Ford First to Integrate Slacker Radio App Providing In-Car Command and Control by Voice Using SYNC AppLink

The Slacker Radio smartphone app is now compatible with SYNC AppLink

• Slacker Radio joins the lineup of smartphone apps that Ford drivers can control with their voice through available SYNC® AppLink™

• Slacker Radio offers users the widest range of personalized music and information content through its free and subscription radio services

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 29, 2011 – Ford drivers with SYNC® AppLink™ now have another entertainment option with the addition of Slacker Radio to the portfolio of available SYNC-compatible smartphone apps.

AppLink builds on the award-winning SYNC connectivity system by enabling drivers to access and control apps on their smartphones by simply using their voice and allowing their hands to stay on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

“Customers now have so many options for accessing music and information. Ford SYNC AppLink allows us to not only keep pace with what they are listening to, but how they are listening to it,” said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. “With its huge music library, Slacker Radio dramatically increases the content options for Ford drivers.”

“Slacker listeners can create their own custom stations by selecting their favorite artists and songs, or listen to any of more than 150 stations curated by expert DJs who love the music they play,” said Steve Cotter, senior vice president of Business Development at Slacker Radio. “When they’re not in the mood for music, Slacker listeners can tune in to a wide variety of personalized talk content including personalized comedy, ABC News and ESPN Radio stations.”

Slacker Radio offers a fully customizable and personal online radio experience that includes the most varied and compelling range of content offered by any interactive Internet radio service. The Slacker Radio experience includes over 150 expert-programmed music stations, ABC News, ESPN sports, comedy, custom artist-hosted showcase stations and leading music festival stations. Also, announced today in conjunction with ABC, Slacker lifestyle stations featuring lifestyle highlights from ABC’s Good Morning America and ABC’s key content partners will be available shortly. With exclusive interactive talk programming and a music catalog that is over ten times larger than the leading radio competitor, Slacker Radio gives listeners the ultimate personal radio experience.

Ford drivers will be able to use their voice or the audio system controls to select Slacker stations to play, skip songs, set favorites or even ban a song or artist they don’t want to hear again. When driving into areas with limited or even no data connectivity, drivers can still listen to their favorite music by storing content directly to their phones for uninterrupted listening. In order to use Slacker with AppLink, drivers just need to update the Slacker Radio app on their smartphones to the latest version. Slacker with AppLink is now available on Android and BlackBerry with iOS pending approval. Download the SYNC-enabled version of Slacker today by visiting http://www.Slacker.com from a supported device or by searching the application store for Slacker Radio.

• Blackberry:      Available now               Slacker version 4.1.22 or higher
• Android:           Available now               Slacker version 3.2.86 or higher
• iOS:                  Pending approval        Slacker version 3.6 or higher 

SYNC AppLink is available on the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fiesta, Mustang, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series and Shelby GT500. The 2012 Lincoln MKZ, MKZ Hybrid and Navigator feature SYNC AppLink as standard equipment. 

Ford Customers give F-150 with Fuel-saving Technologies High Marks for Quality

• F-150’s fuel-saving EcoBoost engine and electric power assist steering earn high ratings from customers in Ford quality survey.
• F-150 also was the highest-ranked full-size pickup this year in J.D. Power and Associates’ Initial Quality Study (IQS), and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.
• Ford’s EcoBoost technology is helping lead a consumer shift to smaller engines. Ford sold over 13,000 F-150 pickups equipped with EcoBoost engines in both September and October.

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 28, 2011 – Customers are as happy with the new F-150’s V-6 EcoBoost engine as with their favorite V-8, as Ford proves consumers will move in large numbers to smaller engines.

 

The F-150’s EcoBoost engine and another fuel-saving technology – electric power assist steering – earned high ratings from customers in Ford’s 2011 U.S. Global Quality Research System, or GQRS, helping to power the F-150 to some of the industry’s strongest independent quality rankings in 2011.

 

The V-6 EcoBoost-equipped F-150 is achieving customer quality ratings on par with F-150s equipped with the popular 5.0-liter V-8 engine, according to data from GQRS, a quarterly survey conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The data was gathered from surveys of more than 1,600 F-150 owners who purchased their trucks between September 2010 and May 2011.

 

“Ford F-150 customers are very discerning so we are pleased they rate our new EcoBoost technology as highly as V-8 engines that some thought truck customers would never give up,” said Doug Scott, group marketing manager, F-Series trucks. “We believe this is a good sign as we plan to roll out this innovative, powerful and fuel-saving technology to most of our lineup during the next few years.”

 

Electric power-assisted steering, or EPAS – another Ford truck first – is also giving the F-150 a quality edge, with steering that adapts to changing road conditions and vehicle speed, allowing for more confident handling and improved fuel economy.

 

Internal customer data show these technologies have reduced warranty claims with 25 percent fewer complaints for vehicle vibration and 33 percent less reported issues with drifting and pulling. This means customers are happier with the new system than the reliable outgoing hydraulic-assisted steering system.

 

Ford’s internal quality data mirror a strong performance by the F-150 in this year’s J.D. Power and Associates’ IQS and APEAL studies.  The initial quality study measures vehicle quality during the first 90 days of ownership, while the APEAL study measures owner satisfaction. The F-150 was the only full-size pickup to earn top awards in both J.D. Power studies.

 

“The F-150 is a symbol of how Ford is reinventing its lineup to lead the industry in fuel economy and quality,” says Bennie Fowler, Ford Group Vice President, Global Quality and New Model Launch. “We have demonstrated with our EcoBoost engines that we can deliver new technology with great fuel economy improvements and leading quality.”

 

EcoBoost Boosting F-150 SalesFord’s gasoline turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost engine combines the performance of a V-8 with the fuel efficiency of a V-6 to help boost the truck to new heights. The F-150 with EcoBoost is showing there is a “replacement for displacement.”

 

“This truck gives customers more with less – using advanced technology to deliver both power and efficiency,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing Manager. “The EcoBoost trucks are our most capable F-150s and the fact they also offer exceptional fuel efficiency means our customers don’t have to compromise.”

 

The Ford F-150’s official 2011 EPA ratings certify that 4x2 models equipped with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo engine and six-speed automatic transmission achieve 22 mpg on the highway and 16 mpg in the city. At the same time, the engine produces a class-leading 420 lb.-ft. of torque, helping enable best-in-class maximum towing of 11,300 pounds and maximum payload of 
3,060 pounds.

 

Ford total truck sales were 9.1 percent higher year to date through October than a year ago, with 651,837 trucks sold, representing their highest sales since 2007. Ford F-Series sales totaled 54,410 and 52,511 in September and October, respectively. It is America's number one selling nameplate, totaling 468,899 vehicles through October of this year. This included new monthly records for the EcoBoost-equipped F-150's, with nearly 13,000 trucks sold to retail customers, representing over 40 percent of all F-150 retail sales. 

 

The EcoBoost is so popular with truck buyers that the F-150 is on track to sell 100,000 of the engines in less than a year. Third party accolades for EcoBoost continue to roll in with the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) naming the 2012 F-150 the "Truck of Texas" and the 2012 F-150 Platinum EcoBoost the "Luxury Pickup of Texas".

 

Improved Handling, Fuel Economy with Electric Power-Assisted Steering

Electric power-assisted steering, or EPAS, enables Pull-Drift Compensation technology, which constantly measures the driver’s steering input, adapts to changing road conditions and helps compensate for slight directional shifts caused by factors such as crowned road surfaces or steady crosswinds. The system’s Active Nibble Compensation feature helps reduce vibrations that transfer through the steering wheel.

 

The system has been carefully tuned with sophisticated speed mapping to deliver accurate responses at high speed while remaining light and manageable in parking maneuvers. EPAS steering also improves fuel economy by up to 2 percent, compared to conventional hydraulic steering systems, because EPAS only requires power during steering maneuvers instead of constant engine power to drive the hydraulic pump. That also means there’s no hydraulic fluid to be disposed of during maintenance, creating less hazardous waste and resulting in a cost saving for owners.

Ford Seat Engineering

With longer commutes and more back pain, American drivers spend more time in their vehicles so comfortable seating is more important than ever. Ford seat engineers work to create more comfortable seats that are also lighter to help with better fuel efficiency on Ford vehicles.

First Drive: 2012 Honda CR-V

Associate Editor Scott Evans takes the new 2012 Honda CR-V for a spin.

Ford Prepares You for the Holiday Shopping Season with All-New Gift Ideas for the Blue Oval Enthusiast

• Ford presents its 2011 holiday gift offerings available at Ford Marketplace online in time for the shopping season
• This year’s feature gifts include Build-A-Bear Mustang, Bossy the Mustang Pony and the Boss 302 Power Wheels
• Dream Garage, Skinit Ford-themed vinyl skins for electronic devices, and vintage wooden signs are among the myriad items for sale at store.ford.com/holiday

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 23, 2011 – Don’t fret this holiday season, the Ford Marketplace will help simplify shopping with hundreds of gifts for any Blue Oval enthusiast. For the 2011 holidays, Ford is offering all-new gifts with special pricing including presents for the young kid who wants to “drive” a Mustang like his or her dad, teenagers looking to accessorize cell phones with Ford-themed vinyl skins, or cabinetry and flooring for the ultimate Dream Garage.

 

“We couldn’t be more excited to reveal the new gifts the Ford Store has to offer for your Blue Oval enthusiast this holiday season, including an all-new Fisher Price Boss 302 Power Wheels, and cabinetry and flooring to create the ultimate Dream Garage,” said Betsy McKelvey, marketing manager for Global Brand Licensing.

 

Items are available at store.ford.com/holiday and at hundreds of retailers including Toys ‘R’ Us, Target, WalMart and Hobby Lobby.

 

New items for holidays 2011 include:

 

• Fisher Price Boss 302 Power Wheels:The little one can roll around like the old man – this brand-new Power Wheel is a mini-Mustang for young tykes
• Build-A-Bear Mustang:Bossy the Mustang Pony is a soft, plush pony that gallops a bit more slowly for the next generation of Mustang enthusiasts
• Skin It: Skinit Ford skins are an easy way to show your love for everything Built Ford Tough! Protect and customize your phone, laptop, gaming device and more with high-quality vinyl skins
• Dream Garage: Take your garage to the next level with Ford’s own flooring and cabinets
• Ford Genuine Parts Pint Glass Set:Quench your thirst and celebrate the spirit and tradition of Ford with these special glasses
• Vintage wooden signs: Bring Ford memorabilia into your man cave and even customize your own sign

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everyone at Geweke Commercial Truck & Fleet Sales Would Like to Wish You a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."

~William Arthur Ward

FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND NEWMAN’S OWN®, INC. DONATE REFRIGERATED TRUCK AND FOOD TO DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK

Innovative Partnership Reaches Milestone of 6.7 Million Miles Traveled and Nearly 176 Million Meals Delivered Nationwide

 

LOUISVILLE, Nov. 22, 2011 – Dare to Care Food Bank is receiving a new refrigerated truck filled with food as part of a unique, 11-year ”Partnership for Hunger Relief” with Ford Motor Company, Newman’s Own, Inc. and Feeding America.

 

The partnership began when the late Paul Newman wrote Bill Ford, Jr., then the CEO of Ford Motor Company, to suggest a new initiative focused on providing fresh produce and other perishables to individuals facing hunger in rural America. They put this idea into action by donating refrigerated Ford trucks filled with an assortment of Newman’s Own products to Feeding America.

 

As the partnership celebrates its 11^th anniversary, another five Ford trucks are being donated, including one to Dare to Care Food Bank. The new refrigerated truck will be used to deliver food throughout Kentuckiana to people who are at risk of hunger.

 

“In tough economic times, it is more important than ever to help families in need and make sure no one is wanting or gets left behind,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Ford and Newman’s Own, two great national companies, are providing a huge boost of compassion to our community, and making Louisville a better place.”

 

A total of 103 vehicles in all 50 states have been donated since the partnership began in 2000. The donated trucks have traveled a combined total of more than 6.7 million miles and distributed over 169 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 176 million meals to hard to reach areas.

 

As part of the Feeding America network, Dare to Care Food Bank has responded to the growing need from families, by increasing its delivery of meals by about eight percent year-over year to 12 million meals – the most in its 42 year history. 

 

Brian Riendeau, Dare to Care Executive Director, said Ford’s most recent gift is timely for Kentuckiana families.  “We are in a period of unprecedented need for food assistance in our community.  This investment by Ford in our capacity to serve Kentuckiana continues the tradition of community generosity that created Dare to Care over 40 years ago.”

 

"Ford Motor Company has remained committed to playing a role in addressing hunger relief year after year,” said John Savona, plant manager, Ford Louisville Assembly Plant. “We are delighted that the truck donated to Dare To Care Food Bank was produced right here in Louisville at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant.”

 

The refrigerated trucks allow for delivery of fresh and nutritious food to hard to reach neighborhoods that are often underserved. Donated produce, meat and dairy products cannot be delivered to remote areas unless refrigerated trucks are available for long delivery routes.

 

"More than 12 years ago Paul Newman realized there was a great need to get nutritious food more broadly distributed. With 49 million people facing hunger, we are glad this program continues to help make a difference, especially in the current economic environment,” said Tom Indoe, president and chief operating officer of Newman’s Own, Inc.

 

Other food banks receiving trucks this year are: Atlanta Community Food Bank (Atlanta, GA), Harry Chapin Food Bank of South Florida (Fort Myers, FL), Josephine County Food Bank (Grants Pass, OR), and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle (Raleigh, NC).

 

Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, with more than 200 member food banks providing food to more than 37 million people in rural, urban and suburban communities.

 

Stress-Free and Easy: All-New Ford Escape Delivers a ‘Hands-Free Holiday’ This Season

• All-new Ford Escape and award-winning stress relief expert Susie Mantell team up to share tips on how to make holiday shopping less stressful
• Ford Escape features a segment-first hands-free power liftgate; gentle kicking motion opens and closes the liftgate without the need to fumble for a key, making loading packages into the vehicle stress-free
• Consumers can enter to win daily gift card giveaways or a chance at their own “hands-free holiday” by submitting their holiday stress-saving tips through http://on.fb.me/handsfreeholiday beginning Nov. 25

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 22, 2011 – Holiday stress? Difficulty finding a store or parking spot? The all-new Ford Escape and award-winning stress expert Susie Mantell are hoping to make this holiday season more enjoyable with some simple tips that can help you “Escape” the stress of the holidays and make navigating this busy season much easier.

 

During the holidays, 87 percent of American adults experience stress when shopping, and auto-related activities have a tendency to induce the most stress. Nearly 55 percent of Americans say that traffic jams, locating a parking spot and getting packages into the vehicle with their hands full are among the top stressful activities.

 

The Ford Escape, which debuted last week, has technologies and features that – when paired with these simple tips – can ease holiday stress. From active park assist to turn-by-turn directions and a hands-free power liftgate, the Escape is certain to make holiday shopping easier.

 

From setting a speed limit on spending to recharging your own battery, Susie Mantell and the Ford Escape have created 10 tips to help you “Escape” stress this holiday season. To see the full list of tips, visit Escape on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/handsfreeholiday.

 

“The Ford Escape offers a number of technologies that can ease stress during the holiday season,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “The hands-free power liftgate is the newest Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier. New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages down.”

 

Ford recently introduced its all-new Escape featuring a segment-first hands-free power liftgate that opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper and without the need to fumble for a key. Escape is the first SUV to use gesture-based technology – similar to that found in video games – to open the rear liftgate.

 

Ford helps you ‘Escape’ the stress of the holidays

Consumers around the country can submit their own stress-saving tips to enter for a chance to win prizes that can help them “Escape” the stresses of the season, including a chance at a hands-free shopping experience.

 

Beginning Black Friday, Nov. 25, and continuing through Dec. 23, submit your most helpful stress relief tip through http://on.fb.me/handsfreeholiday and be entered to win a chance at the daily gift card giveaway.

 

Six grand prize winners will be awarded a $500 shopping spree and a Ford Holiday Helper to truly reward them with a “hands-free” holiday. The Ford Holiday Helper will assist winners and up to two of their friends with their shopping for a day. From carrying bags to waiting in lines and those long trips down the rows of parking lots to load packages, Ford Escape hopes to give you a hands-free holiday.

 

All-new Ford Escape

Escape is Ford’s newest sport utility vehicle. Nearly 2 million Escapes have been sold since the model was first introduced a decade ago, making it the best-selling small SUV in the United States. The new SUV has 11 exclusive features. These include the new class-exclusive hands-free power liftgate. Escape fuel economy is projected to top any vehicle of its kind on the market today.