Ford Launches Documentary Series, Education Push & Electric Car to Help Customers Make Greener Shift

NEW YORK, April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford and cultural media platform SHFT.com reveal first films in new documentary series that profiles leading eco-entrepreneurs and innovators who are transforming industries with groundbreaking sustainability solutions
• 200,000 customers have visited http://www.ford.com/technology/electric/ to learn more about what might be the right fuel-efficient vehicle for their lifestyle; the company wants to increase that figure by 50 percent
• Ford has teamed up with Green Festival to bring fuel-efficient vehicles and resources to consumers, inspire impactful ideas, and help add to the rapid increase in public charging stations for electrified vehicles
• Bill Ford joins the SHFT Advisory Panel, providing guidance on business and innovation to help progress the sustainability mission for SHFT

Ford is "charging" into Earth Day by launching new initiatives that encourage people to take a more sustainable approach in life year-round with a national electrified vehicle education program, multi-city tour, and the debut of a 10-film, short documentary series with SHFT.com, an award-winning sustainability lifestyle platform.

The documentary, "The Big SHFT: 10 Innovators Changing Our World," profiles cutting-edge innovators who are shaping new sustainable businesses and influencing positive change around the world. Examining topics from food and fashion to urbanization, technology and design, the series puts the spotlight on today's game changers in sustainability. The series was developed with SHFT.com co-founders Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer and was directed by Gilly Barnes.

"Sustainability is the biggest issue facing business in the 21st century, and the problem will not be solved by one person or group," said Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F). "How we answer the challenge of the future of mobility will have a lasting impact on generations to come. By partnering with organizations like SHFT, we are able to inspire people to make smart decisions about the products they choose today."

This new series is comprised of 10 short films profiling 10 unique innovators and eco-entrepreneurs changing how industries are shaping sustainability. The series will be featured on many platforms including SHFT.com, Huffington Post, AOL and on U.S. Virgin Airlines in-flight entertainment.

"It's been truly inspiring creating our documentary series profiling 10 incredible visionaries committed to taking on the challenge of sustainability across some of the largest industries," said Grenier. "This series continues our exciting partnership and allows us to recognize not only Ford Motor Company as an innovator in sustainability but specifically Bill Ford's leadership on environmental and manufacturing solutions."

Innovators making the Big SHFT
The first two digital shorts released profile sustainability leaders Tom Szaky, TerraCycle CEO and Michael Crooke, former CEO of Patagonia and a professor at Pepperdine University. The films profile the eco-shifts each has made, from developing smart plastics to establishing the first university-led environmental certification program, and creatively demonstrate how inspiring ideas have quickly become reality. The trailer for The Big SHFT series can be viewed  at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVFlislEEQw and the first film featuring Tom Szaky can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ld0QEI73-fM.

Ford teamed up with SHFT.com in November to put the power in the hands of millions of Americans who are interested in being more eco-conscious. Through the documentary series and other programs from live events to film festivals, Ford and SHFT.com continue to collaborate on initiatives to inspire consumers to live a more sustainable life. To further this mission, Bill Ford is joining the SHFT Advisory Panel, participating alongside Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington and other leaders in sustainability. As a mentor and advisor, Ford will offer guidance on business, innovation and sustainability for SHFT. 

Ford's power of choice
Ford believes in the power of choice – offering customers a range of fuel-efficient vehicles to reduce gas bills and CO2 emissions while still delivering the capability they need. In line with this philosophy, Ford is delivering a range of eco-friendly driving options, from advanced EcoBoost® gas-powered vehicles to hybrid and all-electric vehicles such as the new Focus Electric.

Selecting the right vehicle is a significant decision for individuals seeking greener lifestyles or just looking to save money when driving. In a recent national survey, Ford found nearly half of Americans are confused when it comes to green vehicle options, with 46 percent not knowing the difference between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle.

Ford is helping to address this confusion in the marketplace with a national education program aiming to reach 100,000 more drivers. Ford has developed an interactive, online quiz that asks people lifestyle-oriented questions and helps them identify the right car to fit their needs. More than 200,000 people have visited the site and Ford is working to increase that by 50 percent this spring. Visit http://www.ford.com/technology/electric/evforme/ to find the right vehicle to fit your lifestyle.

As part of the national education program, Ford also is partnering with Green Festival, touring major U.S. cities to bring fuel-efficient vehicles and resources to consumers, and inspiring impactful ideas aimed at improving the environment in the local communities by awarding $5,000 Community Green Grants in each city. Ford also will donate an electric vehicle charging station in more than 25 communities, with local residents voting on the location.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, 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.

About SHFT.com
SHFT is a new media platform, offering original video series, curated shopping, and a host of resources that speak to a modern, inspirational, eco-conscious lifestyle. Actor/Filmmaker Adrian Grenier and Film Producer Peter Glatzer founded SHFT after creating the TV show "ALTER ECO" for Discovery's Planet Green. The duo decided to build a platform that uses media to curate the myriad sustainable choices now available to us and to highlight the cultural shift taking place. SHFT is made possible through founding partnerships with Virgin America, Stonyfield Farm, Marvell semiconductor, AOL Huffington Post, W Residences and Ford. For more information www.shft.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company