So, you’re a small business owner looking for a way to cut your fuel cost by getting a pure electric vehicle, and your choice is an expensive boutique two-seater sports car with zero cargo room or an affordable compact but super roomy commercial van. Yep, some business decisions are just that easy.

Ford and Azure Dynamics have joined in a collaborative effort to deliver a pure battery electric Ford Transit Connect van for the United States and Canadian markets in 2010. Azure will integrate its Force Drive™ battery electric drive train in the Transit Connect van for commercial fleet and retail use.

The collaboration with Azure Dynamics for the Transit Connect BEV will build on the existing business relationship between Ford and Azure as well as their shared experience with battery supplier, Johnson Controls-Saft.

The Transit Connect BEV will be built on Ford’s global commercial vehicle platform as part of the company’s One Ford global product vision. It is the first of four electrified vehicles from Ford that will become available over the next three years in the U.S. and Canada including:

• Battery electric Transit Connect van in 2010
• Battery electric Ford Focus passenger car in 2011
• Next generation hybrid vehicle in 2012
• Plug-In hybrid vehicle in 2012

Collaboration builds on existing business relationship
Azure Dynamics develops hybrid electric and electric drive technology for shuttle buses and commercial trucks, such as the Balance™ Hybrid Electric, which is built on the Ford E-450 cutaway and strip chassis for the medium duty commercial vehicle segment.

Oak Park, Mich.-based Azure Dynamics will integrate its proprietary Force Drive™ battery electric drive train into the Transit Connect BEV, which will have a targeted range of 80 miles minimum on a full charge and zero tailpipe emissions. Force Drive™ components have previously been deployed in more than 40 vehicle integrations and have more than 25 million miles of on-the-road experience. The Transit Connect BEV will offer fleet owners the opportunity to eliminate the use of gasoline and help to lower operating costs. The vehicle will be badged with both the Ford Blue Oval and Azure’s Force Drive logo.

Azure Dynamics has selected Johnson Controls-Saft as the supplier for lithium-ion battery cells and battery packs for the Transit Connect BEV. Azure Dynamics and Ford both currently utilize Johnson Controls-Saft battery technology for other products. The Transit Connect BEV will use the same proven cell technology that is currently deployed in the Ford Escape plug-in hybrid fleet that is on the road today. In addition, Azure had previously announced it would use Johnson Controls-Saft lithium-ion batteries for its E- 450 Balance Hybrid Electric beginning in the second half of 2010. The shared supplier business relationship is expected to provide additional synergy between Ford and Azure in the Transit Connect BEV project.

Transit Connect commercial platform ideal choice for battery electric power
The Ford Transit Connect already is a proven global success. Ford introduced the gasoline-engine Transit Connect to North America this year. With a unique combination of car-like driving dynamics, cargo capacity, accessibility and low purchase and operation costs, it is an ideal choice for electrification. Commercial users often travel predictable, short-range routes with frequent stop and go driving in urban and suburban environments. For customers seeking sustainable mobility solutions, the Transit Connect Battery Electric Vehicle with Azure Force Drive™ will provide a zero emissions option.

The Transit Connect was designed, engineered and manufactured on a dedicated global commercial vehicle platform to beat tough commercial vehicle durability standards. The final manufacturing location for the Transit Connect BEV has not yet been determined.

Quotes
“We recognize an increasing interest in electrified vehicles and have an aggressive strategy to bring these vehicles to the marketplace. Our work with Azure to create a pure electric battery Transit Connect vehicle will allow us to offer our commercial customers an additional option for environmentally friendly transportation.”
– Nancy Gioia, Ford Director of Global Electrification

“The opportunity to work with Ford on the Transit Connect BEV is a breakthrough advancement for us at Azure and for the light commercial vehicle market. For Azure, it’s an important evolution of our existing relationship with Ford. From an industry standpoint, we are seeing delivery fleet and utility vehicle operators move to smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. The Transit Connect BEV will come to market at an ideal time to meet this growing trend.”
– Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics CEO

While Ford’s rumored development of a flying car is greatly exaggerated, it’s fair to say that the future of hybrid vehicles is in good shape. In fact, Ford and the University of Michigan are working together on a new project to accelerate the development of future hybrid vehicles.

Researchers are analyzing data from 2,500 road trips to determine how internal electronic vehicle controls could be tweaked to further improve fuel efficiency and fun-to-drive attributes.

Working with U of M, Ford has tested nearly 1 million design simulations of hybrid vehicle control systems to date and continues to conduct about 50,000 a week – a development speed that otherwise would not be possible.

Other academic work in hybrid vehicle technology primarily has been focused on fuel economy – often at the expense of drivability. Ford and U of M are looking at the marriage of both.

The new hybrid controller design method has the potential to offer consumers more choice in efficiency and drivability. They may have multiple operational modes or offer customers the ability to customize their driving experience.

The research is still in its early stages, but initial results are promising.

Read more about Ford Motor Company’s hybrid vehicles.

Quotes
“The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan available, and its performance is second to none. Our work with U of M is helping us develop the next generation of Ford hybrids and bring them to market even faster.”
– Ryan McGee, Supervisor of Vehicle Controls Architecture and Algorithm Design in Ford’s Research and Advanced Engineering.

Working together with the University of Michigan research team, we are testing the boundaries of hybrid vehicle technology, exploring innovative ways to raise the bar on fuel economy and drivability. This joint work on hybrid software development shows great promise in helping us lead the development of more efficient hybrid systems for the future.”
– Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering

Are you a social media mover and shaker? Do your friends hang on your every word or at least enjoy your online photo galleries and YouTube videos? Most importantly, are you a Fusion fanatic? Then, your moment in the spotlight may have just arrived?

Ford is conducting a nationwide search for passionate 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid owners to participate in Fusion 41, a consumer program designed to build awareness and excitement around the all-new 201 Ford Fusion.

The Fusion 41 program – named for the unsurpassed 41 mpg fuel economy that makes Fusion America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan, and the 41 participants – builds on the success of the Ford Drive One advertising campaign, which focuses on actual customers experiencing new Ford vehicles and sharing their stories with others. The Fusion 41 consumer story will come to life on the Internet, through social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

How Fusion 41 works
Eight 2010 Fusion owners from throughout the country will be selected to participate in the Fusion 41. They will be chosen based on their passion for Fusion and their ability to share compelling information about the vehicle on the Internet. Applicants must have a current Facebook profile with a minimum of 100 friends and an active photo collection.

Each of the eight Fusion owners will then choose four friends or family members to join their team, and each team will be given a 2010 Ford Fusion or Fusion Hybrid to drive in an automotive relay race. To complete the relay, each team member must fulfill an assigned task within 41 hours, tracking competitive variables such as miles driven, stops made or the number of passengers picked up.

The winning team will be chosen based on their ability to complete the activities and provide proof by uploading photos and videos to various social media sites, including Facebook. The Fusion owner of the winning team will have their vehicle paid off, and team members will win free gas for one year.

2010 Fusion owners interested in competing in Fusion 41 may apply at www.fusion41.com between now and November 6.

Ford fuels social media
Research shows that social media sites are increasingly one of the best ways to reach out to consumers. Prior to the development of the Fusion 41 program, Ford expanded its presence on Facebook with a new application for its “Fusion + Hybrid” profile called “You Speak Green” that enables visitors to share their sustainable lifestyle suggestions. Since its launch in mid-July, more than 104,000 Facebook users have downloaded the application to their profile pages and 15,000 have posted tips.

Another example of Ford’s groundbreaking social media outreach is its support of the Fiesta Movement campaign to promote the company’s sporty, savvy new small car through social media agents. Agent postings have garnered significant numbers on social media sites, including more than 4.8 million YouTube views (www.fiestamovement.com), more than 600,000 Flickr views and more than 3.2 million Twitter impressions.

Quote
“Fusion 41 is a fun way to engage customers and get them talking about the all-new 2010 Fusion. There’s no better way to spread the word about our new products than by putting them into the hands of prospective customers and enabling them to experience our vehicles firsthand.”
– Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing Manager

Smith College and Ford Motor Company today celebrate the dedication of Ford Hall, a $73 million, 140,000-square-foot, “green”-certified facility that serves as home for the college’s Picker Engineering Program and computer science, chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology curricula.

The Ford Motor Company Fund’s $10 million lead gift, pledged in 2001, represents the company’s strong support for advancing opportunities for women in engineering, as well as its commitment to environmental sustainability. The celebration includes a traditional ribbon cutting, open house and panel discussion about the future of engineering and the sciences at Smith College.

In addition to the building investment, the Ford Fund contributed an additional $2.6 million for a variety of activities in support of the engineering program at Smith, including scholarships, curriculum development, K-12 outreach programs and sustainability efforts on campus.

Sustainability for scholars
Ford Hall is certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “green” facility – the first LEED-certified structure built on the Smith College campus. It incorporates green roofs, porous pavement, vegetated swales, environmentally responsible mechanical systems and the use of a combined heat and power cogeneration system.

A student design team, under the supervision of project professionals, developed a unique combined heat and power cogeneration system used to support a portion of Ford Hall’s energy needs through renewable means. Smith also installed other innovative energy technologies including fuel cells and solar panels to provide additional environmental and financial benefits.

The emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency for Ford Hall places the building in the forefront of energy efficient architecture. The building’s designers incorporated numerous initiatives to reduce the consumption of energy resources and the cost of operation. In addition, Ford Hall serves as a learning lab and a teaching tool for sustainable design. The emphasis on sustainability in the new building is the largest undertaking in a campus-wide effort by Smith College to promote and implement energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

That’s Miss Smith to you
Established in 1999, Smith’s Picker Engineering Program is the nation’s first and only accredited all-women engineering program. It is focused on developing broadly educated, well-rounded engineers capable of assuming leadership roles in corporations, nonprofit organizations and technology-related fields. Thirty percent of Smith students major in the sciences – more than three times the national average.

Smith College is the largest undergraduate women’s college in the country, enrolling 2,800 students from nearly every state and 61 countries. By linking the power of the liberal arts to excellence in research and scholarship, Smith is developing leaders for society’s challenges.

Quotes
“We’re proud of our partnership with Smith College and the opportunity to participate in the building of Ford Hall. We are confident that together we can make real advances to safeguard the health of this planet and protect its resources. With Ford Hall, we are joining with faculty and students of Smith College as engineers of a better world for future generations.”
– Jim Vella, President, Ford Motor Company Fund

“Ford Hall represents the essence of a sustainable future. It is an example of how we need to think and build going forward – with sustainable materials, energy efficiency and environmental compatibility. Ford Hall is also a challenging and enabling environment for our future generations of women scientists and engineers – those who will generate the ideas and make a reality tomorrow’s collaborative solutions for long-term sustainability.”
– Nancy Gioia, Director of Global Electrification, Ford Motor Company

“In location and design, Ford Hall is a crossroads. The most pressing problems of our time lie at the intersections of engineering and other disciplines.”
– Linda E. Jones, Director of the Picker Engineering Program and Rosemary Bradford Hewlett ’40 Professor of Engineering

While the economic forecast is still a bit overcast, there are some bright spots shining through. Ford’s hybrid vehicle sales have risen 73 percent this year in sharp contrast to a 14-percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry.

The fuel economy and durability of hybrid versions of Ford Fusion and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner also are winning over large numbers of conquest customers, many of whom are previous import owners. Through September, Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, up 73 percent versus the same period in 2008, according to figures from Autodata Inc.

Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford. More than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been from non-Ford owners, and more than half of those are customers coming from import brands, mostly from Toyota and Honda.

Ford’s strong 2009 hybrid sales have been fueled by the introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the road. Both vehicles deliver 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.

Durable and fuel efficient
While the introduction of the Fusion Hybrid has spurred sales from non-Ford owners, Ford’s longest-running hybrid nameplate, the Escape Hybrid, has proven particularly popular with Ford customers operating taxi, lifeguard and government fleets due to the combination of fuel efficiency and durability. The front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid delivers 34 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market.

In 2005, San Francisco became one of the first cities to adopt hybrids into taxi service, with hybrids accounting for 14 percent of its current fleet. Each of the original fleet of 15 Escape Hybrids exceeded 300,000 miles per vehicle before being retired and replaced with more Escape Hybrids. There are almost 200 Escape Hybrid taxis on San Francisco’s streets today.

New York has more hybrid taxis in service than any other city in North America with 13,237, of which more than 2,000 are Escape Hybrids. The Big Apple recently has begun retiring its original fleet of Escape Hybrids put into service in the 2005 model year after accumulating 300,000 to 350,000 miles per vehicle.

“Greening” the federal government fleet
Government fleets also are seeking cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrids are filling that need. In 2009, federal agencies have purchased more than 3,000 hybrids from Ford, more than any other automotive brand. Included in the sales were 1,900 vehicles acquired through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the purpose of improving the fuel economy of the federal fleet. The U.S. Army was the single largest purchaser among the government fleets, acquiring 400 Fusion hybrids.

Saving lives and conserving fuel
In 2008, Ford began delivery of a fleet of 45 Escape Hybrids to the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline. After the first 11 months of service, lifeguards reported that Escape Hybrids had played a crucial part in thousands of rescues and more than a million rescue preventions at L.A. County beaches.

The Escape Hybrid fleet enabled L.A. lifeguards to reduce their entire fleet’s fuel usage by 25 percent – more than 5,000 gallons of gas – during the first six months of service. That fuel cost savings has helped L.A. County to maintain its critical front line staffing despite the economic downturn.

Quote
“We’re extremely pleased with the performance of the Escape Hybrid in taxi service. Not only have they proven very reliable, they’ve also saved taxi drivers money on gas and contributed to lower tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions in the cities that use them in taxi fleets.”
– Gerry Koss, Ford’s Fleet Marketing Manager

To hear Nancy Gioia, Ford’s director of Global Electrification, talk about Ford’s electric and hybrid vehicle plans click here.

Ford Motor Company is intensifying its focus on global electrification with the creation of a new position to lead the planning and strategy for Ford’s future electric vehicle portfolio.

Nancy Gioia, formerly Ford’s director of Sustainable Mobility Technology and Hybrid Vehicle Programs, North America, has been named director of Ford Global Electrification.

Charging forward
In her new position, Gioia will direct strategy and planning for Ford’s global electric vehicle portfolio, touching all aspects of electrified transportation, including product planning, supplier partnerships and collaboration with the energy industry and government.

Ford’s has announced plans to develop three distinct types of electrified vehicles – hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and pure battery electric vehicles. They include:

• Battery electric Transit Connect commercial van in 2010
• Battery electric Focus passenger car in 2011
• Next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012
• Plug-in hybrid in 2012

Ford’s electrification strategy is consistent with its commitment to deliver affordable fuel efficient technology to millions of customers. The company is poised to take advantage of rapid advancements in electrified vehicle technology – particularly lithium-ion batteries – while leveraging the scale of global vehicle platforms to ultimately reduce the cost of new electric vehicles.

Global fleet testing under way
The globalization of Ford’s electrification strategy is well under way, with test fleets on both sides of the Atlantic. At the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, Ford of Europe revealed the first of a fleet of battery electric vehicle prototypes based on the Ford Focus, and specially developed to participate in the U.K. government’s “Ultra-Low Carbon Vehicles” demonstration initiative next year. The research program aims to test the technology’s suitability for potential future application in Ford’s European passenger car range.

A consortium of Ford, Scottish and Southern Energy and Strathclyde University will use the fleet of 15 prototype Ford Focus BEVs and a charging infrastructure in and around the London Borough of Hillingdon starting in early 2010.

The Focus BEV prototype is based on the current European Ford Focus and will use a new all-electric powertrain, developed with Ford supplier partner Magna. This technology is based on that being developed for Ford’s new-generation C-sized global vehicle architecture that will be launched in North America in 2011.

In North America, Ford and its energy industry partners continue to collaborate on the connectivity issue between electric vehicles and the electric grid. Over the past two years, Ford and its utility partners have logged more than 75,000 miles on a test fleet of plug-in Escape Hybrids. Plug-in hybrid research focuses on four primary areas: battery technology, vehicle systems, customer usage and grid infrastructure.

In addition, Ford has developed an intelligent vehicle-to-grid communications and control system for its plug-in hybrid electric vehicles that “talks” directly with the nation’s electric grid.

Commercial and retail electric products planned
Ford is set to deliver its first electrified vehicle in 2010 when it will launch a pure battery electric Transit Connect small commercial van. The vehicle will be targeted to fleets and businesses with short, defined transportation routes and the ability to return to a central charging location at day’s end.

In 2011, Ford will launch the battery electric Ford Focus passenger vehicle. Built off the new global C platform, the BEV Focus will be produced at the Michigan Assembly Plant for both retail and commercial customers.

Quotes
“We recognize that pursuing electrification as one of our technology paths presents unique challenges for commercialization of the vehicles. It requires us to collaborate with new partners, define new business models, connect to a new infrastructure for the vehicles and meet new customer expectations around the globe.”
– Sue Cischke, Ford’s group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

“Ford is strongly positioned to accelerate its electric vehicle strategy thanks in part to the significant research we’ve already completed. Nancy’s unique background and experience in leading the hybrid technology and electric vehicle product teams position her well to coordinate our electric efforts across product development, sustainability and government affairs as we move to the next frontier of this new form of transportation.”
– Barb Samardzich, Ford vice president, Powertrain Engineering

“This fleet of Focus BEV prototypes is an important step toward developing a realistic solution and viable market for electric vehicles in the U.K., Europe and North America. Our electrification strategy absolutely depends on strong alliances with key partners whose expertise and resources complement our extensive experience and global production capabilities.”
– Nancy Gioia, Director of Ford Global Electrification

“Broad commercialization of electric transportation will require unprecedented collaboration among all stakeholders and new ways of doing business. Ford is committed to help lead the way to find creative solutions to ensure that electrified vehicles can deliver benefits to our customers, the environment and our business around the globe in a sustainable way.”
– Nancy Gioia, Director of Ford Global Electrification

Here’s a “weight-loss” program that gets results without dieting and gym time. Think it’s too good to be true? Think again. It’s as easy as changing a light bulb. That’s right, folks – a light bulb.

No, we’re not talking about your waistline – we’re talking about your wasteline. The energy you waste at home is translated into greenhouse gas emissions measured by pound – millions of pounds – and the “line” is the one that separates efficiency and wastefulness. So, isn’t it time you improved your wasteline? Here’s how!

The ENERGY STAR Solution
Ford Motor Company is urging its employees and customers to join the effort by reducing their personal energy use and cutting their CO2 footprints. Individuals can help by pledging their support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR” campaign.

Each ENERGY STAR Pledge can help Ford meet or exceed its pledge goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 14 million pounds. The ENERGY STAR Pledge includes small, individual energy-saving actions that collectively can make a difference. They include:

• Changing incandescent light bulbs to ENERGY STAR rated compact fluorescent lamps.
• Using a programmable thermostat to save energy while asleep or away from home.
• Enabling power management settings on computers and monitors so they go into “sleep mode” when away or not in use.
• Making purchases of ENERGY STAR-qualified products, such as home electronics, office products and/or appliances.
• Making sure homes are well sealed and insulated.

By using less energy, consumers can reduce the amount of fossil fuels burned at power plants to make electricity. This means less of the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. According to the EPA, if every American household took part in the pledge, it could save more than $18 billion in annual energy costs.

Quotes
“Most people underestimate how much their homes can influence greenhouse gas emissions. “We want to help them understand that taking small steps – like changing their light bulbs – can help reduce the collective impact of global climate change.”
– George Andraos, Director, Energy Supply & Efficiency, Ford Land

Debbie Santiago is turning off the lights when she leaves a room. Frances Ruiz is avoiding plastic water bottles in favor of an aluminum bottle. And Kameel Zakaria is using a rain barrel for watering his garden. These are just a few of the more than 15,000 people who have shared “green” lifestyle tips on the new “Fusion + Hybrid” Facebook app called “You Speak Green” – the latest example of Ford’s campaign to engage consumers on their own terms.

Drawing a crowd
Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube are more popular than ever. That’s why Ford has increased its presence in the digital space to better enable an open dialogue with consumers about sustainable lifestyle choices in which personal transportation can be both environmentally responsible and fun.

Data suggest that social media sites are increasingly one of the best ways to reach out to consumers. According to Nielsen Company research, the total minutes spent on social networking sites in the U.S. has increased in 2009 by 83 percent year-over-year. Total minutes spent on Facebook increased nearly 700 percent year-over-year, growing from 1.7 billion minutes in April 2008 to 13.9 billion in April 2009, the most recent month reported.

The new Ford Fusion “You Speak Green” Facebook app is designed to encourage people to talk about ways to live sustainably and features a vine graphic that grows with each new eco-conscious comment, demonstrating the power of a collective effort through recycling, water conservation and other actions. Its design was inspired by the Fusion Hybrid’s innovative SmartGauge™ instrument cluster, which uses a similar leafy vine that grows as the motorist drives more fuel efficiently.

The app, which Ford created in collaboration with Wunderman-Team Detroit and social technology provider Vitrue, is an interactive component of the online “We Speak Car” campaign (http://www.fordvehicles.com/2010fusion/) that debuted in March. Since the app’s mid-July launch, more than 104,000 Facebook users have downloaded it to their profile pages and 21,000 have posted tips. You can download the “We Speak Car” Facebook app here.

Another example of Ford’s groundbreaking social media outreach is its support of the Fiesta Movement campaign to promote the company’s sporty, savvy new small car through social media agents. Agent postings have garnered significant numbers on social media sites, including more than 3.5 million YouTube views (www.fiestamovement.com), more than 440,000 Flickr views and more than 2.7 million Twitter impressions.

Fusion’s sales momentum
As more consumers become aware of the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid’s fuel efficiency and innovative technologies, sales for both models are achieving all-time records. For August, Ford Fusion retail sales were up 132 percent year-over-year – a sales record.

Familiarity and favorable opinion of the Ford Fusion brand also is on the rise by as much as 65 percent compared with last year. There is increased interest in the Fusion by import shoppers, with almost half of Toyota Camry shoppers now putting the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid on their lists.

More than half of the Fusion and Fusion Hybrid’s buyers are leaving competitive brands, with 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid customers abandoning imports. Customers also are choosing well-equipped and fuel-efficient models, with the I-4 and Fusion Hybrid accounting for 71 percent of sales. Customers are also embracing Fusion technology offerings like navigation, SYNC® and Sony® Audio.

Quotes:

“The user response to the Fusion Facebook ‘You Speak Green’ app has been outstanding. By providing users tools to support and amplify their self expression and their point of view, we veer away from being intrusive and start to build a true relationship. That relationship will build brand awareness and consideration in an authentic way.”
– Adam Barrow, Ford digital marketing analyst

“Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, in particular, are attracting many car buyers to Ford dealerships who are new to the brand, and Ford’s presence on social media sites like Facebook is helping to drive showroom traffic by increasing awareness of the Fusion’s great fuel economy and innovative technologies.”
– Greg Scott, Fusion and Fusion Hybrid marketing manager

Ever wonder what you would do with an extra 4.7 million square feet? If creating a “renewable energy park” sprang to mind then you’re in good company.

Ford Motor Company today announced that it will sell its idled Wixom Assembly Plant to Xtreme Power of Austin, Texas, and Clairvoyant Energy of Santa Barbara, Calif., who will transform the site into one of the nation’s largest renewable energy manufacturing parks.

Clairvoyant Energy and Xtreme Power plan an initial investment of more than $725 million to redevelop the 320-acre plant site and its 4.7 million square feet of building space to manufacture solar power and energy storage systems, respectively. The two companies will utilize approximately half of the square footage to manufacture their products, and will seek additional green-energy manufacturing and support companies to lease the remaining space. The redevelopment work at the Wixom site is expected to begin early next year with manufacturing at the site slated to begin in late 2011.

The redevelopment plan is expected to create more than 4,000 direct jobs, including local suppliers, as well as support thousands of indirect jobs.

Ford has been working with the developers and state and local officials over the past nine months on a high-impact, environmentally responsible redevelopment plan for the 52-year-old auto plant that has produced such iconic vehicles as the Ford Thunderbird, Ford GT and Lincoln Continental.

Xtreme Power
Xtreme Power will renovate over 1 million square feet of the Wixom site to manufacture large-scale power systems that store renewable energy such as solar and wind power and redeliver that power when needed. Once completed, Xtreme Power will produce turnkey power systems, which will support up to 10,000 megawatts of wind and solar power projects around the world. Xtreme Power systems enable high penetration rates of renewable power onto the grid and will be a critical component of the 21st century power infrastructure.

Clairvoyant Energy
Clairvoyant Energy will redevelop a portion of the site to build state-of-the-art, high-efficiency solar panels. Clairvoyant Energy, which has developed solar power park operations in California and Spain, is developing similar solar photovoltaic systems throughout the world. Once completed, Clairvoyant will have the capacity to produce more than 2.5 million solar panels a year at the Wixom site, potentially replacing the need for one large coal plant every year.

Oerlikon Solar USA, Clairvoyant’s technology partner and a leader in thin-film solar manufacturing technology, also announced today it will establish a new regional office at the Wixom site as part of the new renewable energy park.

About Wixom Assembly
Wixom Assembly Plant was one of Ford’s largest and oldest manufacturing sites, producing
6.6 million vehicles during its 50 years of operation. Production began in 1957 when Wixom became Lincoln Division’s new national headquarters and the sole producer of all vehicles for the Lincoln Division.

Over the years, Wixom Assembly produced the Lincoln Continental, Town Car, LS, Mark VI, VII and VIII, as well as the Ford Thunderbird and Ford GT. At its height, more than 5,000 workers were employed at the plant. The Wixom plant employed approximately 1,000 workers when it closed in 2007.

The Wixom site proved ideal for redevelopment for new manufacturing facilities with an existing, highly developed infrastructure including rail and electrical power access and critical scalability with more than 4.7 million square feet of space for manufacturing.

New directions
The transformation of the Ford Wixom site into an eco-responsible manufacturing park is consistent with Ford’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as well as the state of Michigan’s efforts to diversify its economy and become a leader in the clean, renewable energy industry.

State and local incentives were key components to bringing the energy park redevelopment project to Michigan, including refundable battery and photovoltaic tax credits, Michigan Economic Growth Authority employment tax credits, Renaissance Zone tax incentives and brownfield tax credits.

The Wixom redevelopment also includes a proposed Renewable Energy Research and Training Center at the corner of Interstate 96 and Wixom Road. In addition to providing access to state-of-the-art research and training facilities for the tenants on the site, it is intended to provide universities and colleges with opportunities for on-site applied research classes in the renewable energy field.

Quotes:

“The Wixom Assembly Plant served Ford well for half a century and we wanted to ensure it served Michigan well into the future. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of two visionary energy companies and the leadership of state and local officials, we are transforming our Wixom facility into one of the largest renewable energy parks in the United States. I can’t imagine a better way to use this facility – for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.”
– Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford

“This move is significant on both ends of the spectrum. It underscores a significant shift toward the accelerated commercialization and adoption of strategic renewable energy technologies, due in large part to the deepened commitment on the part of local, state and federal policymakers to support companies like ours. We commend Ford for their commitment and dedication to turn this vision into a reality.”
– Carlos Coe, president and CEO of Xtreme Power

“Clairvoyant Energy is fully energized to respond to the United States’ call to create the green jobs of tomorrow – today. There is no better time than now, no better place than Michigan and no better set of partners than Oerlikon Solar and Ford Motor Company.”
– David Hardee, CEO of Clairvoyant Energy

“As Clairvoyant’s manufacturing partner, this project is an exciting opportunity for Oerlikon Solar to apply its award-winning Micromorph® technology to a new, state-of-the-art thin-film manufacturing facility in Michigan. With a strong local work force and the support of Wixom and the state, we are confident that in partnership with Clairvoyant we can help Michigan leverage its extensive manufacturing infrastructure for clean, renewable energy.”
– Jeannine Sargent, CEO of Oerlikon Solar

“This redevelopment project is a direct result of Ford and the developers working collaboratively with state and local government officials to support a vision for a greener technology future for Michigan. We had many options for this land, but we believe this project, that revitalizes a closed auto plant and the local community, has the greatest potential to bring green jobs and economic development to the region.”
– Phil Horlock, chairman and CEO of Ford Land

Veteran TV funnyman Jay Leno knows how to get a charge out of his audiences, and he usually does it by making them laugh. But now the noted car guy plans to get his millions of viewers charged up about electric cars by putting celebs exclusively behind the wheel of the all-new battery electric Ford Focus for “The Jay Leno Show” segment called the “Green Car Challenge.”

The battery electric vehicle, specially made for the show, features elements of the electric Focus that Ford will begin selling in North America in 2011.

The Star of the Show
Leno will exclusively showcase Ford’s electric Focus during the entire first season, which kicks off Sept. 14. Celebrity guests will compete against each other in the “Green Car Challenge” segment.

Ford’s hybrid and battery electric vehicle program team worked together with Ford Racing to develop the special BEV for the show. It took three weeks to build the car and another couple of weeks to properly tune the suspension so it could be driven fast on a racetrack. The development work was done at Ford’s Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, Mich.

The Focus BEV built for the show has a split battery pack, with one battery in the cargo area and one underneath the car in the space normally occupied by a fuel tank. Because this Focus is built to race, it is equipped with a roll bar and five-point harness for the driver.

Ford’s Electrifying Development
Ford has an aggressive plan to put at least four electrified vehicles on the road in North America by 2012, as well as new hybrids and a plug-in hybrid. Among coming products are pure battery electric versions of the Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and Focus sedan in 2011. The Transit Connect is expected to have a range of up to 100 miles.

The Focus BEV, which Ford is developing with Magna, will be produced at Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. The sedan can be charged from both a standard 110V as well as a 220V wall outlet.

Quotes

“Having our Focus battery electric vehicle on the show is a great way to demonstrate how fun to drive these cars really can be. Beyond the immediate excitement of driving, it demonstrates that Ford is investing in this technology and that we’re committed to electric vehicles.”
– Lisa Drake, chief engineer, Ford Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicle Programs

“Ford is absolutely committed to delivering best-in-class fuel efficiency with every new vehicle we introduce. The Focus showcases how electric vehicles can be smart, green, fast and fun. It also illustrates Ford’s commitment to fuel efficiency and doing our part to contribute to a better world.”
– Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development

“We are committed to delivering new products with the best fuel economy in every segment in which we compete – driven in large part by substantial advancements in powertrain technology. We are focusing on sustainable technology solutions that can be used not for hundreds or thousands of cars – but for millions of cars, because that is how Ford truly will make a difference.”
– Barb Samardzich, vice president, Ford Global Powertrain Engineering.