that used fan “likes” to release images prior to the car’s debut at the Los Angeles auto show last year. The greater the affinity fans showed the Mustang page, the more images were provided.
  
  Ford also uses the power of hosted Facebook chats to connect its Mustang fans with a range of subject matter experts. SVT Chief Engineer Jamal Hameedi and Chief Marketing Officer and Mustang enthusiast Jim Farley have hosted chats. Industry icons such as the late Carroll Shelby was Ford’s special guest last November, interacting with hundreds of fans on the Mustang Facebook page.
  
  Ford Digital Marketing Manager Thomais Zaremba sums it up best: “Facebook is a social network that exceeds 750 million users. We know there are more Mustang fans out there, and we look forward to inviting them to our Facebook community.
  
  “We’ll see everyone at 5 million,” she adds.
  

Ford Begins Taking Orders for C-MAX Hybrid – America’s Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle

• Ford dealers are now taking orders for the Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which will be more affordable than Toyota Prius v while achieving better fuel economy.


• 
  Class-exclusive technologies include hands-free liftgate, active park assist for easier parallel parking and next-generation SmartGauge® with EcoGuide to help customers increase their fuel economy.


• 
  C-MAX will launch this fall as part of Ford’s power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup while tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013.
  
  DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2012 – Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America’s most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid – with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus.
  
  The C-MAX is a compact hybrid utility vehicle and the company’s first dedicated line of hybrids. The 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will be available this fall with a base price of $25,995 – approximately $500 lower than the Toyota Prius v’s base price.
  
  The C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will follow later this year with better electric-mode fuel economy and overall driving range than the Prius plug-in hybrid.
  
  “C-MAX Hybrid offers better fuel economy, performance, technology and functionality than Prius v – and C-MAX Hybrid customers will pay less at the dealership and at the pump,” said Ken Czubay, vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford is delivering the power of choice for leading fuel economy across its lineup – from EcoBoost to electrified vehicles – because customers increasingly want to save money at the pump, even as gas prices rise over time.”
  
  The C-MAX Hybrid blends fuel economy with performance, with projected best-in-class horsepower and torque along with Ford’s third-generation powersplit technology that allows for higher speed while in electric mode than Toyota Prius v.
  
  C-MAX Hybrid benefits from 20 years of research and innovation behind the software and hardware technology driving it, with many of Ford’s almost 500 hybrid vehicle-related patents contained within.
  
  That means that along with SYNC® with MyFord Touch®, drivers get class-exclusive features like hands-free liftgate (offering hands-free cargo access with a simple kicking motion), SmartGauge® with EcoGuide, regenerative braking and an advanced lithium-ion (li-ion) battery pack that is being used for the first time in a Ford hybrid.
  
  C-MAX Hybrid – being built on Ford’s global C-segment platform – also benefits from a proven design and nameplate with more than 156,000 units of the gasoline version sold in Europe since its 2010 launch.
  
  Room to move
  C-MAX Hybrid is a compact hybrid utility vehicle jam-packed with features and room for five people and cargo.
  
  The vehicle has a high roofline (63.9 inches) offering ample interior space and flexibility. C-MAX Hybrid offers 99.7 cubic feet of passenger space compared with 97 cubic feet in Prius v. The spacious C-MAX Hybrid also provides greater headroom in both front and rear seats than Prius v (41/39.4 inches vs. 39.6/38.6 inches).
  
  For cargo, C-MAX Hybrid has 60/40 split-fold rear seats that easily fold flat with 54.3 cubic feet of space behind the first row and 24.5 cubic feet behind the second row.
  
  Tech-savvy
  C-MAX Hybrid features the company’s innovative hands-free liftgate, allowing for quick and easy access to the cargo area without messing with keys. A gentle kicking motion under the rear bumper opens the liftgate when used in combination with a key fob the user keeps in his or her pocket or purse that tells the car it’s OK to engage. The same motion can close the liftgate.
  
  The vehicle also features the newest version of MyFord Touch to help inform, enlighten, engage and empower drivers. MyFord Touch offers multiple ways for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions through voice commands, menus accessed through controls on the steering wheel, touch screens, buttons or knobs.
  
  C-MAX Hybrid also offers the next generation of SmartGauge with EcoGuide. Designed to help drivers get the most from the C-MAX Hybrid, information such as instantaneous fuel economy can be displayed on the left cluster to help drivers more closely monitor how their driving behavior affects the vehicle’s efficiency.
  
  The left cluster also shows Brake Coach, a feature that helps drivers optimize their use of the braking system so that driving range can be enhanced through proper braking techniques. In the right cluster, redesigned imagery of green leaves shows overall driving efficiency – as drivers improve their efficient driving, they are rewarded with more leaves.
  
  
  Quality and ingenuity
  The 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid is new, but its software and hardware technology have been evolving for nearly two decades.
  
  C-MAX Hybrid is powered through the combination of a gasoline engine and a battery-driven electric motor. When powered by gasoline, the C-MAX Hybrid uses the all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine – a powerful and fuel-efficient engine and among the most advanced non-turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains Ford has ever offered.
  
  The electric motor of the C-MAX Hybrid is powered by an advanced li-ion battery system designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware that has proven field performance in Ford’s critically acclaimed hybrid vehicles.
  
  C-MAX Hybrid also offers Ford’s next-generation powersplit architecture that allows the electric motor and gasoline-powered engine to work together or separately to maximize efficiency. The engine also can operate independently of vehicle speed, charging the batteries or providing power to the wheels as needed. The motor alone can provide sufficient power to the wheels in low-speed, low-load conditions and work with the engine at higher speeds.
  
  In the C-MAX Hybrid, the li-ion battery pack is recharged when the gasoline engine is in operation. Further, the regenerative braking system can recapture more than 95 percent of the braking energy that would otherwise be lost, and is able to use that power to help charge the battery. C-MAX Hybrid requires no plug-in charging.
  
  Made in U.S.A.
  C-MAX Hybrid is being produced at Ford’s Wayne, Mich.-based Michigan Assembly Plant alongside Focus, Focus Electric and Focus ST. More information about MAP can be found online here.
  
  It is one of five electrified vehicles Ford plans to produce in North America in 2012. In addition to C-MAX Energi, the other vehicles include Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. More information about Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup can also be found online here.
  
  Customers interested in C-MAX Hybrid should visit here. A video featuring C-MAX can be viewed online by clicking here

Carroll Shelby, Automotive Legend Dies

The following statement is attributable to Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company and great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company.

“Today, we have lost a legend in Ford Motor Company’s history, and my family and I have lost a dear friend. Carroll Shelby is one of the most recognized names in performance car history, and he’s been successful at everything he’s done. Whether helping Ford dominate the 1960s racing scene or building some of the most famous Mustangs, his enthusiasm and passion for great automobiles over six decades has truly inspired everyone who worked with him. He was a great innovator whose legend at Ford never will be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

New Ford Escape Offers More Space, Clever Cargo Solutions

•The 2013 Ford Escape offers more cargo space than its predecessor and spots for various items to help avoid clutter


The rear seats fold back with the push of a button and a lever release providing additional cargo space for bicycles, ski bags or luggage; the available hands-free power liftgate makes loading and unloading easier, and brings new technology to the SUV market
Clever spaces like umbrella holders on the seats, a second-row hidden floor bin and ticket holders in the sun visors help organize and de-clutter contents
Click graphic to download PDF.DEARBORN, Mich., May 9, 2012 – Featuring a new look, the all-new Ford Escape is roomier and has more cargo capacity than the current model. And this stylish small utility vehicle provides clever spots to help drivers and passengers stay organized.

With second-row seats that fold flat with the touch of a button, stowing different types of cargo is made easier with the space and smart features available in the 2013 Ford Escape, including an umbrella holder, second-row floor bin and ticket holder in each sun visor.
“The new Escape has more cargo space than the previous model as well as a number of storage bins and other unique storage features,” said Eric Jackson, vehicle architecture supervisor. “Whether you have an umbrella, parking stub, cell phone, sunglasses or large water bottle, the new Escape has a specific place for it where it won’t get lost or roll under the seat. The hidden storage under the second-row floor is great for keeping items secure and out of view.”
In addition to handling small items, the new Escape handles large ones too. With a roomy second row and standard cargo tie-downs, this Escape is ready to handle loads large or small.
Hands-free loading
The available hands-free power liftgate brings new technology to the SUV market and makes it easier to stow gear. The Escape is the only SUV to have this convenient and unique feature.
A gentle kicking motion under the center of the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob in his or her possession. This allows quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to set down packages or dig around for the keys. The same motion closes the hatch. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motion – not when an animal runs underneath or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.

The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.
Clever spaces
The Escape features several places to store specific items in the interior including umbrellas, bottles and cell phones.
Unique storage spots include:
•Overhead visors with ticket holders for parking or toll tickets

•Hidden storage bin under the second-row floor

•Small umbrella holders on both the driver and passenger seat trim panels

•A card holder below and a stowage bin above the center of the instrument panel

•Center console space to hold a 1-liter bottle, MP3 player or CDs

•Eight cupholders – four in the front and rear doors, two in the front center console and two in the optional folding second-row armrest

•Rear cargo management system

•Convenient USB ports in the center console and 110-volt inverter located at the back of the floor console for easy plug-in of laptops, cell phone chargers or other electronics

Seats fold with ease

The new Escape’s rear seats have been designed to fold flat easily in just a few seconds. With the touch of a button, the head restraint folds down and with the lift of a handle on the seat, the seatback folds and dives as the seat folds flat and clicks into position.
Escape also features an available two-position load floor, which can be configured to allow the customer to choose either maximum luggage volume or flat load floor.
Organization means less stress

Organization expert Janet Kester says organization is all about “applying simple concepts each day on a regular basis.” And she should know. Kester is a licensed psychotherapist and professional organizer helping people who suffer from chronic disorganization.
The new Escape helps ease the stress created by clutter by offering spaces for specific items such as an umbrella and toll tickets or coloring books for the kids, she says.
“If it doesn’t have a home, it’s homeless,” Kester says.
“Each item in your car should have a permanent home, at least while you’re inside the car,” she adds. “This way, when you have to retrieve the item, you’ll know exactly where it is.
“You’ll also know exactly where to put the item when you’re done using it. Homeless items cause clutter. The fewer homeless things you have, the less clutter you will have, as well as less stress and frustration.”
The new Escape can’t reduce the clutter in a vehicle, but it can enable those who are willing to take steps toward being more organized.

At 662 HP, 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 Certified As World’s Most Powerful V8! Segment-Leading Fuel Efficiency

•The 5.8-liter supercharged V8 in the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is SAE certified at 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque

•The world’s most powerful production V8 is backed up by chassis, aerodynamic and braking performance that makes the GT500 an outstanding all-around sports car

•Even with 112 horsepower more than the 2012 GT500, fuel economy is increased by 1 mpg both city and highway, 5 mpg better than Chevrolet Camaro ZL1


DEARBORN, Mich., April 26, 2012, – The all-new supercharged 5.8-liter powerplant in the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 has been officially SAE-certified as the most powerful series production V8 in the world with peak output of 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s more power and torque than low volume sports cars costing tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars more than the GT500, which is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment. In fact the 2013 GT500 is the most fuel-efficient car with over 550 horsepower in any segment available in America.


Unlike high-strung engines found in much more expensive exotic supercars, the GT500 engine generates its massive thrust throughout its operating range with 395 lb.-ft. of torque available just off idle at 1,000 rpm. More than 90 percent of the peak torque is available from 2,200 to 5,800 rpm so that no matter when you squeeze the go pedal, the GT500 will just get up and run.

The combination of the new TVS 2.3-liter supercharger, twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder ensures this stallion can breathe all the way to 7,000 rpm with the peak power production coming at 6,500 rpm and holding fairly steady right to the rev limit.

“Our goal is to create outstanding all-around performance cars, not just stoplight-to-stoplight sprinters,” said Jamal Hameedi, SVT chief engineer. “We’ve backed up this amazing powerplant with a more refined chassis tuning that helps keep the rubber on the pavement without punishing the driver’s spine and six-pot Brembo brakes that dissipate speed with ease stop after stop.”

The broad, flat torque curve of the GT500 engine makes it tractable and easy to drive whether trolling along in traffic or powering out of a turn on a twisting country road. With more than enough grunt to push the coupe to 200 mph and beyond, the chassis has been tuned to absorb the road imperfections that can cause instability at high speeds. The revised front fascia and splitter help manage the flow of air around and under the GT500 so that it offers 33 percent more effective aero loading at 160 mph compared to the 2011 model and feels more firmly planted.

“The engineers at Ford SVT focused on the fundamentals first with solid mechanical grip and strong brakes,” added Hameedi. “On top of that platform they added advanced driver-adjustable electronic assist features including launch control, Bilstein adjustable damping, AdvanceTrac stability control and electric power-assisted steering.”

Even with the most powerful production V8 in the world, the 2013 Shelby GT500 improves on the fuel efficiency of the 2012 model with an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined with no gas guzzler tax. That’s 5 mpg better on the highway than the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 even with an extra 82 horsepower and 75 lb.-ft. being generated under the hood. With the 2013 GT500 world-class performance no longer has to mean a world-class thirst for fuel.

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 will be built at AutoAlliance International Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.