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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• Spy Shots: 2011 Ford Flex to get new sportier trim level (autoblog.com)

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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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• Funkmaster Flex pimping 2011 Ford Fiesta (autoblog.com)

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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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• Ford’s April sales up 25 percent (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Ford sales surge in Canada (windsorstar.com)
• Report: Q1 revenue, sales up at Ford on strong F-Series, Fusion sales (autoblog.com)
• Ford Sales Surge in December (dailyfinance.com)
• Ford Americas chief says 1Q revenues, demand up (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

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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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• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Ford Flex are among the “Top 10 Family Cars for 2010,” according to the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
• Vehicles are chosen based on factors such as resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and kid-friendliness
• For more information about the “Top 10 Family Cars for 2010,” please visit www.kbb.com/Top10FamilyCars

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 16, 2010 – Three Ford vehicles – the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Ford Taurus and 2010 Ford Flex – are among the “Top 10 Family Cars for 2010,” according to the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

via THREE FORD VEHICLES SELECTED AS ‘TOP 10 FAMILY CARS FOR 2010’ BY KBB.COM | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

McMahon Ford
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Dan Dinzebach
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• Partnering with top-ranked national and international universities, the Ford “Atoms to Engines” team challenged skeptics to develop the world’s first virtual materials modeling prediction tool that allows the team to simulate the microstructures of a material before the first prototype is built.
• The Atoms to Engines team blends engineering and science to develop physics-based computer models that predict how properties and materials will behave and change during the manufacturing process.
• Building these computer models integrates the study of product performance, manufacturing and materials; in some cases it requires analyzing metals down to their atomistic level.
• The result? Components that are more durable and efficiently constructed, which saves the company considerable development time and money. In fact, the process is estimated to save Ford between $2 and $5 million a year in reducing test requirements and product development time.

via FORD SCIENTISTS WORK TO PERFECT QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE OF VEHICLE PARTS ATOM BY ATOM | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury January sales up 24 percent versus year ago
• Cars up 43 percent, crossovers up 20 percent, SUVs up 8 percent, trucks and vans up 14 percent
• Ford brand sales up 26 percent, Lincoln up 16 percent and Mercury up 6 percent
• Ford’s U.S. market share estimated at 16 percent, up 2 points versus year ago
• Fleet customers are back in the market – and buying Ford; fleet sales more than doubled versus last January’s depressed levels
• Retail sales were 5 percent lower following December’s 18 percent increase
• New products drive Ford’s brand favorability and purchase consideration to record levels

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 2, 2010 – Higher sales for every brand and in every product category propelled Ford to a 24 percent sales increase in January versus a year ago.

via FORD KICKS OFF 2010 WITH 24 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, MARKET SHARE GAIN, THANKS TO PRODUCT LINEUP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

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• Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability; this new functionality will be available on 2011 model year Ford vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch™ or MyLincoln Touch™ driver connect technology with the latest generation of SYNC®
• HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts, which eliminate static, fadeout and other problems associated with conventional analog radio signals; the result is FM audio comparable to near-CD quality and AM audio that sounds like today’s FM broadcasts
• HD Radio digital technology provides a number of advanced services not available with an analog radio. Extra FM channels, called HD2/HD3 channels, are delivered, as well as useful on-screen Program Service Data such as artist name and song title

via FORD VEHICLES FIRST TO ENABLE iTUNES TAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF NEW HD RADIO CAPABILITY IN ITS LINEUP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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Gary Braddock, interior chief designer

• Gary Braddock, Ford interior chief designer, leads the design studio team in creating interiors that capture the emotions of Ford customers and helps ensure the designs become a reality in vehicles people want to buy
• Braddock has been essential in the look and feel of Ford’s new MyFord Touch driver connect technology and its practical integration
• Although Braddock recognizes cars as central to his life, he’d really rather his garage be a pub with a pool table than a place to store cars

via GARY BRADDOCK: ENSURING EXCEPTIONAL INTERIORS ARE HALLMARKS OF EVERY FORD VEHICLE | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• Ford, Lincoln and Mercury December sales up 33 percent versus a year ago; highest sales month since May 2008
• Ford posts first full-year market share gain since 1995; December marks the 14th time in 15 months that Ford increased retail market share
• Record December sales delivered for Fusion up 83 percent and Escape up 75 percent ; Fusion sets new full-year sales record 180,671; Escape full-year sales 173,044 second best ever
• Ford’s F-Series tops best-seller lists again with December sales of 48,209 up 16 percent and full-year sales of 413,625;  F-Series has been the best-selling truck in America for 33 years in a row and the best-selling vehicle, car or truck, for 28 years in a row
• New products drive Ford’s brand favorability and purchase consideration to record highs

via FORD CAPS 2009 WITH 33 PERCENT SALES INCREASE, FIRST FULL-YEAR MARKET SHARE GAIN SINCE 1995 | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• Ford is the first auto manufacturer to offer HD Radio™ technology with iTunes® Tagging capability; this new functionality will be available next year
• HD Radio technology captures free digital radio broadcasts, which eliminate static, fadeout and other problems associated with conventional analog radio signals; the result is FM audio that’s comparable to near-CD quality and AM audio that sounds like today’s FM broadcasts
• HD Radio digital technology provides a number of advanced services not available with an analog radio. Extra FM channels, called HD2/HD3 channels, are delivered, as well as useful on-screen Program Service Data such as artist name and song title

via FORD FIRST TO ENABLE iTUNES TAGGING WITH LAUNCH OF NEW HD RADIO CAPABILITY IN ITS LINEUP | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• Ford Motor Company is the only automaker to use the same type of motion-capture software in its virtual engineering labs as Hollywood employs to create such motion pictures as “Avatar,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “Polar Express”
• Ford uses motion-capture software for a variety of automotive applications including the study of human movement for better ergonomics, immersive virtual driving experiences, and virtual manufacturing
• The technology is the latest innovation at Ford to help engineers optimize vehicle design, comfort and ergonomics. The work from this technology is being applied to future products

via FORD USES HOLLYWOOD MOTION-CAPTURE SOFTWARE BEHIND ‘AVATAR’ TO IMPROVE VEHICLE DESIGNS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• The projected resale value of 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles after 36 months in service increased by an average of $1,310 per vehicle compared to the 2009 model year – the industry’s largest increase among full-line manufacturers
• The improvement allowed Ford to narrow the residual value gap with leading Asian automakers and maintain its advantage over U.S.-based automakers
• The 2010 Ford Fusion is expected to bring customers $687 more than the 2010 Toyota Camry after 36 months in service; the residual value of the 2010 Ford Flex commands an $1,800 premium over the Toyota Highlander
• Improved quality, new features and popular redesigned products are helping to boost Ford’s residual values. Ford improved more than any other automaker in ALG’s Perceived Quality Survey released in the fall of 2009
• Compete Inc., a Massachusetts research firm that studies online car shopping, says Ford has surpassed Toyota in customer consideration for the first time since it began tracking such data in 2002. Compete data show Ford surpassed Toyota in customer consideration in September, October and November

via FORD VEHICLE RESIDUAL VALUES RISE $1,300 ON AVERAGE FROM 2009 TO 2010 MODEL YEAR; INDUSTRY’S LARGEST GAIN | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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Ford Flex

FORD FLEX AND FORD FUSION HYBRID NAMED 2010 ALL-STARS BY AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE.

• The 2010 Ford Flex and the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have been named 2010 All-Stars by AUTOMOBILE Magazine, one of Americas leading automotive lifestyle publications
• This is the second consecutive All-Star win for the Ford Flex, which was described by AUTOMOBILE Magazine as “one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market”
• According to AUTOMOBILE Magazine, the Ford Fusion Hybrid stands out as an All-Star because it doesnt drive like a hybrid
• 2009 has been a banner year for the 2010 Fusion Hybrid; the vehicle received this years prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year® award, was honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazines “10Best” cars for 2010 and is a finalist for North American Car of the Year

via FORD FLEX AND FORD FUSION HYBRID NAMED 2010 ALL-STARS BY AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• Next-generation SYNC® system to incorporate in-car WiFi system powered by customer’s USB mobile broadband modem, turning entire car into hot spot
• New capability will be standard on select SYNC-equipped vehicles with no additional hardware or subscriptions required beyond the user-supplied mobile broadband modem
• Standard WiFi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) security protocols will be in force, and only owner-permitted devices will be able to access the network, helping ensure secure, robust connectivity for in-car users

via FORD SYNC GOES WIFI TURNING CAR INTO MOBILE INTERNET HOT SPOT FOR PASSENGERS WHILE ON THE GO | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 16, 2009 – Human touch is highly subjective and complex, making it difficult to replicate in a lab. So designers of vehicle interiors have historically relied on direct feedback from customers to determine which visual and tactile interior environments pleased most people. However, the results were unscientific and sometimes resulted in customers feeling unsatisfied and uninspired by their driving experience.

via FORD ENGINEERS IMITATE HUMAN TOUCH THROUGH A ROBOT NAMED RUTH | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• The projected resale value of 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles after 36 months in service increased by an average of $1,310 per vehicle compared to the 2009 model year – the industrys largest increase among full-line manufacturers
• The improvement allowed Ford to narrow the residual value gap with leading Asian automakers and maintain its advantage over U.S.-based automakers
• The 2010 Ford Fusion is expected to bring customers $687 more than the 2010 Toyota Camry after 36 months in service; the residual value of the 2010 Ford Flex commands an $1,800 premium over the Toyota Highlander
• Improved quality, new features and popular redesigned products are helping to boost Fords residual values. Ford improved more than any other automaker in ALGs Perceived Quality Survey released in the fall of 2009
• Compete Inc., a Massachusetts research firm that studies online car shopping, says Ford has surpassed Toyota in customer consideration for the first time since it began tracking such data in 2002. Compete data show Ford surpassed Toyota in customer consideration in September, October and November

via FORD VEHICLE RESIDUAL VALUES RISE $1,300 ON AVERAGE FROM 2009 TO 2010 MODEL YEAR; INDUSTRYS LARGEST GAIN | Ford Motor Company NewsroomMcMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• Ford Motor Company records the largest increase in fuel economy gains and CO2 emission reductions over the past five years, according to Environmental Protection Agency
• Incremental engineering solutions – ranging from aerodynamic enhancements and weight reduction to energy management and mechanical improvements – have significantly contributed to Ford’s fuel economy gains
• EcoBoost, the cornerstone of Ford’s sustainability strategy, debuted in 2009 with a strong take rate; 2010 marks introduction of four-cylinder EcoBoost
• Ford to deliver 30 new powertrains over next two years to increase fuel efficiency
• Ford brings battery system design and development in house as part of core competency to meet aggressive electrification strategy; on target to deliver new electrified products to market

via FORD LEADS THE INDUSTRY ON FUEL ECONOMY IMPROVEMENT, DRIVEN BY POWERTRAIN ADVANCEMENTS | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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via FORD 3.5-LITER ECOBOOST™ V-6 & 2.5-LITER HYBRID I-4 ENGINES MAKE WARD’S ‘10 BEST ENGINES’ LIST | Ford Motor Company Newsroom

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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• Ford launches SYNCMyPhone, a new phone contact list app for SYNC users that allows them to create, manage and download multiple address books to their Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle
• The software was developed by Ford, along with current SYNC users, who beta-tested the application and contributed to features found on the finished product
• SYNCMyPhone is compatible with all current production versions of Ford SYNC and is available for free download at www.syncmyride.com

via FORD RESPONDS TO SYNC OWNER COMMUNITY REQUEST; LAUNCHES NEW ADDRESS BOOK DOWNLOAD APPLICATION | Ford Motor Company Newsroom.

McMahon Ford
3295 S Kingshighway at Fyler
314-664-4100

Dan Dinzebach
Internet Sales Manager

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