Ford eNews - Feb. 1, 2012

Published on Wednesday, 01 February 2012 15:08 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

From seven to 11; Ford accelerates EcoBoost capacity

Coming off record sales of EcoBoost^™-equipped vehicles in 2011, Ford will triple its capacity for 2012, offering this fuel-saving technology in 11 nameplates – up from seven in 2011. Delivering up to a 20 percent increase in fuel economy compared to larger engines of similar output, EcoBoost engines combine turbocharging and gasoline direct injection. The all-new Fusion arrives this year with two EcoBoost offerings. The long-anticipated Focus ST is coming in 2012 too, joining Taurus SHO as a high-performance EcoBoost application.  more... 

Richard Truett | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 313.323.7045

Ford's global Driving Skills for Life to help train new drivers

Ford kicks off its ninth year of helping new drivers around the world improve their motoring skills through the Driving Skills for Life program. DSFL will visit 30 high schools in five states in the northwest U.S., delivering a full day of activities that build young drivers' skills in driver distraction, speed/space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition. Ford DSFL now is in its fifth year training newly licensed drivers in Asia. Globally, it has trained more than 500,000 new drivers through online and professional hands-on driver instruction.  more... 

Della DiPietro | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 313.720.8095

Drivers of all-new Escape may be surprised to find there's a plant inside the doors

As part of its sustainability efforts, Ford is making the material inside the all-new Escape's door – known as the bolster – in part from kenaf. This tropical plant looks similar to bamboo and is related to cotton. It is combined with polypropylene in a 50-50 mixture. The use of kenaf is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin per year in North America, and reduces the weight of the bolsters by 25 percent.  more... 

Angie Kozleski | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | 313.323.1984

C-MAX Energi earns accolade from Green Car Journal

Ford C-MAX Energi has been named Green Car Journal's 2012 Green Car Vision Award^™ winner. Editors note C-MAX Energi delivers on efficiency and versatility, while its engineering "enables straightforward use of a common platform… at manageable cost." It is expected to deliver a better fuel economy equivalent in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid with a 500-mile overall driving range – more than the Chevrolet Volt. Read more here.

U.S. News & World Report: Four Ford vehicles are tops for families 

Four Ford models were selected for U.S. News & World Report's 2012 Best Cars for Families awards. Editors selected Ford Taurus as the best full-size car for families, while other Ford winners include the 2012 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Edge. Read more here. 

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, (NYSE: F) a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 164,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company