Ford Delivers Record Number of 40-MPG+ Vehicles, Industry’s Freshest Full-Line Product Portfolio in U.S.

• Ford further grows customers’ power of choice, offering eight U.S. vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or more – double its number versus 2011 and more than any other full-line automaker


• The company is tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013, growing its range to six vehicles; all-new C-MAX Hybrid expected to achieve 47 mpg certification – at least 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v with more performance and technology


• Ford grows annual EcoBoost® production to nearly 1.6 million engines globally by 2013 – almost 100,000 engines above its original target; new Taurus with 2.0-liter EcoBoost is EPA-certified at best-in-class 32 mpg and Ford confirms 1.0-liter EcoBoost for U.S. small car next year


• Ford further accelerates global platform consolidation plans, delivering the industry’s freshest full-line product portfolio in the U.S. this year and beyond; globally, Ford plans to have the youngest portfolio of passenger vehicles for the next five consecutive years

DEARBORN, Mich., June 26, 2012 – Ford is delivering more fuel-efficient vehicle choices in 2012 than ever before and a fresher new vehicle lineup than any full-line automaker in the U.S.

“Customers are starting to see the true benefits of our One Ford plan,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “With more new vehicle options and an even broader range of fuel-efficient cars, utilities and trucks, Ford is delivering real power of choice for millions of consumers who are paying more attention than ever to what happens at the pump – no matter what the price.”
Ford is offering eight vehicles that deliver 40 mpg or better by year-end – double its number versus 2011 and more than any other full-line automaker. In fact, Ford’s eight-vehicle tally is more than the number of 40-mpg-or-better vehicles Toyota and General Motors offer combined.

Ford also is tripling its electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013, growing its electrified vehicle lineup to six models – including the all-new C-MAX Hybrid. The compact hybrid utility vehicle, which arrives this fall, is expected to achieve 47 mpg, at least 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v with more performance and technology.

Ford plans for 10 to 25 percent of its global sales to be electrified vehicles (hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric vehicles) by 2020, and continues to find ways to make more affordable, high-volume, internal-combustion engines even more fuel efficient.

Ford has invested record amounts in its powertrains and new vehicles since launching its Blueprint for Sustainability. Since 2007, the company has improved fuel economy in its vehicles in all key segments, including:

Small cars: Focus has improved its highway fuel economy 21 percent between 2007 and the 2012 model’s 40 mpg
Midsize cars: The gas-engine-powered all-new Fusion is projected to be 28 percent more fuel efficient than its 2007 counterpart when it goes on sale this fall
Full-size cars: The new 2.0-liter EcoBoost® Taurus, now EPA-certified at 32 mpg highway, is 27 percent more fuel efficient than the 2007 Ford Five Hundred
Sports cars: Mustang maintains its unbeaten balance of power and fuel economy with a 24 percent fuel economy improvement
Utilities: The new EcoBoost-powered Escape delivers a 32 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous V6 Escape, while Explorer has reinvented modern full-size SUVs, fueled largely by its 40-percent fuel economy improvement to 28 mpg highway for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost compared to the previous model’s V6
Trucks: F-150 improves 21 percent versus five years ago to 23 mpg city
Fuel-efficient EcoBoost powertrains are now a mainstay in Ford’s lineup. In fact, Ford’s annual EcoBoost production grows to nearly 1.6 million engines globally by 2013 – surpassing the company’s original target for that time frame.

A 1.0-liter EcoBoost – Ford’s smallest, quietest engine ever – arrives in one of Ford’s U.S. small cars next year. Already on sale in the European Focus, the 1.0-liter engine was named the 2012 International Engine of the Year this month.

Additional 1.6-, 2.0- and 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines are already available on Escape, Explorer, Edge, F-150, Flex, Focus ST, Fusion, Police Interceptor sedan and utility vehicles, and Taurus.

While EcoBoost offers up to a 15 percent reduction in CO2 versus larger-displacement, non-turbocharged engines, this technology can also save customers money on fuel. During a 7.5-year ownership period, for instance:

All-new Ford Escape 2.0-liter EcoBoost buyers could save $2,245, the equivalent of 6.1 months of fuel, compared to Toyota RAV4 V6
2013 Ford Taurus 3.5-liter EcoBoost buyers could save $2,090, the equivalent of 10 months of eating out for an average family, compared to the Chrysler 300C
All-new Ford Fusion 1.6-liter EcoBoost buyers could save $1,650, the equivalent of more than three months of groceries, compared to a Toyota Camry four-cylinder owner’s fuel use
“Whether you are talking about new technologies, engines or vehicles themselves, customers increasingly are looking for good value,” said Raj Nair, group vice president, Global Product Development. “Customers are telling us Ford is delivering what they truly want – including the newest vehicles to choose from in America.”

Ford has the freshest new lineup of passenger and commercial vehicles in the U.S. industry – surpassing Honda, Toyota and Hyundai, according to the recent 2012 Bank of America Merrill Lynch “Car Wars” study.

This is just the beginning, Nair said. Globally, Ford plans to have the youngest portfolio of passenger vehicles for the next five consecutive years.

Ford’s move to truly global platforms enables the company to create more new models for customers more quickly.

In 2011, the company had 22 distinct vehicle platforms in use around the world. That number drops to 10 by 2017, ahead of One Ford plan goals. Five of these will be manufactured in at least more than one region.

By 2016, 80 percent of Ford’s planned 8 million vehicles will be based on the five global platforms.

“Even better new vehicles, faster – that is what we are committed to deliver for our customers,” Nair said.

Focus Electric’s Dedicated App – MyFord Mobile – Now Available; Controls Faster Charging Technologies, Route Planning While Mobile

Owners of the new 2012 Ford Focus Electric can now download the MyFord® Mobile iPhone app – which can help recharge the car in half the time of Nissan Leaf – from the iTunes app store or http://www.myfordmobile.com/ website.

MyFord Mobile includes value charging powered by Microsoft, trip planning and public charger location database thanks to MapQuest, and a cellular connection to the Focus Electric via an AT&T embedded cellular modem.

MyFord Mobile app and website offers “Guest Mode” to learn about its features.

DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2012 – With the first retail customers now taking delivery of America’s most energy-efficient compact car, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, the MyFord® Mobile iPhone app and http://www.myfordmobile.com/ are available to help owners locate charging stations and recharge their cars in half the time of the Nissan Leaf.

MyFord Mobile allows Focus Electric drivers to link up with their cars via an embedded AT&T wireless module that provides for remote communication with the car to maximize utility and minimize operating costs. Drivers can log in at any time to check the current state of charge of the advanced lithium-ion battery pack and enable the exclusive value charging mode.

Focus Electric drivers also will be able to share, learn and teach smart driving by participating in forums on the MyFord Mobile website – with features such as leader boards, unique achievements and social networking – when the car becomes available through dealers in the first half of 2012. In the process, users will be able to seamlessly upload driving achievements and statistics to popular social platforms like Facebook and Twitter.



“The Focus Electric is a fun car to drive and helps save customers money at the pump; with MyFord Mobile, the enjoyment and savings continue after the vehicle is parked and charging,” said Bill Frykman, Business and Product Development manager. “This innovative app also offers new ways of sharing your driving experiences to create a “cool” factor while educating new Focus Electric drivers on the perks that come with an electric vehicle lifestyle.”

While away from the car, customers can monitor the battery display for the current charge level and for how long the car will need to be plugged in to get a full charge or reach a desired range. The MapQuest-powered trip planner built into both the app and Web portal enables users to find available public charging stations and plan efficient multi-destination routes. Users can select their next destination and send it directly to the car from either the app or the portal for hassle-free voice guidance.

Only MyFord Mobile includes industry-first value charging technology co-developed with Microsoft that can help customers charge the car at the lowest possible cost. Electricity rates can vary widely depending on location, season and time of day. The national average is about 11.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, but local rates can vary from less than 5 cents at night to more than 37 cents during peak times in areas such as Hawaii.

When the Focus Electric is plugged in at home, value charging harnesses the power of Microsoft’s cloud computing platform to check local utility rates and then automatically starts charging after the prices drop. With value charging, Focus Electric users get reduced operating costs and use power when there is less strain on the electrical grid. An added benefit is owners don’t have to go searching for energy pricing data.

Owners can also use MyFord Mobile to program their driving schedule with GO Times and set a desired cabin temperature. Do you want a warm car on that cold morning? Using GO Times will heat it up without using battery power. Are you leaving in the middle of the night? GO Times will ensure you use as much of that value charge as possible and still ensure you have a full battery.

Of course the battery can only be charged if the Focus Electric is plugged in. The combination of MyFord Mobile and the embedded wireless connection enables the car to send a text message alert to the owner if someone unplugs the Focus before the battery is fully charged or the owner forgets to plug in at night.

MyFord Mobile can also help drivers learn to be more energy efficient by automatically uploading and processing vehicle data from each trip. After arriving at a destination, drivers can check the trip and charge log to see how far they drove, how much energy was consumed and how much braking energy was recaptured. They can also get overall driving scores.

“The MyFord Mobile app and the Focus Electric work together to coach drivers to be more efficient and maximize the benefits of the electric vehicle experience,” said Joe Rork, MyFord Mobile product manager. “We wanted to help drivers get more miles out of every charge and have some fun along the way.”

Focus Electric drivers can register an account now at http://www.myfordmobile.com/ and download the iPhone app from the iTunes App Store. Drivers who are curious about making the jump to gasoline-free driving can check out the site and the app as a guest. MyFord Mobile will also work with the upcoming C-MAX Energi and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrids.

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.