Ford Launches ‘Models of Courage’ Campaign in the Fight against Breast Cancer

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The Ford Motor Company has selected 11 women and men, who have survived breast cancer, to be featured as role models during their “Models of Courage” campaign.

This is Ford’s most recent effort to heighten breast cancer awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research.  Since 1993 Ford has raised more than $115 million in the battle against breast cancer, and in 2006 Ford launched its Warriors in Pink line of apparel.  100% of the net proceeds earned from the Ford Warriors in Pink gear are donated directly to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation.

The “Models of Courage” campaign gives survivors a chance to tell their story and continue the battle against a disease that has changed their lives.

“The Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the daily challenges of fighting breast cancer,” said Tracy Magee, Ford’s primary brand experiential manager. “We are so thrilled to highlight these inspirational women and men as our Models of Courage. We hope their personal stories and experiences with breast cancer will help raise awareness and serve to inspire those on the front lines battling breast cancer.”

To learn more about how to get involved, or purchase your own Ford Warriors in Pink gear, visit http://www.ford.com/warriorsinpink/.

20-Minute EV Charger to Become Standard in US and Abroad

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Many people love the idea of an electric vehicle, but worry about its practicality when it comes to charging. To help combat this fear, several U.S. and German automakers have agreed to share a common EV charger, which will re-charge a car in just 20 minutes.

Ford, GM, Porsche, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, and Volkswagen are all part of the conglomerate of automakers who are contributing to the research on the proposed charger.  Engineers from each company have developed this new technology, which combines one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging, and ultra-fast DC-charging to cut the charge time for most electric vehicles from hours down to as little as 20 minutes. The DC-fast charging with a Combined Charging System will be on display at the Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) May 6-9.

The Society of International Engineers has chosen to make this new charging method its standard and the European association of vehicle manufacturers has endorsed the technology, meaning that it will be the charging interface for new EVs beginning in 2017.  According to Chrysler, “Industry-wide adoption of this system will only enhance the image of EVs and lead to greater consumer acceptance.”

The Combined Charging System is expected to be available by the end of the year, and vehicles compatible with the technology should start rolling out in 2013.

Undercover Cars? Ford Goes Brand-less in Recent TV Spot

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What kind of company ignores over 100 years of tradition, advertising new products without telling who made them? A confident one.  In a recent television spot, Ford features several of its new cars without ever mentioning or showing its name or logo.

Ford’s new commercial chooses to focus not on brand name or tradition, but encourages drivers to focus on features alone.  Prominently featured in the commercial is the 100MPG 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, said to hit markets in early 2013.  The Fusion, along with other new Ford models, will host SYNC®, Ford’s voice-activated system that controls much of the technology found in the vehicle.

Also shown in the commercial is the 2013 Escape, which sports a new hands-free liftgate activated by simply lifting a foot under the rear bumper of the vehicle.  This will allow drivers to load the cargo area of the SUV without the need to put down the groceries or fumble for keys.

Finally, the Fiesta can be equipped with the Super Fuel Economy (SFE) package, which will boost the car’s efficiency to a nifty 40 Highway MPG.  Budget-conscious drivers who are looking for a great blend of technology and value will find this compact the perfect choice at just over $15,000.

Shedding a brand name is a bold move, unless an automaker has the clout to back it up.  Ford’s technology-driven new lineup certainly delivers, and in the commercial, Ford urges its viewers to go further.

                      

Ford Mustang Turns 48

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On April 17 the Ford Mustang celebrated its 48th birthday.  The Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964 at the New York World’s Fair, and since then has spawned five generations of one of the best-selling and most iconic vehicles in America.

An incredible 22,000 Mustangs were sold on the first day of sales in 1964, and by the end of that first year 418,000 Mustangs were purchased.  The Ford Mustang’s appeal would not wan over time.  In fact, the Mustang experienced its best year 35 years later in 1999 when it sold 166,915 units.

Forty-eight years of continuous production has made the Ford Mustang the longest-running car in American history; defeating the Chevrolet Corvette which skipped a year in 1983.  The original Ford Mustang was available in three engine options, the highest performing of which generated only 210 horsepower.  Today, the Mustang GT500 produces an astonishing 650 horsepower.  For a breakdown of the entire line of Mustang generations check out Motor Trend’s Wide Open Throttle.

The Mustang received its namesake from the P51 Mustang fighter jets which were piloted during World War II and have been claimed to have taken down nearly 5,000 enemy aircraft.  Mustang is no longer associated with a fighter jet, but rather a brand name that has captivated car enthusiasts for nearly half a century and has been credited with single-handedly establishing the market of American muscle cars.

                     

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and across the country, the Department of Transportation has one message for drivers: “One Text or Call could Wreck it All.”

There are many distractions drivers can face behind the wheel. Visual distractions occur when you take your eyes off the road, manual distractions take a driver’s hands off the wheel and onto something else, such as food or drink, and cognitive distractions occur when the driver stops thinking about driving and starts thinking about something else. While there are many ways to get distracted, cell phone use is by far the most alarming, as it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention.

In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed, and nearly half a million injured, in accidents caused by distracted driving.  Cell phone use was reported in 18% of these fatalities. Sending or receiving a text takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, meaning they are driving roughly the length of a football field, blind, at 55 mph. Drivers using a hand-held device are also 4 times more likely to get into a crash serious enough to cause an injury due to the lack of reaction time.

Now that you know the facts, you’re probably wondering what you can do to get involved and help make our roadways safer. First, you can take the pledge to drive phone-free, encourage your family and friends to drive phone-free, and speak out if the driver of your car is distracted.  You can also share a “Faces of Distracted Driving” video on social media to help raise awareness, download a poster to hang up, and make a company or family pledge to commit to distracted-free driving.

For more distracted driving facts and ways to get involved, visit http://www.distraction.gov.

Carl Edwards Takes Ford Engineers on a Wild Ride in the Taurus SHO

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Ford recently took 9 of their engineers on the ride of a lifetime during what they thought would be a routine commercial video shoot.  The engineers, expecting to be shooting a commercial focusing on the technology of the 2013 Ford Taurus SHO, were in for a surprise when they entered the car and saw NASCAR’s Carl Edwards in the driver’s seat.

The videos produced are part of a series titled “Rocket Science,” which feature Edwards racing around the Infineon Raceway while talking to the nervous engineers about the Taurus’ technology.  The first four episodes have been released and are named after impressive features of the Taurus SHO: EcoBoost, High-Tech Thrill Ride, Blind Spot Pursuit, and Screaming MPG.

Check out the videos below to watch as the engineers attempt to casually talk about these features while Edwards whips them around.

                     

Fuel-Saving Auto Start-Stop System to be Available in the 2013 Ford Fusion

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The 2013 Ford Fusion will feature auto start-stop technology that, on average, increases fuel efficiency by 3.5 percent.  That figure varies depending on driving patterns, and customers that drive mostly in high traffic areas could see as much as a 10 percent increase in fuel economy.

The auto start-stop technology works by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, and as soon as the brake pedal is released the vehicle will re-start by the time the driver places their foot on the accelerator.

What could be most exciting for consumers is the price of $295, which allows this feature to pay for itself over time.  “We expect the average Fusion driver with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Auto Start-Stop will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving,” said Samantha Hoyt, Ford Fusion Marketing Manager.

That’s right, not only does the 2013 Fusion offer the auto start-stop feature, but it combines that with the fuel efficient EcoBoost engine. This makes it the first midsize sedan to offer the auto start-stop feature that is not a hybrid.  With the EcoBoost engine, the 2013 Ford Fusion receives an estimated 37 mpg highway.

For 2013, Ford is also offering the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid.  The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid gets an estimated 47 mpg highway, and the 2013 Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid delivers an astonishing 100 mpg highway.

All-New 2013 Ford Explorer Sport Arriving Later This Year

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As a new addition for the 2013 model year, the Ford Explorer Sport will combine fuel efficiency and high performance in a sporty design.

The 2013 Ford Explorer Sport will be equipped with Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 engine, a revolutionary engine design that generates 355-horsepower at 5,700 rpms. The EcoBoost engine delivers power normally found in a V8 engine, but has the fuel efficiency of a V6 with is unique twin-turbocharged, direct-injection strategy. Also equipped on the 2013 Ford Explorer Sport is the terrain management system that integrates powertrain and braking control to provide appropriate traction for various driving and climate conditions. The terrain management system is activated by a control knob that enables 4WD control through a choice of different settings.

The exterior of the 2013 Explorer Sport boasts many unique features, including 20-inch painted wheels, black roof rack rails, and blacked-out headlamp and taillamp treatments. The interior is just as alluring. It features leather trimmed seating, unique Sport-logo floor mats, and illuminated scuff plates. Aside from looks alone, the interior continues to feel high-end with the inclusion of 10-way power driver’s seat, rear view camera, SYNC with MyFord touch driver technology, and a Sony Premium Audio System.

Ford Releases Update for MyFord Touch

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Since the debut of MyFord Touch, the Ford connectivity system has been a huge success.  In fact, in owner surveys of 2011 and 2012 Ford model buyers, 56% stated that Sync and MyFord Touch were important factors in their purchase decisions.

Now, the popular system is receiving an upgrade.  The new system will be featured on the 2013 Ford Taurus and Flex, and will also be available to current customers with eligible systems.  Ford is mailing out an upgrade package to current customers who qualify.  This package includes a notification letter, a USB flash drive with the updated software, detailed instructions for the 60-minute download, and an SD card with updated map data for those with the navigation option.

Updates to the system include an enhanced touch screen interface with simpler graphics, bolder text that is easier to use, and faster response time.  The voice controls have also been updated to provide even better recognition than before, so drivers can tell their car what to do while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.  Several features have also been added, such as better phone compatibility, improved navigation maps, including destination entry, and support of tablet computers and audiobooks.

Any customers who would prefer help with upgrading the MyFord Touch system are encouraged to visit their local Ford dealer for installation.

Ford Reveals Luxurious Super Duty Platinum

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The Ford F-Series Super Duty is going platinum.  The 2013 F-250 Platinum was recently unveiled and it is set to be the automaker’s most luxurious truck ever.

The Platinum will immediately stand out from other Super Dutys due to its chrome exterior trim, mesh chrome grille, and 20-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels.  The interior of the truck has been revised as well, adding an all-new center stack with a media bin with USB, auxiliary, and a/v inputs and MyFord Touch.  This system has also been revised for special duty, adding redundant hard buttons that can be used with work gloves on and a larger, 8-inch screen (compared to the usual 6).  Other luxurious equipment includes a back-up camera, remote start system, and power telescoping side-view mirrors.

Color options on the new pickup will include Ingot Silver, Kodiak Brown, Ruby red, Tuxedo Black, and White Platinum on the outside, and Pecan or Midnight Black leather options inside.  Engine options will be the same as those on other F-Series Super Duty models and include either a gas-powered V8 that outputs 385 horsepower and 405 lb-ft. of torque or a 6.7-liter Powerstroke turbodiesel that outputs 400 horsepower and 800 lb-ft. of torque.

All 2013 Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2012.