The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

February 25 Ford E-News

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 25, 2009 -- Ford Dents Auto Insurance Costs

Ford Motor Company's new industry-first Paint and Body Technology Center in Inkster, Mich. brings repair and crash safety experts together to drive down auto insurance premiums by making vehicles more damage-resistant and less expensive to repair. The new 2009 F-150 is the first vehicle to go through Ford's new design repair process, resulting in frame changes costing at least $2,000 less than previous repairs. The success of the repair procedures for the F-150 led to the decision to open the new facility. more...

  Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660

  Ford Uses Innovative "Fiesta Movement" to Excite Millennials

Ford's "Fiesta Movement" is designed to spread the word online and generate excitement among Millennials about Ford's new global small car leading up to its 2010 North American launch. As a part of the 'movement', 100 specially selected people will be given new Ford Fiestas and asked to share their experiences in the vehicles with Ford and others through social networks. The cars for the movement were built this week in Germany and now are on their way to the United States. The potential size of the Millennial market -- which makes up 28 percent of the driving age population -- serves as an opportunity for Ford to connect with a group that hasn't yet established brand loyalty and is very connected through the use of social networks. more...

  Alan Hall  |  ahall32@ford.com  |  313.594.3744

  Transit Connect is New Smart Choice for Business Owners

The new 2010 Ford Transit Connect is rated at 22 city, 25 highway EPA miles per gallon and starts at $21,475, filling an unmet U.S. commercial business need. Developed to be a smart new choice for small business owners, Transit Connect provides low operating and ownership costs, 135 cubic feet of cargo space, a 1,600-pound payload and the ability to easily navigate congested cities. Ford is tapping its global portfolio of products to deliver a more fuel efficient commercial vehicle with Transit Connect, which goes on sale in the U.S. this summer. more...

  Anne Marie Gattari  |  agattari@ford.com  |  313.323.7809

  Ford Offers Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience to Monster Jam(R) Fans

Ford will make once-in-a-lifetime dreams come true for Monster Jam(R) fans, as the deadline nears for the Built Ford Tough Monsters on Mainstreet Sweepstakes. Fans can enter for a chance to win a VIP trip to the 2009 Monster Jam World Finals in Las Vegas and an exclusive behind-the-scenes access at an upcoming Monster Jam event to interact with drivers and ride the vehicles - an opportunity that Ford can offer due to its long-standing relationship with Monster Jam. Three finalists also will compete for the Grand Prize: a 2009 Ford F-150, four tickets to the Monster Jam Awards Banquet and a Blue Thunder Pit Party in their backyard. more...

  Anne Marie Gattari  |  agattari@ford.com  |  313.323.7809

  Romeo Engine Plant Reaches Historic Milestone with 10 Millionth Engine

After years of delivering power to two of Ford's iconic products - the F-150 and Mustang - the Romeo Engine Plant reached production of its 10 millionth engine. The engine, a 4.6-liter 3-valve V-8, will be shipped to AutoAlliance International in Flat Rock, Mich. to be installed in a 2010 Mustang GT. The V-8 engines manufactured at the plant build on two of Ford's strengths - capability for F-150, the best-selling truck in America, and performance for Mustang, America's favorite muscle car. In 2008, the engines produced at the plant generated a combined 90 million horsepower, about 2,750 times the combined horsepower of this year's starting field for the Daytona 500. more...

  Angie Kozleski  |  akozlesk@ford.com  |  313.323.1984

  2010 Mustang is Fast, Fun and Affordable for Under $21,000

The 2010 Ford Mustang features a more sculpted muscular exterior, an upgraded world-class interior, a host of must-have technologies and unsurpassed fuel economy of 26 mpg on the highway. Available this spring, the new Mustang has an affordable starting price of $20,995 (excluding destination and delivery) for the V-6 coupe and $25,995 for the convertible. Contenders Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger sport base sticker prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,600 more than Mustang. more...

  Alan Hall  |  ahall32@ford.com  |  313.594.3744

  To receive eNews and images weekly via email, click here

  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.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and
high-resolution photographs.
First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/107607.html