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Ford Takes Detroit Auto Show Exhibit to New Heights - Literally +VIDEO


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)
Rendering of Ford's 20-foot-tall elevator that takes show guests up into "the Cloud" for a cinema experience that showcases the future of in-vehicle technology.

•Ford’s display at 2012 NAIAS features a 20-foot-tall elevator that takes show guests up into “the Cloud” for an immersive cinema experience that showcases the future of in-vehicle technology

•First-ever Blue Oval Card program provides visitors with a personalized and shareable experience on the Ford show stand

•The all-new Ford Fusion will be revealed at Ford’s press conference on Jan. 9 in Joe Louis Arena

SEE ALSO: Exclusive PRESS PASS COVERAGE of the 2012 North American International Auto Show


DETROIT - January 8, 2012 – The Ford show display at the 2012 North American International Auto Show will give attendees a view from above of what may be in store for the future of in-car vehicle technology. The Ford Living Connected Experience demonstrates how trends will drive future customer in-car technology needs.

Ford’s Living Connected Experience will give visitors a peek of what might be in store for new vehicle technologies. Leading up to their visit to “the Cloud,” groups of 12 visitors are guided through five stations that explain how Ford technology is addressing future trends, including Changing Population Demographics, Emerging Technologies and Living Green. The group will then board a 20-foot-tall elevator that takes them into “the Cloud,” where visitors enjoy a 360-degree film showcasing the future of in-vehicle technology from Ford.


Watch the preview video


The interactivity on Ford’s 2012 show stand extends beyond the Living Connected Experience Through the use of augmented reality; visitors can drive with Motorsports star Ken Block, take a ride in a Mustang on the dyno, or use trivia to plan out their next great “Escape.”

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to come up with new and exciting ways to engage our visitors from the moment they step foot on the Ford show stand,” said Darrell Bryja, director of Global Auto Shows and Events. “Auto shows offer us valuable time with customers to inform them of Ford’s newest products and technologies.”

Statistics show this effort is paying off. Last year’s visitors to the show reported significantly higher Favorable Opinion, Consideration, and Purchase Intention than the general population for Ford. The Ford display continues to be a big draw for attendees overall. At last year’s show, 97 percent of the 735,000 overall auto show attendees visited the Ford display, and 88 percent of those rated the display as providing a positive impact on the brand.

The Ford display will feature the first-ever Blue Oval Card at this year’s show, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register online to receive a Blue Oval Card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand. Visitors can capture videos that play on the Ford stand, share an on-stand photo with their Facebook friends or even submit an opinion that will be displayed on the LED screens that appear on the stand.

“Being able to personalize an experience is becoming more important to people, and the Blue Oval Card allows just that on the Ford stand,” said Bryja. “We want our customers to walk away from the Ford stand with a lasting memory that will draw them into a Ford dealer’s showroom.”

The Blue Oval Card experience extends to the all-new Ford Fusion, which will be revealed at the Ford press conference, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 9, in Joe Louis Arena. This is the first time that Ford will hold its press conference in Joe Louis Arena due to the construction taking place at Cobo Arena, where Ford previously hosted its press conference.