Ford e-News - Dec. 1, 2010

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 1, 2010:

Ford Transit Connect Taxis ensure Beantown is green town

Ford Transit Connect Taxis are launching in Boston and across New England as taxi fleet operators look for new alternatives to add passenger comfort and cargo capacity, while increasing fuel economy and maneuverability and lowering costs. Boston Cab Dispatch picked up the keys to its first Transit Connect Taxi at the New England International Auto Show. Transit Connect offers a CNG and LPG engine preparation package, making upfit easy for taxi fleet operators. Transit Connect is to begin service soon in Hartford and Bloomfield, Conn., fleets as well.  more...

Ford questions safety, repair costs of aftermarket copy parts

New Ford crash tests show not all replacement parts are created equal when it comes to safety and the cost of repair when an accident occurs. The low-speed crash tests conducted by Ford showed a commonly used copy bumper beam absorbs less crash energy than the vehicle's original bumper beam or a genuine Ford replacement bumper beam. The tests also showed vehicles with the copy part were more likely to experience unintended airbag deployments during low-speed collisions. All this can lead to higher repair costs when accidents occur. Estimates show aftermarket copy bumper beams can more than double repair costs after even a low-speed accident, compared to a genuine Ford replacement bumper beam.  more...

Ford Explorer production begins at historic Chicago Assembly Plant

The reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer has started rolling off the line at Ford's Chicago Assembly Plant, marking a new beginning for both the historic factory and the iconic SUV. To prepare to build the all-new Explorer, Chicago Assembly underwent a complete renovation of its assembly line and accompanying machinery, added new tools, updated workstations and conducted comprehensive training for new and existing employees. Ford invested nearly $400 million in its Chicago manufacturing facilities to launch production of the Explorer and add a second shift at Chicago Assembly, bringing 1,200 new jobs to the Chicago region.  more...

Recycled clothing finds niche in new eco-friendly Ford Focus

Old clothes turn up in the strangest places -- even inside the all-new Ford Focus. The 2012 Focus, on sale in North America and Europe early next year, is using cotton from recycled clothing in areas such as carpet backing and sound-absorption materials for interior quietness. Using environmentally friendly materials is part of Ford's overall green strategy. As that strategy expands, Ford continues to become more creative with its eco-friendly materials. For example, one of the clothing materials used in Focus is post-consumer cotton that comes from recycled blue jeans.  more...

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com .