Investor News

JULY 16 FORD E-NEWS


Listen to this report as a soundclip (right-click to download - 1.8 Mb)	July 16, 2008

Vehicle-to-intersection communications research holds key to safety
The 2009 Ford Flex is cruising toward an intersection with no signs of slowing. A voice inside the car says "stop light" and a red light flashes above the dashboard. The driver then brings the vehicle to a safe stop. The recent demonstration highlighted emerging technology from Ford that allows a vehicle to communicate with a "smart intersection," sharing data that can prevent accidents and alleviate congestion. The project will accelerate Ford's research into proprietary "active safety" technologies as it continues development of a common architecture and standards for smart intersections together with General Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co., Daimler AG, Toyota Motor Corp., the federal government, and local and county road commissions. [More...]
	Wes Sherwood \| wsherwoo@ford.com \| 313-390-5660
A Flex and a few rules for the road make carpooling easy
Carpooling can ease the pain at the pump in today's $4-a-gallon world, but ride-sharing commuters are finding its best to follow a few rules for the road. Punctuality and clear policies for radio play, eating and smoking are a must. Too much talk about religion and politics can kill the carpool vibe. But choosing the right vehicle can be the most important ingredient. Ford's new Flex, for instance, offers limousine-like comfort - even for third-row passengers - and there is no full-size crossover with better fuel economy, with up to 24 mpg for front-wheel drive and 22 mpg for all-wheel drive. An available refrigerated console could be the perfect place to stash that soda or bottled water for the drive home. [More...]
	Jay Ward \| jward35@ford.com \| 313-845-2387
Thinking outside the box, Flex engineers deliver aerodynamics
At first glance, few would assume that the new Ford Flex, best known for its signature boxy profile, is an aerodynamic leader in the emergent crossover vehicle segment. But Ford designers and engineers spent countless hours in the wind tunnel and made numerous subtle tweaks to deliver breakthrough aerodynamics while staying true to the stunning looks of the Ford Fairlane concept that inspired the Flex. Compared to the competition, Ford Flex moves through the air with surprising ease. In fact, the Flex's aerodynamic performance is the untold story behind its class-leading fuel economy. [More ...]
	Jay Ward \| jward35@ford.com \| 313-845-2387
Model T's birthplace gets new lease on life
If walls could talk, the Piquette Plant in Detroit would have a quite a tale to tell. It was in the humble three-story brick building in Detroit that Henry Ford built the first Model T, a car that changed the world and put the world on wheels. The Piquette plant, a once-neglected relic of the industrial renaissance, is getting a new lease on life. Thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers, historians and car buffs, the Piquette Plant building, now known as the Model T Automotive Heritage Complex, is being restored and is open to the public. As part of the festivities celebrating the 100th birthday of the Model T, coats of paint and years of grime are being carefully removed from the building's exterior before the installation of a large historic marker and period-correct signage. [More ...]
	Marisa Bradley \| mbradl31@ford.com \| 313-845-3701
New Ford Racing chief is living the dream
Brian Wolfe grew up pining for about fast cars. He listened to his father's stories about Henry Ford and watched his brother race cars on the weekend. Wolfe himself started racing the same day he received his driver's license. He saved up and bought a 1968 428 Cobra Jet Fairlane. So when Wolfe was recently named director of Ford Racing, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. [More ...]
	Kevin Kennedy \| kkennedy@pcgcampbell.com \| 313-203-7108
[archive eNews] 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 228,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com. # # #