Ford E-News - July 29, 2009
DEARBORN, Mich., July 29 -- Ford Fiesta builds on motorsport debut with appearance at ESPN's X Games
After tackling the grueling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the Ford Fiesta is ready for its next challenge - ESPN's X Games - considered the world's premier action sports event. Sweden's Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution (MSE) is entering the race with three Fiestas manned by drivers Kenny Brack, Tanner Foust and Brian Deegan. The Olsbergs Fiestas are based on the production version, which is Ford of Europe's top-selling car in 2009 and is slated to be introduced in North America in 2010. more...
Brent Maurer | bmaurer@pcgcampbell.com | 313.203.7185 Soy foam snags Ford more accolades
Say "soy foam" to some people and they might get a craving for a low-fat heart-healthy meal. But if they're running out to lunch in a 2008-or-later Ford Motor Company vehicle, there's an excellent chance they'll be sitting on a different type of soy - soy-based foam. That's because Ford leads the industry in the use of this renewable biomaterial, and soy-based foam will be in more than 1 million Ford vehicles by the end of the 2009 model year. In doing so, Ford expects to decrease its use of petroleum by 1 million pounds and reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 5 million pounds annually. The use of soy-based foam not only is reducing Ford's environmental impact, it's also gaining recognition, even outside the industry. Ford and Lear Corp. recently earned R&D Magazine's 2009 R&D 100 Award, which honors the latest technologies across numerous industries that are designed to meet societal, scientific or business challenges. more...
Jennifer Moore | jmoor186@ford.com | 313.248.2335 Eco-enthusiasts engaged in hybrid experience
It's clear hybrid enthusiasts are looking for automakers to go the extra mile, and are rewarding those that do. Witness the recent Hybridfest Green Drive Expo in Madison, Wis. While several automakers were present, Ford went all-out to fully engage enthusiasts in the hybrid experience by putting them behind the wheel for test drives of the company's newest hybrid sedans and SUVs, and providing a glimpse of the future by sharing its sustainability strategy. In return, the attendees named Ford the People's Choice winner. more...
Jennifer Moore | jmoor186@ford.com | 313.248.2335 One-of-a-kind 'Dearborn Doll' Mustang helps young aeronauts earn wings
Aviation enthusiasts at this year's Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 2009 AirVenture, the world's greatest aviation celebration, will have a unique opportunity to bid on a one-off 2010 Ford Mustang customized specifically for the event. Created by the Mustang design staff - with help and components from Ford Racing - the Mustang AV-X10 will be auctioned during the annual event, held July 27 to Aug. 2 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis. Beneficiaries from the auction of this ultra-collectible, aircraft-themed Mustang are the EAA Young Eagles, a group teaching the values of hard work, personal responsibility and enhanced math and science skills. more...
Zak Walsh | zwalsh@tannerfriedman.com | 248.626.6006 Ford Romeo facility and neighboring habitat live in harmony
To some, wildlife habitats and manufacturing facilities might seem like natural-born enemies, but thanks to the efforts of employees at Ford's Romeo Engine Plant, the two are living in harmony. That's because the plant's wildlife team spearheads a number of efforts to keep the facility's surrounding habitat in pristine condition, including planting trees, setting up nest boxes for bluebirds and screech owls, holding an annual tree sale and plant exchange, and coordinating community recycling events and clean-up days. The team also is working with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development in developing the Macomb Orchard Trail at the north end of the plant's property. For its efforts, Ford's Romeo facility has earned a Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) Award from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. more...
Jennifer Moore | jmoor186@ford.com | 313.248.2335 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 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive 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