Global customers around the world benefit from the One Ford plan according to Ford News, with the newest lineup of fuel efficient, family vehicle with high safety ratings, “smart design and value.”

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RAYONG, Thailand, Aug. 31, 2012 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) today celebrates the company’s 350 millionth vehicle – a Ford Focus, which is the world’s best-selling car for the first half of 2012.

“Producing 350 million vehicles is equivalent to producing one vehicle every 10 seconds for our 109-year history. If placed end to end, the vehicles would stretch to the moon and back – twice,” said John Fleming, Ford executive vice president of global manufacturing. “Producing this vehicle in Thailand also is significant. It underscores the power of our One Ford plan to deliver profitable growth with great products built in ultra-flexible and efficient facilities everywhere around the world.”

For the first half of 2012 Ford Focus has become the very best-selling vehicle globally according to information published by HIS Automotive.  Ford has sold 489,616 Focus cars so far this year with its nearest competitor being Toyota Corolla having sold 462,187 units.

“Embracing its performance, value, versatility and fuel economy, the Focus is attracting many new customers to the Ford brand for the very first time, particularly in Asia where we are growing every day,” said Jim Farley, Ford’s group vice president for global marketing, sales and service. “The Focus is a winner on so many levels because it successfully provides customers with what they want most – a safe, smart, fuel-efficient, good-looking, fun-to-drive, affordable car.”

Sunset Ford, home of a great lineup of new Ford cars near The Loop knows that in a recent Ford survey, nearly 9 out of 10 drivers report the desire for driver assist technologies such as those in the new Ford Fusion which will be introduced this fall.

Approximately 50% of motorists surveyed agree that they have fallen asleep while driving and 6 in 10 say blind spots have caused accidents or near collisions and 4 in 10 drivers surveyed say they are afraid to parallel park.

Now Ford provides a solution to all of those driving issues with the new 2013 Ford Fusion which according to Ford; “offers the most complete suite of advanced driver assist technologies in the family sedan segment – capabilities previously only available in luxury cars that cost at least $100,000.”

“We found the drivers we talked to were definitely inclined toward features that provided real practical benefits by alerting them to potentially hazardous situations they may have missed,” said Billy Mann, managing director of Penn Schoen Berland. “For them, assistance features that increase awareness ranked high among their priorities.”

“Basic transportation has long been the dominant style in the midsize family sedan segment,” says Amy Marentic, Ford Group Marketing manager. “This survey shows that as consumers have become accustomed to using electronic assistants in other aspects of life, they are increasingly recognizing how technology can help them cope with the stresses of driving.”

“With the emergence of sensor-packed smartphones over the past several years, consumers have become accustomed to using their electronic gadgets to realize real-world benefits such as finding their way in unfamiliar places, figuring out the best place to grab a meal and track their exercise,” says Sheryl Connelly, Ford manager of Global Trends and Futuring. “Advanced driver assistance features bring those benefits to the driving experience by extending the driver’s senses beyond the car.”

According to Ford adult motorists know their limitations, everything from eating while driving, to falling asleep at the wheel, and they are very interested in Ford’s new technologies that can provide safety solutions to these and other potential driving hazards.

“We see the driver as always being at the center of control of the vehicle,” said Randy Visintainer, director of Ford Research and Innovation. “With improvements in sensing and control technologies, we can now provide unprecedented levels of assistance to drivers.”

Driver Assist technologies in the 2013 Ford Fusion;

• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with brake support
• Lane-Keeping System with Driver Alert System
• Active park assist
• Rear-view camera system
• SYNC

“In the early weeks of taking orders for the new Fusion, customer interest in these driver assist features is translating into strong demand,” says Marentic. “More than 14 percent of the orders so far include the Driver Assist Package (BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, auto high-beams and rain-sensing wipers), exceeding our expectations.”

Adaptive cruise control in a mainstream midsize sedan will be offered as a first in the new Fusion and over 5% of Ford customers are requesting this feature that also offers forward collision warning in a radar based system.

According for Ford; “Early orders for the 2013 Fusion include higher-than-expected demand for new technology features.”  If you are interested in ordering a new Ford Fusion, hurry to your local Missouri Ford Dealer, Sunset Ford.

Drive 4 UR Community started in Canada in 2010 and has raised $750,000 for local nonprofit organizations in local regions.

Ford each event Drive 4UR Community holds, Ford dealers will work together with local community non profits to schedule fundraising events.  The local dealer provides the Ford trucks to be test driven and they work together with the non profits to organize the event.  For each valid test drive completed, ford will donate $20 to the participating community group or non profit organization to the maximum of $6,000.

“The Drive 4 UR Community program is a great example of how Ford dealers can go further in their communities to help local charities raise needed funds for a cause,” said David Mondragon, manager, Ford U.S. Marketing. “This initiative exemplifies ‘people serving people,’ which is a key pillar of Ford’s global brand promise.”

This program not only helps community organizations, it also provides Ford buyers with a chance to check out the new Ford trucks and cars.

“It’s a win for both because we donate $20 per test drive to the event while introducing our new lineup of great cars, trucks and SUVs to consumers who are there to support the cause,” he said. “And many of the people who attend the fundraisers may not have had the opportunity to drive a Ford before.”

Registration to participate in the Drive 4 UR community is available online at https://drive4urcommunity.com/.

According to Ford News; “Ford of Canada launched the Drive One 4 UR Community program in 2010 and has raised more than $750,000 to date for nonprofit organizations in that region. Together, Ford of Canada and Canadian Ford dealers have made it possible for communities to buy food for the hungry, as well as help fund housing projects, park renovations and mentorship programs for at-risk youths.”

Making its debut in 2008 the Taurus X replaced the Freestyle in Ford’s lineup sharing its styling design with the Taurus sedan, which replaced the Ford Five Hundred sedan. Despite all the evolution changes one constant is that the Taurus X is a great crossover wagon. Test Drivers agree it’s a safe and comfortable crossover wagon with plenty of power,  and ample room for passengers and cargo alike.

Reviewers find the Taurus X to be a good value. Car and Driver says
“It’s sticker price puts it in the same territory as the GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook twins as one of the few relatively affordable full size 7 passenger crossovers on the market today.”

2009 Ford Taurus X Advantage Includes;
- Solid power and acceleration
- Plenty of room for 6 or 7 passengers
- Excellent crash test scores

The Taurus X is available in SEL, Eddie Bauer and Limited trim levels.

“The 2009 Ford Taurus X is a good choice for families who want near minivan functionality in an SUVish package.–“Edmunds

“Smooth and quiet the Taurus X by any other name remains one of the better people-movers available.” –The Orlando Sentinel

“The Taurus X performs exceptionally well in both federal government and insurance industry crash test. What’s more it comes equipped with a wide range of active and passive safety features including electronic stability control and 3 row side curtain airbags.”–U.S. News and World Report

The GT40 has been described as being close in appearance to a Ferrari in the 1960s.  It came up for bid in Monterey California.  The car had 4 consecutive wins at Le Mans in the 24 hour endurance race from 1966 through 1969.

According to RM Auctions, the infamous race car was designed as Henry Ford II’s intention to show that in the U.S. could compete and win in some of the world’s most famous racing titles without having a European exotic car in a back pocket,” according to USA today.

RM says the car resulted from Ford CEO Henry Ford II’s failed attempt to buy Ferrari and a subsequent desire to prove that Americans could win some of the world’s most coveted racing titles without having “a European exotic car maker in a back pocket,” according to USA Today.

In Steve McQueen’s movie, Le Mans, the Ford GT40 was selected as one of the few vehicles to meet McQueen’s stringent check list regarding cars that could actually be filmed at racing speeds.  Since the movie aired, the car has been considered a collector’s item.

Originally the GT40 vehicles were considered “marvels demonstrating Ford’s dedication and perseverance,” according to Ford News.  Under the direction of henry Ford II, Ford Motor Company developed a program that “reached the pinnacle of international motorsports competition,” says Ford.

“GT40 is the ultimate Living Legend,” explains J Mays, Ford vice president of Design. “It’s a true supercar with appeal equal to that of the greatest sports cars in the world, but with the addition of a heritage no one can match. Essential elements of the original – including the stunning low profile and mid-mounted American V-8 – continue in this latest interpretation of the classic.”

Reviewers say for those buyers that need more passenger room, and more cargo room than the compact truck can provide, Ford’s Explorer Sport Trac is the vehicle you’re looking for. The Ford Explorer Sport Trac bridges the ground between SUV’s and trucks. For those who prefer the style of a pickup-truck but carry more people than gear, the Sport Trac remains a good choice for its respectable performance and versatility. Edmunds says,” Even though pickup trucks are America’s utility vehicle of choice, they don’t always meet the needs of every buyer. Full size crew cab models have plenty of room and bed space, but they’re also unwieldy to drive. Compact or midsize pickups have a smaller footprint but don’t typically have a particularly large backseat. For people stuck between these two choices there’s the midsize 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

Based on the Ford Explorer SUV, the Sport Trac replaces the SUV, s covered cargo area with a short truck bed. The truck bed has a lockable watertight bed cover as well as in bed storage compartment. The Explorer Sport
Trac’s interior matches the regular Ford Explorer’s interior layout.

Also available the Explorer Sport Trac has an independent suspension, which delivers a comfortable driving performance other trucks cannot match.
2010 Explorer Sport Trac advantage
- Versatile SUV and pickup truck capabilities
- Quiet smooth ride

The Ford Explorer Sport Trac has two available trim levels: the base XLT and the Limited models. Both models are available as a 4X2 or as a 4X4. Engine choices available are the 4.0 liter V6, or the 4.6 liter V8. Optional for 2010 is the SYNC infotainment system.

“If you desire a truck’s utility but don’t want or need a traditional full size truck model this “Explorer pickup” deserves a look.”– Consumer Guide

MSN” We enjoyed the ride, The Sport Trac is fun to drive even for a truck with precise steering almost car like handling and brakes that provide decent stopping distances.”

The new drift challenge feature customizer app for IOS and Android phones allows mobile users to use as many as 9 different courses to race their virtual custom Mustang on.  With the drift challenge, users are able to pick any custom Mustang and race it to beat best times set by other players.

“Since we relaunched the online Mustang Customizer for 2013 models in June, more than 120,000 people have registered and built more than 450,000 unique fantasy Mustangs,” said Brian McClary, Ford digital marketing manager. “With the new app, fans will be able to configure their one-of-a-kind pony car any time they have a few minutes to spare.”

In 2011 the first Mustang Customizer app was downloaded over 250,000 times.  After the personalized Mustang has been built, users get an option to save their car and then enter it into “battle mode where other users can vote on their favorite designs. Users earn points and up to 70 different badges for each car they build, participating in battles, wins and also individual challenges against their Facebook friends,” says Ford.

Pictures of your custom Mustang can be saved and used for desktop wallpaper or shared on Facebook, Twitter and Google.  Ford is also offering a chance for users to win a new dream Ford Mustang custom designed.

The new Ford Mustang Customizer app is available for the iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and the Google Play store for android phones.

Today Ford Motor Company is lowering the price of its hybrid system by as much as 30% compared to the previous system.  Five new electric vehicles will be launched this year as part of Ford’s “Power of Choice” strategy created to deliver first in class fuel economy across the company’s lineup of electric vehicles by the year 2013.

According to Ford News the list of new electric vehicles which will be launched by this fall includes;

• Focus Electric: Production began late 2011; America’s most fuel-efficient compact with 110 MPGe city; charge time of four hours with the available 240-volt charging station, which is nearly half the time as Nissan Leaf
• C-MAX Hybrid: EPA-certified to deliver 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg city – at least 3 mpg better than Toyota Prius v – and 47 mpg combined with more performance and technology, and all at a $1,300-lower base price
• C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: Coming this fall; a projected electric-mode miles per gallon equivalent that is more than three times that of Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid per EPA testing methods; 95 MPGe; total range of 550 miles
• All-new Fusion Hybrid: Coming this fall; 47 mpg expected to beat Toyota Camry Hybrid by 5 mpg highway
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Will begin production by the end of 2012; aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world

“We know what it takes to build world-class hybrids and are building on that expertise,” said Kevin Layden, director, Ford Electrification Programs and Engineering. “We’re continuing to invest so Ford can continue to lead in the delivery of top fuel economy, durability and driving dynamics in our electrified vehicles.”

Ford truck buyers can select from a variety of SYNC services including turn by turn direction, business search, updated traffic information, Google Maps, MapQuest, Sports, Weather, News, and even Horoscopes.

The new F-150 now offers SYNC with a new 4.2 inch LCD screen to provide even better display of audio and climate control function as well as a screen which included menus for gauge set up, fuel economy and towing applications and trip computer.

The Lariat, King Ranch, and Platinum as well as the Limited Edition models are upgraded with a large 8 inch LCD color touch screen and 2 USB ports, and SD card reader, and video and audio input jacks.  With the premium system, SiriusXM Travel Link and voice activated Navigation System are available.

Ford truck drivers are able to configure their vehicle to their specific needs- the new technology even allows drivers to use the interface easily while wearing work gloves!

According to Ford News, features available on the new Ford F-150 include;

F-150 engine choices include:

3.7-liter four-valve Ti-VCT V6

Best-in-class 302 horsepower at 6,500 rpm

Unsurpassed 278 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm vs. V6 competitors

Best-in-class 17 mpg city and best-in-class 23 mpg highway (4×2)

Best-in-class 6,100 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. V6 competitors

5.0-liter four-valve dual-overhead-camshaft Ti-VCT V8

Best-in-class 360 horsepower at 5,500 rpm vs. standard V8 competitors

21 mpg highway, unsurpassed 15 mpg city (4×2)

Best-in-class 10,000 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. standard V8 competitors

6.2-liter two-valve single-overhead-camshaft V8

Best-in-class 411 horsepower at 5,500 rpm

Best-in-class 434 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm

13 mpg city, 18 mpg highway (4×2)

Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow

3.5-liter Ti-VCT EcoBoost engine

365 horsepower at 5,000 rpm on regular fuel

Best-in-class 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,500 rpm vs. premium V8 competitors

Up to 90 percent peak torque available from 1,700 rpm to 5,000 rpm

Best-in-class 11,300 pounds maximum trailer tow vs. all competitors

Best-in-class 3,120 pounds payload vs. all competitors

Unsurpassed 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway vs. all competitors

“The 2013 Ford F-150 adds more style and technology that sets a benchmark for capability and efficiency in light-duty pickups,” said F-150 Marketing Manager Raj Sarkar. “We continue to focus on the no-compromise solution for our customers, giving them all of the conveniences and technologies they want with the capability they need and the fuel efficiency to go further.”

Ford Motor Company has been a sponsor of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) since 1948 and has donated approximately $7.1 million in “Built Ford Tough” scholarships to future farmers since 1997.

“Like our hardworking customers, Ford is committed to getting the job done right with our industry-leading trucks,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “The 2013 F-150 demonstrates our commitment to continuously improving our trucks with new features and capabilities, allowing F-Series owners to be increasingly productive.”

“Farm families have always represented an important F-Series truck constituency,” said Doug Scott, Ford Truck group marketing manager and FFA sponsor board member. “For these multitasking customers, a Ford pickup means family transportation, economic livelihood, rugged capability and reliability. Like FFA, Ford pickups are an enduring agricultural tradition, and we are delighted to join forces with them to reveal the new F-150 models.”

For 2013 Ford offers the most fuel efficient light duty truck in its class with even more new technologies than ever before.  With a new luxury model available and the fuel saving EcoBoost 6.2 liter V8 engine, electronic locking rear axle, and Hill Descent Control, the new F-150 is light years ahead of its class.

New 18 and 20 inch wheels are offered with different trim packages along with a class exclusive power folding trailer tow, and sideview mirrors.   The new F-150 is available in 3 new colors including; Kodiak Brown Metallic and Ruby Red ClearCoat Metallic as well as Blue Jeans Metallic.