Lincoln to Showcase MKZ Hybrid, Advanced Technology at Design, Green Events This Weekend in Los Angeles

DEARBORN, Mich., June 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Lincoln technology will be on display this weekend at Dwell on Design, the West Coast's largest annual design event, and the brand will offer test drives of the hot-selling Lincoln MKZ Hybrid sedan at Green Cars/By Design at the L.A. Convention Center

• Show floor will feature MKZ Hybrid and MKX premium midsize crossover.  Guests will be able to "step inside" the Lincoln interactive ePOD to test technology features without leaving the show floor

• The Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the best-selling luxury hybrid in America.  It is also the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan, with a certified EPA rating of 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

Lincoln is showcasing its latest luxury vehicles and advanced technologies this weekend at the annual Dwell on Design convention, the West Coast's largest design event, and also plans to take to the streets as part of Green Cars/By Design, a rolling display of advanced technology and eco-friendly vehicles.

Running Friday through Sunday, the Dwell on Design show at the Los Angeles Convention Center will feature two of Lincoln's latest luxury models that represent the company's commitment to design and technology: the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and MKX crossover.

"Lincoln is pleased to showcase our cars to green-conscious and design-influenced consumers at this year's Dwell on Design show," said Olga Purington, Lincoln Area Manager for the West Coast.  "This is the ideal venue to showcase the 'environmentally intelligent' MKZ Hybrid, as well as other exciting Lincoln models which prove beyond a doubt that luxury, affordability and ecology needn't be mutually exclusive."

Added Michela O'Connor Abrams, President of Dwell Media: "Sustainability is an integral theme that runs consistently through all aspects Dwell on Design. It's a natural extension for us to include the best in sustainable automotive design.  We're thrilled to have Lincoln showcasing the MKZ at Dwell on Design this year."

Using an "ePOD" based around the driver's seat and console of a MKX crossover, Lincoln factory specialists will demonstrate and allow attendees to experience MyLincoln Touch/SYNC^®, the intuitive, award-winning, voice-activated communications and entertainment system that fully integrates Bluetooth^®-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle, allowing for hands-free use while driving.

Lincoln also is inviting attending event guests to test drive the 2011 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid on city streets during the "Green Cars/By Design" ride-and-drive, hosted by Green Car Journal as part of its 2011 Green Car Tour.  On Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., drivers can experience the reality of green luxury behind the wheel of the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, with its best-in-class fuel economy and superior power, comfort and handling.

"We are pleased to have Lincoln participate in our Green Car Tour experience at Dwell on Design, and recognize the strides the brand has made in blending a luxury driving experience with fuel efficiency, sustainable materials and other forward-thinking elements that have a positive environmental impact on the planet," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com.

One of Green Car Journal's "Top 5 Green Cars for 2011," the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America and the first model to offer a no-charge hybrid powertrain option.  No other four-door luxury sedan – gas, diesel or hybrid – can top the certified 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway EPA rating of the MKZ, which can drive up to 700 miles on a single tank of gasoline.

Other environmentally friendly features of the MKZ include SmartGauge^™ with EcoGuide, nickel metal hydride battery and regenerative braking.  Along with real wood trim from sustainable forests, the Lincoln MKZ's interior has been laid out with an array of standard premium features, including supple leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, and the award-winning SYNC voice-activated in-vehicle communications and entertainment system.

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 166,000 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.

About Dwell Media

Dwell Media, LLC (Dwell) is the parent company of Dwell magazine, Dwell Digital, Dwell on Design, Dwell Research + Strategy, and The Dwell Homes Collection.  Founded in 2000 by Lara Hedberg Deam, Dwell has received countless industry awards and is widely regarded as the leading voice of the modern design movement.  For more information, go to www.dwellondesign.com.

About Green Car Journal

Launched in 1992 by Ron Cogan, the award-winning Green Car Journal is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. A downloadable sample issue of the print magazine can be found at www.GCJUSA.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company