Ford E-News - April 21, 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., April 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

SYNC AppLink brings voice control for smartphone apps

Customers have spoken – asking for safe, convenient access to their smartphone apps while in the vehicle – and Ford is delivering with its new SYNC® AppLink software. This downloadable upgrade will allow hands-free voice control of popular smartphone apps like Pandora Internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and OpenBeak for Twitter users. AppLink arrives for 2011 Fiesta owners using Android and BlackBerry smartphones later this year; all SYNC-equipped Ford vehicles, along with iPhone users, will have a version of AppLink available for download next year.

Ford is also looking for app developers who want to tap into the power of AppLink. A new developer network is live on the syncmyride website with links to submit innovative ideas and sign up for the latest information and news.  more...

Alan Hall |  [email protected] |  313.594.3744

Renewable and recyclable materials lead to more eco-friendly Ford vehicles

Ford's commitment to sustainability extends farther than you might think – even to the seat in your car. The 2010 Ford Taurus is the latest Ford vehicle to feature earth-friendly bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks, adding to a list of 10 other cars and trucks. By using soy and bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks, Ford is making its vehicles more eco-friendly. In 2009 alone, the company reduced the amount of automotive-related plastics to landfills by nearly 30 million pounds and saved approximately $4.5 million by reusing recycled materials.  more...

Jennifer Moore |  [email protected] |  313.248.2335

Ford owners happiest of all

Ford customers have a lot to cheer about. Along with experiencing the fewest number of things gone wrong with their vehicles, they're also happiest with their purchases, according to the Global Quality Research System study conducted for Ford by the RDA Group. Eighty-four percent of 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners are satisfied with their purchase, the study shows, a 4 percent improvement over the fourth quarter of 2009. This means Ford's customer satisfaction scores are now significantly higher than any other full-line manufacturer, including Asian and European carmakers, and that the company's commitment to world-class quality is paying off.  more...

Kristen Kinley |  [email protected] |  313.337.2786

Ford hybrids get kudos from kbb.com

Just in time for Earth Day and for the second year in a row, the Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid have earned spots on kbb.com's Top 10 Green Cars for 2010 list. Vehicles chosen were required to offer fuel economy and CO2 emissions superior to the bulk of vehicles in their class, while providing customers with safety, creature comforts and driving enjoyment. Escape Hybrid – America's most fuel-efficient SUV – earned praise from kbb.com for combining utility and efficiency in a compact package. The Fusion Hybrid received kudos for delivering all the balance and comfort of a traditional midsize sedan with far greater efficiency – and for its cool SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide instrument cluster.  more...

Jennifer Moore |  [email protected] |  313.248.2335

With Operation Drive One, Ford honors men and women of the military

Ford's Operation Drive One puts the focus on family – military families, that is. The 10-stop tour is designed to provide U.S. military bases with fun, family entertainment including driving challenges, interactive vehicle displays, classic car shows and an autograph signing with former wrestling champion Bill Goldberg. For each test drive taken at each stop, $20 will be donated to the local chapter of the National Military Family Association. Additionally, all active-duty and veteran service members can enter to win prizes including a trip to the Ford Championship NASCAR weekend, a new 2011 Ford Mustang and an exclusive Toby Keith concert for their home base. more...

Marisa Bradley |  [email protected] |  313.845.3971

Brace yourself for Gymkhana THREE

Ken Block and the Ford Fiesta are looking to storm the virtual world again with the release of Gymkhana THREE, the next phase of an Internet phenomenon that can claim more than 30 million YouTube views. For Monster World Rally Team driver Block, pushing the limits of car control while accelerating, braking and drifting through slaloms, 360-degree and figure-eight turns and other obstacles is pretty much the definition of fun. For that reason, Block chose Fiesta as the car that will be purpose-built for the highly anticipated Gymkhana THREE event.  more...

Brent Maurer |  [email protected] |  313.434.6924

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company