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June 11, 2008 |
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| A Model T lover gets his day in the sun | |
 Forget about air conditioning, navigation systems and radar backup assist. Jay Klehfoth is just fine driving a vintage Ford Model T at 25 mph, enjoying the open road and soaking in spirit of a bygone era. This year as Ford celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Model T, Klehfoth will be able to indulge his passion for the Model T is a special way. The owner of four “Tin Lizzies,” the first of which he bought when he was 13, Klehfoth and his wife, Barbara, will play a major role in a large Model T Celebration planned for the week of July 20 in Richmond, Ind. The event will draw up to 1,000 Model Ts, some from as far away as Australia. When these Model Ts line up in parade formation to wind their way through Richmond, Klehfoth, editor of Vintage Ford magazine, expects to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest single-model car line. “There’s something about a Model T that makes everyone smile,” he said. [... more ....]  |
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| Ford Flex’s soundtrack is pure Santogold | |
 In wrestling with how to introduce the new 2009 Ford Flex to the world, Ford sought creative inspiration from an unlikely source – the up-and-coming urban musical artist Santogold. It turns out the singer’s soul, pop and reggae-infused music provided the perfect soundtrack for a new series of TV ads for Ford’s stylish and eccentric new crossover. The provocative 30-second ads debuting this week were directed by Mark Romanek, one of the industry’s most celebrated directors of music videos. In addition, Ford created four computer-generated animations – mini movies – that present information about the vehicle in an entertaining way. “The Ford Flex is electric. It provokes a reaction, so the approach that we’re taking to launching the vehicle will be unconventional and quite unexpected,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Marketing and Communications. [... more ...] |
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| “Play artist U2” or “Call 911,” SYNC offers entertainment and peace of mind | |
 Ford’s ground-breaking SYNC technology is known for making phone calls and music selections a hands-free voice command away. However, later this year, Ford will introduce 911 Assist to the SYNC portfolio of options. In the event of an accident involving the activation of an air bag or the emergency fuel cutoff, 911 Assist helps vehicle occupants in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator. Ford is introducing the non-subscription based service with the full support of one of the nation’s leading emergency service associations, the National Emergency Number Association. Ford and NENA will embark on an extensive education and training program to introduce the emergency communications community to 911 Assist. [... more ...] |
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| Ford explores new mobility solutions in large urban centers | |
 With two-thirds of world’s population expected to live in large and congested urban areas, Ford Motor Company is exploring mobility solutions that go beyond building great cars and trucks. The initiative is called “Ford Urban Mobility Networks.” The new program is designed to efficiently connect individuals to a variety of transportation options – buses, trains, taxis, car-share fleets, mopeds and bicycles – in urban areas where population growth is beginning to affect access to affordable personal mobility. These transportation options are available through a transfer point or ‘hub’ where various modes of transportation and services come together. The first cities chosen to pilot “Ford Urban Mobility Networks” – Cape Town, South Africa, and Chennai and Bangalore, India – seek to offset these emerging infrastructure stresses by providing alternatives to personal vehicle ownership that reduce vehicle miles traveled and CO² emissions. [... more ...] |
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| Ninth Annual Sustainability Report | |
 Ford Motor Company has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to continue reporting its progress on social, economic and environmental performance. The 2007/2008 Sustainability Report is the ninth formal, nonfinancial report published by the company. The report focuses on the key issues of Climate Change, Mobility, Vehicle Safety, Human Rights and Sustaining Ford from the mid-2007 through to the early 2008 calendar years. Commentary from several internal and external experts can be found throughout the pages offering outside perspectives on specific issues. Previous Sustainability reports have been received with much accolade. Ford has been recognized with the "Best In Class" Environmental and Social Performance Award from StoreBrand SRI and was commended for it 2006 and 2007 reports by Dow Jones. [... more ...] |
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