Ford eNews -- Feb. 8, 2012

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Shelby GT500 convertible blasts into the Windy City in celebration of SVT

The official launch of SVT came at the 1992 Chicago Auto Show with the unveiling of the 1993 SVT Mustang Cobra and SVT F-150 Lightning. Now, Ford returns to Chicago to celebrate the past and look to the future with the 2013 Shelby GT500 convertible, which clocked nearly 3.5 seconds faster than the outgoing model at Sebring. SVT has produced more than 210,000 vehicles in its 20-year history.  more...

Said Deep | [email protected] | 313.594.0942

Intelligent AWD in all-new Escape thinks faster

As winter conditions slow travel across the country, the all-new Ford Escape's all-wheel-drive system offers drivers a little extra traction in the ice and snow. Advanced, Ford-developed software behind this intelligent AWD system pre-emptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than the blink of an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction at all times.  more...

Angie Kozleski | [email protected] | 313.323.1984

Focus in high demand in California; manual-shift Titanium added

Focus sales in trend-setting California are rolling at the fastest clip since 2004, as the car's style, technology, convenience offerings and up to 40-mpg fuel economy is fitting the bill for more and more Golden State motorists. Dealers are seeing a wave of imports as Focus trade-ins. And now, in response to demand, customers of the high-end Focus Titanium model can shift for themselves with a new manual transmission offering.  more...

Octavio Navarro | [email protected] | 313.845.2387

Ford dealers honored for giving back

Ford is recognizing its dealers who go above and beyond with its 12th annual Salute to Dealers award. Six dealerships were selected from among more than 8,500 Ford dealers worldwide for exhibiting unparalleled dedication to their communities. Salute to Dealers is conducted under the guidance of Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford's board of directors.  more...

Elizabeth Weigandt | [email protected] | 313.845.4147

Ford snags two kbb.com Total Cost of Ownership awards

The 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid and Expedition were named winners of Kelley Blue Book's inaugural kbb.com Total Cost of Ownership awards. These awards honor current model-year vehicles and brands with the lowest projected ownership costs, based on Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Ownership data for the first five years of ownership. Read more here.

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 164,000 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 and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company