An environmental win-win at Ford’s test facility
Thinking green at Ford Motor Company encompasses more than high-tech engines and hybrid SUVs. Ford’s $13 million renovation of the high-speed test track at it’s Michigan Proving Ground in Romeo is a perfect example of a win-win solution for the environment and the bottom line. Responding to Ford’s challenge to utilize best environmental practices, contractors developed a plan to reuse nearly every bit of existing material, sending whatever couldn’t be repurposed to a recycling center. All told, Ford is reusing or recycling 200,000 cubic yards of material that would have ended up in a landfill. That’s the equivalent of a 12-story building on a one-acre footprint. Not only that, the green approach to construction is saving Ford roughly $12 million – and will result in a better testing ground. For more information, please contact Said Deep at 313-594-042 or click on: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28319
Escape Hybrid joins forces with L.A. lifeguards
Sun-drenched beaches, super slow-motion running, daring ocean rescues – what’s missing from this picture? The answer is the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. Ford Motor Company is teaming up with the Los Angeles County Lifeguards to help save lives while protecting the environment. Ford recently presented the squad with the first 10 of a fleet of 45 eco-friendly Escape Hybrids with Intelligent four-wheel-drive, specially equipped for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline. Ford engineers did some in the field research to ensure the specially modified Escape Hybrids were up to the job. For more information, please contact John Clinard at 949-341-7689 or click on: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28280
The Ford Flex, cleaner pants come standard
The 2009 Ford Flex is easy on the eyes – and the dry cleaning bill. Ford designers stretched the width of the Flex to wrap around the sill, bringing the step-in area inboard for much easier access for passengers. In combination with a new concealed rocker, the Flex door was designed to wrap under the sill, effectively sealing out the elements. “The clever design minimizes your clothes’ exposure to the elements. There’s no sill area where dirt usually collects,” said Rich Gresens, Flex chief designer. For more information, please contact Charlotte Fisher at 313-323-7045 or click on: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28321
Ford makes Easy Fuel™ capless fuel filler standard
Ford is helping thousands of customers save time and keep their hands clean at the fuel pump.
The Easy Fuel capless fuel-filler system is a Ford-exclusive feature that uses an integrated spring-loaded flapper door to eliminate the need for a fuel tank screw cap. That means no more fumbling to remove and tighten the cap and less fuel odor on customers’ hands or gloves when they’re at the pump. These are just two of the reasons behind Ford’s decision to offer Easy Fuel as standard equipment across the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury product lineups. For more information please contact Alan Hall at 313-594-3744, click on: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28320
Stamping operations key to Flex ride and quietness
Automotive stamping operations rarely grab the limelight. But with the new Ford Flex coming to market this summer, the untold story behind the vehicle’s quiet ride is happening at Ford’s Buffalo Stamping Plant. The sheet metal plays a major role in the vehicle’s world-class fit and finish, which contributes to the quiet ride by eliminating wind noise and squeaks and rattles. “The sheet metal sets the stage for the smooth styling, a dynamic ride and an incredibly quiet interior in this beautiful new vehicle.” For more information please contact Angie Kozleski at 313-323-1984 or click on: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28317
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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. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.