Ford eNews -- April 17, 2013

DEARBORN, MI--April 17, 2013:

Ford delivers best hybrid sales quarter, ever
Ford delivered its best hybrid sales quarter in the first quarter of 2013, with sales totaling 21,080 vehicles. Ford's hybrid sales were up 324 percent nationally over 2012, achieving a 16 percent share of the electrified vehicle market -- up from 4 percent last year.

Happy birthday, Mustang!
Forty-nine years to the day after its New York debut, Ford's iconic sports car has reached another milestone: One million Mustangs have rolled off the line at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, and Ford is celebrating the occasion as year 50 of continuous Mustang production kicks off. In all, more than 8.5 million Mustangs have been produced.

'Video snacks' program brings vehicle features directly to consumers
Ford is launching a new program nationwide that is designed to help bridge the gap between consumers and their cars by providing access to a comprehensive library of "video snacks." These short videos explain how to use Ford vehicle features like Remote Start, MyKey and Integrated Blind Spot Mirrors.

Ford, GM to jointly develop nine- and 10-speed transmissions
Ford and General Motors have signed an agreement under which both companies will jointly develop a new generation of advanced nine- and 10-speed automatic transmissions. Initial design and engineering work is already under way.

Ford launches fuel-efficient 1.5-liter EcoBoost
A new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine is joining Ford Motor Company's lineup of fuel-efficient powertrains. The innovative 1.5-liter is a key strategic entry for Ford as it works to meet strong global demand for four-cylinder EcoBoost engines.

Explorer production goes international
As global demand for utility vehicles increases, the Ford Explorer is being produced from the ground up outside of the United States for the first time in the iconic SUV's history. Russia-built Explorers are now being assembled at Ford Sollers Elabuga Assembly Plant in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Ford, AIA team up to explore overlapping worlds of design
Architecture shares many similarities with today's automobiles, designed to be sustainable, efficient high-tech works of art. Ford joined the American Institute of Architects San Francisco Chapter to discuss how the two industries are moving in parallel, interpreting similar trends and learning from each other.