Ford’s commitment to research and innovation is about reaching millions of customers with real-world solutions that make their vehicles safer, cleaner, and more convenient and reliable.
Some of these innovations are simple such as the EasyFuel capless fuel system. Others are game-changers such as the EcoBoost engine technology that increases fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, but delivers the power and performance of a much larger engine.
When it comes to communications and connectivity, Ford is leading the way with 1 million SYNC-equipped vehicles expected to be on the road by early 2009 in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury products.
These compelling technologies, among many others currently offered and to come, demonstrate Ford's commitment to offer the mass market unprecedented product choices as well as value, convenience and design leadership.
Ford delivers Fusion Hybrid equipped with 1 millionth SYNC unit to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer
Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally personally delivered the Fusion Hybrid equipped with the milestone SYNC unit to Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer. Powered by Microsoft Auto Software, SYNC is Ford’s fully integrated, voice-activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players.
Currently, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with the system, and SYNC-equipped vehicles sell twice as fast on dealers’ lots as units without.
Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has continued to add new applications to customers at no cost. In 2008, SYNC was upgraded with two new features, Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist™. And, available for download later this month, Ford’s next-generation SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise driving directions and real-time information including business listings, news, sports scores and weather.
In addition to the convenient SYNC technologies, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer can rely on his new 2010 Fusion Hybrid for fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient midsize car in America, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.
QUOTES
“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value. The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.” - - Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company
“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford a connectivity leader in the auto industry. We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”
- Jim Buczkowski, Director of Electrical and Electronic Systems, Ford
Ford to Donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for Every Customer Test Drive
Ford Motor Company is committed to the fight against breast cancer, and is a proud supporter of breast cancer research and critical breast cancer services. Over the years Ford has dedicated more than $100 million to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fight against breast cancer.
To further show their support, Ford will donate $20, up to $1 million, to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle through June 1. This charitable initiative will run alongside the Ford Advantage Plan, designed to boost consumer confidence by offering valued Ford customers a guaranteed 12 months of vehicle payments on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle up to $700 a month, if the customer loses his/her job.
Customers interested in a test drive can join in and participate by logging on to www.fordcares.com and getting a registration form and number to provide to their dealer. Customers participating in any upcoming Komen Race for the Cure event through June 1st will receive a registration form and can also follow the same steps to have a $20 donation made on their behalf as well.
Twitter users can follow this story @Ford. Please help by getting the word out by sending a tweet. Here’s a sample: For test drives until 6/1, Ford donates $20 to Komen for the Cure. RT and @ at least ONE woman you love! http://is.gd/unhl
Quotes:
“Our goal with the Ford Advantage Plan is to rebuild consumer confidence and assist local charitable organizations that also are struggling in this economy.” - Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company
“This program will go a long way in helping Komen directly serve women and men in hundreds of communities across the country with education, screening and treatment programs that address breast cancer issues close to home.” - Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FORD MOTOR COMPANY, ALAN MULALLY TAKES YOUR QUESTIONS ON TWITTER WITH THE @FORD TEAM
Progressive and innovative thinking is an essential component of Ford’s culture. With an already active social media presence, Ford continues to join, participate and contribute to the online conversation.
Ford Motor Company is excited to announce that Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be taking questions live on Twitter on April 15th from 1:00-1:30pm EDT. During this time Ford invites you to join Alan at @Ford - http://twitter.com/Ford - (and to use the hashtag #FordCEO) on Twitter for an exciting and unique Q&A forum. Feel free to tweet your questions, concerns and suggestions, we’d love to hear what you think!
Tune in to Ford DigiKnows Weekly Interactive Video Events
Tune in to Talk with the Experts about the Ford Advantage Plan
Ford DigiKnows:
A discussion with Ford’s Advantage Plan Experts Kim Cape and Andrew Ashman, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing Managers
Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
Tuesday April 7th, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET
In our episode on April 7th at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at the newly-released Ford Advantage Plan and discovers how Ford is committed to offering peace of mind to Americans who are considering the purchase of a new vehicle.
Join in and ask your questions as Michael takes an in-depth look at the Ford Advantage Plan and how it compares with similar plans currently offered in the marketplace. The discussion includes Kim Cape and Andrew Ashman, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing Managers.
The Ford Advantage Plan offers payment protection of up to $700 per month for up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if customers lose their jobs. Also, customers can take advantage of 0 percent financing on select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles through Ford’s financing partner, Ford Motor Credit. The program runs from March 31 through June 1.
About Ford DigiKnows
Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive streaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.
About DigiKnows: Go Under the hood of the Ford Fusion Hybrid NASCAR Pace Car
On March 31st at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at the Ford Fusion Hybrid NASCAR Pace Car and discovers how Ford developed the first hybrid electric vehicle ever to lead the field to the green flag at a NASCAR event. Join in and ask your questions as Michael talks with Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager, who works with the team involved in the NASCAR event.
Fully decked out in NASCAR-inspired camouflage paint, the all-new 2010 Fusion Hybrid, accompanied by Fusion Sport paced the Ford 400, during Ford’s Championship Weekend at NASCAR’s Homestead-Miami Speedway back in November 2008. Beating out the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg in city driving, the Ford Fusion Hybrid can travel 700 miles on a single tank of gas in city driving. Equipped with SmartGuage with EcoGuide—the Fusion Hybrid is always environmentally conscious, continuously updating the driver with current fuel and battery power levels, and average/instant miles-per-gallon readings. Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas says it best, “The Fusion Hybrid pacing the Ford 400 showcased exactly what our customers want, fuel economy and fun – and we were pleased to be able to offer racing fans a glimpse of what’s to come.”
About Ford DigiKnows
Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive streaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.
Customers check out the all new Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO at Middleton Ford in Middleton, WI.
Customers check out the 2010 Ford Taurus and Taurus SHO at Kayser Ford in Madison, WI.
Patty Flaherty, Director of Human Resources Strategy and Ford Learning and Development, shows potential customers the all new Ford Taurus at Mark Zimmerman Ford.
Director of Human Resources Strategy and Ford Learning and Development Patty Flaherty interviews with KCRG TV.
