Ford to Introduce 15 New Best-in-Class Fuel Efficient Vehicles this Year; Leverages New Powertrains and Technologies

Posted by fordBR on June 30, 2012 in: News|Comments Off

Ford is leveraging its range of efficient EcoBoost petrol engines, TDCi diesel engines and low CO2ECOnetic Technologies to introduce 15 new models in Europe in 2012 that are best-in-class for fuel efficiency*.

The end of 2012, Ford of Europe also will have one of the largest portfolios of cars in the industry with CO2 emissions of under 100g/km, including six Fiesta models (three diesel, three petrol) and two Focus diesel models. Ford also will launch its first ever all-electric, zero-emission passenger vehicle this year – the Focus Electric.

“The introduction of our new EcoBoost petrol engines has really helped us to go further in our drive to reduce our total fleet CO2 emissions, while still delivering great performance and driving dynamics,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford of Europe, director of Powertrain Engineering. “Add top-notch diesel engines and our range of low CO2 ECOnetic Technologies that are spreading to more and more vehicles all the time, and we are now delivering a comprehensive range of efficiency leaders to European customers.”

Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, recently named winner of the “International Engine of the Year” award, is the driving force behind nine of the 15 new models with class-leading fuel efficiency.

The already available best-in-class 100PS and 125PS versions of Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost, with CO2 of 109g/km and 114g/km respectively, will soon be joined two models of all-new B-MAX and four models of C-MAX and Grand C-MAX**.

Ford’s new ST performance cars will also deliver leading fuel efficiency in its class with EcoBoost engines, which leverage turbocharging and direct injection. Focus ST, on sale later this summer, will produce 250PS from a 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine, but emit just 169g/km CO2.

Ford TDCi diesel engines will also help Ford’s commercial vehicles, the Transit and the Ranger, offer unsurpassed levels of efficiency and emissions, including the 1-tonne and passenger bus versions of new Transit out-performing their rivals, emitting just 174g/km and 168g/km of CO2 respectively.

A 1.6-litre TDCi engine has already helped the Focus ECOnetic Technology to be Ford’s most fuel-efficient ever Focus, with best-in-class figures of 88g/km of CO2 and 3.4l/100km (83.1mpg). That utilizes the full range of Ford ECOnetic Technologies, including Auto-Start-Stop, Smart Regenerative Charging, Active Grille Shutter, Eco Mode, shift indicator light, and optimised gear ratios. Lower suspension, wheel deflectors and low-rolling resistance tyres reduce driving resistances.

It also features a special catalytic converter called a lean NOx trap to help reduce CO2 emissions by facilitating a leaner combustion process using a higher proportion of air to fuel. Special undershields for optimal aerodynamics and a water-cooled charge air cooler add further efficiencies.

The increasing use of Ford ECOnetic Technologies and continuing success of Ford’s EcoBoost and diesel engines has put the company firmly on track to achieving its fuel efficiency and CO2 emission targets in the coming years.

Ford’s Best-In-Class Fuel Efficient Vehicles of 2012

  1. Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost 100PS
  2. Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS
  3. Focus 1.6-litre ECOnetic Technology 88g
  4. Focus ST 2.0-litre EcoBoost 250PS
  5. B-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost 100PS
  6. B-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost 120PS
  7. B-MAX 1.6-litre TDCi
  8. C-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS
  9. Grand C-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost 100PS
  10. Grand C-MAX 1.0-litre EcoBoost 125PS
  11. Transit 2.2-litre TDCi 1-tonne
  12. Transit Tourneo Custom 2.2-litre TDCi
  13. Ranger 2.2 TDCi 125PS RWD

Plus further 2 Ford Fiesta variants available from Q4 2012.

* Means best fuel economy compared to vehicles in the same category and power level as well as type of powertrain (petrol or diesel).

** All fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures in g/km are from officially approved tests in accordance with EC Directive 93/116/EC.  Fuel economy figures quoted are based on the European Fuel Economy Directive EU 80/1268/EEC and will differ from fuel economy drive cycle results in other regions of the world.

Ford Mustang Customizer Updated for 2013, Includes Chance to Win Your Fantasy Mustang

Posted by fordBR on June 22, 2012 in: News|Comments Off
DEARBORN, Mich., June 21, 2012 – Over its nearly 50-year run, the Ford Mustang has sold more than 8.5 million examples and earned status as an American icon. In the parallel world of social media, its presence is even bigger and about to get bigger still.
To coincide with the new 2013 Mustang now hitting the road, Ford is relaunching its popular Mustang Customizer with a host of new features, such as…
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Kbb.com: Ford Fiesta among the coolest cars

Posted by fordBR on June 21, 2012 in: News|Comments Off

The 2012 Ford Fiesta has been named to the 2012 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 list by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. Fiesta’s bold exterior makes it a “styling standout,” according to kbb.com editors, with a richer and more stylish interior than its competitors to match. Outstanding 40 mpg fuel economy and “European-like” driving dynamics were also among the deciding factors in naming Fiesta a cool, affordable ride. For the annual list, editors look at two main criteria – fun to drive and fun to own – to determine a vehicle’s “cool” factor. See the full release here.

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Ford Celebrates Fuel-Efficient Escape Launch, Additional Jobs at Louisville Assembly Plant

Posted by fordBR on June 16, 2012 in: News|Comments Off
  • Ford has added 1,800 jobs at Louisville Assembly Plant (LAP), with 1,300 more on the way this year to build the all-new Escape, the nation’s most fuel-efficient small utility vehicle with an automatic transmission
  • Ford has added more than 5,200 hourly jobs in the U.S. this year alone. With LAP’s third shift, by year-end, Ford is on pace to deliver more than half of the 12,000 new U.S. hourly jobs it committed to add by 2015
  • In addition to Ford’s $600 million investment, Louisville-area suppliers are supporting the Escape launch, with several investing more than $56 million and adding more than 900 jobs locally

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 13, 2012 – Ford Motor Company, its employees, dealers and suppliers today are celebrating production of the all-new Ford Escape at the company’s transformed Louisville Assembly Plant, one of several U.S. manufacturing sites where Ford is adding jobs to meet…

READ MORE:  http://corporate.ford.com/news-center/press-releases-detail/pr-ford-celebrates-fuelefficient-36654

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‘High Gear’ Chosen as Concept for First-Ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women

Posted by fordBR on June 8, 2012 in: News|Comments Off

DEARBORN, Mich., June 6, 2012 – Thousands of fans voted for a satin-black, luxury Ford Mustang concept in the first-ever SEMA Mustang Build Powered by Women. The project – a collaboration between Ford Motor Company and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) – invited the public to view three concepts online and vote for the one they would like to see built by a group of women volunteers.

Known as “High Gear,” the winning concept was designed by Jennifer Seely of Ford.

READ MORE

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=36610

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Ford Fund Sends World War II Veterans to Visit World War II Memorial in D.C. on D-Day; Announces $200,000 Grant to DAV

Posted by fordBR on June 7, 2012 in: News|Comments Off
DEARBORN, Mich., June 6, 2012 – On the 68th anniversary of D-Day – the landing of 150,000 Allied troops on Nazi-fortified beaches in Normandy – Ford Motor Company Fund is sponsoring two Honor Flights for about 75 World War II veterans from Michigan and Kentucky to visit the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The trips are organized as part of the Honor Flight Network.
Ford Fund also is announcing a $200,000 grant for the purchase of eight vehicles to the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network, bringing to 164 the total number of Ford vehicles in the DAV fleet for transporting disabled veterans. This is in addition to $50,000 in grants for DAV’s Winter Sports Clinic and the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program. The No. 21 Ford Fusion driven by Trevor Bayne at a NASCAR Memorial Day weekend race sported the DAV logo in honor of Ford’s longstanding partnership with DAV, which includes more than $6.5 million in donations since 1996.
The veterans, all in their late 80s and 90s, and their guardians are receiving a festive airport send-off from Ford employees and others. After arrival in Washington, D.C., the veterans are being greeted by members of Congress and Ford employees at the Memorial, and receiving letters of appreciation from Ford employees, family members and others.
“The sacrifice and bravery of these soldiers serve as a lesson for all of us,” said Mike Bannister, Ford Motor Credit Company chairman and CEO, and champion of the Ford Veterans Network Group. “It is particularly fitting to acknowledge their service on the anniversary of D-Day, a crucial point in the war that took such a high toll on our troops.”
Ford Motor Company has a long history of supporting veterans and military personnel, starting in 1922 when Henry Ford led a cross-country caravan of 50 Ford Model Ts to transport disabled veterans to their convention in San Francisco, his first of many such trips.
“Ford is one of our nation’s great institutions, and for 90 years they’ve honored the brave heroes who have sacrificed for our nation,” said DAV National Adjutant Arthur H. Wilson. “There is something uniquely American about the commitment and loyalty they’ve shown our cause and we’re grateful for our partnership which has made a difference for generations of veterans and their families.”
Since 1974, Ford Motor Company and Ford Fund have provided more than $7.3 million to organizations supporting veterans, including the DAV. Ford Fund’s support of local initiatives for veterans in 2012 includes:
  • Operation Goodwill Louisville grant of $10,000 for Interlink Counseling Services that provides a variety of services to veterans
  • Creation of green space for a rooftop healing garden at the VA Medical Center in Detroit by Ford Volunteer Corps participants with supplies bought with a $5,000 Ford grant
  • Purchase of gasoline by Ford Fund for one year for food delivery vehicles at Meals on Wheels of Greater San Diego where 40 percent of its meal recipients are veterans, and sorting and delivering food by Ford Volunteer Corps participants for Veteran’s Haven in Detroit
  • Operation Goodwill San Diego grants for Veterans Village of San Diego’s combat warrior program, which provides discharged service members with rent, utilities and food during substance abuse and mental illness treatment; and for Reboot Workshops by National Veterans Transition Services for service members transitioning back to civilian life
The Ford Veterans Network Group, one of Ford’s corporately supported Employee Resource Groups, sponsors activities throughout the year in support of its veterans, military personnel and their families. Ford has about 30 U.S. employees actively serving in the military and employs about 700 U.S. Reservists and Guardsmen, along with more than 7,000 U.S. veterans.
Ford Motor Company received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s Freedom Award in 2011 for its assistance to Ford employees in the National Guard and Reserve. It is the highest honor bestowed by the Department of Defense for America’s employers who provide exceptional support to their employees.

Ford Honors Top-Performing Suppliers for Excellent Service and Outstanding Support in 2011

Posted by fordBR on June 2, 2012 in: News|Comments Off
DEARBORN, Mich., June 1, 2012 – Ford Motor Company hosted its annual World Excellence Awards Thursday evening honoring the company’s top performing global suppliers.  Sixty-two suppliers were recognized during the 14th annual event held at Ford World Headquarters.
Tony Brown, group vice president, Global Purchasing, thanked each supplier for its dedication and hard work throughout 2011. “Suppliers are a critical part of our success, and a driving force for continued growth at Ford Motor Company. Without the support, hard work and innovation of our suppliers, we would not be able to deliver on our promise to build quality vehicles,” Brown said. “In 2011, our suppliers stepped up to the challenge of building vehicles that improve commonality and efficiency in more ways than ever before, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment.”
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Ford, State Farm Collaborate to Offer Auto Insurance Savings Using SYNC In-Car Connectivity System

Posted by fordBR on June 1, 2012 in: News|Comments Off
DEARBORN, Mich. & BLOOMINGTON, Ill., May 30, 2012 – The nation’s No. 2 automaker and the country’s leading insurer of cars have joined forces to offer lower insurance premiums for drivers. Using Ford SYNC® technology, State Farm Insurance is expanding its Drive Safe & Save™ program.
The program allows State Farm customers with select SYNC-equipped Ford Motor Company vehicles to reduce their auto insurance premiums by using the Vehicle Health Report feature to report their mileage.
The magnitude of the savings will be determined by the number of miles they drive. Those choosing to enroll in the program will initially save about 5 percent on their auto insurance coverage. The amount of premium savings will be determined at each renewal date (every six months) based on the number of miles driven during that period. Those driving the national average of 1,000 miles per month will typically save around 10 percent, but that could change depending on actual mileage driven, with low-mileage drivers saving up to 40 percent.
“We’re excited to have Ford as a partner in this effort,” said State Farm Senior Vice President Mike Wey. “State Farm is always looking for better ways to serve our customers.”
Ford SYNC is the industry-leading in-car connectivity system that provides drivers with the ability to voice command and control their mobile devices, like cell phones and MP3 players, and provides services such as 911 Assist®, an emergency calling feature, and Vehicle Health Report. Vehicle Health Report is a standard, no-subscription feature that allows owners to request a diagnostic report about their vehicle’s performance and maintenance needs. Since Vehicle Health Report pulls the odometer reading directly from the engine computer, the mileage from the report is considered verified and can be shared with State Farm representatives to qualify the vehicle for Drive Safe & Save.
“We’re very pleased to be working with State Farm to lower the cost of vehicle ownership for the three million Ford SYNC owners who are driving vehicles with the Vehicle Health Report feature,” said Doug VanDagens, Ford Connected Services global director. “SYNC Vehicle Health Report is free for the life of the vehicle, so our customers can qualify for insurance discounts without having to pay a monthly subscription.”
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program for Ford SYNC will initially launch in Utah then roll out to other states.
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