The Latest Roundup of News from Ford - May 4, 2011

Relevant Connections: Ford Buyer's Guide

DEARBORN, MI--May 4, 2011:

Ford EcoBoost engines add power, efficiency while upping sales to new buyers

Ford EcoBoost engine technology is attracting new customers to the Ford showroom. The Taurus SHO, often cross-shopped against BMW and Acura RL models, and the distinctively designed Flex with EcoBoost are bringing new faces into the Blue Oval family. Ford F-Series pickup trucks also are seeing strong consumer demand for the EcoBoost engine variant. EcoBoost is key to the Ford strategy of providing fuel-efficient vehicles that bring no compromise in performance to millions of drivers. .

TAWA praises Boss Mustang's modern, no-nonsense performance

It's been more than 42 years since Ford management gave its engineers the green light to build a special car, and the Mustang Boss 302 remains one of the world's most sought-after examples of American performance. Now, the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has named the 2012 Boss the High Performance Car of Texas. "This recognition is a sign of the iconic status Mustang has achieved," said Steve Ling, Ford Large and Performance Car Marketing manager. "It is successful and exciting new products like Mustang that continue to differentiate Ford as an automotive leader." Each year, TAWA hosts a challenge at Texas Motor Speedway where automakers are invited to submit their vehicles for test drives by automotive journalists. Hands down, this year the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 was a favorite with the testers.

Ford earns another safety accolade for inflatable rear belts

Ford's industry-exclusive rear inflatable seat belts on the all-new Explorer have earned another honor -- the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award. And it's no wonder, as the advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat occupants. In everyday use, rear inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts, and are compatible with infant and child safety seats. But in the event of a frontal or side crash, the increased diameter of the inflated belt more effectively holds the occupant in the proper seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury. Ford plans to offer this technology in other nameplates globally. .

NADA award helps confirm Ford Fiesta is a pretty big deal

The 2011 Ford Fiesta has been awarded NADAguides Car of the Month for May. Fiesta was chosen based on its quality of engineering inside and out, driving comfort, fuel efficiency, overall value and wealth of features. Troy Snyder, director of Product Development at NADAguides, said, "As for performance, sub-compact vehicles usually leave you feeling like you got what you paid for, but not the Fiesta -- it is impressive and delivers a vehicle above expectations." Increasing consumer interest for the small car on NADAguides.com also helped make Fiesta Car of the Month. NADAguides' market analysts saw an increase in consumer interest for Fiesta of nearly 55 percent during the first quarter of 2011 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2010. Click here for the full press release.

Ford and Green Festival join forces for tangible results

Ford and the Green Festival have teamed up to find and fund the most innovative projects to improve the environment in five U.S. cities. The Community Green Grant program challenges organizations and individuals to propose impactful ideas that would improve the environment in their local communities prior to the start of a local Green Festival. Attendees at the festival in each city will vote for the proposal that will receive the $5,000 Community Green Grant. The Green Festival will travel to Chicago, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco this year. Entries for the grant to be awarded at the Chicago event are due May 7. .