2011 FORD EXPLORER MORE ADAPTABLE THAN EVER FOR DRIVERS AND ROADS

Innovative technology creates new 2011 Explorer that adapts to drivers and roads to deliver new levels of comfort and safety
The new Explorer will be one of Ford’s first vehicles with four-way head restraints designed to provide occupant protection and more adjustable comfort for passengers of different heights, while encouraging proper use of restraints
The new Explorer also features new technologies to help the vehicle adapt to driving conditions, including a terrain management system, Curve Control and radar-based systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Warning with Brake Support
Customers can personalize Explorer even more with custom graphics and seven accent lighting choices for footwells, cupholders and other areas
Fact Sheet: 2011 Ford Explorer: More Adaptable Than Ever (PDF)

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 12, 2010 – Whether hauling mountain bikes through mud ruts or groceries and kids through rush hour traffic, the new 2011 Ford Explorer will adapt to peoples’ lives more than ever – building on the capability, flexibility and utility that made it America’s favorite SUV for two decades.

The redesigned Explorer, which arrives later this year, will deliver more adaptability than ever before – from adjustable creature comforts like a four-way head restraint to responsive driver-assist and safety technologies such as terrain management system and Curve Control.

“The Explorer has always been about maximum adaptability, but it’s not just about off-road capability, flexible cargo space and seating configurations anymore,” said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, Ford cars and CUVs. “With the new Explorer, we’ve redefined what adaptability means by expanding the user’s ability to adjust vehicle features and functions. At the same time we are offering innovative technologies that can allow the Explorer to automatically adjust to driving conditions if needed”

Making easy adjustments for comfort and whiplash protection
One of the new Explorer’s flexible features is a new four-way head restraint designed to provide protection for occupants with more adjustable comfort than industry standard two-way restraints.

The four-way head restraint offers increased flexibility over the two-way head restraints that proliferate in the industry. The four-way system moves up and down, as well as forward and backward using a manually operated ratcheting system that allows 12 positions to increase occupant comfort while helping to provide occupant injury protection in rear impacts.

“A well-positioned head restraint is important because it helps keep the occupant’s head and neck aligned with their torso and may reduce the risk of whiplash injury,” said Agnes Kim, Ford senior technical specialist. “Our four-way system is designed to provide protection while offering more flexibility so drivers can find more comfortable driving positions.”

Ford recommends properly adjusting the head restraint so that the top of the head restraint is even with the top of one’s head and positioned as close as possible to the back of one’s head. For occupants of extremely tall stature, the head restraint should be adjusted to its full up position. Approximately 80 percent of all passenger vehicles in the United States have adjustable head restraints, yet studies indicate less than 10 percent of occupants adjust them properly.

Two other Explorer features that should be adjusted before hitting the road are the adjustable brake and accelerator pedals and tilt/telescoping steering wheel that allow drivers of different statures to position these controls at a comfortable distance closer or farther away from them.

Adapting to the road; Taking curves and all terrain
While the new Explorer’s driver and passengers can easily adjust interior features to their liking, the Explorer seamlessly adjusts to external driving conditions. Two new-for-2011 technologies that perform in this adaptable manner are Curve Control Hill and a terrain management system.

Curve Control, which makes its debut on the Explorer, senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque and can apply four-wheel braking, slowing the vehicle by up to 10 mph in about one second. The system can be useful when drivers are entering or exiting freeway on- or off-ramps with too much speed.

The new Explorer gets adventurous by offering Ford’s first intelligent four-wheel-drive (4WD) control system that optimizes vehicle capability by integrating powertrain and braking controls to provide appropriate traction for any driving conditions. Terrain management is activated by a console-mounted, switchable knob, enabling 4WD control through an intuitive choice of settings that eliminates guesswork with simple icons that represent the climate or surface situation drivers may encounter.

“The Explorer’s terrain management system and Curve Control are predictive technologies that are designed to work with the driver to respond to varying road conditions or potential hazards,” said Jim Holland, Explorer chief nameplate engineer. “They help the Explorer and its driver adapt to changing conditions.”

Adapting to the driver’s mood
Explorer drivers will be able to adjust the ambience of their vehicles in several ways. First they can personalize the interior by selecting from a spectrum of seven different ambient lighting colors, for the gauge cluster, foot wells, cup holders, door map pockets and rear foot wells. Drivers and passengers also can get comfortable with the Explorer’s dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control.

Other adaptive technologies on the new Explorer include:

MyKey™ which helps encourage safer teen driving and seat belt use, and allows owners to program the vehicle key to incorporate features such as limited top vehicle speed and audio volume.

Ford SYNC® in-car connectivity system with 911 Assist™ - designed to assist occupants in using their paired cell phone to place a call to a local 911 operator should an accident occur that activates an airbag or the emergency fuel cutoff.
HomeLink gives the vehicle the technology to learn up to three garage door and power gate remote control codes, eliminating the need to clutter the interior with separate remote control units.

Reference by Ford Motor Company

Focus ST and More Are in Store for the Paris Motor Show

Usually, the Paris Motor Show goes unnoticed by the majority of Americans. But this year, Ford is giving residents of North America reason to pay attention. Among other newsworthy items, it will be the venue for the first official viewing of the new high-performance Focus ST. It will also be the first time that a range of production-ready Focus body styles will be displayed together, providing full insight into this significant new model before it goes on sale in Europe and North America early in 2011.
The new range-topping Focus – which will feature a unique version of the 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost™ engine – will be true to heritage of Ford ST models. It will offer driving enthusiasts a mix of exhilarating performance and handling, accompanied by an addictive sound.
The dramatic new ST will launch in early 2012 and will be revealed on September 30, 2010, at the Ford stand by Alan Mulally, Ford President and CEO, and Stephen Odell, Ford of Europe Chairman and CEO.
Visitors to the Paris Motor Show will immediately notice the car’s highly distinctive sports exterior, which is finished in Tangerine Scream, a dramatic new body color that reflects the exciting and energetic character of the Focus ST.
Ford is also moving forward with its electrification program and will be displaying for the first time the technology destined to drive its C-MAX plug-in hybrid vehicle, that will be produced at the Valencia plant in Spain and is due to go on sale in Europe in 2012. A version will also be sold in North America.
The formal launch of the full production-ready Focus range in Paris signals the introduction of the first truly global product developed under the company’s ONE Ford strategy.
Developed at Ford’s Global Center of Excellence for Small Cars in Germany, for sale in over 120 markets worldwide, the next-generation model is the most important Focus yet. It is created from the new Ford global C segment platform with up to 80 percent parts-commonality globally. This platform will underpin at least ten vehicles around the world, and it will account for approximately two million units of annual production by 2012.

ALL-NEW, 7-SEAT FORD C-MAX TO JOIN NORTH AMERICAN LINEUP IN 2011, BUILDING SMALL CAR RANGE

Ford will launch the all-new, 7-seat C-MAX in North America in late 2011 as a "whitespace" vehicle
Revealed today at Frankfurt Motor Show, the new C-MAX brings "kinetic design" language to the compact segment, combining bold styling and versatile, spacious 7-seat layout
C-MAX is the first of a new generation of Ford global C-cars scheduled for introduction during the next several years; lineup also will include next-generation Ford Focus
New C-car architecture will underpin more than 2 million vehicles per year worldwide, providing economy-of-scale and value benefits for consumers
DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 15, 2009 – Ford Motor Company has confirmed that the new 7-seat C-MAX introduced today at the Frankfurt Motor Show will arrive in North America beginning late 2011.

In North America, the "whitespace" vehicle will be one of up to 10 unique models the company will create from an all-new global C-car platform developed under its One Ford strategy.

The all-new, next-generation Ford Focus sedan and five-door hatchback models are scheduled to launch late in calendar year 2010 in the United States.

More Information:

Ford Global C-Car Strategy
Ford Global EcoBoost Strategy
Global EcoBoost Fact Sheet
More News from Frankfurt
Soundbites: All-New, 7-Seat Ford C-MAX
Photos Videos
En EspañolWith the market introduction of the 7-seat C-MAX in late 2011, Ford will offer customers in North America three distinct models in the important compact segment, which is expected to show continued growth in the coming years.

According to Ford analysts, small cars in the B- and C-segments accounted for less than 15 percent of the U.S. market in 2004. In year-to-date sales through August 2009 however, the small car segment has reached nearly 22 percent of total industry sales – and further gains are expected.

"Consumers are seeking uncompromised vehicles offering value for the money, and C-MAX squarely hits those targets," said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development. "The Focus C-MAX will be great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive, bringing Ford DNA to a new market segment in the form of an aspirational, fuel-efficient people carrier."

Exterior design elevates segment
The new Ford Focus C-MAX demonstrates that compact, 7-seat vehicles can be stylish and desirable while still delivering outstanding space and functionality.

"The C-MAX brings more emotive, dynamic design to the segment, along with a great driving experience," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "People will gravitate toward C-MAX for the way it looks and drives, and not just because it's practical and versatile – and that's going to help us reach a whole new group of customers."

Bold exterior and interior designs have been created using the latest evolution of Ford's "kinetic design" form language, building on the themes established in recent product introductions like the hugely successful European-developed Fiesta, Kuga and Mondeo ranges.

Kinetic design elements applied to the new C-MAX include the dynamic, rising beltline, full sculpted surfaces, bold wheel lips, strong athletic shoulders supported by a prominent undercut line and the distinctive kick-up of the window graphic at the C-pillar.

The front end design also features Ford's signature trapezoidal lower grille – with a special "piano black" finish on the Frankfurt Show vehicle.

Offering seating for up to seven, the C-MAX destined for North America features a high roofline and thin pillars to emphasize the generous room and visibility in the cabin. Twin sliding doors are neatly integrated, with the rail concealed by the undercut line on the shoulder of the vehicle.

Stylish, modern interior
The new C-MAX interior mirrors the dynamic and modern character of the exterior, complete with muscular, expressive shapes and bold graphics.

Key design features include the taut, wing-like form of the upper instrument panel (IP), which reaches out to the sides of the interior. A dramatic sweeping form connects the IP with the center console.

The cockpit provides a commanding, raised driving position with high-mounted shifter and center console inspired by the acclaimed layout in the new Fiesta. Carefully designed storage areas are located throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets, a large glove box and additional compartments and cup holders in the center console.

Ingenious 7-seat layout
To maximize the versatility of the 7-seat layout, Ford engineers developed a new seat-folding mechanism for the three second-row seats. This mechanism allows the center seat to fold quickly and easily under one of the two outboard seats, creating a handy walk-through space between them.

This walk-through space allows passengers to access the third row without having to disturb the two outer seats, which is particularly helpful when those positions are occupied by child safety seats. Owners have the option of using the convenient 2+2+2 seating layout or switching to a full 7-seater when required.

The second- and third-row seats also have been cleverly engineered so they can be folded to create a flat load floor, regardless of how many seats remain in use. All of the folding mechanisms are designed so they operate with just one hand.

New generation of global Ford C-segment cars
The C-MAX is the first of a new generation of global C-segment cars scheduled for introduction by Ford over the next several years. This series of new models will include the launch globally of the next-generation Ford Focus beginning late 2010.

The new C-car family is the result of an unprecedented global development program and is loaded with an array of advanced vehicle technologies that will enhance safety, convenience, comfort and driver satisfaction. Up to 10 models and more than 2 million vehicles per year based on this platform will be sold by Ford around the world when the entire launch is complete.

"By concentrating resources and making big commitments to the small car segments in North America, Ford is proving it's doing business differently," Fields said. "Following the launch of the Fiesta and the next-generation Focus in 2010, and the launch of the BEV Focus and a 7-seat model in 2011, Ford will offer customers at least six small cars, and they're going to be truly exciting designs packed with the latest vehicle technologies."

Reference: Ford Media

Ford Quality

Ford Beats Every Auto Company in Quality*
July 24, 2009
It’s a mark of higher quality, and it’s official: Ford had fewer problems than any other auto maker. In a second-quarter study conducted by the RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Ford moved past Toyota, which it has been tied with in the past.*

The survey compares issues per 1,000 vehicles. For the second quarter of 2009, it showed that new Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars and trucks had 1,185 issues per 1,000 vehicles. Toyota had 1,215 problems and Honda Motor Co. had 1,291.

The study also rates customer satisfaction, and reported that Ford in tied with Toyota in this segment.

“We’ve been tied with Toyota before, but it sure feels better to be on the top!” says Bennie Fowler, Ford’s global head of quality. “We can all be pleased with the progress we have made in quality, even as we face external and internal challenges in a tumultuous climate. Our progress has come as the result of our union partnerships in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with the work of dedicated teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales, service, legal, IT and others who follow disciplined, standardized processes.”

Reference: Ford Motor Company

Ford Sales Jump 43%

FORD’S U.S. SALES UP 43 PERCENT; SECOND-QUARTER PRODUCTION UP 144,000 VEHICLES VERSUS YEAR AGO

• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury February sales up 43 percent versus year ago and 22 percent higher than January
• Ford brand sales up 46 percent versus year ago, Lincoln up 19 percent and Mercury up 24 percent
• Cars up 54 percent versus year ago, utilities up 39 percent and trucks up 36 percent
• Ford’s U.S. market share for February estimated at 17 percent, up 3 percentage points versus a year ago
• Retail sales up 28 percent versus a year ago; fleet sales normalizing – up 74 percent versus last February’s depressed levels
• Second-quarter North American production plan is 595,000 vehicles, up 144,000 vehicles (32 percent) versus a year ago

Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)
Soundbites: February 2010 Sales
DEARBORN, Mich., March 2, 2010 – Higher sales for every brand and in every product category propelled Ford Motor Company to a 43 percent sales increase in February versus a year ago.  Compared with January, Ford’s February sales are up 22 percent.
“The strength of our new products and Ford’s leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value are resonating with customers,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service.  “The good news is we have even more new products and fuel-efficient powertrains coming this year, and we expect our progress to continue.”
February sales were higher throughout Ford’s line-up.  Cars were up 54 percent versus a year ago, utilities were up 39 percent, and trucks were up 36 percent.  Among brands, Ford sales were up 46 percent, Lincoln sales were up 19 percent, and Mercury sales were up 24 percent.
Year to date through February, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 250,050, up 34 percent versus a year ago.
Ford said it remains committed to delivering the freshest line-up of new products in the U.S. industry.  New or significantly upgraded vehicles this year include the Ford Fiesta, Focus, Edge and Edge Sport, Explorer, F-Series Super Duty, Transit Connect Electric, Lincoln MKX and an all-new small car for Mercury.
In addition, the company is introducing nine new or upgraded fuel-efficient engines and six new transmissions this year.  They include the new 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine, new Mustang V-6 and V-8, new Super Duty 6.7-liter diesel and 6.2-liter gasoline engines.
“This is the most ambitious powertrain upgrade ever undertaken by Ford,” said Czubay. “Our goal is to provide our customers with industry-leading fuel economy and performance – and more reasons to shop Ford and buy Ford.”
Ford estimates its February U.S. total market share was approximately 17 percent – up 3 percentage points versus a year ago.
In February, Ford sales to retail customers were 28 percent higher versus a year ago, and sales to fleet customers were up 74 percent.
North American Production
In the second quarter of 2010, Ford plans to produce 595,000 vehicles, up 144,000 vehicles (32 percent) versus the same period a year ago.  Ford’s first quarter production plan is 570,000 vehicles, unchanged from the prior forecast.
Additional Sales Highlights

• February sales of the Ford Fusion, Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, were more than double year-ago levels (up 116 percent).  Fusion set a new February sales record – its 10th monthly sales record in 11 months.  The Fusion Hybrid recently was named North American Car of the Year.
• Mercury Milan sales were higher than a year ago for the fourth month in a row.
• February sales of Ford Mustang and Focus and Lincoln MKZ also were higher.
• Ford Taurus sales totaled 6,359, up 93 percent versus a year ago.  Since the introduction of the all-new model in August, Taurus sales are nearly double year-ago levels.  The average conquest rate for Taurus is 46 percent nationwide and 76 percent on the West Coast.
• Ford’s F-Series – America’s best-selling truck for 33 years in a row and best-selling vehicle (car or truck) for 28 years in row – posted a 39 percent increase in February.  In 2009, F-Series increased its leadership position among full-size pickups with a 4 percentage-point gain in segment share, and the F-Series continues to gain share in 2010 with a 6-point gain in January. 
• Production of the all-new F-Series Super Duty has begun at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant.
• Utility vehicles also posted strong sales increases.  In February, Escape sales were up 50 percent versus a year ago, Edge sales were up 67 percent, Flex sales were up 19 percent, and Mercury Mariner sales were up 39 percent.  Sales for traditional SUVs (Explorer, Expedition and Navigator) also were higher than a year ago.
• Sales for Ford’s E-Series van (Econoline/Club Wagon) were up 26 percent versus a year ago.  E-Series has been America’s best-selling full-size van for 31 years.
• Sales of the new Transit Connect – a small commercial van introduced in mid-2009 – totaled 1,338 in February.  Ford’s share of the commercial van segment is more than 60 percent.  Production of a battery-electric Transit Connect begins later this year.     

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Note: The sales data included in this release and the accompanying tables are based largely on data reported by dealers representing their sales to retail and fleet customers.

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 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

Ford Best in Show - Chicago Auto Show

Consumers pick their favorite vehicles and exhibit at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Consumer voters proclaimed their favorites in five categories in the Chicago Auto Show's fifth annual “Best of Show” balloting.

In voting conducted over the 10-day public run of the nation’s biggest auto show, winners in the contest's five categories were:

•Best All-New Production Vehicle: Ford Focus (29 percent of vote)
•Best Concept Vehicle: Cadillac XTS Platinum (28 percent of vote)
•Best Green Vehicle: Chevrolet Volt (25 percent of vote)
•Best Exhibit: Ford (41 percent of vote)
•“Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway:” Ford Shelby GT500

“These are tough competitions that make a win really meaningful for our manufacturers and exhibitors,” said show chairman John Phelan. “In a year when our attendance was about level with 2009, we’re thrilled that everyone worked so hard to bring their best displays, concepts and production vehicles to a public whose optimism is returning.”

Each of the first four winners beat out seven other vehicles. In the fifth category, "Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway," voters could choose from any of the nearly 1000 vehicles on the show floor.

According to the results, almost one-third of the voters considered the 2011 Ford Focus the Best All-New Production Vehicle at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. This is the second year in a row the Blue Oval took the top spot in this category as the Ford Taurus took the honors in 2009.

General Motors also repeated for Best Concept with the Cadillac XTS Platinum taking the honors this year and the Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray winning last year.

Chevrolet’s Volt outpaced the Fisker Karma for the top Green Vehicle at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. The extended-range electric Volt will go on sale later this year at a price of approximately $40,000.

For the second year in a row, Ford grabbed the honors for Best Exhibit with a commanding 41 percent of the vote. That’s not a shock as Ford had more than a half dozen interactive displays throughout its booth.

In the tightest race of all, the 2010 Ford Shelby GT bested every other vehicle on the show floor to become the showgoers’ pick for “Vehicle I’d most like to have in my driveway.”

For in the Top 10

FORD NAMED ONE OF FAST COMPANY’S TOP 10 “MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES” IN MOBILE TECHNOLOGY

The 8-inch touch-screen center stack display is the key interface on MyFord Touch, shown here with audio and entertainment options active.
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• Ford Motor Company shares ranks with Google, Apple, Amazon and HTC on Fast Company magazine’s annual Top 10 list of the “Most Innovative” companies in Mobile technology
• As the only automaker to ever be featured on the Top 10 Mobile list, Ford was recognized for the industry-leading mobile device connectivity technology, SYNC and the new MyFord Touch driver interface
• Ford has been the convergence point for automotive and consumer electronics innovation collaborating with many mobile device manufacturers, software and app developers, and network providers

DEARBORN, Mich. Feb. 18, 2010 – What does Ford Motor Company have in common with Google, Apple, and Amazon? Ford shares a spot with them on Fast Company’s Top 10 list of “Most Innovative” companies in Mobile technology, and becomes the first automaker to ever be recognized in the category.
“This honor represents Ford’s commitment to innovation and development of technology that enhances the driving experience and adds real value to the consumer,” said Mark Fields, Ford president, The Americas. “We’re very proud of this recognition from Fast Company, and it is truly an accomplishment to be named amongst some of the leading technology innovators and mobile application developers.”
Fast Company ranked Ford fifth in the mobile technology category for the introduction and evolution of SYNC, the industry-leading connectivity system co-developed with Microsoft, as well as the recent reveal of MyFord Touch, an innovative user interface that promises to redefine the in-car experience.
“The automaker has taken a great leap forward,” says Fast Company.
Ford developed SYNC in response to the explosive growth potential of the mobile device and embarked on a strategy to build a software-based connectivity platform that could leverage the increasing power of the phone and improving data networks. MyFord Touch expands on the system’s device connectivity features by delivering a graphical, touch, and voice-controlled user interface that maximizes SYNC’s capability and provides an intuitive and safer way for drivers to interact with the car.
“Collaboration and strategic investment in open innovation have been keys to our success,” Fields said. “Our relationship with Microsoft was just the beginning, as we’ve forged strong relationships throughout the mobile industry and look forward to even more.”
In addition to introducing MyFord Touch at the recent 2010 International CES, Ford became the first automaker to announce hands-free command and control of smart phone apps. Pandora, Stitcher, and OpenBeak are the first to implement the SYNC Application Programming Interface (API), enabling drivers to voice control the apps through SYNC’s Bluetooth connection.
More information on SYNC and MyFord Touch can be found here or at www.media.ford.com.

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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 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.