Home Is Where the Hybrid Is

Home Is Where the Hybrid Is: KB Home Features Ford’s MyEnergi Lifestyle

• Collaboration pairs Ford C-MAX Energi and other energy-efficient technologies with KB Home’s ZeroHouse 2.0 model home to showcase affordable sustainable living

• KB Home to feature Ford’s MyEnergi Lifestyle^® in ZeroHouse 2.0 in San Marcos, Calif.

• ZeroHouse 2.0 represents the next generation of energy-efficient home design that can help lower cost of home ownership compared to a typical resale home. A fully optioned ZeroHouse 2.0 could entirely eliminate monthly electricity charges

• With a starting price of $29,995, Ford C-MAX Energi is America’s most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle

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DEARBORN, Mich. & SAN DIEGO, April 19, 2013 – Ford Motor Company and KB Home (NYSE: KBH) today announce that products from the Ford-led initiative MyEnergi Lifestyle^® will be featured in the homebuilder’s ZeroHouse 2.0 model home in San Marcos, Calif., and potentially in additional KB Home markets.

The relationship between these two innovative leaders is intended to raise awareness of MyEnergi Lifestyle benefits and provide a showcase for electric-powered vehicles, solar power systems and smart appliances. The initiative will demonstrate how the typical American family can potentially save money while reducing their impact on the environment by combining a highly efficient home design with the latest in smart home technology and an affordable plug-in hybrid vehicle.

MyEnergi Lifestyle works by leveraging technology so key energy-consuming devices in a home use less energy, while also shifting energy usage to less expensive periods. At night, for example, when energy costs are lower, a smart refrigerator can perform high-energy tasks like ice making or defrosting – just as Ford’s plug-in vehicles do with recharging.

At an event today in San Marcos, Ford’s all-new C-MAX Energi was on display and plugged into ZeroHouse 2.0’s built-in electric vehicle charge station, which is engineered to charge the vehicle during off-peak hours for maximum cost efficiency. C-MAX Energi boasts an impressive 100 MPGe combined, according to the EPA, plus – unlike others in the segment – returns “real car” performance with up to 195 horsepower, engaging driving dynamics and a quiet interior. With a starting price of $29,995, C-MAX Energi is America’s most affordable plug-in hybrid.

“KB Home is a leader in incorporating state-of-the-art sustainable building practices, and we’re thrilled to feature MyEnergi Lifestyle products in these homes,” said Mike Tinskey, Ford global director of vehicle electrification and infrastructure. “The home and vehicle share a common ‘fuel’ called electricity, now more than ever. Our commitment to sustainability compels us to work collaboratively to find technology solutions that are greater than the sum of the parts.”

The future of net-zero energy

ZeroHouse 2.0 continues a national rollout of the net-zero energy home options KB Home began in fall 2011. The ZeroHouse 2.0 in San Marcos pushes the envelope even more, as it’s the first WaterSense-labeled home built in San Diego County, and includes both a comprehensive Schneider Electric Wiser^™ Home Management System and all-new Whirlpool smart appliances that incorporate Whirlpool^® 6th Sense Live^™ technology. The Wiser Home Management System allows homeowners to monitor energy consumption, and provides automation control via a Web-based portal or mobile application. This marks the first time these innovative products have been used by a production homebuilder.

Whirlpool’s smart products allow homeowners to monitor and program their appliances through wireless networks, providing greater convenience and control over energy consumption. With Whirlpool 6th Sense Live, homeowners can set their appliances so their highest energy consumption activities happen at times when electricity rates are lowest. They can also receive alerts about the status of their smart appliances – all from their smartphones or computers.

“We’re so pleased to announce our new relationship with Ford, and to have the opportunity to use our innovative new ZeroHouse 2.0 as a true model for an energy-efficient and sustainable lifestyle that we know many of today’s consumers desire to achieve,” said Jeff Mezger, president and CEO, KB Home. “We continue to refine our ZeroHouse 2.0 options and benefits by further developing and incorporating some of the latest new home building practices and technologies available today.”

The higher efficiency of ZeroHouse 2.0 is the result of a whole-home approach – from the inside out – that includes additional insulation; upgraded HVAC systems; dual-pane, low-emitting windows; and roof-mounted solar panels by SunPower. Additionally, a WaterSense-labeled home is designed to use 20 percent less water than a typical new home. For a family of four, that’s a difference of about 50,000 gallons of water a year compared to a typical home, or enough for nearly 2,000 loads of laundry and as much as $600 in annual utility bills.

At today’s event students from San Marcos Middle School and local officials learned firsthand how much money can potentially be saved by living in an energy-efficient ZeroHouse 2.0 home. The students toured the home to learn about the efficiency features included, then watched as a dump truck load of schoolyard dodge balls was spilled out, symbolizing the amount of water a WaterSense-labeled home saves in less than a week compared to a typical new or resale home. KB Home announced it would make a cash donation to the school, equivalent to a year’s worth of energy and water savings enjoyed by a family living in the ZeroHouse 2.0 home when compared to a typical resale home.

History of MyEnergi Lifestyle

The Ford-led MyEnergi Lifestyle collaboration is comprised of leaders in the home appliance, solar power and power management industries, and includes Eaton (NYSE: ETN), SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR) and Whirlpool (NYSE: WHR). Additional featured companies include semiconductor provider Infineon (FSE: IFX/OTCQX: IFNNY) and Nest Labs, with its latest learning thermostat represented in the research and implementation phase of the collaboration.

In January Ford released results of a Georgia Institute of Technology computer model that calculated the electricity usage of a typical single family in their home for one year, and the associated savings with moving to an energy-efficient lifestyle. The cumulative results predict a 60 percent reduction in energy costs and more than 9,000 kg of CO₂ (a 55 percent reduction) saved. If every home in the U.S. were to implement these energy-saving technologies, it would be the equivalent of taking all the homes in California, New York and Texas – 32 million homes – off the power grid.

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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

About KB Home

KB Home is one of the largest and most recognized homebuilding companies in the United States. Since its founding in 1957, the company has built more than half a million quality homes. KB Home’s signature Built to Order^™ approach lets each buyer customize their new home from lot location to floor plan and design features. In addition to meeting strict ENERGY STAR^® guidelines, all KB homes are highly energy efficient to help lower monthly utility costs for homeowners, which the company demonstrates with its proprietary KB Home Energy Performance Guide^® (EPG^®). A leader in utilizing state-of-the-art sustainable building practices, KB Home was named the #1 Green Homebuilder in the most recent study by Calvert Investments and the #1 Homebuilder on FORTUNE magazine’s 2011 World’s Most Admired Companies list. Los Angeles-based KB Home was the first homebuilder listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and trades under the ticker symbol “KBH.” For more information about KB Home’s new home communities, call 888-KB-HOMES begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 888-KB-HOMES end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit www.kbhome.com.

One-Millionth Ford Mustang

Flat Rock Assembly Plant Celebrates Producing One-Millionth Ford Mustang As Year 50 Begins

• Nine years after Ford Mustang production moved to Flat Rock, Mich., Flat Rock Assembly Plant celebrates producing one million of these iconic sports cars

• Raj Nair, Ford group vice president for product development, commemorates the occasion by riding off the line in a Ruby Red 2014 Mustang convertible accompanied by a senior plant employee

• Ford celebrates 49 years of continuous Mustang production with more than 8.5 million of America’s favorite sports cars produced

Click to download images.

FLAT ROCK, Mich., April 17, 2013 – Happy Birthday Mustang! Forty-nine years to the day after its 1964 debut in New York, the iconic sports car celebrates another milestone: One million Mustangs have rolled off the line at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant since production moved there in 2004. Ford is celebrating this milestone as year 50 of continuous Mustang production gets under way at Flat Rock Assembly.

Raj Nair, group vice president for global product development, today rode off the line at Flat Rock Assembly Plant in a Ruby Red 2014 Mustang convertible. Nair was riding shotgun with Ed Salna, material planning and logistics manager at the plant. Salna is a 27-year veteran of Flat Rock Assembly, starting work there more than a year before the plant produced its first car.

“Mustang is one of the most beloved nameplates in the industry, with fans around the world and throughout Ford Motor Company,” said Nair. “The team here at Flat Rock Assembly has built an outstanding reputation for quality while producing one million Mustangs over the last nine years, and we expect that to continue for many years to come.”

Ford has built Mustangs near its home base in Dearborn, Mich. for 49 years. The car was built at Ford’s famous Rouge factory, just a few minutes from company headquarters, for four decades before moving a few miles south to Flat Rock in 2004.

Introduced in April 1964, Mustang proved to be far more popular than anyone expected, prompting Ford to add production capacity outside Michigan. By early 1965 plants in Metuchen, N.J. and San Jose, Calif. were also building Mustang. Less than two years later, on Wednesday, March 2, 1966, the one-millionth Mustang rolled off the line in Dearborn. To date, Ford has produced and sold more than 8.5 million Mustangs.

The launch of Mustang production at Flat Rock coincided with introduction of the then all-new fifth-generation model – first in the series to get a dedicated platform. In addition to the standard V6 and the V8-powered GT model, Mustangs coming out of Flat Rock Assembly Plant have included several special editions and race cars:

• In 2006 Flat Rock built a limited run of black and gold Shelby GT-H coupes for Hertz rental fleets to commemorate the 1966 Shelby GT350H rental car
• 2007 brought the debut of the Shelby GT500 Mustang developed by SVT with a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 producing 500 horsepower, the most ever for a Mustang then
• For the 2008 and 2009 model years, the Mustang lineup included the Bullitt, inspired by the car driven by the title character in the 1968 film of the same name
• For the 2012 and 2013 model years, Flat Rock built the track-optimized Boss 302
• The Flat Rock line has produced numerous competition versions of Mustang including the FR500, Boss 302R and the extremely successful Cobra Jet drag racer

The Flat Rock factory has been producing vehicles since 1987, when it opened as Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA and built the Mazda MX-6. In 1992 Ford purchased a 50 percent share in the plant and it was renamed AutoAlliance International. Over the years Flat Rock Assembly has produced the Mazda 626, Mazda6, Mercury Cougar and Ford Probe. In addition to Mustang, Flat Rock will add production of the Fusion sedan later this year.

“Flat Rock has gone through an amazing transformation over the past year,” said Tim Young, plant manager, Flat Rock Assembly Plant. “We’ve invested $555 million including a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop and an upgraded paint shop to make sure we’re continuing to build the best of the best for the next one million Mustangs.”

“The one-millionth Mustang is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of the Flat Rock Local 3000 membership,” said Tony Bondy, UAW Local 3000 chairman. “It’s been great building an iconic American car since 2004, and with the introduction of Fusion along with our new plant upgrades, we will keep building world-class quality in Flat Rock for years to come.”

Ford is adding 1,400 jobs and a second shift at Flat Rock Assembly Plant to support new Fusion production as part of its plan to add 12,000 hourly jobs in the United States through 2015.

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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 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford Escort Concept in China

Ford Introduces More Global Vehicles at Auto Shanghai 2013; Unveils New Escort Concept

• All-new Ford Mondeo makes its Asian debut and includes new 1.5-litre EcoBoost^® engine
• The global debut of Ford Escort Concept illustrates Ford’s commitment to meet the demands of Chinese consumers within a specific subsegment of China’s largest and fastest-growing segments, compact cars
• Ford Fiesta ST puts a new level of performance driving in a sizzling-hot hatchback
• A full range of class-leading Ford SUVs will be on display including the all-new Ford EcoSport and Ford Kuga
• Interactive displays highlight Ford’s quality, green, safety and smart technologies

SHANGHAI, China, April 20, 2013 – Continuing to deliver on its promise to bring 15 new vehicles to China by 2015, Ford Motor Company is giving visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 an exclusive look at its new generation of global vehicles and smart technologies. Alongside an impressive lineup of vehicles and several regional debuts, Ford is injecting new energy into the compact car segment with the global introduction of an exciting new concept car.

Click to download images

The all-new Ford Mondeo, being displayed for the first time at an Asian auto show, redefines its segment with groundbreaking, elegant design and premium technology. Auto Shanghai 2013 also marks the global premiere of the all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost^® engine, which offers a winning combination of power and fuel efficiency.

The Ford Mondeo shares the stage with other new production cars such as the recently launched Ford Fiesta, Ford’s best-selling small car, and the high-performance Ford Fiesta ST hot hatch. The new Ford Explorer, Ford Kuga SUV and versatile Ford EcoSport urban SUV round out Ford’s full range of SUVs on display.

“Auto Shanghai is always a special experience, and this year we’re excited to have an especially compelling display of our One Ford vehicles and technologies to serve our customers and entice auto enthusiasts,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO, Ford China. “From the stylish and refined Mondeo, to the versatility of SUVs like EcoSport and Explorer, to the performance and excitement of Fiesta ST, to our stunning new concept car, we have something for everyone.”

Ford Mondeo

Leading the product introductions at the Ford stand is the all-new Ford Mondeo, bringing unparalleled levels of elegance, excellent driving dynamics, smart technologies and high fuel efficiency to the midsize segment.

The premier expression of Ford’s new global design language, Mondeo’s refined and emotional character extends from the stunning exterior through to an interior that offers excellent ergonomics and superior craftsmanship, with minimized interior panel gaps, soft-touch materials and a driver-focused centre console.

In China the Mondeo will be offered with Ford’s all-new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine for the first time. The fifth and latest member of Ford’s global family of EcoBoost engines, the 1.5-litre is projected to produce 133 kW of power at 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm from 1,750 to 4,500 rpm. The 1.5-litre features specific technologies to reduce noise, vibration and harshness, delivering an engine that is quiet and refined. The all-new Ford Mondeo also will be available with the 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

“We’ve gone further in every aspect to bring to China the most premium Mondeo we have ever designed, developed and built,” said Marin Burela, president & CEO, Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd. “The all-new Mondeo is designed to stir the senses and transform expectations of what a car can be. It’s truly a flagship car, offering our Chinese customers class leading levels of refinement, driving pleasure and excitement. The Mondeo will raise the bar in craftsmanship, style and technology- delivering what we believe our loyal Chinese customers truly want and value.”

Ford Fiesta and Ford Fiesta ST

Fans of smaller cars will find much to like in the stylish new Ford Fiesta, with a striking new exterior design and an updated, ergonomically refined interior. Featuring Ford’s award-winning SYNC^® in-car connectivity system that supports both English and Mandarin, a responsive and efficient 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, and Ford’s six-speed PowerShift automatic, the new Fiesta marks the bold evolution of a popular automotive icon.

Ford also is catering to enthusiasts in China looking for more excitement. The new Ford Fiesta ST combines an aggressive look with sizzling performance. A high-output version of the 1.6-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine rockets the hot hatch from 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of more than 220 km/h. With features including modified suspension, upgraded brakes, and enhanced Torque Vectoring Control to reduce understeer during hard cornering, the new Fiesta ST is designed to provide discerning drivers with an unmatched performance package in the class.

Escort Concept

With an eye to the future in China, Ford also has taken the wraps off a new concept car as it works to offer customers greater choice in the growing C-segment. Ford is using the Shanghai show as an opportunity to display the Ford Escort Concept to Chinese consumers seeking a fun driving experience and high level of technology, consumers who also value exceptional roominess, uncompromised functionality and sophisticated design.

“This compact concept highlights the strength of our global One Ford approach to vehicle design, and represents how we can make use of our global design language to bring refined designs to attainable vehicles,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln, Ford Motor Company. “Designed with the Chinese consumer in mind, the new Escort Concept has the potential to strengthen our product portfolio here in China as we take advantage of opportunities for diversification within the compact car segment.”

Utility vehicles

Recognizing the rapid growth of the sport-utility vehicle segment in China’s auto industry, Ford also is showcasing a full range of SUV offerings.

Recently introduced in China, Ford’s iconic Explorer comes in at the premium end of the Ford SUV range, with a luxurious, spacious cabin that seats seven, a premium driving experience, and a full complement of class-leading in-cabin technologies. With Ford’s Terrain Management System, which helps to simplify the use of the vehicle’s 4WD system while maximizing its effectiveness, Explorer is equally at home on city roads and more rugged terrain. It also includes premium driver-alert features such as side curtain airbags, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®), post-crash alert system and collision warning with brake support.

The Ford Kuga, launched in China in January, leads the charge for smart technologies in the SUV segment. Kuga is filled with innovative technologies that set it apart from its competitors. A motion-sensing hands-free automatic tailgate uses technology like that used in modern video game systems to give drivers quick and easy access to the cargo area without needing to fumble for keys. Kuga also features SYNC with MyFord Touch^®, which gives drivers voice control access to vehicle functions, settings and information in both English and Mandarin. Other technologies – including active park assist, BLIS, Active City Stop and Lane-Keeping Aid – provide enhanced safety while taking some of the stress out of city driving and parking.

Ford’s latest entry into the SUV segment, Ford EcoSport combines SUV flexibility and small-car efficiency. Produced in China at Ford’s modern, flexible Changan Ford Assembly Plant No. 1, the urban SUV features smart technologies including Ford SYNC in a sporty package that is ideal for rugged urban adventurers. The Ford EcoSport also offers customers Ford’s award-winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Also on display is the Ford Edge crossover, which provides a compelling driving experience combined with advanced safety, security and entertainment features. Edge also boasts impressive fuel efficiency with an available 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine.

Quality, green, safe and smart: Interactive displays

To complement its many global vehicles, Ford will offer visitors to Auto Shanghai 2013 the opportunity to learn more about the quality, green, safe and smart aspects of its vehicles and technologies through interactive displays.

Helping visitors to understand how to drive green, Ford’s Green Calculator display will calculate daily savings that can be attained by making use of Ford’s green technologies. Through the Boostical display, visitors can generate their own music videos to communicate the power and efficiency of EcoBoost engines. At the Turbo Story display, visitors can get a feel for the power advantages of the EcoBoost engine by spinning a crank handle.

Smart driving will be emphasized with SYNC Activations, a display that illustrates the use of Ford’s award-winning SYNC technology through both a driving and music game. A magician will be on hand to reveal the benefits of technologies including SYNC with MyFord Touch in Mandarin. And with the Crowd Control Game, visitors will be able to control a Ford EcoSport through a motion-sensing camera, unlocking information about the new urban SUV at every turn.

To give visitors a feel for the quality of Ford products, the stand features a Trim display for the all-new Ford Mondeo, showcasing the sophisticated design and materials used in the interior of this benchmark car. At the Object in Motion display, visitors can zoom in on vehicle components in 3D to see for themselves Ford’s attention to detail.

Demonstrating the advanced driver-assist features of Ford vehicles, the Safety Touch Table will let visitors see a demonstration of innovations, such as rear inflatable seat belts. And younger fans of Ford will be given the chance to paint their own Ford badges while learning about the features that make Ford vehicles safe for the whole family.

Auto Shanghai 2013 runs April 21-29 at Shanghai New International Expo Center.

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 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Ford's wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures and investment in China include Ford Motor (China) Limited, Ford Motor Research & Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., Ford Automotive Finance (China) Ltd., Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd.,Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., Ltd. and Jiangling Motors Co., Ltd.

For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit http://corporate.ford.com and www.ford.com.cn

Ford Marks Countdown to 50 Years of Mustang

Ford Marks Countdown to 50 Years of Mustang with All-New Licensed Products

• A select group of licensees will produce merchandise and apparel to celebrate 50 years of continuous Mustang production

• Celebrating its centennial this year, Union, N.J.-based Schott NYC was one of the first manufacturers to sign on for the 50 Years licensing program, designing a one-off Mustang jacket to commemorate the occasion

NEW YORK, March 26, 2013 – The Ford Mustang will soon become the newest member of a very exclusive club – vehicles in continuous production for 50 years. To help mark this milestone, 50 companies will sell products including watches, T-shirts, model cars and more that celebrate the Mustang’s first 50 years.

“During its first 49 years of production, Mustang has come to evoke a variety of emotions in our customers – freedom, independence and being true to one’s self – just to name a few,” said John Nens, Ford’s team lead for Global Brand Licensing. “We’re marking this Mustang milestone with a distinctive collection of licensed products from select manufacturers that will carry the unique Mustang 50 Years logo.”

Click to download image.

All of the new merchandise will be easily identified with a custom logo that celebrates 50 years of Mustang.

The logo was crafted by Ford designer Michael Thomson. It features the Mustang’s trademark galloping pony in silhouette over the characters “50 YEARS.” This new icon has a clean and sophisticated appearance in either white on black or black on white. Only 50 companies will be licensed to create products bearing this special logo including high-quality die cast models, videogames, watches and apparel.

“We’re working closely with our licensees to ensure every item reflects the unique qualities of Mustang,” said Nens. “Like the car itself, we want our licensed products to convey an attitude of strength, passion and the highest quality.”

Over upcoming weeks and months, other Ford licensees will reveal a variety of Mustang products featuring the Mustang 50 Years logo to mark this special moment in automotive history and kick off the next 50 years of Mustang.

From the Tuskegee Airmen to 50 Years of Mustang

Celebrating its centennial this year, Union, N.J.-based Schott NYC was one of the first manufacturers to sign on for the 50 Years licensing program. Irving and Jack Schott established their company the same year Ford began producing the Model T on the first moving assembly line. Great-grandson and COO Jason Schott runs the family business today, along with his mother Roz Schott, president, and his uncle, Steven L. Colin, CEO, producing premium jackets, shirts and accessories.

During World War II, Schott NYC dedicated its entire capacity to making sheepskin bomber jackets, leather flight jackets and peacoats for American soldiers, sailors and pilots fighting overseas. Among those who went into battle in Schott jackets were the pilots of the 332^nd Fighter Group, better known as the Tuskegee Airmen.

“I can’t think of a better partner with whom to celebrate our 100th anniversary,” said Jason Schott. “We are honored to collaborate with an iconic family business that shares our commitment to domestic production.”

While the Ford Mustang is classically identified with the wild horse of the American West, it was actually named for the famed North American P-51 fighter plane, the preferred mount of the Tuskegee Airmen in the final year of the war.

Over the next half-century, the Schott Perfecto leather jacket figured prominently in iconic images of Marlon Brando, James Dean, Peter Fonda, the Ramones and Bruce Springsteen. Today Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and Adam Levine can all be spotted in Schott jackets.

Later this year, Schott NYC will reveal a limited-edition leather jacket celebrating 50 years of Mustang.

“The Mustang attitude of freedom and mobility is universal and enduring, and fans around the world will be honoring that heritage with numerous celebrations as we move forward,” said Steve Ling, Ford Car Marketing manager.

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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 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Tough lifestyles need a tough truck

When creating the Ford Atlas Concept truck, Ford designers set out to balance function with style, and looked to several purpose-built designs for inspiration. Below is an illustration of some iterations for the concept vehicle, including a beautiful, aerodynamic bullet train, along with a more angled, boxier locomotive-inspired design. To learn more about the Ford Atlas Concept design, please click here.

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Raptor vs. Mars Rover

Raptor vs. Rover: The Ultimate Off-Road Faceoff (Infographic)

Two American innovators in go-anywhere capability – the 2013 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and NASA’s Mars Rover Curiosity – face off in a unique comparison of awesome off-road hardware. Each vehicle represents the pinnacle of high-tech mobility on Earth and Mars. SVT Raptor meets Rover Curiosity to boldly go further.

DOWNLOAD: JPG | PDF

Ford Expands Environmentally Friendly 3-Wet Paint

Ford Expands Environmentally Friendly 3-Wet Paint Capacity by 50 Percent Globally in 2013

• Ford is adding four more plants to its network of manufacturing operations that use its industry-leading 3-Wet paint process; the process will be added to two facilities in the United States, as well as one in China and one in Spain

• Ford, which was the first automaker to implement the high-solids solvent-borne 3-Wet technology in 2007, currently has eight plants in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe that use the process

• The 3-Wet process has helped Ford reduce CO₂ emissions by 15-25 percent and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by 10 percent at those facilities where the process is used; similar reductions are expected at new 3-Wet facilities

Click to download image.

DEARBORN, Mich., April 3, 2013 – Ford Motor Company is expanding its industry-leading 3-Wet paint capacity by 50 percent this year, adding the environmentally friendly process to four more plants on three continents. The actions will reduce CO₂ emissions by an estimated 15-25 percent at those facilities.

Ford was the first automaker to implement the 3-Wet high-solids solvent-borne technology in 2007; it now has eight plants in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe equipped to use the process to paint vehicles. High-solids solvent-borne technology refers to a paint formulated to minimize solvents, resulting in a concentrated pigment and resin mixture with fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released. The technology will be in place in 12 plants in 2013 then expand to additional facilities worldwide over the next four years.

“The 3-Wet paint process is significantly more advanced than conventional technologies in applying durable paints in a high-quality, environmentally sound and cost-efficient manner,” said Bruce Hettle, director of manufacturing engineering.

The 3-Wet process derives its name from three layers of paint applied one after the other prior to earlier coats having cured. The process eliminates stand-alone primer application and a dedicated oven required in the conventional process that was used before. Advanced chemical composition of 3-Wet paint materials allows for the three layers of paint – primer, base coat and clear coat – to be applied while each layer is still wet.

The 3-Wet technology process means Ford can maintain the top quality characteristics its customers demand, including long-term durability and chip and scratch resistance.

How it works

Enabling the 3-Wet high-solids solvent-borne paint formulation technology is a combination of process and product developed by Ford and its suppliers. Together, they have created a superior system that saves 20-25 percent of process time. Due to the eliminated stand-alone primer application and dedicated oven – both reducing the paint booth size – Ford saves electricity from the blowers that circulate massive volumes of air through paint booths, and reduces its use of natural gas needed to heat the air and ovens. This results in significant reductions of CO₂ emissions, as well as reductions in VOC compared to current medium-solids and solvent-borne paints.

Since the pilot launch at Ohio Assembly Plant five years ago, Ford’s global 3-Wet paint process has reduced CO₂ emissions by 15-25 percent and VOC emissions by 10 percent compared to either conventional high-solids solvent-borne or waterborne systems.

Locations where Ford is installing the 3-Wet process in 2013:

• Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Flat Rock, Mich.
• Kansas City Assembly Plant, Claycomo, Mo.
• Jiangling Motors Co. Ltd., Jiangxi/Nanchang, China
• Valencia Assembly Plant, Valencia, Spain

Locations with 3-Wet capability in North America:

• Ohio Assembly Plant, Avon Lake, Ohio
• Cuautitlán Assembly Plant, Cuautitlán, Mexico
• Michigan Assembly Plant, Wayne, Mich.
• Louisville Assembly Plant, Louisville, Ky.

Locations with 3-Wet capability in Asia Pacific:

• Chennai Assembly, Tamil Nadu, India
• CAF 2, Chongqing, China
• Ford Thailand Manufacturing, Rayong, Thailand

Location with 3-Wet capability in Europe:

• Craiova Assembly Plant, Craiova, Romania

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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Mobile Growth Reshaping Post-Recession U.S. Auto Industry

Farley: Demographic Shifts, Consumer Fuel Economy Focus, Mobile Growth Reshaping Post-Recession U.S. Auto Industry

• Post-recession consumer and demographic shifts are reshaping the U.S. auto industry, as much if not more than the recent economic crisis

• Google and Facebook provide optimistic vision of “automobility” and mobile platforms

• Ford announces Personalized Fuel Efficiency App Challenge to bring new ways for consumers to learn more and further improve real-world fuel economy

NEW YORK, March 27, 2013 – While the great recession has fundamentally reshaped the automotive industry over the past few years, the real game changer may come from a new post-recession consumer mindset, demographic shifts and how automakers respond.

“Just as everyone is breathing a huge sigh of relief about getting back to something resembling normal sales levels, the real news is that the great recession has dealt a fundamental change to the consumer’s mindset,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The question of whether consumers are returning to the market is settled. Now the question is, ‘What do they want and expect from us, and are we really ready to respond to what has just taken place?’”

Delivering the keynote address at the 2013 New York International Auto Show, Farley said the recession has profoundly influenced how consumers weigh purchase decisions and what they value in automobiles. He highlighted several key post-recession trends that will drive industry change – shifting expectations around luxury, the rise of women and Hispanics, a renewed focus on fuel economy, and the rapid proliferation of mobile platforms.

New luxury expectations

Luxury is no longer defined by price, size and exclusivity. “Now, people are breaking the association of luxury with a high price tag,” Farley said. “They are looking for luxury-level quality, performance and features in smaller sizes and at more reasonable price levels.”

He noted that a recent Luxury Institute survey found 60 percent of respondents expect a fully equipped luxury vehicle to cost less than $60,000 – significantly less than the former $100,000 price tag standard on many luxury models.

Another luxury trend: Small utilities are outpacing all other luxury vehicle segments for growth, with nearly a 60 percent jump in 2012 and a more than 200 percent increase in the past four years.

Women, Hispanics transforming the market

While baby boomers will continue to wield the greatest influence on the market for years to come, Farley pointed to shifts among women, Hispanics and millennials that are reshaping the entire consumer market.

Perhaps the most powerful trend is the rising consumer power of women globally. “More than 1 billion women will enter the middle class globally by 2020, and many will be buying vehicles for the first time,” Farley said.

Rapid urbanization is drawing women to cities all over the world, where they are trading agricultural work for careers in business and other professions. Women buyers are outpacing men for the first time ever in the United States.

Meanwhile, Hispanic households are becoming increasingly affluent with a 126 percent increase in U.S. Hispanic households making more than $100,000 a year. Hispanic households have a total net worth of more than $500 billion.

“As Hispanics buy luxury vehicles at a faster rate than the overall market, our brands must become more compelling, interesting and relevant than ever,” Farley said. “Millennials are also a significant opportunity, as they will start entering the family stage in record numbers during the next several years.”

The power of mobile platforms: Facebook and Google

Mobile devices are significantly reshaping every part of the automotive landscape – from marketing and shopping to the in-vehicle experience. “We need to learn to think the way our customers already do – they come first, they are in control,” Farley said. “Most of us recognize that mobile is a power enabler for customers, putting them in control of the shopping process and changing their expectations around connectivity.”

OpenXC Kit

As nearly one in seven people worldwide now uses a smartphone, this has significant influence on the auto industry.

Doug Frisbie, Facebook head of Automotive Vertical Marketing, joined the keynote, explaining that successful businesses in every industry – from automakers to software companies – put people at the center.

“Cars were a step change in giving society the ability to stay connected and engaged with the people they cared about,” he said. “The opportunity at hand today is not about phones or social software in cars – but about remembering that no matter the device, it’s the ability to connect that matters.”

Brendon Kraham, Google director of Global Mobile Sales and Product Strategy, joined the discussion as well, adding that the in-car mobile experience will soon be integrated into all the devices that connect a consumer’s life.

“Automobiles will soon become a seamless part of the consumer mobile experience,” he said. “Actually it will enhancethe experience. When your dash becomes a seamlessly connected screen, it truly becomes a more important, integrated part of your life.”

Fuel economy reigns

Perhaps the greatest cross-demographic shift since the recession is the growing consumer focus on fuel economy. Now the top consideration for vehicle purchases, fuel economy interest has resulted in a flood of claims and data that are starting to overwhelm the market.

“We now have a torrent of ‘best-in-class’ claims hitting consumers from all sides, and it’s starting to become noise,” Farley said. “We are seeing more and more confusion as consumers try to make informed decisions. Given the connectivity in our cars and the proliferation of mobile devices, we have the opportunity to give consumers better and more relevant data to understand what they can expect in on-the-road fuel economy performance.”

Harnessing the power of mobile platforms, Farley announced developers will have access to Ford’s OpenXC connectivity research platform as a sandbox to create and test innovative ideas in the newly announced $50,000 Personalized Fuel Efficiency App Challenge.

Many elements factor into personalized fuel efficiency including temperature, terrain, traffic conditions and individual driving styles. The goal of the challenge is to enable drivers to optimize their efficiency on the road and then share that information with others.

“We need to help customers understand the concept of personal fuel economy – based on their own individualized experiences – and give them tools to see, learn and act upon all the information available to know what to expect, how to improve, and even offer guidance in their shopping process,” Farley added.

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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

Fusion, Escape Achieve All-Time Record Sales

Fusion, Escape Achieve All-Time Record Sales; Ford Motor Company U.S. Sales Up 6 Percent in March

• Fusion delivers its best-ever sales month and quarter ever, with March sales passing 30,000 and quarterly sales passing the 80,000 mark for the first time in its history
• Escape posts its best-ever sales month and quarterly sales
• Explorer sales up 33 percent – best monthly sales since the current model debuted in 2010
• America’s best-selling pickup for 36 years, F-Series posts 16 percent increase as full-size pickup segmentation continues to improve versus year ago – best first quarter sales since 2007
• Ford Motor Company March U.S. sales up 6 percent – best sales results since May 2007, with cars even with year ago, utilities up 14 percent and trucks up 6 percent

Download Full Sales Release (With Tables)
DEARBORN, Mich., April 2, 2013 – Ford’s newest vehicles – Fusion and Escape – set all-time monthly sales records in March, driving Ford Motor Company’s best U.S. sales results since May 2007.
“Customers are buying our all-new Fusion and Escape in record numbers, and we are working harder than ever to keep pace with demand for these fuel-efficient vehicles,” said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “Full-size pickup demand continues gaining momentum, outperforming the industry for the third consecutive month.”
Ford Fusion posted an all-time record monthly and quarterly sales volume in March with 30,284 vehicles sold for the month and 80,558 during the first quarter – crossing the 30,000 monthly and 80,000 quarterly vehicle sale thresholds for the first time ever in Fusion sales history.
Escape had its best sales month ever with 28,934 vehicles sold. This 28 percent increase versus year-ago results marks the best sales performance since Escape’s launch 13 years ago. Escape also posted record quarter sales of 72,983 vehicles, surpassing record third quarter 2012 sales of 72,908 vehicles.
Explorer’s March sales totaled 17,509, representing a 33 percent increase over last year and its best monthly sales performance since the current model was introduced in 2010. Explorer retail sales were up 42 percent over last year, providing it best March retail sales performance since 2005.
With the industry’s March full-size pickup segment estimated to be up 15 percent over last year, America’s best-selling pickup, the Ford F-Series sales increased 16 percent to 67,513 pickups in March. This was F-Series 20th straight month of monthly sales increases and represented F-Series’ best March and first quarter sales performance since 2007.
The company’s overall sales in March were up 6 percent with 236,160 vehicles sold. Cars were even with a year ago, utilities up 14 percent and trucks up 6 percent.

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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 171,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding the company and Ford products, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.