Ford E-News - March 31, 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., March 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --  

Ford and Microsoft take electric vehicle technology Hohm

Ford and Microsoft are leading the way toward a more energy-efficient future by announcing a new solution that will make electric vehicle ownership easier and more affordable for consumers. Ford will be the first automaker to use Microsoft's home energy management application, Hohm, starting with the Focus Electric next year. Hohm, an Internet-based service, will help owners determine when and how to most efficiently and affordably recharge their battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and will help utility companies manage the added demands of electric vehicles on the electrical grid.  more...

Jennifer Moore |  [email protected] |  313.248.2335

2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid brings luxury and sustainability together

The new 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid revealed today at the New York International Auto Show supports Ford's aggressive electrification strategy and is poised to be the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America. Lincoln's first hybrid is expected to deliver at least 41 mpg when it goes on sale this fall, trumping its nearest competitor, the 2010 Lexus HS 250h, by 6 mpg. Lincoln's premium midsize car also tops the Lexus with room for one more passenger and more standard luxury and segment-exclusive safety features.  more...

Marisa Bradley |  [email protected] |  313.845.3971

Ford winning over customers from competitors

Ford's new lineup is bringing more and more customers into the fold, with the rate of customers trading in competitive-brand vehicles rising 18 percent from 2005 to 2009 for the Ford brand. The conquest rate for Lincoln rose 61 percent, while Mercury saw a 12 percent increase. Among Ford vehicles, the Fusion Hybrid, Escape Hybrid and Mustang attract the most customers coming from competing brands. For Lincoln and Mercury, the MKX and Mariner Hybrid attracted the most customers from competing brands.  more...

Robert Parker |  [email protected] |  313.845.0784

Transit Connect is perfect solution for "mom and pop" businesses

For a growing number of "mom and pop" businesses, the Ford Transit Connect is proving to be the perfect addition to the family. Before the Transit Connect launched last summer, florists, caterers, carpenters and other small businesses had to make do with larger vehicles they didn't need or have their family car do double duty – neither option very efficient. With fuel economy of 22 mpg city and 25 highway, ample cargo space and generous payload capacity, the Transit Connect is a perfect fit. An added bonus? Transit Connect's attention-getting design provides businesses with "free" mobile advertising.  more...

Anne Marie Gattari |  [email protected] |  313.323.7809

PowerShift transmission production kicks off

Ford is continuing to deliver on its commitment to class-leading fuel economy and exceptional driving quality with production of the PowerShift automatic transmission for the 2011 Ford Fiesta now under way. The new dual-clutch automatic – the first six-speed transmission in the segment – will help the Fiesta deliver an expected best-in-class fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg on the highway with the convenience of fully automatic shifting.  more...

Richard Truett |  [email protected] |  313.323.7045

New products and smart technologies highlight Beijing Auto Show

Ford is showing off its global momentum at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show with new products, smart technologies and exciting interactive displays. The new Ford Edge will make its regional debut, featuring MyFord Touch™ driver connect technology powered by SYNC®. An all-new concept car is also making its global debut at the show, and this will be the first chance for Chinese customers to see the car that spearheads Ford's next generation of global models, the next-generation Ford Focus.  more...

Mark Schirmer |  [email protected] |  313.390.8647

Mission one for Fiesta Movement Chapter 2 agents: Get creative

Fiesta Movement Chapter 2 agents are ready for some action, and their first mission has them diving in headfirst. Agents are talking about their favorite hot spots in their cities, and will use Fiesta as their passport to explore what makes their respective cities buzz. Their first mission is to create a wallscape mural that doubles as a functional guide to their 10 favorite places or experiences, to tap into local flavor and show off just what their cities are made of.  more...

Angie Kozleski |  [email protected] |  313.323.1984

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 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