Ford All-Wheel-Drive Retail Sales up 72 Percent Since 2009 Surpassing Industry Growth Rate

• All-wheel-drive technology accounted for more than 20 percent of new car and utility vehicle retail sales in 2012, based on Ford’s analysis of Polk retail registration data 
• These figures also show that nearly 37 percent of Ford vehicles available with all-wheel drive were equipped with the technology in 2012 
• Affordability, increased efficiency and improved technology helped Ford capture a share of this growing market

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 28, 2013 – Ford is capitalizing on the popularity of all-wheel-drive technology, with its AWD sales growing 72 percent since 2009, outpacing the industry growth rate of 53 percent. In 2012, more than 20 percent of the industry’s new car and utility vehicles were sold with AWD systems.

Originally introduced on the 2013 Escape, Ford’s new intelligent AWD system is now available on Edge, Explorer, Flex, Fusion and Taurus, making Ford unsurpassed in the number of AWD vehicle offerings for a non-luxury brand.

Based on Polk retail registration data, nearly 37 percent of Ford vehicles that are available with AWD were equipped with the technology in 2012.

“All-wheel drive acceptance continues to grow in the East and Great Lakes regions, as expected, but nationwide AWD sales have grown, particularly in the Pacific Northwest over the past six years,” said Erich Merkle, Ford sales analyst.

The increase in demand by American car buyers is seen throughout the country, as improved technologies like Ford’s intelligent all-wheel-drive system is keeping customers calm and confident on the road.

In fact, AWD is the No. 1 purchase consideration for Ford customers looking to buy a small utility vehicle in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states – outpacing well-established factors such as reliability, value for the money and fuel economy.

In total, 20 percent of all retail cars and utilities purchased nationally in 2012 had AWD, according to Polk data. AWD sales were at a five-year high in 2012 in the East, Southeast and Central regions, with considerable growth also seen in the Pacific Northwest over the last six years.

Better system, same price 
Even with the addition of an improved AWD system, Ford has not increased the cost for its technology.

“While we continue to make our technology better, this doesn’t come at an added cost for our customers,” said Mike Murphy, global small car and SUV marketing manager. “Ford is enhancing the confidence and capability that driver’s desire.”

The advanced Ford-developed software behind the new intelligent AWD system preemptively reassesses conditions about 20 times faster than it takes to blink an eye, readjusting the power split to give the driver the precise blend of handling and traction – at all times.

If, for example, the front of the vehicle is on ice and the rear is on pavement, the AWD system can send all of the torque the powertrain can produce to the rear of the vehicle, putting power where the driver needs it most.

Using advanced software and sensors, the system gathers data from 25 external signals – including wheel speed, accelerator pedal position and steering wheel angle – to deliver outstanding driving performance in both wet and dry conditions, as well as excellent off-road traction.

Super Duty We Own Work: Tom Horton - Heavy Hauling

Tom Horton uses his Super Duty® to haul more trailers than he could with a semi, so each and every load is more profitable. Here's a look at a man with an innovative mind and a very smart truck.

Ford Social Hybrid 101 with Nancy Gioia

Ford Social sits down with Nancy Gioia, Global Director of Electrification for Ford Motor Company to answer fan questions about hybrid technology.

Ford tops in value, says U.S. News & World Report

For the second straight year, Ford dominates the U.S. News & World Report 2013 Best Cars for the Money rankings, with six Ford vehicles offering consumers the most bang for their buck. The 2013 Focus, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Taurus, Escape and Edge captured awards based on their outstanding value and critical acclaim. This marks the fourth year in a row Taurus reigns in the large car category, while for two straight years Edge is best midsize SUV, Fusion is the midsize champ and Fusion Hybrid is the best hybrid vehicle. U.S. News & World Report determines the winner in each of 21 categories based on vehicle safety and reliability attributes as well as expert opinion. Click here for more.

 

 

Fusion Energi Lands Ford Atop List with Highest Number of 2013 Vehicles Qualifying for Faster Lane Access in California

• The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved the all-new Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid for its carpool lane access program; this gives Ford, along with Toyota, more 2013 vehicles that qualify for the state’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes than any other automaker

• Fusion Energi meets the long-distance challenges of California’s super commuters who also face increased congestion; idling in stop-and-go traffic is estimated to waste 1.9 billion gallons of gasoline annually

• Ford Fusion Energi hits showrooms later this winter as Ford’s fifth new electrified vehicle to launch in the last 12 months, joining Ford Fusion Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Hybrid, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Ford Focus Electric

 DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 20, 2013 – Californians now have another Ford vehicle option to get them where they’re going even faster with the all-new Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, as the vehicle has been approved for use in the state’s high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes.

 

To earn access to these faster moving carpool lanes, vehicles must qualify for tax rebates through California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which is overseen by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A vehicle that qualifies earns a special sticker that identifies it as having HOV privileges.

 

Ford Fusion Energi buyers are eligible to receive a $1,500 tax rebate – in addition to a $3,750 federal tax credit – making Fusion the third Ford brand vehicle to now qualify for California’s special financial and driving incentives, and putting Ford in the lead, along with Toyota, for having the most vehicles of any automaker allowed access to the state’s carpool lanes. Ford Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid also qualify.

 

The tax rebate and carpool lane access program are designed to promote reduced greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of less gas – making the three eligible Ford vehicles natural inclusions.

 

“That Ford has the most 2013 vehicles eligible for HOV lane access in the largest electrified vehicle market in the U.S. underscores our success in truly offering power of choice, especially when it comes to electric and hybrid powertrains,” said C.J. O’Donnell, group marketing manager for Ford Electrification.

 

To qualify for the programs, a vehicle must be classified by CARB as a super ultra-low emission vehicle and be certified by the U.S. EPA to offer fuel economy of at least 45 mpg on the highway.

 

Fusion Energi not only meets CARB standards but also has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe combined– 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway – along with a total range of up to 620 miles on one tank of gas and one full charge; Fusion has an electric-only range of up to 21 miles.

 

This means at least one leg of the average work commute – reportedly 20 miles each way – could be completed each day with Fusion Energi never using a drop of gas. A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5 percent of all gasoline used.

 

In California, Fusion Energi is the ninth Ford vehicle to qualify for carpool lane access through CARB since 1993, with Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid being the most recent.

 

“Fusion Energi is Ford’s most fuel-efficient sedan and offers a top electric-only speed of up to 85 mph,” said O’Donnell. “Californians clearly appreciate the environmental benefit, too, which is why we are seeing the state’s programs embrace Ford’s electrified lineup.”

 

Programs like California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project are growing in number to encourage the use of vehicles that produce fewer emissions and use less gas. They range from the $3,750 federal tax credit owners may receive for buying Fusion Energi to a program in Ferndale, Mich., where drivers of hybrids that get 30 mpg or better in the city are allowed to park for free at city parking meters. Other states offering lane driving privileges for hybrid vehicle owners include Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

 

Delivering choice

Ford’s launch of the new C-MAX Hybrid, C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid and Fusion Hybrid this past autumn led the company to deliver record-setting hybrid sales in December, resulting in a 9 percent market share gain to 16 percent. In the same period, Toyota’s share of the hybrid vehicle segment fell 8 points, from 68 percent to 60 percent.

 

Then Ford delivered a record hybrid sales month for January, following record-breaking electrified vehicle sales in the fourth quarter of 2012. Fusion Hybrid saw record sales in January.  

 

Fusion Energi figures prominently in Ford’s rollout of electrified vehicles and is helping the automaker sell these record numbers of hybrids. Ford now offers five electrified vehicles:

 

• C-MAX Hybrid: EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, highway and combined – up to 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v – plus 50 more horsepower than the Toyota and 12 class-exclusive technologies
• C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: Best EPA-estimated combined miles per gallon equivalency of any plug-in hybrid, Ford’s first production plug-in hybrid vehicle has a city rating of 108 MPGe and 21 miles of all-electric range – more than triple Prius plug-in’s six miles – and an EPA-estimated gas plus electric range of 620 miles. The vehicle’s “real car” performance includes 195 horsepower (versus Prius plug-in at 134 horsepower), engaging driving dynamics and a quiet interior – all with a leading electric-only speed of 85 mph, more than 20 mph above the Prius
• Fusion Hybrid: EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, highway and combined – up to 6 mpg better than Toyota Camry Hybrid
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: EPA-estimated gas plus electric range of 620 miles, electric-only range of up to 21 miles, and EPA-estimated rating of 108 MPGe city, 92 MPGe highway and 100 MPGe combined
• Focus Electric: America’s most fuel-efficient compact car, with an EPA-estimated rating of 110 MPGe city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined

Ford Invests Millions in Cleveland Engine Plant, Supports Growing Customer Demand for EcoBoost­ Engines

• Ford plans to more than double its EcoBoost^®-equipped vehicle sales globally this year

• Production of 2.0-liter EcoBoost for North America at Cleveland Engine Plant in Ohio to begin in late 2014

• Ford more than halfway to its goal to create more than 12,000 hourly jobs in the U.S. by 2015

• Production of 2.0-liter EcoBoost engines for North American vehicles moves from Valencia, Spain to Cleveland; Valencia will remain the exclusive production location for the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine for Ford of Europe-built vehicles; There is no impact on employment at the Valencia plant

 DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 21, 2013 – To meet rising consumer demand for the award-winning 2.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine, Ford Motor Company will invest nearly $200 million and add 450 new jobs at its Cleveland Engine Plant.

 

“This is our One Ford plan at its best – giving customers the power of choice to decide which fuel-efficient engine is best tailored to their needs,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Cleveland Engine Plant was the first to produce EcoBoost engines and will continue to be a cornerstone of Ford’s strategy to deliver affordable fuel economy for millions.”

 

The hiring builds on the creation of more than 8,100 salaried and hourly jobs in the U.S. last year, including 1,000 in-sourced hourly positions. Ford is more than halfway to its goal of creating 12,000 hourly jobs in the U.S. by 2015 to support new products and investment. Additionally, the company announced last month it plans to hire 2,200 salaried workers in the U.S. in 2013 to fill jobs in such key areas as Product Development, Manufacturing and IT.

 

Production of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost for North America is currently based in Valencia, Spain. The investment in Cleveland will shift North American production to Ohio, while Ford’s Valencia Engine Plant will remain the exclusive production location of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost for Ford of Europe-built vehicles. Valencia will continue to produce and ship parts for these engines to North America.

 

Overall employment at the Valencia plant will not be impacted. The Valencia Engine Plant will transfer some employees to Valencia Assembly Plant to support increased production for C-MAX, Kuga, Transit Connect and Tourneo Connect.

 

Ford is making the move to assemble engines regionally to help meet rising consumer demand for the award-winning 2.0-liter EcoBoost and to optimize production capabilities around the world.

 

Production of the 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine will begin in North America in late 2014. Cleveland Engine Plant currently builds the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and 3.7-liter V6. The Ohio facility employs approximately 1,300 people. It has built more than 500,000 3.5-liter EcoBoost engines since 2009.

 

EcoBoost cornerstone

EcoBoost is the cornerstone of Ford’s global engine strategy to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Ford will expand EcoBoost production to 1.6 million engines this year – nearly 100,000 above the previous target.

 

Delivering up to 20 percent better fuel economy than larger-displacement engines, EcoBoost uses smaller overall size combined with turbocharging, gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to bring customers outstanding performance without sacrificing fuel economy.

 

This year EcoBoost will be available on more than 90 percent of North American nameplates and by 2015, 95 percent of Ford nameplates will be available with EcoBoost engine technology. In 2013 Ford expects to sell more than 500,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles in the U.S. – a sizeable increase over the 334,364 EcoBoost vehicles sold in 2012.

 

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine to be built in Cleveland is currently available in the Ford Explorer, Edge, all-new Escape and all-new Fusion, Focus ST, Taurus and new Lincoln MKZ and MKT Livery. The engine has won a coveted Ward’s 10 Best Engines trophy each year it has been available in North America.

Power to the People! Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix Gives Control of New Ford Fiesta Ad Campaign to the People

• Ford introduces 2014 Fiesta through the unique voices and content of 100 social influencers, making it Ford’s first completely user-generated campaign

• Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix will feature material created exclusively by social influencers – in whatever form they choose; Ford will distribute the content through paid media, social media and experiential events

• In the new Ford Fiesta and Fiesta ST, agents will complete exciting challenges across major entertainment hubs including American Idol, Bonnaroo and all four summer versions of X Games – igniting conversation both online and off

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2013 – Building on the groundbreaking social engagement program that launched the Ford Fiesta in the U.S. in 2009, Ford now plans to introduce its new 2014 Fiesta through an innovative ad campaign created entirely by consumers.

 

To tell the new car’s story, Ford announced today that it is seeking 100 social influencers, who – through a mix of paid media, social media and experiential events – will convey the unique personality and attributes of the new 2014 Ford Fiesta in an entirely different way. Ford made the announcement at the Social Media Week convention in New York.

 

“Fiesta was designed to reflect the individuality of the customer, so we feel the marketing efforts should give the reins to the people who will be driving it,” says Jim Farley, Ford Motor Company executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “We have a fuel-efficient, tech-savvy and stylish car that doesn’t sacrifice on performance – it truly has its own personality. That personality will come through in the stories and experiences of real people.”

 

Ford will partner with nationally prominent television, entertainment and sports events including American Idol and X Games, legendary music festival Bonnaroo, and other media and entertainment hubs where agents will be at the center of the action.

 

Ford was the first automaker to truly introduce vehicles through social media and now, the evolution of the Fiesta Movement takes the use of social channels for reveal to an entirely new level. Building on the success of the initial launch, Ford will give the agents a new Fiesta, then step back and let them do what they do best: Entertain their followers. As a result, the voice of this exciting new car will come straight from the people – making this the Blue Oval’s first completely user-generated campaign.

 

Fiesta attracts more Millennials than any Ford vehicle, and that means telling its story in a way that is different from other models. Unlike other campaigns, Ford will use content created only by selected influencers – “agents” – then reveal it through multiple media channels and partners.

 

Social Media Week provides an ideal backdrop for Fiesta Movement: A Social Remix. This worldwide event is designed to explore the social, cultural and economic impact of social media. Since its inception five years ago, the event has become a major forum for some of the biggest, most significant news in the world of social media.

 

The new Fiesta Movement will bring together alumni from the highly acclaimed original Fiesta Movement. The campaign will include celebrities, current Fiesta owners and new agents – all carrying out a series of exciting missions with the 2014 Fiesta. Ford will provide agents with gas, insurance coverage, cameras and other tools they need to create content.

 

The missions – which will span the country throughout the year – are expected to be seen on TV shows, social media sites and paid advertisements, and engage millions of people. Over the course of the original Fiesta Movement, agents traveled more than 1 million miles in Fiestas, created more than 50,000 pieces of content, and generated nearly 30 million views through social media.

 

The next Fiesta Movement content will live on www.fiestamovement.com; Ford will promote the content across multiple channels.

 

“Consumers – Millennials in particular – like being a part of the brands they feel represent them,” says Keith Koeppen, Ford advertising and media manager. “This demographic is accustomed to creating content about their lives, so it just makes sense to give their creativity a bigger platform with greater scale.

 

“It’s all part of the democratization of media,” he adds.

 

Ford will kick off the campaign by recruiting agents – influencers as expressive as the new car – who inspire their friends both online and off. Agents will be selected based on their story and social prominence, among other attributes, and through their voices they will help to shape the story of the new 2014 Ford Fiesta.

 

Agents will debut the content they create on their own social pages, and then, as it gains popularity, Ford will feature it on www.fiestamovement.com and amplify the best of the best across digital, print, broadcast and outdoor advertising. Any and all content can become part of the living, breathing story of the new Ford Fiesta.

 

“We are giving agents the unprecedented chance to launch a car through the content they create,” says Koeppen. “The possibilities are limitless. For example, if there’s a video we really like, we can turn it into a TV commercial, if there’s a photo we think is really eye-catching, we can incorporate it into a print campaign.”

 

Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show this past November, Ford’s new Fiesta redefines the segment with an available 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine, projected 40 mpg-plus fuel economy, an exciting new look, and class-exclusive technology and special features that make it the most fun-to-drive car of its size.

 

Additionally, a new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine propels the performance-minded Fiesta ST with an estimated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque.

Ford Boosts Chassis, Engine Production Capa

• Ford is increasing Class A motorhome and commercial chassis production capacity by 35 percent to meet renewed demand for recreational vehicles as the U.S. economy and consumer confidence grows

• Ford also is increasing production capacity of its 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine used in the Class A motorhome lineup. The engine boasts 362 horsepower and 457 lb.-ft. of torque, and can be prepped for CNG operation to help save money at the pump

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 18, 2013 – Ford, America’s best-selling motorhome chassis manufacturer, is increasing production capacity by approximately 35 percent to meet renewed recreational vehicle demand in the United States.

 

At the same time, Ford is increasing production capacity of its 6.8-liter V10 engine that powers its motorhome chassis lineup.

 

“We’re pleased that while other chassis manufacturers have left this segment, Ford continues its commitment to the RV upfitter industry,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We’re increasing our participation in this industry as motorhome customers return to the market.”

 

The Ford F-53 motorhome and F-59 commercial chassis are built by Ford’s partner at Detroit Chassis at its state-of-the-art facility in Detroit. The 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine is built in Canada at Ford’s Windsor Engine Plant in Ontario.

 

Class A motorhomes are recreational vehicles built on a stripped truck chassis where the driver’s area is part of the living area. Ford supplies parts such as the frame rails, suspension, powertrain and steering components to Detroit Chassis for assembly into motorhome chassis for customers like Winnebago, Thor and Fleetwood.

 

Shipments of Class A motorhomes were up 14 percent in 2012 but growth rose dramatically as the year closed, according to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). Sales accelerated to 33 percent in December and 43 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to the RVIA.

 

Ford F-53 chassis registrations reached their highest levels in 2012 since 2007.

 

Motorhome chassis aren’t the only Ford products seeing increased demand. Production capacity of the company’s segment-exclusive 6.8-liter V10 gasoline engine that powers the F-53 will increase 25 percent by 2014 at Windsor Engine Plant to meet strong demand from commercial customers. The 6.8-liter V10 is also used in E-Series vans, F-Series Super Duty chassis cabs and the F-650 medium-duty truck.

 

Ford offers the best-selling RV chassis in both the Class A and Class C (E-Series chassis) markets. The F-53 Class A lineup includes six offerings ranging from the “tailgater’s special” 16,000-pound GVWR chassis through the capability leader 26,000-pound GVWR chassis, which gives motorhome builders the opportunity to offer the most advanced, most luxurious RV bodies yet. Prices for Class A motorhomes can exceed $150,000.

Ford the Only Full-Line Automaker Named to Fast Company 2013 Ranking of World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies

• Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker recognized in Fast Company’s 2013 Most Innovative Companies ranking

• Ford joins top-ranked Nike and Amazon as well as technology companies such as Apple and Google and online educator Coursera

NEW YORK – Fast Company’s annual Most Innovative Companies issue honors leading businesses, including Apple, Amazon, Google and Target along with such rising newcomers as Square, Fab and Tumblr. Ford Motor Company is the only full-line automaker named to the 2013 list. Nike ranks No. 1 following the release of two major innovations, FuelBand and Flyknit technology.

Fast Company editors highlighted an array of recent efforts by Ford, including the opening of a Silicon Valley Lab in Palo Alto, Calif. in June 2012 where Ford engineers can collaborate with some of the best and brightest technology minds.

Among the innovative features already available in Ford vehicles, the award-winning SYNC® connectivity system enables drivers to stay connected with the latest mobile technology using voice commands so that hands can stay on the wheel and eyes on the road. The all-new 2013 Ford Fusion offers one of the industry’s most complete suites of advanced driver assist systems, including adaptive cruise control and the Lane Keeping System all in an affordable midsize family sedan. Ford researchers are also hard at work on future systems including a driver workload estimator to help drivers manage stressful situations on the road.

The Most Innovative Companies is Fast Company’s most significant, high-profile editorial effort of the year. The editorial team spends months gathering and sifting data to identify those enterprises that exemplify the best in business from across the economy and around the world. The end result is a package that dares to be different, emphasizing not just revenue growth and profit margins but also progressive business models and an ethos of creativity. This year’s honorees include major brands like Samsung and Coca-Cola, creative upstarts like Nasty Gal and Uber, and social disruptors like Coursera and D-Rev. Internationally Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies package spans the globe celebrating such companies as Kenya’s Safaricom (No. 9), Israel’s SodaStream (No. 23), Russia’s Oktogo online travel service (No. 35) and China’s Landwasher (No. 38).

In addition to the Top 50, Fast Company also ranks the Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in 10 categories, including Big Data, Entertainment, Finance, and Food — all of which are featured in the print edition and on FastCompany.com. Additional Top 10 lists will continue to be rolled out online and through social channels in the weeks to come. Special online-only coverage: The Most Innovative Moments in Business, from Apple to Starbucks, Airbnb to Disney.

Notable on this year’s list: the absence of social media giants Facebook and Twitter. “Neither produced innovations worth celebrating,” the magazine explains in an accompanying article. “In the history of our list, fewer than one-third of the companies return from one year to the next. This year, only seven are consecutive honorees, an indication of how more companies in more corners of the world are innovating to seek a competitive edge, with the stakes only getting higher.”

Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies issue (March 2013) is on newsstands beginning Feb. 19 and available online at www.fastcompany.com/MIC as well as in app form via iTunes.

Larry Geweke Ford Celebrates 25

Thank you all for your confidence in Larry Geweke Ford.

We strive forward every day seeking to continue earning your confidence.