Ford E-News - Jan. 12, 2011

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

All-new Ford Focus Electric unveiled with MyFord Mobile app

Ford is offering more choices for consumers with the reveal of the all-new Focus Electric, the company's first fuel-free, rechargeable passenger car. Focus Electric, launching in late 2011, will offer a mile-per-gallon equivalent better than Chevrolet Volt and competitive with other battery electric vehicles. The all-electric Focus is capable of fully recharging in three to four hours at home using the available wall-mounted 240-volt charge station – charging in half the time of the Nissan Leaf. Focus Electric introduces new features and technologies including MyFord Mobile, a smartphone app that helps plug-in owners control their vehicles remotely.  more...

Dan Pierce |  [email protected] |  313.594.0949

2011 Explorer named North American Truck of the Year, making it a three-peat for Ford

The completely reinvented Ford Explorer is the 2011 North American Truck of the Year, making for three years in a row Ford has taken this award. The Ford F-150 was Truck of the Year in 2009 and the compact Ford Transit Connect brought home the honors in 2010. A jury of 49 international journalists voted for what they believe to be the most significant new truck for 2011, with Explorer triumphing over Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee.  more...

Jason Teitler |  [email protected] |  313.614.4240

Vertrek represents Ford's vision for next-generation SUV

Ford revealed the Vertrek concept at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, previewing the company's vision for a sleeker, sportier and more stylish compact SUV. Vertrek combines the best of Ford's distinctive European kinetic design and driving quality with outstanding levels of cargo space, trailer-tow and off-road capability for North America, promising a vehicle that meets the needs of next-generation compact utility vehicle customers the world over.  more...

Mark Schirmer |  [email protected] |  313.390.8647

Ford expands hybrid offerings with C-MAX Energi, C-MAX Hybrid

Ford revealed two next-generation hybrids – including its first production plug-in hybrid electric vehicle – at NAIAS, bringing more choice, versatility and style to family-friendly vehicle consumers. Ford C-MAX Energi and C-MAX Hybrid are based on the new C-MAX five-passenger multi-activity vehicle, each offering fuel efficiency and low emissions as well as distinctive body design and a flexible interior. The plug-in hybrid and third-generation full hybrid leverage Ford's global C-car platform, acclaimed powersplit architecture, next-generation driver information features and advanced lithium-ion battery systems.  more...

Dan Pierce |  [email protected] |  313.594.0949

Ford to increase workforce with 7,000 new jobs

Ford is adding 7,000 new hourly and salaried jobs between this year and next in the United States. This year alone, Ford is adding nearly 4,000 hourly jobs at several of its U.S. plants, including 1,800 at Louisville Assembly Plant, which is preparing to launch the next-generation Ford Escape later this year. Ford also will add 750 salaried engineering jobs in product development and manufacturing. Next year, Ford expects to add at least 2,500 more new manufacturing positions.  more...

Marcey Evans |  [email protected] |  313.322.9211

Ford EcoBoost technology opens new era for F-150 customers

The 2011 Ford F-150 breaks new ground with its available EcoBoost™ engine, delivering a combination of fuel economy, performance and towing that beats all other competitors. The EcoBoost F-150 is certified by the EPA at 22 mpg highway and 16 mpg city, figures no other truck with comparable horsepower can match. The outstanding fuel economy complements the best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque this all-new EcoBoost truck engine produces to enable best-in-class conventional towing of 11,300 pounds and best-in-class payload of 3,060 pounds.  more...

Richard Truett |  [email protected] |  313.212.5641

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 163,000 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 www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company