February 18 Ford e-News

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 18, 2009 -- Ford Receives Boost from Michigan for Electric Vehicle and Battery Development

Ford Motor Company received a $55 million incentive from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) for its work in advanced battery and electric vehicle development. The refundable tax credits are through the new Michigan Advanced Battery Credits initiative, designed to encourage investment in electric vehicle engineering and advanced automotive battery research in Michigan. Ford will use the tax credit to accelerate its plan to produce next-generation hybrids, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. It also will help ensure research and development at Ford facilities in Michigan will play a key role in further enhancing these new technologies. more...

  Jennifer Moore  |  jmoor186@ford.com  |  313.248.2335

  Ford Hybrids Snag Two Top Industry Awards

The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid received not one, but two awards this past week by leading consumer outlets. The vehicles were named "Best Crossovers/SUV Value under $28,000" by Intellichoice.com, a leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis. The Best Overall Value of the Year awards recognize vehicles whose cost of ownership are significantly lower than expected compared to competitive models. more...

The Ford Escape Hybrid also has been named one of Kelly Blue Book's kbb.com "2009 Best New Family Vehicles." When choosing the top 10 best cars for families, editors consider factors such as resale value, capability and kid-friendliness, with extra emphasis on fuel economy. Ford Escape Hybrid - the most fuel-efficient SUV on the planet - is improved for 2009 with a more powerful and more efficient gas-electric powertrain. A wide variety of safety features also come standard including Advance Trac(R) with Roll Stability Control(R), Safety Canopy(TM) and Personal Safety System(R). more...

  Jay Ward  |  jward32@ford.com  |  313.845.2387
  Mark Schirmer (Lincoln Mercury)  |  mschirme@ford.com  |  313.390.8647

  Upgraded Six-Speed Transmission for 3.5-Liter EcoBoost Engine

Ford's 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine debuts this spring with the perfect running mate for maximum performance and fuel efficiency - a six-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. The transmission incorporates a number of component and calibration upgrades and is specifically designed for the higher torque demands of the all-new twin-turbocharged, direct injection engine - giving customers that V-8-like performance they love and the fuel economy they demand. With this engine/transmission, the 2010 Lincoln MKS will deliver an impressive 355 horsepower and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque, along with 25 mpg on the highway, which is more power and better highway fuel economy than the V-8 engine in the 2009 Lexus GS460 (24 mpg). The return of the 2010 Ford Taurus SHO also will sport the EcoBoost V-6 and six-speed SelectShift transmission. more...

  Alan Hall  |  ahall32@ford.com  |  313.594.3744

  About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

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