Investor News

• The 2009 Ford Flex was named one of the “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles” by the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.
• Kbb.com editors praised Flex’s fuel economy, roominess, unique features and options such as multi-panel Vista Roof™ and built-in refrigerator.
• Flex arrives in Ford showrooms this summer, with base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $28,995 including destination and delivery.

Ford Flex recognized by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com as standout among 'Top Ten' Vehicles built for road trips

DEARBORN, Mich., May 20, 2008 – Editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com today named the 2009 Ford Flex one of its “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles.”

“The functionality, cargo capacity and interior space of the Ford Flex coupled with its high feature set make it a pretty ideal cross-country commuting vehicle,” said Micah Muzio, road test editor, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “It’s the kind of vehicle that you could put lots and lots of miles on in a day and then not feel fatigued in at the end.”

In choosing this year’s “Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles,” Muzio says the kbb.com editors evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and fuel economy.
“We tried to cover the range from the highly aspirational ‘money is no object’ vehicles to the more realistic options, which may involve a family or a couple heading out for a vacation,” he said.

Whether it’s a group of people or a person traveling alone, Flex Marketing Manager Catherine Pearce says Ford’s newest crossover will provide an enjoyable trip.

“Flex offers unparalleled space, an expansive view and amenities not available anywhere else, and we’re delighted that the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com chose to recognize Flex in their exclusive list,” she said.

The all-new Flex – which will arrive at Ford dealerships this summer – already has garnered a lot of attention for its unique box-like design with signature side grooves, all-black greenhouse and distinctive multi-panel Vista Roof™.

Inside, Flex provides surprising space and comfort for up to seven, with wide, roomy seats and best-in-class head room and leg room in all three rows. The vehicle creates an environment on par with the most elite modes of transportation, according to Flex Chief Designer Richard Gresens.

“Everything about the new Ford Flex renews my faith in transportation,” he said. “Flex reclaims our right as passengers to move in style and comfort.”

Muzio says one of the features that impressed the kbb.com editors was Flex’s Vista Roof™.

“The sunroof makes the vehicle seem even roomier,” he said. “Also, each of the roof panels as its own sun visor, so that if a person on the right side wants sun and a person on the left side doesn’t, that’s something that the passengers can control themselves.”

Another favorite of the kbb.com editors is the integrated refrigerator between the second-row seats. The class-exclusive compressor-drive refrigerated console cools up to seven 12-ounce cans from room temperature to 41 degrees approximately 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.

“When you get to your family picnic or wherever and your beverages are still freezing cold, that’s just a really great feature to include,” he said. “That’s the kind of amenity you see in the back of a Maybach, and it’s a neat feature to see in an approachably priced vehicle.”

In addition to the refrigerator, Flex offers a variety of innovative, class-leading technologies, including Ford SYNC™, voice-activated navigation, a Sony premium audio system, EasyFuel™ capless fuel filler, ambient lighting, a reverse camera system and SIRIUS Travel Link.

“When equipped with voice-activated navigation, SIRIUS Travel Link provides real-time traffic, coast-to-coast weather conditions, movie times, sports scores and fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations,” said Pearce. “Imagine driving out West and being notified of construction or an accident in time to reroute, or if you’re not familiar with the area, finding automatically where the cheapest gas is for a refuel.”

Also worth noting: Flex ranks at the top of its class with fuel economy.

“I think people will be surprised,” said Gary Boes, Ford chief engineer. “Flex provides 24 mpg on the highway. It’s very competitive.”

The most important aspect of any road trip is safety. Flex comes standard with six airbags, a Safety Canopy System® and Advance Trac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control).

“There are certain cars that have that emotional connection for people, and I think that’s something we tried to tap into with this list,” said Muzio.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 244,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Mazda, and until completion of their sale, Jaguar Land Rover. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.