New Ford Fiesta Shatters Small-Car Mold: Best Projected Miles Per Gallon, Connectivity, Performance, Personality

• New Ford Fiesta bursts onto the scene with an impressive lineup of powertrain options anchored by the award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine that delivers a thrill-packed ride with unrivaled 40 mpg-plus 

• Fiesta is loaded with a dazzling array of features and technologies that proves small is smart

• Personalization features and hot new color combinations make the 2014 Ford Fiesta – on sale next year – a car that not only revels in the spotlight, but demands it

• Fiesta ST smokes the competition with the best performance in its class

Click to download images.

 

For more information, visit the 2014 Ford Fiesta Press Kit.

 

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2012 – Ford’s new Fiesta, which breaks cover at the Los Angeles Auto Show, will redefine the small car with a projected best 40 mpg-plus fuel economy rating, an exciting new look, and special features and technology that make it the most fun-to-drive car of its size.

 

“Customers want cars that are expressive and fun while offering class-leading fuel economy,” says Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Fiesta delivers all the excitement drivers are looking for in a car we believe will raise the bar even higher for small cars in North America.

 

“Our goal with this Fiesta was to take a car that was already a leader in fuel efficiency, performance, connectivity and personality, and make it even better,” Fields adds.

 

Fuel efficiency and fun

The most dramatic and distinctive Fiesta to date will deliver the best miles per gallon among its rivals, led by Ford’s patented new 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine. This landmark engine, already selected for both the Popular Mechanics 2012 Breakthrough Award and Engine Technology International’s International Engine of the Year Award in Europe, is expected to deliver more than 40 mpg.

 

With that, Fiesta is projected to be the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid subcompact in America, and stands as a shining example of Ford’s commitment to provide consumers with the most fuel-efficient cars, SUVs and trucks.

 

While the diminutive size of the 1.0-liter EcoBoost saves cash at the pump, it doesn’t hold anything back on the road. At 123 horsepower for each liter of engine displacement (the engine’s size), the 1.0-liter EcoBoost delivers more power for its size than a Lamborghini Aventador (at 108 horsepower per liter).  

 

EcoBoost is fundamental to Ford’s strategy to provide technologically advanced, high-output, smaller-displacement powertrains that deliver uncompromised performance and fuel economy. EcoBoost engines deliver fuel economy gains of up to 20 percent and reduction of CO₂ emissions of up to 15 percent, compared with larger, less-efficient engines. Ford’s leadership with EcoBoost has resulted in more than 125 patents on the technology. Currently, more than 500,000 vehicles have this engine and by 2013 more than 1.3 million will have EcoBoost.

 

Small is smart

In addition to its new EcoBoost engine, Fiesta boasts a best-in-class suite of technologies and features that give drivers the perfect blend of a connected world and an untethered driving experience.

 

A new MyFord Touch^®  system with 6.5-inch touch screen that features enhanced voice control is now available, providing drivers more options than ever for navigation, communication and entertainment functions. Fiesta still features SYNC^® AppLink^™ capabilities pioneered on the first Fiesta, which allows drivers to access and control Ford-approved smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls while on the go, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. Turn-by-turn navigation remains part of SYNC Services.

 

Ford’s MyKey^® is a new feature on Fiesta, which enables parents in particular to encourage safer driving and limit their teenagers’ exposure to risk at the wheel. The system allows owners to configure maximum speed and audio volume limits. It also mutes audio until seat belts are fastened and ensures driver aids, safety systems and more vigorous alerts cannot be deactivated when used.

 

“This car was built for the digital generation,” says John Schneider, Ford chief engineer, Upperbody Electronics. “With Bluetooth^® connectivity and MP3 capabilities, tech-savvy people who use social media to be constantly connected with the world around them won’t be slowed down when they get in this car.

 

“It has always been the belief at Ford that entry-level drivers deserve the best technology,” Schneider adds. “We launched SYNC AppLink on Fiesta, and now transitioning to MyFord Touch with this new touch screen enables us to go further in our quest to give drivers the best in in-car electronics.”

 

Built to excite the right-brain driver

Proving to be every bit as creative as its owner, the new Fiesta will offer custom exterior design graphics and sexy new color options. The redesigned exterior boasts a sporty new grille that reflects the new face of Ford.

 

Inside, things are just as expressive. The cell phone-inspired dashboard and available leather steering wheel and seats amplify the modern interior and entice drivers to get in the car and get on the move. A selection of ambient lighting options allows Fiesta drivers to set just the mood they want. Also available is a new Sony HD audio/satellite radio with eight premium speakers for drivers to more fully appreciate their music.

 

Big on safety

This continues to be a small car that is big on safety. Fiesta offers the following standard safety features:

 

• AdvanceTrac^® with Electronic Stability Control
• Dual-stage first-row airbags
• Driver knee airbag
• Side-impact airbags
• Side-curtain airbags
• Four-wheel anti-lock braking system
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Child-safety rear locks
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer
• Improved side-impact safety capabilities

Fiesta ST pushes performance

Fiesta ST is Ford’s newest contribution to the world of hot hatches.

 

A new high-output variant of the award-winning 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine propels Fiesta ST with an anticipated 197 horsepower and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. In comparison, Mini Cooper S makes do with 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft., while Chevrolet Sonic RS produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb.-ft.

 

Unlike the competition, Fiesta ST doesn’t simply look like a performance car; it’s got the guts to back it up.

 

Fiesta ST may be born with racing DNA, but there’s no price for that performance at the pump. Available exclusively as a five-door hatchback in North America and with a six-speed manual transmission, Fiesta ST is projected to achieve up to 34 mpg.

New 2014 Ford Fiesta Adds MyFord Touch with Improved Voice Recognition, Navigation and Phone Pairing

• 2014 Ford Fiesta comes to market with one of the most comprehensive suite of in-car connectivity technology features available in a small car: SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® featuring a new 6.5-inch LCD touch screen

• The technology is driving up purchase consideration and appeal of Ford products, proven by internal data showing new vehicles ordered with MyFord Touch exceed expectations

• Ford, working with Microsoft, continues to improve MyFord Touch with new capabilities and features including more natural and accurate voice recognition, simpler Bluetooth^® phone pairing and better navigation controls

Click to download images.

 

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2012 – The latest trend in consumer electronics is the miniaturization of the gadgets we love, while packing them with even more performance such as a razor-thin phone that doesn’t bulge in a pocket, smaller tablets that can be held with one hand, or music players that can be worn on the wrist. Ford is following suit, and beginning next year it will offer MyFord Touch^® with a new 6.5-inch LCD touch screen available on the 2014 Ford Fiesta.

 

“Technology features are important to all of our customers including small car buyers, and MyFord Touch continues to drive up purchase consideration of our vehicles,” says Michelle Moody, Ford cross-vehicle marketing manager. “MyFord Touch is appealing to customers, as it consistently ranks among the top 10 purchase considerations with new owners. We’re excited to bring it to the small car segment, where it will really help Fiesta stand out from the crowd.”

 

The migration of this technology comes right as Ford hits the five-year anniversary of its award-winning SYNC^® in-vehicle connectivity system that was co-developed with Microsoft; more than 5 million cars and trucks have been sold with the system. Ford first launched SYNC on the 2008 Focus, then its smallest and most affordable car. Now, unveiling MyFord Touch for Fiesta cements Ford’s commitment to making technology affordable and accessible to everyone.

 

“We are seeing strong brand lift from MyFord Touch amongst in-market shoppers, with 65 percent of those intending to purchase a vehicle reporting SYNC definitely plays a role in their purchase consideration,” says Moody. “Take rates for MyFord Touch on new vehicle orders, such as the 2013 Escape and Fusion, continue to outpace our internal projections. We expect the same trend for Fiesta.”

 

Besides the new MyFord Touch 6.5-inch color touch screen, which is an upgrade over the currently available 4-inch screen, the 2014 Fiesta will launch with the latest SYNC software that adds new features including:

 

• Simplified Bluetooth^® phone pairing: When pairing, the driver simply has to hit “OK” if the PIN on the phone and touch screen match each other
• More natural voice recognition: Drivers can now simply say “Play <name>” when requesting a specific artist, song, album or genre of music (i.e. “Play jazz” versus “Play genre jazz”)
• Improved voice recognition accuracy: The latest version of Nuance’s speech software, VoCon^® 3200 v4.2, improves overall voice recognition performance
• Flattened audio command structure: At any time, drivers can say the station frequency, “AM 760,” or the official name of the Sirius station, like “Hits 1,” to tune in; drivers no longer need to say “Radio” or “Sirius” to indicate their desire to listen to those audio sources
• Simplified navigation controls: The destination entry screen has been improved to help make it easier to enter an address

With MyFord Touch powered by Microsoft, Fiesta drivers will be able to stay connected to their lives, easily getting the information and entertainment they want while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Ford Focus Earns Top Safety Rating from NHTSA

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2013 Ford Focus its top safety rating, a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in its New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

• The Focus was designed to with safety in mind with its next-generation airbags and AdvanceTrac^®with electronic stability control

• The driver’s side airbag uses a specially designed curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes

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DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 23, 2012 – The 2013 Ford Focus received a top safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The Focus earned a five-star Overall Vehicle Score in NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing, which combines vehicle performance in frontal and side-impact crash tests and a resistance to rollover evaluation.

 

“The new Focus is another example of Ford’s commitment to safety and NHTSA’s NCAP program has recognized this fact,” said Steve Kenner, global director of the Automotive Safety Office. “The Focus is built with technologies from bumper to bumper to help reduce occupant injury risk when a crash is unavoidable.”

 

Focus was designed with next-generation front and side airbag technologies to tailor deployment to individual occupants. Focus also includes segment-exclusive Safety Canopy® curtain airbags.

 

The driver’s airbag uses a specially designed curve-shaped tether system that pulls in the lower section to create a “pocket” to help lessen the impact of the airbag on the driver’s chest and ribs in frontal crashes. Innovative seat mounted side airbags feature unique shoulder vents which are designed to line up with the shoulder area of a larger occupant keeping the side airbag from venting. On smaller passengers, the effect is just the opposite because the occupant’s shoulder is below the vent, the gas vents out of the airbag.

 

The following safety and driver assist technologies are available on the 2013 Ford Focus:

 

• AdvanceTrac^® with electronic stability control helps the vehicle maintain its intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw (or skidding), by monitoring the vehicle’s speed, throttle position and steering wheel angle, and when wheel slip is sensed, reduces engine torque and applies selected brakes;

• Ford SYNC®, co-developed with Microsoft and using Nuance Communications voice recognition technology, allows customers to bring digital media players and Bluetooth®-enabled mobile phones into their vehicles and operate the devices via voice commands or with the steering wheel’s supplemental audio controls;

• MyKey® allows parents to program any key through the vehicle message center to limit the volume on the stereo, top speed, block incoming phone calls and texts and make sure a child is buckled up before using the audio system; and

• Active park assist uses an ultrasonic-based sensing system and electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) to position the vehicle for parallel parking, calculate the optimal steering angle and quickly steer the vehicle into a parking spot.

Ford Motor Company Pro Bono Work Shines with Industry Award

• Ford’s Office of the General Counsel is recognized with the Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO) Partner Award for serving the legal needs of individuals, families and local nonprofits

• Ford partners with Dykema Gossett PLLC, Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. (LAD) and Michigan Community Resources (MCR) for two pioneering community projects

• This is first time Ford has received the CPBO Partner Award for their pro bono work

Click to download image.

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2012 – Corporate Pro Bono (CPBO) honored Ford Motor Company recently with the CPBO Partner Award for its pro bono partnerships to serve the needs of the local community. This is the first time Ford has received the prestigious honor, which recognizes the company’s commitment to good corporate citizenship.

 

“At Ford, we have a strategic goal to provide opportunities for our attorneys to perform meaningful pro bono service,” said David Leitch, general counsel and group vice president of Ford Motor Company. “It’s important to support the communities in which we build and sell vehicles. This award recognizes the hard work of our Ford team and builds the momentum for our pro bono work for 2013.”

 

CPBO is a partnership project of the Pro Bono Institute (PBI) and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). The CPBO award recognizes unique pro bono partnerships between in-house legal departments, law firms and public interest organizations.

 

Looking to revamp its pro bono program in 2009, Ford partnered with Dykema Gossett PLLC, Legal Aid and Defender Association, Inc. (LAD) and Michigan Community Resources (MCR) and created two new pro bono projects to directly serve community needs. The programs also aligned Ford’s pro bono program with the automaker’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

 

“These unique partnerships epitomize using pro bono to help close the justice gap at the local level,” said PBI President and CEO Esther F. Lardent. “We commend these organizations for working together to better serve communities that are in need.”

 

Ford pro bono partner programs include:

 

• Food Stamp Clinic: The Food Stamp Clinic, developed with Ford and LAD, was designed to identify individuals and families who are either eligible to receive food stamps and don’t or are not receiving the amount to which they are entitled. In Detroit, more than one third of the population lives in poverty, making it one of the poorest large cities in America, yet its citizens were underutilizing the food stamp program. With Ford’s help, the partnership has helped hundreds of clinic participants and has identified tens of thousands of dollars in benefits.

• Nonprofit Survival Series Clinics: Ford, Dykema and MCR developed the Nonprofit Survival Series Clinics to help ensure local nonprofits can continue to serve their constituents. At the clinics, Ford attorneys consult with community-based nonprofit organizations to identify legal issues that threaten their viability and ability to operate. At the beginning of each clinic, Dykema attorneys provide training to Ford volunteers on common issues that nonprofits face, particularly recession-related financial pressures and declining resources. More than 40 percent of the attorneys in Ford’s Office of the General Counsel have participated since the first clinic in 2009, and the program continues to expand in response to community need with the launch of a Contract Review Clinic.

“The fact that more than 40 percent of the lawyers in Ford Motor Company’s Office of the General Counsel participated in the clinics speaks volumes to Ford’s dedication and level of commitment,” stated Veta T. Richardson, president and CEO of the Association of Corporate Counsel. “Ford’s leadership and service to the community sets a high standard for all organizations. Most importantly, Ford’s program demonstrates that good corporate citizenship is possible even during times of economic downturns.”

Award-Winning 1.0-Liter EcoBoost Engine Coming to North America Next Year in the New Ford Fiesta

• Ford’s newest EcoBoost^® engine is expected to deliver the best fuel economy of any non-hybrid car sold in America

• Ford’s patented 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine will be the most refined and powerful in its class

• Global sales of EcoBoost engines are at 520,000 units and growing fast

Click to download JPG.

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2012 – The new 2014 Ford Fiesta on sale next year will be the first vehicle available in the United States with Ford’s award-winning 1.0-liter EcoBoost^® engine. Though the car has not yet undergone EPA testing, it is expected to be certified as the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid car available in the United States.

 

The smallest engine available in its class, Ford’s patented 1.0-liter EcoBoost won’t be short on power, torque or refinement. The smooth, quiet-running engine is projected to produce 123 horsepower and peak torque of 148 lb.-ft.

 

“Customers are going to be pleasantly surprised at what the smallest member of the EcoBoost engine family can do,” said Joe Bakaj, Ford vice president of Powertrain Engineering. “Most customers are not going to be thinking about the number of cylinders under the hood when they drive the new 1.0-liter EcoBoost Fiesta. They’ll notice an extremely smooth and quiet idle, terrific acceleration accompanied by a sporty sound at high revs, and – most importantly – outstanding fuel economy.”

 

The newest member of Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family, the 1.0-liter will join the most fuel-efficient lineup in Ford Motor Company’s history. Next year, Ford will offer eight vehicles rated at 40 mpg or higher – double today’s total, and more than any other automaker. Ford tops Toyota in fuel economy in every segment in which both companies compete.

 

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine in the Fiesta expands Ford’s power of choice strategy by giving customers interested in a very fuel-efficient car a new alternative.

 

Pricing is not yet set, but as with the other EcoBoost engines available across Ford’s car, truck, SUV and crossover lineup, the 1.0-liter will be a very affordable option. Adding an EcoBoost engine costs about $995 in most Ford vehicles.

 

“Many customers would like the fuel efficiency of a modern diesel or a hybrid, but can’t stretch their budgets to cover the cost premium,” said Bakaj. “That’s where the EcoBoost Fiesta fits in. It will offer a highly fuel-efficient alternative at a lower cost.”

 

Newest EcoBoost engine – a game changer

The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is unlike any engine in Ford’s 109-year history. Not only is it the company’s first three-cylinder engine, but it debuts many new technologies never before seen in a Ford vehicle. These include an offset crankshaft; variable oil pump; split cooling system; external-balancing, super-small, responsive turbocharger; and a timing belt immersed in engine oil.

 

The result of the 1.0-liter’s advanced design is a quiet, smooth-running engine that develops roughly the same output as a 1.6-liter four-cylinder. But with about 25 percent fewer moving parts, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost is able to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions.

 

“We really focused on reducing the amount of energy the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine uses by paying very close attention to such things as bearing sizes, piston ring tension and thermal management,” said Bob Fascetti, director, Ford Global Engine Engineering. “For instance, we decided not to use a balance shaft in the engine because it adds weight and increases friction or parasitic losses. So we balance the engine externally with the crankshaft pulley and flywheel.”

 

Super-successful debut

Since being launched in the spring in the Ford Focus in Europe, the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has established itself as one of the most noteworthy engines of 2012. In April it was voted International Engine of the Year by a jury of 76 journalists from 36 countries. In June it set 16 land speed records at a racetrack in France. In October the 1.0-liter EcoBoost was given a Breakthrough Award from Popular Mechanics magazine, and this month the engine won the prestigious DeWar Trophy in Great Britain.

 

In Europe, where the diesel engine is king, the 1.0-liter engine now accounts for about 30 percent of sales in the Focus. The 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine is just now launching in the B-MAX and C-MAX, and will also be offered in the all-new Mondeo.

 

The 1.0-liter engine is the fourth member of Ford’s global EcoBoost engine family. Since launch in 2009, Ford has sold more than 520,000 EcoBoost-equipped vehicles globally and expects volume to grow to 1.6 million in 2013.

 

Ford has more than 125 patents on its EcoBoost engine technology, and the number of patents continues to grow.

 

EcoBoost combines turbocharging with gasoline direct injection and variable valve timing to allow a smaller engine to replace a larger one with no loss of performance and at least a 20 percent gain in fuel economy.

 

“We’re extremely proud of the amazing success the 1.0-liter EcoBoost engine has achieved in such a short time,” said Bakaj. “We think it will do extremely well here in the United States. With the 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine in the F-150, we learned customers will embrace smaller engines as long as you don’t ask them to sacrifice performance. The 1.0-liter will deliver three things that matter most to our customers – value for the dollar, terrific fuel economy and great performance.”

GE to Purchase 2,000 Ford C-MAX Energi Plug-in Hybrids; Companies Collaborate with Georgia Tech to Accelerate Alternative Fuel Vehicle Adoption and Research

• GE will purchase 2,000 C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids – Ford’s largest-ever plug-in electrified vehicle fleet sale – as part of GE’s commitment to convert half of its global fleet to alternative fuel vehicles

• C-MAX Energi is America’s most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid with a 108 MPGe city EPA rating and a 620-mile single-tank range that will benefit GE’s sales and service professionals – many who drive more mileage daily than average commuters

• Ford will promote GE’s WattStation™ charging station and CNG in a Box™ natural gas fueling station with its commercial buyers. Ford will also supply new alternative fuel vehicles for use at GE’s Vehicle Innovation Center

• Georgia Institute of Technology researchers to study GE employee driving and charging habits through innovative MyFord® Mobile app to help optimize all-electric driving

Click to download images.

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 20, 2012 – Ford Motor Company today announces a collaboration with GE (NYSE: GE), in which the company will purchase 2,000 Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrids for its fleet – Ford’s largest-ever plug-in electrified vehicle fleet sale. Ford will also jointly market GE’s alternative fuel infrastructure solutions.

 

For GE, the purchase of 2,000 Ford C-MAX Energi vehicles is another step in the company’s initiative to convert half of its global fleet to alternative fuel vehicles as part of its commitment to ecomagination. The addition of the Ford vehicles brings the number of alternative fuel vehicles in GE’s fleet to more than 5,000 in its goal of 25,000 vehicles.

 

“Ford is launching six new electrified vehicles – a big bet that fuel prices will continue rising and lead to more demand for advanced fuel-efficient vehicles,” says Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. “We are pleased to partner with GE, a company that is charting a similar course, to promote advanced technology and energy savings.”

 

Mark Vachon, vice president of ecomagination at GE, says, “At GE, we are focused on providing our customers and our fleet with more economically and environmentally efficient vehicles. The Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid is a great addition to our expanding fleet of alternative fuel vehicles.”

 

The two companies will also work with researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology to study GE employee driving and charging habits, with the goal of improving all-electric driving and charging performance. Researchers will use Ford’s MyFord^® Mobile app – with real-time battery charge status and value charging that automatically recharges at lower-cost, off-peak electricity rates.

 

“Understanding driving and charging habits is key to advancing vehicle and charging infrastructure,” says Professor Bert Bras of the Sustainable Design & Manufacturing laboratory at Georgia Tech. “Through access to vehicle data, we can accelerate research and development of new technologies to further improve efficiency, driver satisfaction and environmental benefits.”

 

Study findings will be shared with commercial customers to provide insights and help facilitate deployment of electric vehicles in their own fleets amid a growing electric vehicle infrastructure that now includes more than 10,000 public charging stations across the country.

 

Ecomagination is GE’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that maximize resources, drive economic performance and help make the world work better.

 

Max efficiency

With many Americans facing record gasoline prices, Ford is committed to deliver eight vehicles by year-end that deliver 40 mpg or more.

 

The all-new Ford C-MAX Energi is America’s most fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid with an EPA- estimated 108 miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) city rating and 100 MPGe combined rating. C-MAX Energi is expected to be America’s most affordable plug-in hybrid with a starting price of $29,995, after federal tax credit and including destination and delivery costs.

 

The C-MAX Energi joins the C-MAX Hybrid as part of Ford’s first hybrid-only dedicated line of vehicles. C-MAX Hybrid, available in dealerships this fall, is America’s most fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle with EPA ratings of 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined.

 

The C-MAX hybrids are on sale now and part of Ford’s strategy to deliver the power of choice for leading fuel economy across the lineup that includes six electrified vehicles. The other EVs are:

 

• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid expected to achieve at least 100 MPGe to become the world’s most fuel-efficient sedan
• Fusion Hybrid at 47 mpg city, highway and combined is America’s most fuel-efficient, non-rechargeable sedan
  Focus Electric at 105 MPGe combined is America’s most fuel-efficient five-seat car
• Lincoln MKZ Hybrid coming later this year and expected to remain the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America

More information about C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi can be found here.

 

Fueling infrastructure

Ford will promote GE’s WattStation^™ charging station and CNG in a Box^™ natural gas fueling station with its commercial customers. GE’s WattStation is an easy-to-use electric vehicle charger that significantly decreases the time needed for vehicle charging. The WattStation uses smart grid technology and comes with an app that helps customers more easily locate vehicle electricity sources. GE’s ecomagination qualified CNG in a Box is a fully integrated CNG fueling supply system offering cost-effective plug-and-play simplicity for fleet and retail fueling stations seeking to offer CNG fuel.

 

Ford also will supply new alternative fuel vehicles for use at GE’s Vehicle Innovation Center at the headquarters of GE’s fleet management business in Eden Prairie, Minn. The Vehicle Innovation Center gives GE’s commercial customers the opportunity to learn about and test-drive alternative fuel cars and trucks from a variety of manufacturers in a single location with assistance from GE’s fleet, transportation, energy and advanced technology experts. Ford already has placed its pure electric Focus at the center.

New Ford Multicultural Marketing Campaign Showcases All-New Ford Fusion and Delivers a Riveting Message to African American Community; Campaign Features Tupac Shakur’s Poem, ‘The Rose That Grew from Concrete’

• Ford’s newest multicultural marketing campaign tied to the all-new Ford Fusion features the poem by the late Tupac Shakur, “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” which symbolizes the Fusion’s breakthrough in performance, style and innovation – a transformation of consumer expectations of midsize sedans

• The campaign launches today and features TV ads, print, radio and a digital execution that highlight the breakthrough styling and design of the all-new Ford Fusion

• The digital portion of the campaign features a series of Web videos that emphasize the inspiration behind the design of the Fusion

 

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 19, 2012 – There’s no denying that the all-new Ford Fusion has broken the mold when it comes to the design of a midsize sedan. This truth has become the inspiration behind the development of Ford’s newest advertising campaign targeting the African American community. The inspiring campaign demonstrates the continued commitment from Ford to “go further” in bringing game-changing products to its consumers.

 

The campaign, called “A Rose,” debuts today and includes a TV advertisement in which consumers witness members of a Ford product team creating a breakthrough product by chiseling a large block of concrete into the all-new midsize sedan. The ad, which features Andre Royo from HBO’s “The Wire,” includes a voiceover reciting the late Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew from Concrete.”

 

“The all-new Ford Fusion is such a breakthrough vehicle for Ford,” said Shawn Thompson, Ford manager, Multicultural Marketing. “The late Tupac Shakur’s poem, “The Rose That Grew from Concrete,” is the perfect description for the way the new Fusion’s design came to be. As it’s described in the words of the poem, the Fusion is a clear testimony of what we can do if we keep our dreams.

 

“This campaign breaks completely away from anything we’ve done in the past to introduce consumers to a new vehicle utilizing a poem by one of hip hop’s most celebrated artists,” Thompson added. “This campaign, like the poem, has an inspiring message at its core.”

 

The fully integrated campaign also includes radio and print ads in addition to a digital execution featuring a series of Web videos that will live on www.ford.com/brandnew. The videos feature interviews with some of the team members behind the design of the all-new vehicle. The Web videos can be found on the Ford Fusion YouTube channel and Ford Fusion Facebook page beginning today.

 

The TV advertisements will air on broadcast networks that include BET, TV One and NBA on TNT; the print ads will be featured in a number of leading African American print publications that will include “ESSENCE” and “JET” magazines.

 

The Ford Fusion has a sleek design and equips consumers with seven must-have technologies, including an available Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch^®. In addition to its technology features, Fusion offers the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

 

“We hope this campaign gets consumers buzzing about this segment-defining vehicle,” said Thompson. “The Ford Fusion truly sets itself apart from all other midsize vehicles in the segment and this new advertising campaign is just a first glimpse of that.”

 

The entire advertising campaign was created by UniWorld Group, Ford’s African American advertising agency of record.

 

The new Fusion is on sale now at Ford dealerships.