Ford eNews - March 16, 2011

DEARBORN, Mich., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

KBB.com: Ford again the most sought-after brand

The latest Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch study shows Ford has reclaimed the No. 1 spot as the most considered automotive brand overall for new car shoppers. And Ford is back on top in a big way, with a significant lead over second-place Toyota/Chevrolet and third-place Honda. kbb.com shoppers' opinions are leading indicators of future new car sales, and the study shows that in the fourth quarter of 2010, durability/reliability, fuel efficiency, driving comfort, performance and safety ranked as the top five most important factors in their search for a new vehicle.  more...

Anne Marie Gattari |  [email protected]  |  313.323.7809

Eco-drivers get a boost from Ford technologies

With gas prices on the rise, driving technologies available in Ford vehicles are coaching consumers to more fuel-efficient miles every time they get behind the wheel. These technologies, which include EcoMode and SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, are designed to be eco-friendly and fun to use, all while helping drivers save money. The technologies enable consumers to modify their driving habits through tips and rewards that encourage eco-friendly driving behaviors. By making simple adjustments in everyday driving habits, consumers can increase their fuel efficiency while decreasing their impact on the environment and the cost of owning a vehicle. more...

Dan Pierce |  [email protected]  |  313.594.0949

Ford and DTE Energy soak up rays with new solar power system

The primary part of one of Michigan's largest solar power generation systems at Ford's Michigan Assembly Plant is now up and running, delivering renewable energy to help power the production of fuel-efficient small cars. The system is the result of collaboration between Ford, DTE Energy, Xtreme Power, the city of Wayne and the state of Michigan. The renewable energy captured will help power production of Ford's all-new Focus set to hit showrooms this month. The plant will also produce Focus Electric, Ford's first zero-emission battery electric passenger car; C-MAX Hybrid; and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid.  more...

Jennifer Moore |  [email protected]  |  313.248.2335

Peace of mind through Ford SYNC 911 Assist, now available in 2 million vehicles

By the time Paul Bedewi thought to call 911, paramedics were already at the scene of the major accident he was involved in thanks to Ford SYNC® 911 Assist™. Bedewi is one of the 2 million owners of Ford Motor Company vehicles that are equipped with SYNC technology that includes 911 Assist capability. A SYNC feature available since late 2009, it is the only vehicle-based, no-cost, non-subscription call-for-help system that provides additional peace of mind to drivers such as Bedewi.  more...

Alan Hall |  [email protected]  |  313.594.3744

Ford lighting lab turns on the switch to simulate sun

Flip a switch in a lab at Ford, and you've just turned on 6,000 watts of electrical energy generated by 270 spotlights and floodlights. This lab can mimic the fading light of dusk or turn the room black, like a backwoods road with no city lights and no moonlight. The Visual Performance Evaluation Lab is a high-performance lighting lab that simulates the phases of the earth's revolution around the sun to give Ford designers and engineers a controlled environment to test how light affects a vehicle's interior. How visible are the controls, how much glare and reflection is generated on smooth surfaces, how does the look of textures and materials change with the light? Ford's lighting lab can address all these questions.  more...

Anne Marie Gattari |  [email protected]  |  313.323.7809

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's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company