Ford and Zynga Bring Mobile Social Games to Life on ‘Escape Routes’ Debuting Saturday Night on NBC and mun2

• Ford and social game service provider Zynga have teamed up to make mobile social gaming life-size on the new “Escape Routes” reality TV show debuting Saturday, March 31, on NBC and mun2



• Ford became the first automaker to reveal a vehicle via social gaming when Escape was revealed last November in the world’s largest “Words With Friends” game; Ford is preparing for another first by launching Escape using a prime-time reality TV show



• “Escape Routes” features six teams competing in a unique road-trip competition beginning in Los Angeles before heading to New York, Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco and Las Vegas

DEARBORN, Mich., March 30, 2012 – Ford and the world’s leading provider of social game services Zynga will make social gaming life-size on the debut episode of “Escape Routes” airing from 8 to 9 p.m. EDT Saturday night, March 31, on NBC and at 11 p.m. on Telemundo’s mun2.

The show, ‘Hanging With Friends’
“Escape Routes” pits six, two-person teams against each other in a unique road-trip competition featuring the all-new Ford Escape utility vehicle. The show begins this week in Los Angeles before heading to New York, Atlanta, Miami, San Francisco and Las Vegas.

The debut episode features competitors facing off in a real-life “Hanging With Friends” game, a twist on the classic “Hangman” word game that introduces new elements of creativity, strategy and entertainment for all ages. Part of the “With Friends” franchise of games including “Words With Friends,” “Scramble With Friends” and “Chess With Friends,” “Hanging With Friends” challenges players to take turns creating and guessing words to stump, amuse and impress friends.

“The partnership with Zynga and the integration of social games into ‘Escape Routes’ provides us with the opportunity to expand our reach and engage a broader audience in the program,” said Crystal Worthem, manager, Brand Content and Alliances. “The debut episode features the first in a series of social games that will be integrated into ‘Escape Routes.’”

In this challenge, teams attempt to eliminate each other by guessing letters of a hidden word. The five-letter words are suggested by each team’s online community, which will interact with the teams throughout the television series via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and http://www.escaperoutes.com/.

One teammate will hang below balloons that are covering a five-letter word suspended from a building rooftop, high above the streets in L.A. The rest of the contestants will guess letters of another team’s word. For every letter a team correctly identifies, one of the opposing team’s balloons will pop. When the fifth and final letter of the word is revealed, the hanging teammate drops out of sight to the street below.

New challenges with other Zynga social games will appear in future episodes.

Ford kicked off “Escape Routes” in Los Angeles last November with actress Jenny McCarthy competing against the entire country in the world’s largest “Words With Friends” game. Ford teamed with Zynga, the world’s largest social game developer, to reveal the Escape through social gaming – a first for any automaker.

“When we created ‘Hanging With Friends,’ we wanted to reinvent a game that everyone knows and loves and our partnership with Ford brings the ‘Hanging With Friends’ experience to life through ‘Escape Routes,’” said Travis Boatman, senior vice president of mobile at Zynga. “Zynga is dedicated to creating and delivering the best mobile social gaming experiences for our players as they connect and play with their friends while on the go, and we couldn’t be happier to see our game be a part of this real-world experience.”

Tune in
“Escape Routes” airs for six consecutive episodes beginning Saturday, March 31, and is hosted by reality TV show personality Rossi Morreale, who has hosted a variety of network and cable TV programs. The show airs from 8 to 9 p.m. on NBC on Saturdays, and will also air on mun2, the leading bicultural cable network for young Latino Americans on Saturdays at 11 p.m. Each episode will also be available on nbc.com and mun2.tv the day after the broadcast.

New Ford Explorer Sport: Fuel-Efficient, High-Performance SUV Features Inspired Design Cues, EcoBoost V6 Engine

• Ford Explorer Sport is a new addition for the 2013 model year, featuring EcoBoost® 3.5-liter V6 engine for greater performance feel and projected top fuel economy among gasoline-powered, high-performance sport utility vehicles




• Explorer Sport gives customers an interior inspired by designer accessory fashions, sporty exterior design cues and specially tuned suspension components
  

DEARBORN, Mich., March 28, 2012 – The first-ever performance version of the Ford Explorer arrives this year with the highest projected fuel economy among gasoline-engine-powered, high- performance SUVs.

With a twin-turbocharged EcoBoost® V6 engine making at least 350 horsepower and four-wheel drive with a Terrain Management System™, Explorer Sport delivers enhanced on-road dynamics with sporty design cues inside and out.

“Adding an EcoBoost drivetrain to Explorer Sport delivers even more fuel efficiency and performance to the lineup,” said Bill Gubing, Explorer chief engineer. “This is our highest- performance, most capable Ford Explorer ever.”

Power, capability, fuel efficiency
Completely new for 2011, the Ford Explorer has been winning over customers with its improved on-road handling, impressive comfort and convenience technologies, and fuel economy never before delivered by an SUV.

For the 2013 model year, Explorer Sport brings high-performance SUV power and projected fuel economy of up to 16 mpg in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway – anticipating 3 mpg better in the city and 2 mpg on the highway than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango R/T 5.7-liter Hemi engines. It scores 3 mpg higher in the city and 4 mpg higher on the highway than the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

“Explorer Sport makes no compromises,” said Carl Widmann, vehicle engineering manager. “By carefully beefing the chassis and suspension, precisely calibrating the Terrain Management System and adding comfort and convenience features, we’ve delivered an SUV that delivers great dynamics and performance – while towing up to 5,000 pounds.”

The Explorer Sport features a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission with a unique 3.16 to 1 final drive ratio to provide the balance of responsive acceleration and economical low-rpm cruising for better fuel efficiency.

The chassis also has been specially reinforced, making Explorer Sport stiffer and improving its handling.

Explorer Sport also brings a solid-mounted electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) rack with a faster ratio, providing more responsiveness to drivers both on-road and off.

Ford’s newest SUV comes standard with larger brakes for shorter stopping distances and better performance while towing.

Explorer Sport also has received special terrain management settings for tackling sandy, snowy, rutted mud and hill descent.

“Upgrading to Sport specification enabled us to maintain the standards of traditional Explorer capability plus delivering the highest highway fuel efficiency among gasoline-engine-powered, high-performance, three-row SUVs,” Widmann said.

Subtle, sporty design elements
Sport builds on Explorer’s muscular, sculpted form with subtle cues to differentiate it from other models in the lineup. Available in four exterior colors – Ruby Red Metallic Clearcoat, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Tuxedo Black Metallic and Ingot Silver Metallic – Explorer Sport has unique 20-inch painted and machined wheels, features blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments, black roof rack rails, sideview mirror skull caps and a liftgate appliqué.

The Explorer Sport’s special grille is a low-gloss Sterling Gray mesh, with contrasting ebony high-gloss bars. The black front lower fascia features a functional opening for additional cooling. Explorer logotype in billet-like black adds a bold identity statement. Subtle Sport and EcoBoost badges at the rear finish the liftgate.

Inside, the high-end feel continues. Charcoal Black leather-trimmed seating is available with and without contrasting Sienna inserts.

The interior design contrast was inspired by fashion, mirroring two-tones that are currently seen in leather accessories and apparel from design houses Balenciaga and Prada. Stitching is emphasized to lend a handcrafted appearance while highlighting Explorer Sport’s sculptured seats.

Explorer Sport also has unique steering wheel stitching, a technical look to instrument and door panel appliqués, unique Sport-logo floor mats and illuminated scuff plates.

Comfort, convenience, connectivity
As the top of the Explorer line, Sport offers a robust array of standard and optional customer-focused technologies that make driving more comfortable, convenient and connected. These include:

4WD with Terrain Management System
Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
10-way power driver’s seat with power recline and lumbar
Six-way power passenger seat with recline and lumbar
First-row heated seats
Compass and exterior temperature display
Rear view camera
SYNC® with MyFord Touch® driver connect technology
Sony® Premium Audio System with HD Radio™ and 12 speakers
Explorer Sport can be tailored to individual preferences with the following options as well:

Active park assist
Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert
Inflatable rear seat belts
110-volt outlet
PowerFold mirrors
Intelligent access with Push-Button Start
Remote Start
Adjustable pedals with memory
Dual-panel moonroof
Power liftgate
Class III trailer-towing package
Explorer Sport is manufactured at Ford’s Chicago production facility. It will arrive in dealerships later this year.

Ford Brings New Solutions to Help Fleet Customers Manage Costs; New Transit to Get 25+ Percent Better Fuel Economy

Ford’s industry-leading lineup of fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies for fleet customers will further expand next year when the all-new Ford Transit commercial van comes to market with a new clean diesel and EcoBoost® V6 engine. The new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy than current E-Series vans.

“With fleet operators facing skyrocketing fuel prices and constant pressure to reduce costs, Ford continues to expand its range,” said Kevin Koswick, director, North American Fleet, Lease and Remarketing Operations for Ford. “By offering multiple options to help solve these challenges, Ford is giving fleet customers true power of choice in finding solutions that best meet their specific needs.”

Speaking to the Automotive Press Association in Detroit today, Koswick said Ford is committed to continuing to provide customers a range of options to reduce their operating costs through a lineup of industry-leading fuel-efficient engines and alternative-fuel technologies, including EcoBoost, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric, biodiesel and CNG/LPG.

Diesel engine for new Ford Transit
To meet diverse needs in the full-size van segment, Ford has confirmed it will offer an all-new North American diesel engine option for the new Ford Transit cargo and passenger vans when production starts in Kansas City in 2013. This will be in addition to the fuel-efficient, powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 gasoline engine that is already winning raves from Ford F-150 customers.

The return of a diesel engine option to Ford’s full-size van lineup answers customers’ calls for more choice when seeking a van with superior fuel economy and balanced capability.

In addition, EcoBoost technology is fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement gasoline powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance.

Overall, the new Transit will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due to its advanced gas and diesel powertrains and smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds. That means commercial and retail customers could save potentially thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings alone.

In addition to the new Transit, certain E-Series bodystyles will continue to be available through most of the decade in North America, even after the U.S.-built Transit goes on sale.

Fleet emissions calculator
Beyond providing fleet customers with a range of fuel-efficient engine choices for vans and other vehicles, Ford also has developed a specialized new tool to help optimize fleet purchases based on specific fuel types and operating locations.

Called the Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator, the new tool is designed to help fleet customers understand their current carbon footprint and to model various scenarios based on the types of vehicles they choose for their fleets. The tool incorporates important information to evaluate fuel costs and emissions, providing a unique opportunity for fleet managers to quickly evaluate multiple options.

The Vehicle Emissions and Fuel Cost Calculator utilizes such information as vehicle type, fuel type and traffic conditions (stop-and-go city traffic or on the highway, for instance), along with the geographic region in which the car will be used to generate information about the efficiency of a fleet.

The proprietary program, which must be used in conjunction with the support of a Ford representative, will create customized scenarios for customers by using special formulas and variables to determine the environmental impact and fuel costs of specific vehicles.

“This tool will help our customers make the most informed purchase decision possible – one that will meet their business needs, help promote energy security and help protect the environment,” said Sandy Winkler, senior researcher with Ford Research and Innovation and developer of the tool.

For example, the tool can demonstrate how operating an electric vehicle in Portland, Ore., has different environmental ramifications from operating one in Philadelphia. This is due to hydropower being a common source of electricity in the Pacific Northwest, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, compared with the mostly coal-based electricity used in the East Central region.

Built – and building – Ford Tough
Ford has gained major market share in key commercial vehicle segments as the economy rebounds from the industry lows of 2009. In vans, where Ford E-Series has been the best-seller for 32 years, market share grew from 49.8 percent in 2008 to 53.7 percent in 2011, even as new competitors entered the market.

Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 35 years and the best-selling vehicle for 30 years.

The Ford F-150 – the most fuel-efficient light-duty pickup truck – is able to tow up to 11,300 pounds with either a traditional 6.2-liter V8 or a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that is rated at up to 22 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the 3.7-liter V6 and 5.0-liter V8 engines are flex fuel-capable.

The entire Ford F-Series Super Duty pickup truck and chassis cab lineup is available with gasoline, diesel, biodiesel B20 and CNG/LPG-dedicated or bi-fuel capability, while Ford F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks can be optioned for gasoline, biodiesel or CNG/LPG operation. In addition to biodiesel and CNG/LPG offerings, the 6.2-liter V8 can also be operated on E85.

E-Series full-size vans and cutaways are available with flex fuel or CNG/LPG gaseous engine prep package fuel systems.

All-New Ford Escape Provides More Towing Power Than Competition with Lean Yet Strong EcoBoost Engine

Packing 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, the optional 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine in the all-new 2013 Ford Escape enables the vehicle to tow 3,500 pounds – best in class among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine delivers the ultimate combination of fuel economy, performance and capability that SUV customers with active lifestyles need in today’s environment of record-high fuel prices.
The next closest competitor, the Volkswagen Tiguan, has a tow rating of just 2,200 pounds, while turbocharged versions of Kia Sportage and Acura RDX have tow ratings of 2,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds respectively.
Escape’s greater towing capability is roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile and the trailer they ride on. The ability to carry greater loads will save Escape drivers both time and fuel by reducing the number of trips needed. Travel is also made safer with trailer sway control, a class-exclusive feature among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines.
The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine replaces the 3.0-liter V6 engine in the current Escape with no loss of performance and with fuel economy to be higher than the V6’s 19 mpg city, 25 mpg highway EPA rating.
“Smaller-displacement engines have a fundamental efficiency advantage,” said Roger Maynard, Powertrain supervisor for the 2013 Ford Escape. “These inherent efficiencies are improved with the EcoBoost technology of direct fuel injection and turbocharging.”
The all-new Escape will be available with a choice of three four-cylinder engines. In addition to the 2.0-liter EcoBoost, Escape will be offered with a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder rated at 177 horsepower and a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder cranking out 171 horsepower. All three engines are mated to a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Escape also features EPAS – electric power-assisted steering – a fuel-saver as well.
The EcoBoost differenceEcoBoost has been a popular choice among customers since the EcoBoost V6 engine was introduced in 2009 in the Ford Taurus SHO and Lincoln MKS. Last year, Ford sold more than 127,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles.
Using some of the same technologies found in diesel engines, EcoBoost can improve fuel economy by as much as 20 percent over larger, conventional engines. This year, Ford is expanding its EcoBoost engine technology to not only Escape but Fusion as well.
These engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By next year, more than 90 percent of Ford’s North American lineup will be available with EcoBoost technology. Ford holds more than 125 patents on this engine technology.
The all-new Escape comes to dealerships later this spring. The current Escape is the best- selling sport utility vehicle in the United States.

More Luxurious Than Ever: 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty to Offer Platinum Series, SYNC with MyFord To

Ford F-Series Super Duty customers demand a truck with toughness and capability, yet they still appreciate the amenities that make their driving experience more enjoyable. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty offers both, with a first-ever Platinum series model and the addition of SYNC® with MyFord Touch®.

“The F-Series Super Duty Platinum is the latest expression of Built Ford Tough truck luxury,” said Brian Rathsburg, F-Series Super Duty Marketing manager. “It has a distinct appearance and a long list of features to deliver a superior experience. Along with that, it has all of the capability F-Series trucks are famous for.”

Building on the success of the F-150 Platinum light-duty series that debuted in 2009, the F-Series Super Duty Platinum offers customers the ultimate in truck luxury.

Ford pioneered the high-end luxury truck segment in 1999 when it introduced the special-edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150. In 2003 the first King Ranch Super Duty arrived, followed by the 2004 Harley-Davidson Super Duty. Today, Ford sells a rich mix of high-end Lariat and King Ranch Super Duty models; the new Platinum will further meet the growing luxury needs of customers and dealers.

Available only in the Super Duty crew cab, it can be ordered as an F-250, F-350 or F-450 pickup and with the Ford-designed and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® diesel engine or the 6.2-liter V8 gas engine.

The Platinum series makes a bold statement with a grille that features a satin chrome surround highlighted by perforated mesh inside. The updated grille is enhanced by a monochromatic bumper and chrome tow hooks.

The exterior of the Super Duty Platinum is lavished in chrome, including the door handles, mirror caps, running boards and exhaust tip. The boxside on both sides of the truck sports the “Platinum” name in chrome letters and the tailgate is trimmed with a satin chrome appliqué, similar to the one used on the F-150 Platinum. Twenty-inch polished-aluminum wheels with painted black inserts round out the stunning exterior design of the Super Duty Platinum.

The interior showcases luxury in the form of unique wood grain appliqués. The steering wheel is heated and leather-wrapped, with genuine wood accents. The instrument panel, center stack and door trims are wrapped in premium wood grain. A new storage area on top of the dash includes two USB ports, audio-video connections, SD card slot and a 12-volt charging port for cell phones and other digital devices.

The driver’s seat has 10-way power-adjustable seating and both captain’s chairs are upholstered with softer, premium leather, which is also used on the armrests and console. Other evidence of fine craftsmanship includes the seats and floor mats, which feature the embroidered “Platinum” logo.

Other standard features include:
SYNC with MyFord Touch
Navigation System
Power-adjustable pedals
Rear view camera
Remote Start System
Universal garage door opener
Power-telescoping mirrors
Super Duty Platinum is available in Ruby Red, Kodiak Brown, Tuxedo Black, Ingot Silver and White Platinum. Interior color offerings include Pecan and Midnight Black. Another new exterior color, Blue Jean Metallic, will be available for Super Duty models other than Platinum.

Working harder and smarter
Unlike the past when a truck was often little more than a spartan work vehicle, today’s truck customers won’t compromise, and they expect capability, efficiency and refinement. The 2013 F-Series Super Duty eliminates any thought of compromise.

Standard Ford SYNCbrings award-winning voice-controlled connectivity into the cab of the most capable heavy-duty trucks available. With SYNC, Super Duty drivers can connect compatible mobile phones and media players via Bluetooth® or USB to make calls and play back music using voice control. In addition, drivers will get access to Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist®, both no-charge lifetime features, and SYNC Services including traffic alerts, business search and more – all while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

The 2013 F-Series Super Duty builds on the foundation of SYNC with MyFord Touch, which is available for the first time. A new 8-inch, high-resolution touch screen display gives drivers easy access to phone, climate control, entertainment and navigation features along with a dramatically expanded voice control vocabulary.

The 8-inch display screen also provides a large, clear view behind the truck when in reverse to help drivers maneuver in tight spaces or line up conventional trailers with the truck’s hitch.

Unique to Ford F-Series, designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate truck users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack. For video of MyFord Touch in Super Duty, click here.

The latest example of F-Series leadership in truck design, innovation and technology can be found in the 2013 Super Duty Platinum, available later this year

Ford’s Fuel-Efficient, Powerful 3.5-Liter EcoBoost V6 Engine to Be Offered in Transit Commercial Van for North America

When Ford’s all-new Transit commercial van debuts in North America in 2013, it will come equipped with the company’s award-winning, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine to better meet the needs of commercial truck customers.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the new rear-wheel-drive Transit will complement the van’s expected class-leading driving dynamics and technology, making it the perfect replacement for Ford’s venerable E-Series wagon and van in North America.

“The new Ford Transit commercial van will deliver all the capability and capacity that customers get with today’s E-Series, but with the bonus of improved fuel economy and potentially lower operating costs thanks to its available EcoBoost engine,” said Tim Stoehr, Ford Commercial Truck Marketing manager. “This engine has revolutionized the half-ton pickup segment for F-150 and we’re expecting it will have the same effect on commercial vans.”

The new Transit will go beyond living up to the Ford E-Series’ exceptional work reputation. The vehicle will achieve at least 25 percent better fuel economy compared to similar E-Series vans, due in part to smart weight savings that will trim at least 300 pounds from Transit compared to a similar E-Series van. That means customers could potentially save thousands of dollars in operating costs from fuel savings.

EcoBoost engines are fundamental to the Ford strategy of providing technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver exceptional fuel economy and uncompromised performance for millions of drivers around the world. By 2013, Ford plans to produce up to 1.5 million EcoBoost engines globally in a wide variety of vehicles from small cars to trucks.

EcoBoost engines feature:
A high-pressure direct-injection fuel system fed by a common rail that delivers a precise amount of gasoline in the exact spot for fast and complete burn
Turbocharging to create a denser mix of air and fuel in each cylinder
Special pistons with optimized bowls in the center to improve combustion efficiency. These pistons are also oil-cooled, which reduces in-cylinder temperatures
Reduced CO2 emissions and excellent fuel economy compared to V8 engines with similar power ratings
The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 available in the Ford F-150 had a successful year in 2011, exceeding 100,000 sales in less than one year on the market. EcoBoost-equipped F-150s now account for more than 40 percent of F-150 retail sales.

Gasoline direct injectionA key contributor to EcoBoost fuel efficiency is direct injection of gasoline.This system precisely delivers a fine mist of fuel directly into each cylinder for optimal performance, economy and emissions. Unlike port-fuel-injection (PFI) engines that spray fuel in the intake system before it enters the combustion chamber, the direct-injection system puts the fuel exactly where it needs to be in the cylinder for optimal combustion.

A high-pressure injector is positioned to the side of each cylinder, aiming the fuel directly into the cylinder adjacent to a high-intensity spark plug and alongside the intake and exhaust valves. Fuel is sprayed into the cylinders at pressures of up to 2,150 pounds per square inch, which is about 35 times more intense than PFI injection.

Cargo and people hauler
The current-generation Transit van is the best-selling van in Europe. Ford has sold more than 6 million Transits across five continents since its original launch in 1965. The Transit is currently offered to global customers in a variety of cargo, passenger and chassis cab configurations with a choice of efficient diesel engines. In 2010, the 6-millionth Transit rolled off the production line in Turkey. Conceived as Ford’s first pan-European product in the mid-1960s, the next generation Transit will become a global asset with the availability of the full-size rear-wheel versions in the US.

To get ready for production in the U.S. by 2013, Ford is investing $1.1 billion in its Kansas City Assembly Plant, where the Transit will be built alongside the F-150.

Ford Focus Electric Becomes America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Five-Passenger Vehicle with 110 MPGe EPA Rating

Ford’s all-new Focus Electric is now officially America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger car with a certified 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 99 MPGe on the highway.

Focus Electric also has been certified by the EPA to offer 105 MPGe combined, beating Nissan Leaf by 6 MPGe while offering more motor power and more standard features. Focus Electric’s 99 MPGe highway certification bests the 92 MPGe rating for the Leaf.

Focus Electric bests Nissan Leaf in other ways, too – more passenger room and a faster charging system that allows for a full recharge in nearly half the time of Nissan Leaf.

The Focus line soon will be joined by the new 2013 Ford Fusion – aiming to be America’s most fuel-efficient gas- and hybrid-powered midsize sedans – to help create one of the industry’s most fuel-efficient car lineups. The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid is projected to become the world’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan by achieving more than 100 MPGe in electric mode.

“Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose,” said Eric Kuehn, chief nameplate engineer, Focus Electric. “The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency.”

The EPA-approved Focus Electric label also certifies that the car has a range of 76 miles on a single charge compared with the 73-mile range of the Leaf. The Focus Electric can be driven up to 100 miles on a single charge depending on driving habits. The average driver drives 29 miles a day, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics website.

The approved label also will say customers could save $9,700 in fuel costs over the course of five years compared with the average new vehicle. Comparative savings could go even higher if the current trend of rising gas prices continues. In California alone, the cost for a gallon of gas rose 20 cents in a seven-day period that ended last week.

Fuel-efficiency champs
Focus Electric is the flagship of Ford’s transformed lineup that features 10 vehicles with leading fuel economy. Ford’s other fuel-efficiency leaders include:

2013 Fusion 1.6-liter EcoBoost: Projected 37 mpg highway that would make it America’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable midsize sedan
2013 Escape 1.6-liter EcoBoost: Expected to be the most fuel-efficient crossover of its kind with 33 mpg highway
2013 Taurus 2.0-liter EcoBoost: Expected to deliver best-in-class 31 mpg highway
2012 Edge 2.0-liter EcoBoost: Delivers 30 mpg highway, besting all SUVs its size or larger and even some cars such as the Honda Civic Si
2012 Explorer 2.0-liter EcoBoost: One of the most fuel-efficient seven-passenger SUVs on the market, delivering 28 mpg highway
2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Aiming to become the world’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan with a projected 100 MPGe rating
2013 Fusion Hybrid: Expected to become the world’s most fuel-efficient non-rechargeable midsize sedan with 47 mpg
2012 Fiesta: Offers up to 40 mpg highway and class-leading 33 mpg combined rating
2012 F-150: The most fuel-efficient full-size pickup, with V6 models delivering best-in-class 23 mpg highway and 17 mpg city
“We’ve been working for three years to make the Focus Electric America’s most fuel-efficient vehicle of its kind,” said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. “The entire group feels like a sports team that has just won a major championship. It’s a good feeling to be at this point now.”

Unlike competitors that have designed electric and hybrid vehicles from scratch, Focus Electric benefits from being based on the fuel version of Ford’s global C-segment car.

“Focus Electric shares many of the same premium components and features as its gasoline-powered counterpart while delivering distinct efficiencies and a uniquely exciting driving experience,” said Kuehn.

In addition to boosting quality, Ford’s strategic decision to electrify vehicle platforms – instead of creating one-off vehicles – allows the company to offer customers more choices as part of its fuel-efficient product lineup.

Elec-tech
Focus Electric features an advanced charging system that allows the car’s battery to fully recharge in four hours – nearly half the time of Nissan Leaf – using available 240-volt outlets that can be installed in residential garages.

Faster charging with 240 volts also can extend range as drivers can more quickly recharge between stops – up to 20 miles per charge hour – so they can significantly improve a car’s range during a busy day of driving by recharging multiple times.

For those who need to charge up while away from home, the number of charging stations continues to rise. In the last 10 months the number of charging stations in the United States has risen from 750 to 5,507, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

To cut charging costs at home, a unique value charging feature powered by Microsoft is designed to help owners in the U.S. charge their vehicles at the cheapest utility rates, which can make charging the Focus Electric less costly than charging the Nissan Leaf.

Other standard features on Focus Electric include Ford’s Rear View Camera System, MyKey®, rain-sensing windshield wipers and Reverse Sensing System.

Tech sharing
Many of the technologies in Focus Electric are shared across Ford’s electrified vehicle lineup. Some of the shared or soon-to-be-shared features include:

SYNC® with MyFord Touch® offers multiple ways – including voice commands – for customers to manage and control their phone, navigation, entertainment and climate functions. Plug-in hybrids and all-electric models have additional options for monitoring information like battery state of charge
MyFord Mobile enables access via smartphone or Web-based interface to perform key tasks, such as monitoring a vehicle’s state of charge and current range or locating charge stations and planning routes to find them
SmartGauge® with EcoGuide provides instantaneous fuel economy so drivers can adjust driving behavior accordingly if needed
Regenerative braking captures and reuses more than 95 percent of the braking energy normally lost during the braking process
Hybrid transmission, designed by Ford engineers in-house, is capable of operating at high speeds and in a smooth, fuel-efficient manner at the same time
Lithium-ion batteries – the lithium-ion battery pack in Focus Electric is covered by an eight-year/100,000-mile component warranty
Charge port (for electric and plug-in vehicles), conveniently located on the driver’s side and near the front of the car, activates a light ring that illuminates the port twice when plugged in. The light ring then illuminates in quadrants as the car charges. Each quadrant represents 25 percent of the maximum battery charge
Recycled fiber made from 100 percent post-consumer and post-industrial content is used in the seat fabric with the equivalent of 22 plastic, 16-ounce water bottles in each car
Production of the Focus Electric began in December 2011 at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. More information about MAP can be found here.

Ford will ramp up Focus Electric retail production in the first half of 2012 for dealership availability in California, New York and New Jersey. By the end of 2012, Focus Electric will be available in 19 markets across the U.S.