Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally personally delivered the Fusion Hybrid equipped with the milestone SYNC unit to Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer. Powered by Microsoft Auto Software, SYNC is Ford’s fully integrated, voice-activated, in-car communications and entertainment system for mobile phones and digital music players.

Currently, more than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in North America are equipped with the system, and SYNC-equipped vehicles sell twice as fast on dealers’ lots as units without.

Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has continued to add new applications to customers at no cost. In 2008, SYNC was upgraded with two new features, Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist™. And, available for download later this month, Ford’s next-generation SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information provides hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise driving directions and real-time information including business listings, news, sports scores and weather.

In addition to the convenient SYNC technologies, Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer can rely on his new 2010 Fusion Hybrid for fuel economy. The most fuel-efficient midsize car in America, the 2010 Fusion Hybrid has a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

QUOTES

“We have made a commitment to deliver the vehicles that people really want and value. The success of SYNC is another proof point that we are doing just that. We will continue to innovate and expand the capability of SYNC by integrating even more new technologies that fit our customers’ lifestyles.” - - Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company

“Working with Microsoft and other key technology partners, we’ve made Ford a connectivity leader in the auto industry. We do not plan to stand still; we have several additional developments in the pipeline, including launching SYNC in Europe and around the world.”
- Jim Buczkowski, Director of Electrical and Electronic Systems, Ford

RELATED LINKS

About SYNC

Study Shows Ford SYNC™ Reduces Driving Distractions, Helps Drivers Keep Eyes on Road

New Ford SYNC features personalized news and traffic details to help drivers save time and fuel

Common Craft video “Ford SYNC in Plain English”

About 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2010 Fusion Hybrid Earns ‘Top Safety Pick,’ Gives Ford Hybrids Best Fuel Economy and Safety Combo

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Tops 1,445.7 Miles on One Tank of Gas

Can a Car Teach You to Drive More Fuel Efficiently? Watch the archive of the Ford DigiKnows live streaming event with the engineering team behind the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Ford Motor Company is committed to the fight against breast cancer, and is a proud supporter of breast cancer research and critical breast cancer services. Over the years Ford has dedicated more than $100 million to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fight against breast cancer.

To further show their support, Ford will donate $20, up to $1 million, to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in the name of each prospective customer that test drives a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle through June 1. This charitable initiative will run alongside the Ford Advantage Plan, designed to boost consumer confidence by offering valued Ford customers a guaranteed 12 months of vehicle payments on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle up to $700 a month, if the customer loses his/her job.

Customers interested in a test drive can join in and participate by logging on to www.fordcares.com and getting a registration form and number to provide to their dealer. Customers participating in any upcoming Komen Race for the Cure event through June 1st will receive a registration form and can also follow the same steps to have a $20 donation made on their behalf as well.

Twitter users can follow this story @Ford. Please help by getting the word out by sending a tweet. Here’s a sample: For test drives until 6/1, Ford donates $20 to Komen for the Cure. RT and @ at least ONE woman you love! http://is.gd/unhl

Quotes:

“Our goal with the Ford Advantage Plan is to rebuild consumer confidence and assist local charitable organizations that also are struggling in this economy.” - Ken Czubay, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Ford Motor Company

“This program will go a long way in helping Komen directly serve women and men in hundreds of communities across the country with education, screening and treatment programs that address breast cancer issues close to home.” - Hala Moddelmog, President and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Progressive and innovative thinking is an essential component of Ford’s culture. With an already active social media presence, Ford continues to join, participate and contribute to the online conversation.

Ford Motor Company is excited to announce that Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be taking questions live on Twitter on April 15th from 1:00-1:30pm EDT. During this time Ford invites you to join Alan at @Ford - http://twitter.com/Ford - (and to use the hashtag #FordCEO) on Twitter for an exciting and unique Q&A forum. Feel free to tweet your questions, concerns and suggestions, we’d love to hear what you think!

Links:
Biography for Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company

Ford DigiKnows:
A discussion with Ford’s Advantage Plan Experts Kim Cape and Andrew Ashman, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing Managers
Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
Tuesday April 7th, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET

Join in and ask your questions live:

Free Webcam Chat at Ustream

In our episode on April 7th at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at the newly-released Ford Advantage Plan and discovers how Ford is committed to offering peace of mind to Americans who are considering the purchase of a new vehicle.

Join in and ask your questions as Michael takes an in-depth look at the Ford Advantage Plan and how it compares with similar plans currently offered in the marketplace. The discussion includes Kim Cape and Andrew Ashman, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Marketing Managers.

The Ford Advantage Plan offers payment protection of up to $700 per month for up to 12 months on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if customers lose their jobs. Also, customers can take advantage of 0 percent financing on select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles through Ford’s financing partner, Ford Motor Credit. The program runs from March 31 through June 1.

About Ford DigiKnows
Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive streaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.

Links:

Learn more about the Ford Advantage Plan

Video: Mark Fields, President of the Americas, Ford Motor Company, Talks About the Ford Advantage Plan

Ford Introduces Best-in Industry Plan to Improve Consumer Confidence, Jump-Start Vehicle Sales

Watch the Ford DigiKnows archives

About Ford DigiKnows

Michael Collins’ biography

Ford DigiKnows – Episode #6 — Go Under the hood of the Ford Fusion Hybrid NASCAR Pace Car

Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
Tuesday March 31st, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET

Join in and ask your questions live:

Video clips at Ustream

About DigiKnows: Go Under the hood of the Ford Fusion Hybrid NASCAR Pace Car

On March 31st at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at the Ford Fusion Hybrid NASCAR Pace Car and discovers how Ford developed the first hybrid electric vehicle ever to lead the field to the green flag at a NASCAR event. Join in and ask your questions as Michael talks with Gil Portalatin, Hybrid Applications Manager, who works with the team involved in the NASCAR event.

Fully decked out in NASCAR-inspired camouflage paint, the all-new 2010 Fusion Hybrid, accompanied by Fusion Sport paced the Ford 400, during Ford’s Championship Weekend at NASCAR’s Homestead-Miami Speedway back in November 2008. Beating out the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg in city driving, the Ford Fusion Hybrid can travel 700 miles on a single tank of gas in city driving. Equipped with SmartGuage with EcoGuide—the Fusion Hybrid is always environmentally conscious, continuously updating the driver with current fuel and battery power levels, and average/instant miles-per-gallon readings. Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas says it best, “The Fusion Hybrid pacing the Ford 400 showcased exactly what our customers want, fuel economy and fun – and we were pleased to be able to offer racing fans a glimpse of what’s to come.”

About Ford DigiKnows

Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive streaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.

Links:

Watch the Ford DigiKnows archives

About Ford DigiKnows

Michael Collins’ biography

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to Pace Ford 400 Field; First Ever Hybrid Pace Car in Nascar Sprint Cup

Ford Racing – NASCAR Sprint Cup

2010 Ford Fusion Product Sheet

Ford DigiKnows – Episode #5— Stay Connected and Productive with Ford Work Solutions™ Technology

Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
Tuesday March 24th, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET

Join in and ask your questions live:

Video clips at Ustream

About DigiKnows #5— Stay Connected and Productive with Ford Work Solutions™ Technology

In our fifth episode on March 24th at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins takes a look at in-dash Ford Work Solutions technology and discovers how Ford developed a fully-integrated mobile workplace. Join in and ask your questions as Michael talks about Ford Work Solutions with Bill Frykman and Ed Pleet the business development managers for this technology.

America’s best-selling truck the Ford F-Series, as well as the Ford E-Series vans are now equipped with this industry-first collection of smart technologies. And when the all-new 2010 Ford Transit Connect comes to market this summer, the customer — small business owners — will be able to order it as well. Designed to fundamentally change the way Ford truck owners do business, Ford Work Solutions technologies literally bring the office to the job site—enhancing connectivity, flexibility, productivity and security.

Some features of Ford Work Solutions include:

• Connectivity: In-dash computer system offers high-speed Internet access, navigation tools, and hands free calling. Enables customers to access office documents, print invoices, and check inventories directly on the job site.
• Flexibility: Tool Link, with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) provides an asset tracking system, providing a real-time inventory of tools or equipment stored in the pickup box.
• Productivity: Crew Chief, a fleet diagnostics system enables fleet owners to quickly and efficiently manage vehicles, dispatch workers, monitor driver performance and maintain up-to-date maintenance records.
• Security: Cable Lock security system, designed to discourage theft of costly, large tools that don’t fit in the cab.

The industry-exclusive technologies are available in the new 2009 Ford F-150, F-Series Super Duty trucks,2009 E-Series Vans and 2010 Transit Connect. A selection of the four features will also be available for upgrade for Ford Trucks already in service.

About Ford DigiKnows

Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive steaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins, takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnow live streaming events let you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.

Links

Learn more about Ford Work Solutions

Watch the Ford DigiKnows archives

About Ford DigiKnows

Michael Collins’ biography

Ford Work Solutions™ Expands Capability and Productivity of America’s Favorite Trucks

2009 E-Series Overview

Ford Work Solutions™ Combats Tool Theft With Innovative Tool Link, Cable Lock Features

Ford DigiKnows – Episode #3: Connectivity and Control with SYNC™
Live Interactive Streaming Video Event
March 10th, 2009 - 12:00 Noon ET

Join in and ask your questions live:

Watch the archive: http://www.youtube.com/user/FordDigiKnows

Now you can talk to the people at Ford about what matters to you. Join us every week for Ford DigiKnows – a series of live interactive steaming video events. Each week our intrepid host, Michael Collins takes you the behind the scenes for the scoop on all things Ford. The DigiKnows live streaming event lets you talk with the experts from Ford, as they take you under the hood for a look at new and innovative Ford technologies. DigiKnows helps you uncover another side of Ford.

About DigiKnows #3

In our third episode on March 10th at 12:00 noon ET, Michael Collins with expert Doug VanDagens, Director of Ford’s Connected Services Organization take a look at Ford SYNC™ technology. Doug will be discussing our newest service enhancements to SYNC, 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Reports.

Reinforcing research by Virginia Tech and the U.S. government, a recent Ford study concluded there are statistically significant differences in levels of driver distraction for voice-controlled interfaces such as SYNC versus visually and manually operated handheld devices. On average, participants of the study spent twenty five seconds to pick and choose a song on their handheld MP3 player, but only 2 seconds with SYNC. SYNC voice interface was designed as a simple way for drivers to stay connected while helping keep their eyes on the road, hands on the wheel. SYNC’s new Traffic, Directions and Information services provide simple hands-free access to personalized traffic reports, precise turn-by-turn driving directions and up-to-date information including business listings, news, sports, and weather – replacing potential hazards such as reading maps while driving.

Watch Common Craft’s Ford SYNC in Plain English

Links

Watch the Ford DigiKnows archives

About Ford DigiKnows

Michael Collins’ biography

Study: Ford SYNC™ Reduces Driving Distractions, Helps Drivers Keep Eyes On Road
New 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid—Leading Fuel Efficiency and Smart New Technologies

Ford SYNC™ – Today’s Drivers Demand Staying Connected

Ford Teams Up With Microsoft To Deliver SYNC™; In-Car Digital System Exclusive to Ford

Ford invested $55 million for tooling and equipment upgrades at Cleveland Engine Plant No. 1, which has been idled since 2007, to build the EcoBoost engine. The powerful, fuel-efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engines represent the cornerstone of Ford’s technology plan to deliver fuel efficiency and performance to millions.

EcoBoost will first be available this summer in the 2010 Lincoln MKS, Lincoln MKT, Ford Taurus SHO and Ford Flex. Production is slated to begin this spring, with approximately 250 employees forming shifts to build the engine. The employees are a combination of employees who worked in the plant, before it was idled in 2007, and employees from other plants.

Employee training and flexible manufacturing are key components to the success of the Cleveland Engine Plant. Here are some highlights of this two-fold strategy:

Extensive Employee Training

• The workforce participated in an intensive three-tier training program aimed at improving quality and empowering employees. The first two phases of training covered basic manufacturing operations and employees learned how to manage their own equipment and work area through “manufacturing work teams” at the plant.
• For the final phase, the plant will be working with Cuyahoga Community College. During four weeks of onsite classroom training employees will upgrade skill sets for machining technicians and production team leaders, and will receive 10 credit hours toward an associate’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing Technology.

Flexible Manufacturing

• Outfitted with a flexible manufacturing system for powertrains, featuring modern, Computerized Numerical Control machine tools (CNC machines) the facility can easily be retooled and reprogrammed to perform new tasks with minimal disruption to production.
• A new, internal database will ensure quality is built into the engine from the outset. During production, each engine built at the plant will have a sophisticated engine “birth history” that allows plant engineers to trace the precise path taken by any part so any quality control issue can be traced back to its source.

Quotes

“The EcoBoost engine is a strategic product that will provide Ford with a competitive edge. The Cleveland site is thrilled to be delivering an important product for the company. We have an outstanding, specially trained workforce that is committed to delivering a world-class, quality product for our customers.”
- Jan Allman, Cleveland Site Manager

“This training approach not only delivers the technical training to the workforce but also empowers them which is a cultural change from the traditional management-directed system. You’re turning over the keys to the hourly team members to let them do what they need to do to get their jobs done. Each employee, working under a team leader, is responsible for his or her area and they work as a team to deliver a high quality engine.”
- Kevin Heck, Cleveland Engine No. 1 Area Manager

“What we do is primarily teach job skills, so this fits right in with our mission statement. What’s unique about this is we’re doing it in Ford-dedicated workspace; we’re bringing our instructors and our equipment to Ford and we’re offering the credit hours. We, along with Ford, understand the importance of helping people expand their skills and knowledge for the rapidly changing workplace.”
-John Gajewski, Executive Director of Cuyahoga Community College Workforce and Economic Development Division

Ask any engineer and they’ll tell you that earning patents for technological innovation is no cakewalk, but getting recognized for their effort is sweet icing.

A new study by the world’s leading patent analyst, The Patent Board™, found that Ford Motor Company outperformed all other automakers in the quality and significance of its technology patents. That’s sweet news for Ford and its customers.

Technological innovation is a core value at Ford as the company drives for leadership in quality, safety, fuel efficiency and in-car connectivity. For example, the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, which is America’s most fuel efficient mid-size sedan, have 119 patents, a record for Ford.

High Scores in Two Categories

The Patent Board, which tracks and analyzes patents across 17 industries globally, recently issued its Top 10 Innovators in Automotive & Transportation Patent Scorecard™ for the fourth quarter of 2008, which ranks Ford above all other automakers in Research Intensity™ and Industry Impact™. Ford’s Research Intensity score, which is more than twice that of the industry average, indicates the extent to which its portfolio includes patents with strong scientific support.

Similarly, The Patent Board’s Industry Impact score measures the broader significance and impact of a company’s patent portfolio across the industry. This indicator analyzes how other patents build on Ford’s innovation by looking at patent-to-patent citations.

Proof of Patent Prowess

For the Fusion Hybrid, for example, teams of research scientists and engineers developed Ford-exclusive technologies that helped the vehicle achieve a certified 41 mpg in the city, 8 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Patents on the Fusion Hybrid pertain to technologies such as Ford’s new-generation hybrid powertrain and SmartGaugeTM with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster that helps coach drivers to achieve better fuel efficiency.

Specific Fusion and Fusion Hybrid patents include:

• Hybrid technology – The Fusion Hybrid’s powertrain system combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy. The overall system upgrade allows the hybrid to operate up to 47 mph in pure electric mode, approximately twice as fast as some competitors. The city driving range on a single tank of gas is expected to be more than 700 miles.
• SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide – This unique instrument cluster helps coach Fusion Hybrid drivers on how to optimize performance of their vehicle for maximum fuel efficiency. It features two, high-resolution, full-color liquid crystal display (LCD) screens on either side of the analog speedometer that can be configured to show different levels of information, including fuel and battery power levels, average and instant mpg report.
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) with Cross Traffic Alert – Ford’s new Cross Traffic Alert feature will help warn drivers of impending traffic while backing out by using radars to pick up moving objects within a 65-foot range from either side of the vehicle. Two warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror and an audible alert is sounded. The feature works in conjunction with Ford’s radar-based Blind Spot Information System, utilizing this system’s two multiple beam radar modules, which are packaged in the rear quarter panels – one per side. The radar identifies when a vehicle enters the defined blind spot zone and illuminates an indicator light on the corresponding sideview mirror providing a warning that a vehicle is approaching.
• EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System – This industry-exclusive feature eliminates the need to touch dirty gas caps and helps to reduce evaporative emissions that create smog. When fueling is completed and the fuel pump nozzle is removed, the system automatically seals shut.