Ford eNews - March 2, 2011

DEARBORN, MI--March 2, 2011: Gas prices got you down? Get outstanding fuel economy with new Ford Focus. The all-new Ford Focus--now certified by the EPA at 40 mpg highway and 28 mpg city with six-speed automatic, just might help alleviate some of that sticker shock at the pump. Focus with the SFE (Super Fuel Economy) package not only has great fuel economy, it also offers class-exclusive technology and features usually found only on larger cars. And it's not your only choice if fuel economy is your top concern; Ford offers 12 vehicles in the U.S. that lead their segments in fuel economy, a number no other automaker can match.

Global advertising campaign spotlights Focus technology

The new Focus is the highest-tech, most globally integrated car Ford has ever produced, and the company's way of introducing the new product worldwide is a first of its kind, too. Ford partnered with a team of marketing experts throughout WPP's global operations to simultaneously develop 50 TV commercials highlighting 14 key Focus technologies. The quick-hitting spots 15 seconds for North America and 20 seconds in Europe are tailored for global markets where Focus will be sold.

Ford suppliers add 5,500 new jobs for 2012 Focus

As the all-new Focus gets set to hit dealer showrooms across Europe and North America, Ford's global supply network is expanding to meet the needs of the vehicle's international launch. Of the 310 suppliers in 22 countries making parts for the new Focus, many are adding jobs, facilities and equipment in local communities to produce the vehicle. Others are able to maintain employment levels as a result of Focus sourcing. Among the major Focus suppliers alone, 5,500 jobs have been added at facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

SYNC goes global

Ford's SYNC vocabulary has expanded with the global rollout of the in-vehicle connectivity technology, now bringing the total languages available to 19. The new languages will be available first in Europe in 2012 with introduction in the all-new Ford Focus. With the additional 16 vernaculars, Ford is offering voice recognition capability, powered by Nuance Communications, in more languages than any other automaker.

Cold weather no problem for Ford Focus Electric

Extreme temperatures and consistent snowfall can slow things down, reducing the range of electric vehicles using air-cooled battery systems, but the Ford Focus Electric has an alternate solution. Thanks to the use of an advanced active liquid-heating system, the battery provides additional power and longer range, and is preconditioned after charging in cold temperatures. Batteries, like people, achieve maximum performance working under moderate, unchanged temperatures, which is why Ford will use this system to regulate the temperature of its lithium-ion battery packs, which are designed to operate under a range of ambient conditions.

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