• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury first half sales totaled 954,745, up 28 percent versus year ago; June sales totaled 170,900, up 15 percent
• New 2011 F-Series Super Duty and Mustang models are off to a fast start. Super Duty sales were up 58 percent in June versus year ago; Mustang retail sales increased 37 percent
• First Fiestas delivered to U.S. customers
• Ford’s retail market share continues to grow for the 20th time in 21 months as buyers turn to Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles; Ford brand now has the highest initial quality among all non-luxury brands, according to J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Initial Quality Study

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2010 – Ford’s newest models helped the company conclude a strong first half as Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivered 170,900 new vehicles in June – a 15 percent increase versus a year ago. Year-to-date sales totaled 954,745, up 28 percent with growth across Ford’s full family of cars (up 27 percent), utilities (up 24 percent) and trucks (up 32 percent).

Sales for the 2011 F-Series Super Duty were 58 percent higher than a year ago, capturing more than 50 percent of the heavy duty pickup segment – believed to be the first time since year 2000 that Super Duty has achieved a 50 percent share.

Retail sales for the Mustang were 37 percent higher than a year ago. Since the arrival of the 2011 model, featuring new V-6 and V-8 engines that deliver more horsepower and improved fuel economy, Mustang’s share has climbed to a level not seen in 13 months.

via FORD DELIVERS STRONG, BALANCED SALES IN FIRST HALF 2010; NEW SUPER DUTY, MUSTANG PACE JUNE SALES GROWTH | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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The Winner: 2010 Ford F-150

Strengths: Strong and refined in every aspect, excellent towing and hauling
Shortcomings: Rides and handles well, just not as well as the Ram
Synopsis: The best all-around pickup available today

It was only by the barest of margins, but the Ford F-150 came out on top in this tough group. It did that not by being outstanding in all areas but by offering a well-rounded, thoroughly developed package that does everything to a high standard.

via Full-size Pickup Truck Comparison: The Winner – Kelley Blue Book.

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• Ford E-Series vans can achieve a whopping 150 passenger-miles per gallon each day as commuter vehicles for VPSI Inc., a leader in developing and maintaining world-class vanpool programs
• Ford E-Series vans represent about 70 percent of VPSI’s 5,000-vehicle fleet
• On an annual basis, VPSI’s use of Ford E-Series vanpools eliminates more than 14 million commuter trips, saves more than $73 million in fuel and reduces CO2 emissions by 259,000 tons
• Ford E-Series has been America’s top selling full-size van for 31 years running; in May, sales were up 34 percent versus a year ago

DEARBORN, Mich., June 21, 2010 – Thousands of Ford E-Series vans are achieving a whopping 150 passenger-miles per gallon each day as commuter vehicles for VPSI, a leader in developing and maintaining world-class vanpool programs.

A combination of Ford E-150, E-250 and E-350 models represent about 70 percent of VPSI’s 5,000-vehicle fleet and transport more than 40,000 people in the United States to and from work each day.

via FORD E-SERIES VANS CUT FUEL COSTS, CO2 EMISSIONS IN UNIQUE WAY – VAN POOLING COMMUTERS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• 11th annual Ford Sustainability Report shows significant progress on improving fuel economy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operational sustainability
• Report details Ford’s broad-based electrification strategy and introduction of fuel-saving technologies across a wide range of vehicles
• Ford continues to cut its global water use and improve its energy efficiency to decrease its environmental footprint, while leveraging its organizational resources around the globe to help bring vehicles that consumers want to market faster

DEARBORN, Mich., June 15, 2010 – Did you know Ford Motor Company cut its global water use by more than 16 percent in 2009 and became the first automaker to join a global program to help establish a water disclosure protocol for companies around the world?

Did you know Ford reduced carbon dioxide emissions of its 2009 model year vehicles for North America by 12 percent compared to a 2006 baseline, and is on track to meet its goal of a 30 percent CO2 reduction by 2020?

Did you know Ford delivered on its 2006 pledge to double the number of flexible-fuel vehicles produced in the United States by the end of 2010?

via BLUE OVAL ON A GREEN STREAK: FORD DETAILS PROGRESS ON ECO-INITIATIVES IN LATEST SUSTAINABILITY REPORT | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford adds Google Maps to its ‘Send to SYNC’ feature, allowing drivers to send destinations from Google Maps to their Ford vehicle through the cloud-based SYNC® Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) app
• Drivers download destination information into the vehicle via their Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones; the information will be processed into audible turn-by-turn directions, eliminating the need to bring printed maps into the car and helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road
• ‘Send to SYNC’ launches later this month and will be available for existing 2010-11 models equipped with SYNC TDI; no extra hardware, software updates or costs are required

DEARBORN, Mich., June 8, 2010 – Drivers who enjoy the convenience of Ford SYNC® with Traffic, Directions & Information (TDI) soon will be able to select a destination on Google Maps and send it to their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicles.

‘Send to SYNC’ is a new capability added to the Ford Service Delivery Network, the company’s cloud-based architecture, which provides a suite of voice-activated services accessible through a customer’s mobile phone.

via FORD ADDS GOOGLE MAPS ‘SEND TO SYNC’ SERVICE TO BEAM DRIVING DIRECTIONS INTO CAR; NO EXTRA COST | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford tells top fleet customers it will introduce a new compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas) engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cabs later this year
• The F-450 and F-550 offerings expand the breadth of Ford’s CNG/LPG-capable commercial and government fleet lineup, including E-Series and – coming later this year – the 2011 Transit Connect, F-53 motor home chassis and new F-59 commercial strip chassis
• Ford has shipped more than 3,000 E-Series vans with CNG/LPG engine prep packages since last November
• CNG and LPG burn cleaner than gasoline, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions

DEARBORN, Mich., June 7, 2010 – Ford today told some 500 North American fleet customers that it will begin offering an alternative-fuels engine prep package for its 6.8-liter F-450 and F-550 Super Duty chassis cab.

At the annual Ford Fleet Product and Business Conference in Dearborn, Ford presented details of the conversion option, which will become available this fall and enables the use of efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas).

via FORD EXPANDS ALTERNATIVE-FUEL CONVERSION CAPABILITY TO F-450, F-550 SUPER DUTY | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford SYNC® emergency response app, 911 Assist™, can now provide operators with theability to receive a vehicle’s exact GPS coordinates in the event of an accident
• Ford 911 Assist with GPS location remains a subscription-free, no-additional-cost feature to customers for the life of their vehicle; launches on all 2011 MyFord and MyLincoln Touch ™-equipped vehicles and select SYNC-equipped models
• Ford will have a presence at the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) 2010 conference in Indianapolis June 5-10, and continues to work with NENA and the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International as it develops future enhancements for 911 Assist

DEARBORN, Mich., June 3, 2010 – As thousands of emergency communication professionals gather in Indianapolis June 5-10 for the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) 2010 conference, Ford is announcing new capability for the SYNC 911 Assist ™ application: the communication of a vehicle’s location using GPS coordinates provided to emergency responders.

The nonsubscription-based app remains available to customers at no additional cost; providing emergency operators access to GPS coordinates of a vehicle, another important tool that could help first responders reach the scene of an accident faster.

“Ford is committed to continuously enhancing the owner experience, and SYNC is a key part of that strategy,” said Doug VanDagens, director, Ford Connected Services. “SYNC 911 Assist is free for the life of the vehicle, and now we’re making it perform even better. That adds unexpected value and peace of mind for the customer.”

Available with certain 2011 model year vehicles, the GPS coordinates are generated by the vehicle’s onboard GPS receiver for additional accuracy.

via FORD IMPROVES SYNC 911 ASSIST WITH GPS LOCATION AWARENESS FOR FAST RESPONSE; NO FEES ATTACHED | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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A new website is making it easy, cost-effective and fun for Ford owners to turn their car or truck into a unique personalized ride with vinyl graphics that offer the look of a custom paint job at half the price.

• Ford is making it easy, cost-effective and fun for Ford owners to turn their car or truck into a unique personalized ride with custom vinyl graphics
• With nearly 50 designs to choose from for each vehicle, the custom vinyl graphics offer the look of a custom paint job at half the cost; available through www.fordcustomgraphics.com
• Ford custom graphics are launching with the new Ford Fiesta and will soon expand to include graphics for two of the most customized cars in the country – the Ford Mustang and F-150; the program will later roll out with customization options for all Ford vehicles.

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – A new website is making it easy, cost-effective and fun for Ford owners to turn their car or truck into a unique personalized ride with vinyl graphics that offer the look of a custom paint job at half the price.

The website – www.fordcustomgraphics.com – launched in November with vinyl wrap designs for the new Ford Fiesta is now expanding to include graphics for two of the most customized cars in the country – the Ford Mustang and F-150 – and later will offer customization options for all Ford vehicles.

via BUBBLES, FLOWERS AND FLAMES: NEW FORD WEBSITE LETS CUSTOMERS CUSTOMIZE THEIR VEHICLES | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford Motor Company is partnering with Coulomb Technologies to provide free in-home ChargePoint® Networked Charging Stations for some of the automaker’s first electric vehicle customers under the Ford Blue Oval ChargePoint Program.
• The Ford Blue Oval ChargePoint Program is part of Coulomb Technologies’ $37 million ChargePoint America charging station infrastructure project made possible by a grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the Department of Energy.
• Coulomb Technologies will begin installing nearly 5,000 home and public ChargePoint Networked Charging Stations under this program in Austin, Texas, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Fla., Sacramento, Calif., the San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Redmond, Wash., and Washington D.C.

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford Motor Company will partner with Coulomb Technologies to provide nearly 5,000 free in-home charging stations for some of the automaker’s first electric vehicle customers.

Under the Ford Blue Oval ChargePoint Program, residents in nine designated markets could receive a free ChargePoint® Networked Charging Station with the purchase of a Ford Transit Connect Electric vehicle. The nine markets designated by Coulomb Technologies include Austin, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Sacramento, the San Jose/San Francisco Bay Area, Redmond, Wash., and Washington D.C. The installation of ChargePoint charging stations will begin immediately.

The Ford Blue Oval ChargePoint Program is part of Coulomb Technologies’ $37 million ChargePoint America charging station infrastructure project made possible by a $15 million grant funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Transportation Electrification Initiative administered by the Department of Energy.

via FORD PUTS CHARGE IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE PLANS; PARTNERS WITH COULOMB TECHNOLOGIES TO PROVIDE FREE CHARGING STATIONS TO SOME OF ITS FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE OWNERS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury May sales totaled 192,253, up 23 percent versus year ago.
• All-new Super Duty powers F-Series pickup to its highest sales month in more than two years; Super Duty sales up 82 percent versus year ago; total F-Series sales up 49 percent
• Record May sales for Ford Fusion and Edge; best month yet for Transit Connect. Mustang’s May retail share increase is powered by 2011 models, which deliver even more horsepower and fuel economy
• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury year-to-date sales totaled 783,845, up 31 percent versus year ago
• Ford gains retail market share for the 19th time in the last 20 months, as more buyers turn to Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles
• Ford announces plans to build 570,000 vehicles in the third quarter, up 80,000 vehicles (16 percent) versus third quarter 2009; second quarter plan increased by 15,000 vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., June 2, 2010 – Ford continued to post strong sales and market share gains in May, with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivering 192,253 new vehicles in May – a 23 percent increase versus a year ago. It marks the sixth month in a row Ford sales have increased more than 20 percent. Year-to-date sales totaled 783,845, up 31 percent.

In May, Ford retail sales were up 19 percent versus a year ago, and Ford gained retail market share for the 19th time in the last 20 months. Fleet sales were up 32 percent, primarily reflecting higher sales of Ford’s hard-working trucks to commercial customers.

Ford is benefiting from a fresh lineup of new, fuel-efficient, high-quality vehicles that deliver industry-leading levels of safety as well as smart design and value.

via FORD’S U.S. MAY SALES UP 23 PERCENT; SIXTH STRAIGHT MONTH FORD SALES INCREASE MORE THAN 20 PERCENT | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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2011 Flex Titanium

• Ford Flex adds a new top-end model to the lineup, the Flex Titanium
• Flex Titanium delivers additional style and attitude to the Flex range and reflects the target customer’s love for personalization
• Flex Titanium delivers content for customers looking for an even more luxurious ride, and reflects customer feedback on features that really matter

DEARBORN, Mich., May 20, 2010 – The Ford Flex has been turning heads for almost two years now. And in that time, one thing has remained constant – the customer’s love for the style and personality the Flex brings to the driveway. With that in mind, Ford announces the latest addition to the Flex lineup, Flex Titanium – a highly contented vehicle with individual style that will stand out in the world of more traditional crossovers and sport utility vehicles.

The new Flex Titanium features many new styling cues that will appeal to customers looking for a more personalized Flex experience. As Flex Marketing Manager Kate Pearce explains:

“As we look at the reasons people have been buying Flex, there are some very consistent themes running through the research and the main one is style. Flex customers are attracted to the vehicle as one that reflects their personality and allows them to stand out from the crowd. With the Flex Titanium, we are responding to our customers with a vehicle that reflects the unique positioning of Flex in the marketplace.”

Flex Titanium is based off the Limited series but with significant exterior and interior detailing as well as new features. Titanium will feature four exterior color choices: Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black and Ingot Silver. All are mated to a new Tuxedo Black two-tone roof as well as blackout treatment for headlamps and taillamps. The unique black chrome finish grille with “Flex” badging on the leading edge of the hood is a cue that comes directly from some of the SEMA Flex models shown at the 2008 and 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association shows in Las Vegas.

via FORD FLEX ADDS A STYLISH NEW TITANIUM MODEL TO LINEUP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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DEARBORN, Mich., May 17, 2010 – Whether heading to a demanding job site or a relaxing day at the lake, 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty customers can take advantage of segment-first technologies and conveniences to tow like a pro.

With vacation season approaching, more Super Duty customers will start towing boats, horse trailers and campers, all of which are among the top items towed by F-250 and F-350 customers. The ability to tow a camper, fifth-wheel, RV or bigger camper also rates highest among both conventional and fifth-wheel towers in terms of reasons for wanting maximum towing capacity.

The 2011 Super Duty delivers not only with best-in-class capability, but also with more confidence-enhancing towing features, helping Super Duty customers tow a wide variety of loads – for work or for fun – with greater peace of mind.

“The 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty has class-leading capability, but the key is putting it to work in a way that is easy and seamless for the customer,” said Doug Scott, Truck Group marketing manager. “About 95 percent of our Super Duty customers tow. The wide array of standard and available technology in the 2011 Super Duty can help customers tow with more confidence.”

Nearly 72 percent of Super Duty customers consider towing capability as “extremely important.” The ability of the 2011 Ford Super Duty to tow maximum loads for work and recreation allows customers to work the truck hard during the week and on the weekend.

“The towing customer is the Super Duty customer,” said Scott. “That’s why it’s so important to provide the 2011 Super Duty customer not only the most capability, but also the right technology to tow more confidently.”

via TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BOAT MORE EASILY DOWN THE ROAD WITH 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY’S TECHNOLOGIES | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Many Ford Motor Company vehicles are the most affordable vehicles repair after collisions in their respective segments, according to a report by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration based on insurance claims costs; Insurers use this model-specific data to help establish auto insurance premiums
• Ford has 10 segments leaders, including Taurus, Focus and F-Series trucks, from the 2007-2009 model years, more than three times as many as Toyota and Honda combined. The NHTSA ratings based on claim costs data from the Highway Loss Data Institute
• Ford in 2009 established a special engineering and technical center in Allen Park, Mich., to help lower the cost of collision repair for Ford vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., May 12, 2010 – Many Ford Motor Company vehicles cost less to repair after a collision on average than all other vehicles in their segments, according to a new U.S. government report based in insurance claims database.

This is good news for the pocketbooks of current and future Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners because auto insurance companies often factor in model-specific claims data in setting premium costs.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2010 Relative Collision Insurance Cost Information Booklet shows more Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles lead their segments for the lowest collision insurance cost than any other automaker. The report will be available in all dealerships this spring to help consumers anticipate repair costs that insurers rely on for setting insurance rates.

Ford has 10 segments leaders, including Taurus, Focus and F-Series trucks, from the 2007-2009 model years, more than three times as many as Toyota and Honda combined. The NHTSA ratings based on claim costs data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

via REPORT SHOWS FORD VEHICLES MORE AFFORDABLE TO REPAIR; INSURERS CAN PROVIDE CHEAPER RATES | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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2011 Ford Flex spy shots

During a rainy and wind-whipped drive home this weekend, we happened upon a foursome of Ford prototypes – one 2011 Lincoln MKX towing a trailer and a trio of Ford Flex crossovers. But unlike the stock-appearing MKX, the trio of Flex EcoBoost models looked different to us, even from a distance. Upon closing in and getting a few frustrating iPhone shots, we decided to speed ahead of the group, pull into a safe lay-by, race to retrieve a SLR camera from the trunk of our long-term Subaru Legacy 2.5GT, and get back in pursuit in hopes of some higher-quality shots – the results of which you see here.

As confirmed by an Autoblog source within Ford, the Flex will receive a new-for-2011 trim level that includes the stealthy alterations seen here: A blacked-out roof (currently, customers can spec a body-color panel, white or gray) and greenhouse, smoked headlamps and taillamps, as well as striking black trim panels and a set of new five-spoke wheels. Perhaps most interestingly, this special Flex receives a carbon-finish grille with the Blue Oval badge deleted. In its stead are big blacked-out letters spelling out F-O-R-D on the hood’s leading edge – not unlike some of the company’s recent SEMA concepts from Funkmaster Flex and Chip Foose

via Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Flex to get new sportier trim level — Autoblog.

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• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury April sales totaled 162,996, up 25 percent versus year ago; retail sales were up 32 percent, and fleet sales were up 13 percent
• Ford brand sales up 26 percent versus year ago, Lincoln up 22 percent and Mercury up 19 percent
• Ford cars up 10 percent versus year ago, utilities up 33 percent and trucks up 38 percent
• Ford Fusion, Escape, Flex and Transit Connect set sales records
• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury year-to-date sales totaled 591,592, up 34 percent versus year ago
• Ford gains retail market share for the 18th time in the last 19 months, as more buyers turn to Ford’s fresh lineup of high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – Ford continued to post strong sales and market share gains in April, with Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers delivering 162,996 new vehicles in April – a 25 percent increase versus a year ago. It marks the fifth month in a row Ford sales have increased more than 20 percent. Year-to-date sales totaled 591,592, up 34 percent.

In April, Ford retail sales were up 32 percent versus a year ago, and Ford gained retail market share for the 18th time in the last 19 months. Fleet sales were up 13 percent. Ford is benefiting from a fresh lineup of new, high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles delivering industry-leading levels of safety and smart design.

via FORD’S U.S. APRIL SALES UP 25 PERCENT; FIFTH STRAIGHT MONTH FORD SALES HAVE INCREASED MORE THAN 20 PERCENT | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• ADT Security Services, the world’s largest electronic security provider, plans to double its recent order of 1,500 Transit Connects, saving the company approximately $5.3 million in annual fuel costs while reducing carbon emissions
• With plans to order a total of 3,000 Transit Connects within the next six months, ADT will replace nearly half of its N.A. fleet with Ford’s compact van, named 2010 North American Truck of the Year
• ADT’s decision to purchase a fleet of Transit Connects came after a five-week pilot program with its technical installers

DEARBORN, Mich., May 3, 2010 – ADT Security Services, the world’s largest electronic security provider, recently purchased 1,500 Ford Transit Connects and intends to double that number within the next six months, saving some $5.3 million annually in fuel costs while reducing carbon emissions.

With plans to order a total of 3,000 Transit Connects, ADT, a Tyco International company based in Boca Raton, Fla., will replace nearly half of its North American fleet with Ford’s new compact van. The Transit Connects will be driven by thousands of ADT technicians who install and service security systems for millions of residential customers throughout North America.

via ADT SAYS IT WILL SAVE $5.3 MILLION IN FUEL COSTS, MEET GREEN GOALS WITH FORD TRANSIT CONNECT ORDER | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford Motor Company will collaborate with Azure Dynamics to begin delivering the Transit Connect Electric to European customers in late summer 2011
• Vehicle is based on the Transit Connect commercial van, a cornerstone of the ONE Ford global product vision and a proven success in Europe with over 700,000 built since its initial introduction in 2002
• Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect Electric
• The Transit Connect Electric is the first of five electrified vehicles (battery-electric, hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles) under development as part of Ford’s global electrification strategy and all of which will be launched in Europe by 2013

Cologne, Germany, May 3, 2010 – Ford Motor Company and Azure Dynamics Corporation today announced that they have signed a collaborative agreement to begin delivering a pure battery electric version of the successful Ford Transit Connect van to customers in Europe beginning in late summer 2011.

via FORD AND AZURE DYNAMICS COLLABORATE ON TRANSIT CONNECT ELECTRIC FOR EUROPE | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• The city of Boston says Ford Transit Connect Taxi “fits the bill” as a taxicab, becoming the nation’s first municipality to green-light the new taxis
• Boston paves the way for its taxi owners and operators to put the purpose-built Transit Connect Taxi on its streets later this year
• Transit Connect Taxi was designed for passenger comfort, driver convenience and efficiency; the gas-powered version is expected to deliver an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy over many traditional taxis

BOSTON, April 30, 2010 – Saying the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Taxi “fits the bill,” the city of Boston this week became the first municipality in America to approve the versatile cab for taxi use, paving the way for taxi owners to purchase the new vehicle for their fleets.

“We’re very impressed with the Transit Connect,” said Mark Cohen, director, Licensing Division, Boston Police Department. “It’s the closest thing to a purpose-built vehicle for taxi use that I’ve seen in 25 years.”

Boston, the 10th largest metropolitan area in the United States, regulates which types of vehicles can be used as taxicabs in its city streets. To be approved for taxi use, a vehicle must meet basic size requirements for headroom, legroom and cargo space.

“The size, shape and configuration of the Transit Connect make it comfortable for both driver and passengers,” said Cohen. “When the Ford Crown Victoria goes out of production next year the taxi industry here in Boston and throughout the country is going to be looking for alternatives. I think the Transit Connect Taxi fits the bill.”

via BOSTON: FORD TRANSIT CONNECT TAXI FITS THE BILL; BECOMES FIRST CITY TO APPROVE VERSATILE NEW CAB | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford is making its vehicles, which are 85 percent recyclable by weight, more eco-friendly through increased use of renewable and recyclable materials; the 2010 Ford Taurus is the latest model to use eco-friendly bio-based seat cushions
• In 2009, Ford reduced the amount of automotive-related plastics to landfills by nearly 30 million pounds and saved approximately $4.5 million by reusing recycled materials
• Ford’s “reduce, reuse and recycle” commitments are part of its broader global sustainability strategy to reduce its environmental footprint
• Automobiles are among the most recycled consumer products. More than 95 percent of all end-of-life vehicles in the U.S. are processed for recycling – compared to 52 percent of all paper and 31 percent of all plastic soft drink bottles

DEARBORN, Mich., April 20, 2010 – Ford is making its vehicles more eco-friendly through increased use of renewable and recyclable materials such as the soy and bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks on the 2010 Ford Taurus.

Ford vehicles are now 85 percent recyclable by weight. In 2009, Ford saved approximately $4.5 million by using recycled materials, and diverted between 25 and 30 million pounds of plastic from landfills in North America alone.

“By increasing the use of recycled or renewable content and reducing the use of undesirable materials whenever possible, we’re helping to reduce waste to landfills by millions of pounds – and we’re doing it around the world,” said John Viera, Ford’s director of Sustainability and Environmental Policy. “More than ever before, the spirit of ONE Ford that drives our global product strategy also drives our commitment to sustainability.”

The 2010 Ford Taurus is the eleventh Ford vehicle to feature earth-friendly bio-based seat cushions and seatbacks. Ford has more vehicle models with seats that use soy and other bio-based foams than any other automaker. Ford Mustang, F-150, Focus, Flex, Escape, Expedition and Econoline as well as Mercury Mariner, Lincoln MKS and Navigator also use the sustainable material.

via FORD IS MAKING GREENER VEHICLES THROUGH INCREASED USE OF RENEWABLE AND RECYCLABLE MATERIALS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford’s award-winning EcoBoost™ gasoline engines use many of the same technologies found in today’s state-of-the-art diesels, including direct injection and turbocharging
• The next generation of EcoBoost engines will move even closer to diesels as Ford introduces cooled EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), which helps enable higher compression ratios
• Further refinements to EcoBoost engines expected to yield another 5 percent gain in fuel economy

DETROIT, April 14, 2010 – At the 2010 SAE World Congress this week, Dan Kapp, Ford’s director of powertrain research and advanced engineering, and Bob Fascetti, director of large gas and diesel engine engineering, will detail how the next generation of the company’s award-winning EcoBoost engines will further connect gasoline and diesel engine technology.

“The first generation of EcoBoost applied some of the key technologies found in powerful diesel engines – such as direct injection and turbocharging – and optimized them for the gasoline engine,” said Fascetti. “The next generation of EcoBoost engines will continue that path to deliver more power and even better fuel economy with lower emissions, which are key customer benefits of EcoBoost technology.”

Technologies being studied to further expand the potential of EcoBoost include cooled EGR and more advanced forms of turbocharging, which also have links to modern diesel engines. Cooled EGR as applied to an EcoBoost engine can improve efficiency and reduce the tendency for an engine to knock. Cooled EGR is exhaust gas that is cooled in a heat exchanger before being pumped back into the cylinders, where it lowers the combustion temperature.

The result: a cleaner-running engine that develops more power and delivers as much as a 5 percent gain in fuel economy over today’s already efficient EcoBoost engines. Ford’s current generation of 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 and 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines deliver between 10 and 20 percent better fuel economy than comparable normally aspirated V-6 and V-8 engines, respectively.

Ford holds more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost technology, which combines direct injection, turbocharging and variable valve timing to increase performance and reduce emissions. EcoBoost gasoline engines already use much of the same technology that is found in today’s state-of-the-art turbo-diesels.

As with diesels, today’s EcoBoost engines feature:

• A high-pressure direct-injection fuel system fed by a common rail that delivers a precise amount of gasoline in the exact spot for fast and complete burn
• Turbocharging to create a more dense mix of air and fuel in each cylinder
• Special pistons with optimized bowls in the center to improve combustion efficiency. These pistons are also oil-cooled, which reduces in-cylinder temperatures
• Reduced CO2 emissions and higher fuel economy

via NEXT GENERATION OF FORD’S ECOBOOST ENGINES PROMISE EVEN MORE POWER, BETTER FUEL ECONOMY | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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