100 Hour Sales Event - Year End Celebration

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ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich.- Do you like the sound of free vehicle maintenance? Well then listen up! Ford's "100 Hour Sale" going on right now has a special offer available. Customers who Lease a 2013 Ford Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, or Escape during the sale will receive a complimentary 2-year/25,000 mile Extended Service Plan Premium Maintenance Plan! Ford’s Complimentary Premium Maintenance Plan Offer is only available for a limited time during the "100 Hour Sale" December 19, 2012-January 2, 2013, so don’t wait to make that purchase! The Complimentary Ford Premium Maintenance Plan Offer will give you peace of mind while reducing the cost of ownership.

The Premium Maintenance Extended Service Plan provides you with maintenance service every 7,500 miles or every 6 months with a maximum of three visits. Enjoy coverage for all normal scheduled maintenance as outlined in your Owners Scheduled Maintenance Guide as well, in addition to six selected wear items such as: brake pads and linings, engine belts and hoses, wiper blades, clutch disc, shock absorbers, and spark plugs (except CA). You can feel safe knowing that all maintenance replacements are made with the original equipment manufacturer parts while enjoying a $0 deductible.

More Information about the Complimentary Premium Maintenance Plan Offer:

Lease a 2013 Ford Fiesta, Focus, Fusion, or Escape during the "100 Hour Sale" and you'll receive a complimentary Premium Maintenance Plan which covers routine inspections, preventative care, and replacement of normal "wear and tear" items that require periodic attention. Normal "wear and tear" items include: engine oil and filter changes, multipoint inspections, tire rotations, replacement of brake pads and linings when worn, shock absorber replacements, spark plugs (except CA), clutch discs, engine belts, hoses and hose clamps, wiper blades, and diesel exhaust fluid fill at the time scheduled maintenance is performed at the dealership. At each service interval, your vehicle will undergo a comprehensive multipoint inspection as indicated in your Owner's Scheduled Maintenance Guide. You can learn more about your vehicle's recommended maintenance in the Owner's Scheduled Maintenance Guide as well.

There’s no doubt you will save money on vehicle maintenance, but you can also feel at ease knowing that in the long run the Premium Maintenance Plan will provide timely care and inspections that can prevent serious and expensive repairs, optimal vehicle performance for the long run, protection for your vehicle investment and budget, the possibility to increase your resale or lease-end value while limiting maintenance costs, and only Ford factory trained technicians using only OEM parts to keep your vehicle running at its best.

As part of the Premium Maintenance Plan you can take advantage of the option for added coverage with the First-Day Rental Option. When you purchase rental assistance you will be reimbursed for a rental vehicle for up to two days whenever you leave your car at the dealership for covered maintenance services.

In addition, the Premium Maintenance Plan offers transferable coverage, which may add extra resale value to your vehicle. This means that if you sell your vehicle, the remaining maintenance coverage may be transferred to the new owner.

If you have further questions come on in to Roy O’Brien Ford located on the corner of Nine Mile and Mack, we’d be happy to explain this offer further! But don’t wait, this offer is only valid until January 2, 2013!

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

2013 Ford Transit Connect Brochure

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Here is the 2013 Ford Transit Connect Brochure

Download the 2013 Ford Transit Connect Brochure Here (PDF)

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

2013 Ford Expedition Brochure

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Here is the 2013 Ford Expedition Brochure

Download the 2013 Ford Expedition Brochure Here (PDF)

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

2013 Ford Focus Brochure

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Here is the 2013 Ford Focus Brochure

Download the 2013 Ford Focus Brochure Here (PDF)

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

2012 Black Friday Sales Event

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Black Friday Sales Event

Friday, November 23rd, 2012

Add Roy O'Brien Ford as one of your Black Friday Stops!

Recharge your "Batteries" with us! After your long night of shopping, stop by our Breakfast Snack Bar from 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM. While your here take advantage of our special promotions:

• Lowest Tire Prices of the Year! (Many sets also come with a $60 Rebate)
• Extended Showroom Hours 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
• $50 American Express Test Drive Gift Card Giveaway (First 100 Test Drives)
• $500 Pre-Paid MasterCard Bonus with Purchase or Lease of a New Mustang, Taurus, Edge or Flex
• $1000 Pre-Paid MasterCard Bonus with Purchase or Lease of a New F-150

See Roy O'Brien Ford for complete details

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One Day Only - Friday, November 23rd, 2012

$50 American Express Test Drive Gift Card Giveaway.

First 100 Test Drives will receive the Gift Card!!

No Purchase Necessary, Just Stop By & Test Drive a New Ford!

Limit one gift card per person, per household, Must be 18 years or older. Proper photo I.D. is required.

See Roy O'Brien Ford for complete details.

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Are you interested in a New 2013 Ford Mustang? 2013 Ford Taurus? 2013 Ford Edge? 2013 Ford Flex? Well now is the time with the Black Friday Sales Event. The Black Friday Deals have come to Roy O'Brien Ford! From now til November 30th take advantage of additional savings! You can choose a $500 Ford Credit Black Friday Award Prepaid MasterCard or a $500 Ford Credit Black Friday Bonus Customer Cash Rebate. It's your choice!

Learn about the current Mustang Rebates and view our Mustang Inventory.
Learn about the current Taurus Rebates and view our Taurus Inventory.
Learn about the current Edge Rebates and view our Edge Inventory.
Learn about the current Flex Rebates and view our Flex Inventory.

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Are you interested in a New 2013 Ford F-150? Well now is the time with the Black Friday Sales Event. The Black Friday Deals have come to Roy O'Brien Ford! From now til November 30th take advantage of additional savings! You can choose a $1,000 Ford Credit Black Friday Award Prepaid MasterCard or a $1,000 Ford Credit Black Friday Bonus Customer Cash Rebate. It's your choice!

Learn about the current F-150 Rebates and view our F-150 Inventory.

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Are you interested in a New Set of Tires? Now is a great time to purchase your tires. Now until November 30th take advantage of the lowest tire prices of the year. Visit our Tire Center and set an appointment for your new set of tires.

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

2013 Ford F-150 Brochure

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Here is the 2013 Ford F-150 Brochure

Download the 2013 Ford F-150 Brochure Here (PDF)

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

2013 Ford Fusion Brochure

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Here is the 2013 Ford Fusion Brochure

Download the 2013 Ford Fusion Brochure Here (PDF)

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

Ford Fusion Certified As America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Midsize Sedan

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• All-new Ford Fusion is America’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan after being certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deliver 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway, 47 mpg combined in hybrid model
• Ford Fusion Hybrid beats Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg highway, 4 mpg city
• New Fusion offers greatest powertrain range of all midsize sedans with five engines, including two EcoBoost^® options and hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants for true power of choice

 

 

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2012 – The all-new Ford Fusion is the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan in America with an EPA-certified 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined fuel economy rating for its hybrid model.

 

Fusion Hybrid tops the Toyota Camry Hybrid by 8 mpg highway and 4 mpg city, and delivers the highest-ever fuel economy numbers in city and highway driving for a midsize sedan.

 

“The new Fusion is part of our plan to offer vehicles with the very best quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value,” says Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO. “We are absolutely committed to class-leading fuel efficiency as a reason to buy Ford vehicles, with customers able to choose the fuel-efficient powertrain that best fits their lifestyle.”

 

Power of choice: Two EcoBoost engines, one hybrid, one plug-in hybrid

The all-new Fusion brings the widest range of powertrain options to the U.S. midsize segment.

 

Fusion offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants and two fuel-efficient EcoBoost^® four-cylinder engines for customers. In addition, Fusion is available with Ford’s patented Auto Start-Stop system, which automatically shuts off the engine at stationary idle to help save customers even more fuel in stop-and-go city driving. Fusion is available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations with both six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.

 

“Ford is bringing power of choice to midsize sedan buyers,” says Mark Fields, president of The Americas. “More than 2 million customers this year will purchase midsize cars. Our new Fusion delivers the fuel savings people truly want and value, with technologies that cost two to three times the price on some German sedans.”

 

Fuel economy numbers for the remainder of the Fusion lineup are:

 

• 1.6-liter EcoBoost: 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, 29 mpg combined
• 2.0-liter EcoBoost: 22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
• 2.5-liter: 22 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Projected 100-plus MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent)

 

The Fusion equipped with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine is available with Ford’s patented, fuel-saving Auto Start-Stop system, which smoothly shuts off engine power when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature, available for just $295, improves fuel efficiency by 3.5 percent and reduces emissions.

 

Fusion Hybrid features two additional innovations to help deliver industry-best fuel efficiency: Ford’s patented SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide that coaches drivers for top fuel efficiency; and ECO Cruise, a greener cruise control functionality that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.

 

Fusion Hybrid achieves a top speed of 62 mph in electric or EV mode and also has Active Grille Shutters, which make the car more aerodynamic at highway speeds to improve fuel efficiency. An underbody with aerodynamically designed panels provides even better fuel efficiency.

 

World-class craftsmanship, driving dynamics

The full Fusion range delivers visual quality through improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail. To deliver its world-class driving dynamics, Ford engineers equipped Fusion with a specially tuned electric power-assisted steering system, MacPherson strut front suspension and all-new multilink rear suspension that is comparable to the setups found in more expensive Audis and BMWs.

 

“Fusion is a driver’s car,” said Raj Nair, group vice president of Product Development. “We have carefully tuned this car to reward the driving expert and flatter the novice.”

 

Ford’s quietest midsize sedan ever, Fusion Hybrid models are equipped with Active Noise Cancellation, which uses the audio system to mitigate powertrain noise.

 

Technology you can use

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies using sensors, cameras and radar to enable the car to “see” and respond.

 

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and practically park itself – it can even aid drivers backing out of a parking space in which visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

 

• Lane-Keeping System: Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, this system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, Lane-Keeping Aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. The system can help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology identifies a suitable parallel parking space, calculates the trajectory, and steers the car to properly position it within the spot. Drivers operate accelerator and brake pedals
• BLIS^® (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vehicles

 

The all-new Fusion also offers the newest version of Ford’s award-winning SYNC^® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

 

Fusion is available with the latest version of MyFord Touch^®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

 

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

 

Fusion equals growth

The midsize car segment is the fastest-growing segment in America this year. Overall U.S. industry sales are up 15 percent in 2012, while midsize car sales have grown 26 percent.

 

To meet expected demand for the new Fusion, Ford is adding 1,200 hourly jobs and investing $555 million at its Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.

 

New Fusion models begin arriving at dealers nationwide this fall.

Qualify for the A-Plan, learn more about Fusion A-Plan Pricing.

Qualify for the X-Plan, learn more about Fusion X-Plan Pricing.

 

The story behind the new Fusion

For more on the new Ford Fusion, check out http://FordFusionStory.com, a special mobile site featuring articles, videos and graphics that are easily shareable directly from a smartphone, tablet or computer browser to Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and blogs.

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

Ford Opens New Era at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Source of 1,200 New Jobs and U.S. Production Home of All-New Fusion

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• Ford celebrates opening of a new era at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, new U.S. production home of the 2013 Ford Fusion as well as the iconic Mustang

• Supporting its Fusion production growth plans, Ford is adding 1,200 jobs, a second production shift, and investing $555 million, taking full management control of the former AutoAlliance International plant

• Upgraded Flat Rock Assembly Plant will feature a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop and an upgraded paint shop with an environmentally friendly 3-Wet paint process when production begins in 2013

• On sale this fall, the 2013 Fusion offers customers the power of choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment

Click to download PDF.

Ford Motor Company and its employees today are opening a new era at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, complete with a new name, 1,200 additional hourly jobs coming next year and plans to produce the 2013 Ford Fusion midsize sedan.

“The new Flat Rock Assembly Plant symbolizes the growth driven by our One Ford plan,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Ford continues investing in people, products and plants to deliver the head-turning, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive vehicles people really want, including the all-new Fusion.”

Previously known as AutoAlliance International, Flat Rock Assembly is now under the full management control of Ford. The plant continues to be owned by a joint venture that is split 50/50 between Ford and Mazda Motor Corp.

Following the end of Mazda6 production last month, the plant will continue to produce the Mustang before adding Fusion next year.

Flat Rock Assembly will be the U.S. producer of Fusion, employing 2,900 workers on both vehicle lines.

Click to download PDF.

In addition to adding 1,200 new hourly jobs tied to Fusion production, Ford also is investing $555 million to build a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop capable of producing multiple vehicles. With each new major plant program, Ford is significantly increasing the flexibility of its equipment and facilities to build multiple vehicles at one location. By 2015, Ford will be able to produce 25 percent more derivatives per plant versus 2011 on a global basis.

Ford also is upgrading the plant’s paint shop with an environmentally friendly 3-Wet paint process. The 3-Wet process, which Ford is rolling out across more than 15 assembly plants globally, allows three layers of paint to be applied one after another while still wet, with less manual intervention, resulting in a superior product created with fewer pollutants and less expense.

“By fully incorporating Flat Rock Assembly into our manufacturing system, we are able to take advantage of internal efficiencies that will streamline our ability to produce vehicles,” said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. “This is critical as we increase our capacity to meet growing customer demand for our products.”

Introduced six years ago, Fusion is part of the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. this year – midsize sedans. Ford expects the midsize sedan segment, which totaled 2.1 million vehicles in 2011, to continue growing. Fusion’s share of the segment has doubled to 12 percent since it was introduced, and the car has set sales records in five of the first seven months of this year.

On sale this fall, the 2013 Fusion offers customers the power of choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment – two EcoBoost-powered gasoline engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Fusion Hybrid’s 47 city mpg beats the 2012 Camry Hybrid LE by 4 mpg in the city. The Fusion Energi’s MPGe of 100 tops the 2013 Volt’s by 2 MPGe.

Fusion also offers consumers seven must-have technologies, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®.

Opened in 1987 as Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA, the plant in Flat Rock first produced the Mazda MX-6. In 1992, Ford purchased a 50 percent share in the plant and it was renamed AutoAlliance International. Over the years, the plant produced the Mazda 626, Mazda6, Mercury Cougar and Ford Probe. Mustang production was shifted to the plant in 2005.

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

All-New Ford Fusion’s Unique Design, Technology Inspires Revolutionary Collaboration with MILK Studios

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• New Ford Fusion sparks collaboration with cutting-edge MILK Studios, revealing “Wall to Wall: The Fusion Collective” – a new project including an immersive gallery experience featuring original multimedia artworks and performances, live music, and panel discussions inspired by the fusion concept – opening in New York and then traveling to Los Angeles

• Artists including Matthew Williams, former creative director to Lady Gaga and current collaborator with Kanye West and ShowStudio, have created artworks for the project and documented their creative processes on www.fusionists.co

• All-new Fusion was designed to strike an emotional chord with customers, balancing form and function while continuing to embrace the growing trend of making high-end products more attainable

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2012 – Today Ford and MILK Studios, known as the hub for nurturing creativity with some of the most visionary talent, debut a revolutionary collaboration inspired by the new Fusion. “Wall to Wall: The Fusion Collective” is a digital and physical gallery experience that unites fashion, music, photography, film and technology.

The exhibition debuts a month before the new Ford Fusion launches nationally and exemplifies Ford’s evolving design strategy, which includes the use of virtual reality technology, leverages new sustainable materials, and brings together creative disciplines to advance exterior design and the in-car environment.

“In the Ford studios, we bring the best designers, artists and engineers to work together creating a new generation of vehicles, just as artists work tirelessly to bring their visions to life,” said J Mays, chief creative officer for Ford. “Our collaboration with MILK demonstrates how the powerful concept of fusion has inspired a wide range of artists to come together and fuse their diverse talents, while allowing access to the creative process of this new generation of designers.”

“Wall to Wall: The Fusion Collective,” presented by Ford and MILK, opening in New York today then traveling to Los Angeles next week, brings together six multimedia artists including Pharrell Williams, entrepreneur and musician; Matthew Williams, previous creative director for Lady Gaga who now collaborates with Kanye West and ShowStudio; and Cyril Duval, renowned fashion and conceptual art designer. Other artists are Nathaniel Brown, WIFE and Brian DeGraw. All have created original artwork and opened up their studios to the public, documenting their creative processes through editorial and video content on www.fusionists.co.

“Working with Ford on ‘Wall to Wall: The Fusion Collective’ demonstrates the many similarities between the art and automotive worlds and the evolving creative process that happens between the walls of these creative studios,” said Mazdack Rassi, co-founder and creative director of MILK. “This project let us tap into MILK’s thriving subculture of artists, photographers, filmmakers and musicians, and gave them the means and the platform to animate their personal vision.”

As part of the event, Ford will debut a short documentary featuring Pharrell Williams and Tyson Toussant from Bionic Yarn, the company that produces super-strong, fast-drying fabric made primarily from recycled plastic bottles. Similar to how Ford incorporates sustainable materials into its vehicles, such as the 38.9 recycled plastic water bottles that go into the seats of some Ford Fusion models, Bionic Yarn is a durable canvas substitute and is used by fashion brands such as Moncler and Timberland.

“The Big SHFT: Tyson Toussant & Pharrell Williams, Bionic Men” is part of the Big SHFT series Ford has produced with Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer of SHFT.com, which features 10 innovators who are transforming the world with groundbreaking sustainability solutions.

‘Wall to Wall: The Fusion Collective’

The virtual exhibition will be brought to life during gallery openings in New York today and in Los Angeles Aug. 29. Finished works of art will be showcased to the public on www.fusionists.co, with select pieces being donated to art and design schools in New York, Los Angeles and Detroit to inspire the next generation of designers.

“‘Wall to Wall’ is going to be a modern show of sculpture, sound, paint, projections, choreography, film, light, music and automobiles that mixes the highly conceptual with the highly entertaining,” said Geremy Gasper, co-founder and creative director of LEGS, MILK’s in-house creative and production company. “In curating the show, we found artists that fuse together different creative disciplines in bold and cutting-edge fashions – each constructing their own unique multimedia world. It’s a really diverse group of work, and we’re thrilled to get this caliber of talent and vision under one roof.”

Bringing great design global

The all-new Ford Fusion surpasses physical beauty, however; designed and engineered by a multitude of talents brought in from across the globe, the car will begin to change the way people view Ford, said Mays.

Offering customer-centered technology like active park assist and adaptive cruise control, it also provides the widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains and integrates sustainable materials into the interior.

“As they do with art, people recognize quality; they recognize beauty,” Mays said. “It speaks not only to their practical side, but to their emotions. And that’s what we want to see.”

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

Past and Present Mustangs, 20 Years of SVT Performance on Display at Mustang Alley for Annual Woodward Dream Cruise

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• Annual Mustang Alley attraction to feature more than 800 classic Ford Mustang from 1964 to the present day and a special 20th Anniversary display of SVT performance vehicles

• Celebrity guest Vaughn Gittin Jr. and professional drivers from Ford Motor Company will perform in a specially constructed “Burn out Box” for spectators

• Raffle tickets on sale for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca in Aug. 18 drawing. Proceeds benefit National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 14, 2012 – Once again, the intersection of 9 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, just north of Detroit city limits, will be transformed into Ford Motor Company’s Mustang Alley, an annual free attraction, run by more than 300 Ford volunteers during the Woodward Dream Cruise.

Scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18 – rain or shine – this high-octane destination will feature more than 800 classic and modern Mustang models from 1964 through the present day, a 20th Anniversary display of Special Vehicle Team (SVT) vehicles, a celebrity appearance by Vaughn Gittin Jr., Ford professional drivers in a “Burn out Box” and finally, a chance to win a rare 2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca for a mere $10.

The annual Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day classic car event. About 1.5 million visitors and 40,000 antique and classic cars from all over the country are expected to visit the Dream Cruise, which stretches from suburban Detroit north to Pontiac in a celebration of all things automotive.

The full Mustang line will be on display, including the 662-horsepower 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, both street and racing versions of the Boss 302, and the Mustang GT and V6 Coupe with Performance Package.

Click to download fact sheet.

The special 20th Anniversary SVT display will feature new vehicles and classics from the SVT lineup including the new Shelby GT500, 2013 Focus ST, Raptor, several Ford GT models, the iconic Lightning F-150 and many other vehicles.

Mustang Alley is the place to be for performance enthusiasts building Ford-powered street rods and race cars. Ford Racing will have a large display of street and strip crate engines on display. A cadre of Ford Racing technicians and engineers will be on hand to meet with the public and answer detailed technical questions about performance, installation, tuning and other topics.

Win a Laguna Seca for $10

In addition, Ford and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Michigan Chapter, are working together to raffle off a one-of-a-kind 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. The event will take place on Saturday from 5 to 5:30 p.m. at Mustang Alley.

Raffle tickets are $10 each or three for $20 and can be purchased at: http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/mig/fundraising-events/mustang-raffle/index.aspx

Ford employees may contact Holly Jaskolski at hjaskols@ford.com, 313.805.3126.

The 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca features:

• Unique exterior color combination of Sterling Gray metallic paint with gloss black reflective striping, rear pedestal spoiler, mirror caps and special badging
• Charcoal cloth interior with custom embroidered Recaro seating and Sterling Gray X-brace
• Ford Racing aluminum wheels with unique finish – 19 x 9 front, 19 x 10 rear
• A coupon for TracKey from Ford Racing will be included with the car to be installed at an authorized Ford dealership
• Boss Track Attack program, offered through Team Mustang and Ford Racing, includes instructor-led training and track time at Miller Motorsports Park (travel to Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, not included)

Visit http://www.nationalmssociety.org/chapters/MIG/index.aspx for full vehicle specifications and raffle rules.

For more information, call 248.996.5426, 248.936.0342 or 248.936.0375.

Raffle participants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. Payment of all applicable federal, state and local taxes, title, fees and surcharges is the responsibility of the winner. Car is a 50-state U.S. model. MS raffle not associated with Mustang Alley team or Ford Motor Company. Ford Motor Company employees and Mustang Alley team are eligible to purchase tickets.  

Visit our website http://www.royobrien.com for all your Metro Detroit Ford Vehicle needs, or view our new and used inventory at http://www.royobrien.com/vehicles

Ford Dealers Now Using SHOWCASE App and Apple iPad to Improve Customer Purchase Experience

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• New SHOWCASE app offers Ford sales consultants “anytime, anywhere” access to their inventory and product information

• App provides rich video content on features and technologies linked to vehicle inventory

• SHOWCASE app allows dealerships to save and share customer vehicle preferences

• The app integrates the online experience with the off-line purchase experience

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 13, 2012 – For most people, buying a new car, truck or SUV is the second-biggest purchase they make after their home, so ensuring the process is as easy and stress-free as possible is critical to customer satisfaction. The new SHOWCASE app being used by Ford sales associates with the Apple iPad^® is helping dealers find just the right car for their customers faster than ever.

 

To view the new SHOWCASE app in action, visit the link below:

 

http://youtu.be/fmg1FJh5Lo8

 

 

“Waiting for the sales consultant to check the inventory or wandering the aisles of a car lot in search of just the right combination of colors and options can be a tedious and time-consuming process,” says Michelle Moody, Cross Vehicle Marketing manager for Ford. “If the weather is bad or the sun has gone down early in the winter months, venturing outside is even less appealing.

 

“In early 2011 we decided to take advantage of the portable technology that became available with the launch of the iPad to facilitate an improved purchase experience for our customers,” Moody says.

 

In recent years customers have become accustomed to using various shopping tools to configure and compare vehicles on the Ford.com website. The new SHOWCASE app links this experience to the showroom, giving sales associates new technology to determine what features a customer wants and to immediately check inventory to see which vehicles in stock most closely match those needs.

 

“We had tried using kiosks in the showroom to enable customers to check out our vehicles and features, but many customers were not as comfortable using these on their own,” Moody says.

 

Using the new SHOWCASE app running on an iPad, the salesperson can sit with the customer to pick out the model that person wants, then filter the selection based on trim level, colors, equipment and price. The app then displays all the vehicles in stock that match the customer’s criteria including a list of all the equipment installed on each vehicle.

 

“I have to say it has never been easier finding the right vehicle,” said Maxx Springman, a customer who recently bought a new Escape from All-American Ford in Old Bridge, N.J. “I can’t believe we were able to build the exact Escape I was looking for right there at the salesman’s desk.

 

“Then we actually found the right one on the lot without having to spend an hour walking around outside looking at different window stickers like I’ve done in the past. Thank goodness, too, because it was, like, 110 degrees out and ready to pour!” 

 

The SHOWCASE app provides instant access to more information including videos about the available features, such technology as SYNC^® and MyFord^® Touch, as well as driver assist features like adaptive cruise control and active park assist. Using the app, the salesperson can quickly demonstrate features like collision warning with brake support, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS^®) or Lane-Keeping System, which may not be easy to show off during a test drive.

 

If the customer needs time to consider or discuss the purchase with his or her significant other, the sales associate can email the information on the specific vehicles in stock directly to the customer.

 

“Customers don’t like to wait while the salesperson walks away to check inventory,” says Rich Savino, owner of All-American Ford, a participant in the pilot program. “The SHOWCASE app helps to create a more intimate experience; it lets customers see what is available instantly and make adjustments if they don’t find what they are looking for.”

 

The SHOWCASE app was developed by Ford and user interface design specialists Razorfish over a period of several months in 2011. A pilot group of 14 Ford dealers participated in defining the app and then testing it beginning in November 2011. Open registration for all Ford dealers began on Aug. 1, 2012 and nearly 200 dealers have already signed up to use the new app.

 

Recently, the Build and Price section of Ford.com was enhanced to give customers the ability to save their builds. Ford is also working on a number of future enhancements for the Showcase app including the ability for the sales associate to retrieve custom builds previously saved by the customer and then automatically search inventory to find vehicles that match the customer’s needs.

 

The SHOWCASE app is just the latest step in Ford’s efforts to improve the customer experience before, during and after the purchase of a new vehicle.

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Ford C-MAX Hybrid Earns 47 City, 47 Highway, 47 Combined – an EPA Rating Hat Trick; Beats Toyota Prius v by up to 7 MPG

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• All-new 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid delivers EPA-certified 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway ratings – 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v on the highway – for a 47 mpg combined rating

• Ford’s first hybrid to achieve equal city and highway ratings, the versatile C-MAX Hybrid also is expected to offer 15 class-exclusive features such as the available hands-free liftgate

• C-MAX Hybrid launches this fall as part of Ford’s power of choice strategy to deliver leading fuel economy across its lineup while tripling electrified vehicle production capacity by 2013

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 7, 2012 – Ford Motor Company once again raises the hybrid fuel-economy bar with the all-new Ford C-MAX Hybrid, which is now officially EPA-certified at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined – beating Toyota Prius v by up to 7 mpg.

The certification is significant because it makes C-MAX Hybrid the first hybrid vehicle to offer 47 mpg across the board. Also, hybrids traditionally have been more economical in city driving than on the highway, unlike conventional vehicles.

C-MAX Hybrid, however, returns the same fuel economy whether driving cross-country or across the city – stemming mostly from a growing list of Ford innovations that have helped the vehicle to deliver an impressive list of metrics, such as a top speed of up to 62 mph in EV mode.

“The all-new C-MAX Hybrid is a great symbol of how Ford has transformed into a fuel-economy and technology leader with 47 mpg across the board and a highway rating 7 mpg better than Toyota Prius v,” said Ford Vice President of Powertrain Engineering Joe Bakaj. “We’ve done this with innovation – represented by nearly 500 hybrid patents – while driving costs down 30 percent so we can bring these fuel-saving vehicles to more customers.”

Among the Ford innovations helping C-MAX Hybrid drivers enjoy maximum fuel economy are the patented SmartGauge^® with EcoGuide that coaches for top fuel efficiency by providing growing green leaves in the gauge cluster as a reward for economical driving; and ECO Cruise, a feature that helps optimize powertrain elements for convenient yet economical highway travel.

City equals highway

Hybrid vehicle drivers traditionally saw superior fuel-economy figures in city driving, so loyalists maximized their fuel economy through regenerative braking in stop-and-go traffic. But now, higher-speed innovations have caught up on efficiency.

“City, highway and everywhere in between, C-MAX Hybrid is EPA-certified at 47 mpg,” Bakaj said. “It’s a win-win-win.”

C-MAX Hybrid is expected to be America’s most affordable hybrid utility vehicle with a base price of $25,995, including destination and delivery, which is $1,300 lower than Toyota Prius v. C-MAX Hybrid is currently available for order at select dealerships.

More information about C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi can be found on our website. Press releases, videos, photos and other material related to Ford’s electrified vehicles can be found here.

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2013 Ford Fiesta Brochure

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Here is the 2013 Ford Fiesta Brochure

Download the 2013 Ford Fiesta Brochure Here (PDF)

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Ford Engineers Leave No Detail in the Shade

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DEARBORN, Mich., June 28, 2012 – Can you look cool without sunglasses? Maybe not, so they are consistently among the top 10 items drivers carry in their cars, and accommodating this accessory is a priority for these Ford engineers.

 

 

Ford engineers evaluated – and modeled – more than 100 pairs of sunglasses from designer frames to drug store knockoffs to achieve accurate dimensions of a wide range of shades. The goal was to ensure 95 percent of all sunglasses fit well into the 2013 Ford Fusion overhead stowage bin. Talk about dedication to making it possible for every driver to look their best on sunny days.

 

Using the coordinate measuring machine – a laser scanning device that produces accurate, to-scale 3D models on the computer – the engineers scanned real sunglasses to simulate how different types would rest in the overhead container.

 

Sejal Shreffler – core accommodation and usage engineer – explains, “Older sunglasses holders were designed for thin, wire-framed pairs, but fashions have evolved toward thicker, plastic shades. So we changed the bins to keep up with the trends.”

 

For this team of Ford engineers, it’s all about style and size, whether it’s throwback wayfarers – that may actually have been purchased the first time they were in style – or the ever-convenient clip-on sunglasses. No matter what look drivers are going for, the 2013 Ford Fusion will have a spot for almost any pair of shades.

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Ford Mustang Customizer Updated for 2013, Includes Chance to Win Your Fantasy Mustang

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• Social engagement is helping to fuel an 18 percent sales jump for Mustang in 2012

• More than 4.1 million fans have already built dream Mustang using the Customizer

• New enhanced and celebrity battle modes will let Facebook users cast ballots for their favorite custom Mustang

• Four fans will win the fantasy Mustang they build in the Customizer

 

Over its nearly 50-year run, the Ford Mustang has sold more than 8.5 million examples and earned status as an American icon. In the parallel world of social media, its presence is even bigger and about to get bigger still.

 

To coincide with the new 2013 Mustang now hitting the road, Ford is relaunching its popular Mustang Customizer with a host of new features, such as enhanced battle modes, badges and stats as well as an opportunity for four lucky fans to win either a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500.

 

“Since the Customizer was originally launched in September 2011, more than 4.1 million different variations of the Mustang have been built by more than 1 million unique visitors,” said Lee Jelenic, Ford marketing communications manager. “We’re having great success in social marketing by actively engaging our fans and it’s helping to fuel the recent Mustang sales resurgence with sales up 18 percent so far in 2012.”

 

Customers consistently highlight design and personalization as the top reasons to buy a Mustang. The Customizer gives users a way to craft the look of their favorite ride and compare it with their friends.

 

Through customer research, Ford learned that for Mustang owners, present and future, Customizer was the perfect mechanism to hand the brand over to them. Ford created a rare opportunity for customers to have a meaningful and authentic experience with the product, without having to get them behind the wheel.

 

The Customizer, available as an app for iPhone, iPad and Android in mid-summer and online at http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/customizer/, allows fans to choose a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or the new 662-horsepower Shelby GT500. They can then apply a dizzying array of colors, graphics, body kits and wheels to achieve the look they want. If the standard color palette doesn’t have anything that looks just right, fans can even use the sliders to blend custom hues.

 

To make sure the final design looks just right, users can view the car from five different directions with a variety of backdrops and even add some burnouts.

 

“Fans can save their finished fantasy Mustang to a computer to use as desktop wallpaper or share to their Facebook account and enter into the battle mode,” said Brian McClary, Ford digital marketing manager. “The battle mode pits the designs head to head, where more than 5.1 million battle votes have already been cast.”

 

Since the special parts and graphics are available off the shelf, these custom Mustang don’t have to remain virtual. Customers can head down to their local Ford dealer and order a Mustang of their own exactly as they built it in the Customizer, except for the unique paint colors.

 

“We’ve significantly upgraded the Customizer this year,” added McClary. “The original battle mode has been enhanced, and we’ve added celebrity battles, smack talk capability, new user stats and leader boards, badges and points for the activities on the site and apps.”

 

Earlier this year, a special Mustang TV commercial highlighted some of the possibilities of the Customizer. Click here to view the Mustang Inner TV ad: http://youtu.be/HiyhXf_KVc0.

 

Over the rest of year, Ford will further sweeten the pot by selecting four dream Mustangs and building them for the creators. Ford will give away one unique Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 and a Shelby GT500.

 

Fans can create their inner Mustang now at http://www.ford.com/cars/mustang/customizer/.

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Ford Cuts Energy Use 22 Percent; New Sustainability Report Calls for Added 25 Percent Drop by 2016

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• Ford Motor Company has released its 13^th annual Sustainability Report titled “Blueprint for Sustainability: Accelerating Ahead” – a voluntary and comprehensive annual account highlighting all things sustainable, from people to products

• Ford’s success cutting energy use in its vehicle manufacturing process – and its announcement to cut another 25 percent in the next five years – comes as global energy use is being projected to soar 53 percent between 2008 and 2035

• Other progress highlighted includes reduction in waste-to-landfill, water use and CO₂ emissions; a summary of company financial health; improvement in vehicle fuel economy; and safety achievements

SIDEBAR: About the Sustainability Report

 

DOWNLOAD: JPG  |  PDF

DEARBORN, Mich., June 15, 2012 – Ford announced today in its annual Sustainability Report that it has reduced the amount of energy required to produce each vehicle in its manufacturing facilities by 22 percent in the last six years. The company also announced plans to reduce usage another 25 percent on a per-vehicle basis by 2016.

 

Decreased energy consumption during vehicle manufacturing is just one highlight of Ford’s 13^th annual Sustainability Report. The report – “Blueprint for Sustainability: Accelerating Ahead” – is a comprehensive showcase of the company’s efforts to tackle a myriad of sustainability challenges in a rapidly changing world.

 

Other successful initiatives featured include reductions in water use, waste-to-landfill and CO₂ emissions as well as improvements in vehicle fuel economy and safety.

 

“Sustainability has moved from the periphery to the center of our strategy for succeeding in the marketplace and helping to address global challenges,” said Robert Brown, vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

 

Ford issued its first Sustainability Report in 1999 to address the company’s initiatives regarding social, economic and environmental issues. Like Ford’s sustainability-related processes and results, the report has evolved, too. New this year are sections highlighting Ford’s regional sustainability initiatives in Europe, South America and Asia; commentary from third-party subject matter experts like Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, and multimedia elements.

 

“Our sustainability report is far from a bunch of tables and charts,” said John Viera, global director, Sustainability and Vehicle Environmental Matters. “Anyone who spends any amount of time with it will truly get a sense of just how committed Ford is to supporting positive change and reducing the environmental impact of its products and facilities.”

 

Consider the drop in energy consumption: The amount of electricity used to produce each vehicle in Ford’s manufacturing facilities has been reduced by about 800 kilowatt-hours – from 3,576 kwh in 2006 to 2,778 kwh in 2011. By comparison, average households in states like California, New York, Illinois and Michigan use between 562 kwh and 799 kwh monthly.

 

Ford’s progress has been achieved by investing in energy-saving practices and equipment. At Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., for example, the company uses a new “three-wet” paint application that reduces electricity use along with CO₂ and Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions.

 

At the same plant, a new 500-kilowatt solar panel system has been installed to generate renewable energy for production of Ford vehicles like Focus and Focus Electric.

 

Thanks to such efforts already in place and Ford’s commitment to making further progress, the company projects a continued drop in energy consumption – 25 percent between 2011 and 2016.

 

This commitment is made against a backdrop of the U.S. Department of Energy announcement last September that global energy demand will increase 53 percent between 2008 and 2035.

 

Environmental

Reduction in energy consumption is just one result of Ford’s focus on minimizing the environmental impact of the vehicles it produces and the facilities where they are made.

 

Each Ford facility uses measured environmental targets to track and accelerate improvements designed with the environment in mind. The targets are reviewed and updated annually.

 

In addition to its commitment to further reducing energy consumption, Ford also:

 

• Reduced the total amount of waste sent to landfills globally by 11.3 percent from 2010 to 2011
• Plans to further reduce its waste to landfill by 10 percent per vehicle this year, building on existing efforts that have reduced global waste by 100 million pounds (44 percent) in the last five years
• Reduced CO₂ emissions from global operations in 2011 by 8 percent on a per-vehicle basis compared with 2010
• Turned what would have been 163 tons of recovered paint solids into enough power for 20 residential homes for one year through just one of many new ways the company is converting waste to energy
• Advanced water-treatment technologies to allow the reuse of water and reduce water supply requirements, water discharges and use of treatment chemicals and the generation of solid waste
• Reduced water use to 4.7 cubic meters per vehicle in 2011 within a corporate goal of reducing the amount of water used per vehicle by 30 percent between 2009 and 2015

“Integration of our sustainability initiatives into the Ford production system has enabled us to accelerate environmental improvements at our manufacturing facilities,” said Andy Hobbs, director, Environmental Quality Office. “This enables all members of the Ford manufacturing team to contribute to meeting our environmental targets.”

 

Sustainable Materials

Ford vehicles continue to be a major focal point of the company’s efforts to reduce environmental impact. For example, the seat fabric in most of Ford’s new or redesigned vehicles must now consist of at least 25 percent post-industrial or post-consumer recycled content. A total of 37 fabrics now meet the requirements and have been incorporated into Ford vehicles. Other highlights include:

 

• A seat fabric containing a fiber made from recycled plastic water bottles is being used in the Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi
• Nonwoven headliner fabrics now contain 50 to 75 percent recycled yarns, depending on the color
• Post-consumer recycled nylon is used in some underhood parts, including air cleaner housings, engine fans, fan shrouds, HVAC temperature valves, engine covers, cam covers and carbon canisters
• Nearly 4.1 million pounds of carpet has been recycled into cylinder head covers, the equivalent of a carpet the size of more than 150 football fields – eliminating the use of more than 430,000 gallons of oil
• Use of seat foam made with soy oil in all North America vehicles, also reducing dependency oil-use and CO₂ emissions

Societal

Because Ford affects such a broad range of stakeholders – employees, dealers, investors, communities – the Sustainability Report also details some of the ways the company interacted with those parties in 2011, said David Berdish, manager, Social Sustainability.

 

For example, the report outlines how Ford revised its “Code of Human Rights, Basic Working Conditions and Corporate Responsibility,” which applies to not only Ford itself, but its $75 billion supply chain. The code deals with subjects such as working hours and conditions, nondiscrimination and other health, safety and environmental issues. Nearly 400 suppliers around the world were trained in 2011 through Ford-led and joint industry programs.

 

“Detailing our progress on human rights and sharing stories of our projects in the sustainability report is our primary source of communication regarding issues of social sustainability – and not just to media and customers,” said Berdish. “Investors are paying attention to working conditions, conflict minerals and trafficking more intensely, and our stakeholders want to be kept updated on all developments.”

 

Safety

Ford also is committed to customers and helping to keep them safe is a priority. That’s why the company works hard to develop and offer an array of advanced safety technologies across its entire vehicle lineup. Specific milestones achieved in the last year include:

 

• Twelve Ford Motor Company vehicles earned Top Safety Picks from the IIHS in 2012: Ford Fiesta (sedan and hatchback), Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Edge, Explorer, Flex and F-150 (Crew Cab) and the Lincoln MKX, MKS, MKT and MKZ
• Ford Fusion has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick for four years in a row starting with the 2009 model year
• The 2012 Ford Fiesta is the first vehicle in its class to offer a driver’s knee airbag
• Reaching 35,000 teen drivers in 2011 through the Ford Driving Skills for Life program – a driver education program designed for teens
• Winning numerous awards for its available rear-seat inflatable safety belts that launched on the 2011 Ford Explorer and are an automotive industry exclusive. For the 2012 model year, Ford expanded the availability of these safety belts in North America to the Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT

To see details about the highlights above and much more, the full report can be found online at http://corporate.ford.com/our-company/sustainability.

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Ford's Cherry Hill Farm Achieves Agricultural Honors

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• Ford Motor Company's Cherry Hill Farm is being honored by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) for effective land stewardship.

DEARBORN, Mich., June 12, 2012 – When you think of Ford Motor Company you're likely to think of cars and trucks – not farms. So it may come as a surprise to learn that the company has a storied farming history. Today Ford's last free-standing working farm – Cherry Hill Farm – is being honored by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) for effective land stewardship. MAEAP verification is a voluntary program that shows farmers how to reduce agricultural pollution.

 

The Cherry Hill Farm is an 882-acre working farm in Washtenaw County that produces corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. Once used by Ford's Tractor Division for testing, the land is managed by Ford Land, the company's real estate arm, and farmed by the VanWashenova family. The property includes three historic barns and a farmhouse. 

 

"I am honored to farm land that has such strong ties to Ford Motor Company," said Al VanWashenova. "Getting the Ford Cherry Hill Farm verified was the right thing to do, and I am very proud of this accomplishment."

 

"For the past 12 years, Ford and the VanWashenova family have made a great team," said Donna Inch, Ford Land chairman and CEO. "Today's recognition is another example of Ford's commitment to sustainability."

 

Strong Historical Ties to Agriculture

Starting in 1906 and continuing through the early part of the 20^th century, Henry Ford acquired 26,000 acres of farm property in southern Michigan, and much of the farmland was managed in detail by Ford himself. During these years Ford began his experimentation with farming techniques, crops and tractors using many of these farms as laboratories. Ford's giant land holdings were made up of hundreds of small, family-sized farms – many with a livable house and usable barns like the Cherry Hill Farm. The Cherry Hill Farm was used to test tractors and their implements, and raise crops for experimentation including early biomaterials and food production.

 

Henry Ford made certain his properties were well fenced, the roads were in good repair and the schools for the farm children were the best possible. Many of the farms were used as meeting places for much of the community, and Cherry Hill is no exception. Dances were held in the historic barns on the property, and community meetings were held in the old farmhouse.

 

In the past few years, Ford has begun restoration efforts at the Cherry Hill Farm. Of the three barns, one has been restored, one is in the middle of the restoration process and the third is slated to begin restoration next year. In addition, work has been done to the old farmhouse including new siding and windows.

 

MAEAP Verification

To become MAEAP verified, farmers must complete three comprehensive steps which include attending an educational seminar, conducting a thorough on-farm risk assessment, and developing and implementing an action plan addressing potential environmental risks. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) conducts an on‑farm inspection to verify compliance. When completed, the producer receives a certificate of environmental assurance. To remain a MAEAP verified farm, inspections must be conducted every three years and action steps must be followed.

 

"With this farm’s historical tie to both the automotive and agriculture industries, we congratulate Ford Cherry Hill Farm and the VanWashenova family on this verification," said Gordon Wenk, MDARD’s chief deputy director. "This verification shows the strong commitment both Ford Motor Company and Cherry Hill Farm have to sustainable agriculture practices as well as safeguarding the environment."

 

MAEAP is a collaborative effort of farmers, MDARD, Michigan Farm Bureau, commodity organizations, universities, conservation districts, conservation and environmental groups, and state and federal agencies.  More than 100 local coordinators and technical service providers are available to assist farmers as they move through the MAEAP process toward verification. An average of 5,000 Michigan farmers attend educational programs annually; 10,000 Michigan farms have started the verification process; and more than 1,100 farms have been verified to date.

 

In March of 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed Senate Bill 122 and House Bill 4212, now Public Acts 1 and 2 of 2011, to codify the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program into law.

MAEAP is a multi-year program allowing producers to meet personal objectives, while best managing both time and resources. The program encompasses three systems designed to help producers evaluate the environmental risks of their operation. Each system – Livestock, Farmstead, and Cropping – examines a different aspect of a farm, as each has a different environmental impact. By participating in all three systems, producers can comprehensively evaluate their entire farming operation for potential environmental risks. 

 

For more information, visit the MAEAP website at www.maeap.org or contact Jan Wilford, MDARD’s MAEAP program manager, at 517-241-4730.

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Ford Enables Industry’s First In-Car Voice Control of MOG Smartphone App via SYNC AppLink

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DEARBORN, Mich. & BERKELEY, Calif., June 6, 2012 – Ford and MOG today announced Ford drivers can now enjoy MOG’s award-winning, on-demand music service at their request using SYNC AppLink and the power of their voice.

 

 

SYNC^® AppLink^™ gives music lovers access to MOG’s vast catalog of more than 15 million songs in the car. Ford drivers simply need to launch the MOG app on their USB-connected iPhone and MOG will immediately become an available option. Once selected, the listener’s MOG play queue will instantly begin playing so users can pick up listening wherever they left off.

 

MOG can be controlled with voice commands and in-dash controls, allowing drivers to easily personalize their listening experience in a range of 2012 model Ford Motor Company vehicles. Ford drivers will have immediate access to their favorite songs and downloads via the AppLink interface along with access to custom radio channels that can be easily “tuned” by using the traditional tune knob on the in-dash interface.

 

“MOG continues to focus on delivering the best music experience for drivers,” says Drew Denbo, senior vice president of Business Development for MOG. “We are thrilled to launch MOG on the Ford AppLink platform, giving Ford’s huge number of customers access to more than 15 million songs on-demand and customized radio through their car stereo systems.”

 

“MOG offers a great mobile app experience, and now – using SYNC AppLink – we’ve enhanced it even further for in-car use by adding voice command and control,” says John Ellis, global technologist for Ford Connected Services. “And, thanks to the 320 kilo bits per second streaming quality unique to MOG, users will still get the high audio resolution they expect when listening to their favorite music.”

 

The MOG iPhone app enables the following capabilities through SYNC AppLink:

 

• On-demand MOG radio: MOG offers the best music discovery engine that provides unlimited, ad-free listening of true “artist only” radio, or a full mix of “similar artists.” Simply use the tune knob to control the radio mix and voice command to turn radio on or off.

• Shuffle “favorites” and “downloads”: Instant access to stored “favorites” and “downloads” by saying “Shuffle favorites” or “Shuffle downloads” at the voice prompt.

• Program radio station presets: If you love what’s playing and want more, simply press and hold one of the radio preset buttons on the dashboard to assign it so it’s easy to come back and access your favorite artist station.

• Playlist listening: Create the perfect driving playlist (and then some) on your desktop before hitting the open road. By saying “List playlists,” you’ll have complete access to all of your personal mixes.

• Favorite on the fly: With one click or using the voice command, “Add to favorites,” drivers can save songs to their MOG “favorites” list, giving listeners the ability to add songs to their collection while in the car.

• Storage: MOG allows users to store music from MOG on their mobile devices, enabling access to favorite titles even when a data connection is not available. Simply use voice commands such as “Shuffle downloads” to instantly play downloads from your device.

• Curated content: If you want to hear the hottest tunes according to Billboard’s Top 50 Charts, just say “Top songs” for instant access.

The MOG app for SYNC AppLink is available on a range of 2012 model Ford vehicles including Fiesta, Fusion, F-150, Super Duty, E-Series, Mustang and Expedition.

 

To enable the MOG on-demand service in the vehicle, Ford customers need to become MOG subscribers and can sign up for a $9.99 plan by visiting mog.com/FORD. Additional information and getting started guides are available at syncmyride.com.

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Ford Sees Green, Smart Technologies as Key to Rebuilding Michigan Economy, Making it the Silicon Valley of Mobility

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Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford calls for implementation of key policy reforms to ensure Michigan’s competitiveness and spur future innovation

• Bill Ford says Michigan can become the Silicon Valley of mobility, lead the generation of more high-tech jobs and help solve the challenge of urban mobility through integration of vehicle and communications technologies
• Ford announces Motor City Innovation Exchange, a collaboration between Ford Motor Company, TechShop Detroit, AutoHarvest and TechTown to encourage Michigan innovators and entrepreneurs; affordable work/hacker space and support also being offered to spur job-creating businesses

 

 

DEARBORN, Mich., May 31, 2012 – At today’s Mackinac Policy Conference, Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford calls for key policy reform and the need to foster innovation as critical to ensuring Michigan’s competitiveness and creating new, high-tech jobs.

 

“While Michigan is the home of the auto industry, the trends affecting our industry offer a great opportunity to make it the home of a variety of other industries as well,” said Bill Ford. “We are heading in the right direction to grow Michigan by putting the right policies in place and investing in Michigan’s future.”

 

Ford told delegates that the trends emerging in manufacturing, green technology and mobility demonstrate a great opportunity for Michigan to create a dynamic, diverse and growing economy that affirms the state as a global innovation center.

 

Manufacturing strength

Ford discussed the need to not only diversify Michigan’s economy but also build on its manufacturing history.

 

“No other sector of the economy creates as many spinoff jobs as the auto sector. For each job created in autos, nine more jobs are created to support it,” said Ford. “In the past two years, half of the new jobs that have been created here were manufacturing-related.”

 

Continuing to lead the green transformation

Ford also highlighted the benefits Michigan has realized by being at the center of exciting developments in green technology, including electric vehicles and battery innovation.

 

“At Ford, we have invested nearly a billion dollars to build electric vehicles and the battery packs that power them right here in Michigan,” said Ford.

 

“We want this technology to become a core competency for us in the 21^st century. And we are building the expertise to do that right here in our home state.”

 

Addressing urban mobility

While great strides have been made with green technology, Ford also discussed the pressures of a growing global population and the new challenge of global gridlock – the potential that the world will face a never-ending traffic jam that wastes time, energy and resources.

 

Ford outlined the company’s vision to address this global challenge in the company’s Blueprint for Mobility, announced earlier this year.

 

He also described urban mobility as the greatest opportunity for Michigan. Ford believes that tackling this challenge will pave a future for Michigan akin to the birth of a new Silicon Valley.

 

“To address this issue, we will once again need new technologies, as well as new ways of looking at the world,” explained Ford. “We will need to view the automobile as one element of a transportation ecosystem.”

 

Integrating the automobile with this new transportation ecosystem will require an incredible variety of high-tech and policy jobs, which should be based in Michigan, he said.

 

“This technology is in varying stages of development and deployment, but it promises to radically transform the experience of driving,” said Ford. “As it develops, I believe Michigan must become the Silicon Valley of the mobility revolution.”

 

Making Michigan competitive

Ford also outlined key public policy areas that will help improve Michigan’s competitiveness and ensure that the state realizes the full benefit of the impending mobility revolution. He called on policymakers to ensure policy was not holding back innovation and prosperity in Michigan. Ford argued for an updating of the state tax system by eliminating personal property taxes as well as investment in updating the electric grid.

 

He noted that there are encouraging signs of progress being made, citing a study released last fall by the TechAmerica Foundation that indicated Michigan added more high-tech jobs than any other state between 2009 and 2010.

 

“We can keep this momentum going if we are frank about the areas in which we can improve and we build upon our advantages,” Ford added.

 

Ford also noted that Michigan needs a world-class infrastructure and that its location on the U.S./Canada border provides Michigan with a unique advantage. He affirmed his support for the construction of a new crossing to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion, ensuring the timely flow of goods to support Michigan businesses.  

 

Ford support for innovation

Ford Motor Company also introduced a number of ways in which it is helping to encourage innovation in Michigan, including two new initiatives the company is announcing today.

 

These include the Motor City Innovation Exchange, a collaboration between Ford, TechShop Detroit, Wayne State University’s TechTown and AutoHarvest to help entrepreneurs commercialize their creations. The program provides a showroom for innovators to show off their creations to peers and potential customers.

 

Ford Land also announced the Jump Start Program, which offers startup suites, including space located near TechShop, to provide flexible, discounted work space and support for TechShop members who are ready to grow their businesses.

 

“All of these efforts are to encourage innovation, not just in our company, but throughout our state,” said Ford. “New ideas are a priceless resource, and the ultimate driver of economic growth.”

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