The 2010 Mustang builds on the safety success of the 2008 Mustang, which became the first sports car and the first convertible to earn five-stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for frontal crash, side impact and rollover tests.

The Mustang's considerable body stiffness contributes to its driving performance and has an added benefit in accident protection. While the coupe's body structure is 31 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity than its predecessor, the convertible's is more than twice as stiff ? creating a "safety cage" that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The front structure is designed to absorb and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. The Mustang's front rails have an octagonal shape designed to spread forces evenly at the firewall and progressively deform for increased protection in offset frontal crashes.

Protective sun-drenched driving
The 2010 Ford Glass Roof Mustang offers consumers convertible-like driving without the need for sunscreen, because its factory-installed panoramic glass roof filters 90 percent of the sun's heat-generating infrared (IR) rays and 96 percent of burn-causing ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The UV-filtering capability of the new Mustang's fixed glass roof is comparable to sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of approximately 50, which exceeds the dermatologist-recommended sunscreen strength of at least SPF-15.

The glass roof's ability to filter IR rays reduces heat load in the cabin so that occupants remain comfortable while enjoying the sun. The reflective glass also reduces energy used by the vehicle's air conditioner system while protecting the interior fabric from fading and deteriorating.

Good for the soul
Sun-soaked cruising is the convertible and Glass Roof Mustang's top appeal factor. Scientific studies show that increased exposure to sunshine or bright light is therapeutic because it regulates the body's synthesis of melatonin, a mood-regulating hormone that modulates the circadian cycle of sleep and wakefulness. Sunshine also triggers the body's conversion to active vitamin D, considered to be an effective natural remedy for "the blues."

Health experts caution that cool breezes in convertibles can misleadingly mask the sun's harmful rays as occupants may not feel as hot as when they're stationary under the sun. Therefore, dermatologists recommend the use of sun-block lotion or moisturizer with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher prior for top-down drives.

Roof glass popularity rising
According to J.D. Power feature content research, 62 percent of buyers in the sports car segment wanted a sunroof/moon roof on their next vehicle. Since its introduction in 2008, the Glass Roof Mustang ? which is available as an option on both the V-6 model and the GT ? has accounted for 10 percent of all Mustang sales. The convertible accounts for 25 percent of Mustang sales, and sell most strongly down south in California, Florida, Texas and Georgia.

Mustang is just one Ford model that features ample sunlight and generous views. The 2010 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex, Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX also offer sun-splashed driving enjoyment with an optional panoramic roof glass that is privacy tinted for the occupants' comfort and protection.

According to CSM Worldwide, over the last five years panoramic sunroofs have doubled in the popularity in North America. The installation of tilt/slide type sunroofs will remain dominant, followed by panoramic and spoiler types throughout 2011.

The promise of Ford's 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine ? with its unique combination of power and efficiency that helps puts the new 2010 Lincoln MKS among the class leaders in both fuel economy and power ? is now a reality. The 2010 Lincoln MKS with the premium EcoBoost engine option puts down a healthy 355 horsepower and 350 ft.-lb. of torque, and now officially is running with the fastest in its class and returning better mileage in the process. What's more surprising is that when the new Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost goes on sale this summer, it will be the most fuel efficient all-wheel-drive Lincoln MKS consumers can buy, topping the normally-aspirated all-wheel-drive model by 1 mpg city and 2 mpg highway. More power, more mpg ? that's a compelling story.

 

The 2010 Ford Mustang coupe has earned the government top 5-star crash-test rating, adding to widespread acclaim for the new car's unmistakable design and upgraded performance that builds on the formula that?s made it America's favorite pony car for 45 years. Ford has more U.S. government 5-star-rated vehicles than any other brand and more Top Safety Pick ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety than any other automaker.

Structurally Strong
The new Mustang uses high strength steel in its body structure and uses ultra high strength steel in the door intrusion beams for additional side impact protection.

The Mustang's considerable body stiffness contributes to the coupe and convertible's driving performance and has a parallel benefit in accident protection. While the coupe's body structure is approximately 31 percent stiffer than the previous Mustang platform, the convertible's is more than twice as stiff - creating a structure that helps protect the cabin from deformation and intrusion during an impact.

The front structure's crush zones are computer-designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and help dissipate it before it can reach the passenger compartment. Ford engineers have run thousands of design iterations of the Mustang's front rails to arrive at an octagonal shape that helps spread crash forces evenly to help protect occupants.

Technologically Advanced
State-of-the-art technology adds to the convenience and safety of the 2010 Mustang, from the availability of the latest version of Ford SYNC®, with new features 911 Assist and Vehicle Health Report, to standard AdvanceTrac® Electronic Stability Control, which complements the all-speed traction control and standard anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Additional standard safety equipment includes Beltminder® and the Personal Safety System- a system that includes dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, safety belt pretensioners and Beltminder.

Sales Leader
Mustang remains the number one selling sports car by a wide margin, with the new 2010 model driving showroom traffic. In April, Mustang had nearly a 40 percent share of the retail sports car segment.

QUOTES:

"The Mustang offers top safety ratings that, like its design and performance, other sports cars cannot match."- Sue Cischke, Ford Group Vice President of Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

"We've made many upgrades to the new Mustang that contributes not only to the car's safety, but also to its driving enjoyment thanks to a stiffer structure". ? Steve Kozak, Ford Chief Engineer for Safety Systems

"Interest in the fast, fun and affordable Mustang remains outstanding. The feedback from our dealers and customers is that we've taken the new 2010 Mustang to a new level of excellence." -  Steve Ling, Ford Car Marketing Manager 

• Ford Taurus, the brand's flagship product, defines what to expect from Ford's future car portfolio: cutting-edge technology, benchmark driving dynamics, premier quality, advanced safety features and unsurpassed value
• Taurus offers more technology features - 10 of them class-exclusive - more than costly premium sedans price
• Taurus SHO returns with a 365-horsepower EcoBoost? V-6, all-wheel drive and paddle-shift six-speed SelectShift Automatic? gearbox

The Ford Taurus - the car that changed Canada's view of sedans - is all-new for 2010, with an expressive design, impeccable driving dynamics, class-leading technologies and unsurpassed value.

"This new sedan completely redefines expectations of what Taurus stands for ? and what Ford is capable of delivering - quality, fuel-efficient vehicles featuring the latest technologies and head-turning design," said Mark Fields, president of The Americas.

Available this summer, the 2010 Taurus will start at the same price as the 2009 model - but with more class-leading features, new technologies and craftsmanship that rivals premium-priced sedans. Taurus available technologies - 10 of which cannot be found on any other cars in its segment - Taurus delivers on consumer needs and wants by enhancing the driving experience.

These class-exclusive technologies include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning with Brake Support
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Alert
• MyKey
• SecuriCode Keyless Entry Keypad
• Voice-Activated Navigation with SIRIUS® Travel Link
• Ford SYNC® with Traffic, Directions and Information
• Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion
• Easy Fuel Capless Fuel-Filler
• 3.5L EcoBoost Twin Turbo Engine with Direct Injection
• Sony® Surround Sound System

Powerful Design
Taurus' exterior design is sculpted and athletic, making the new car even more upscale. Inside, the forward-leaning centerstack and sporty driver-oriented interior have been created with unbroken lines, reflecting attention to detail. Precision craftsmanship is reflected in high-quality interior materials, as well as exterior panel margins comparable to costly German sedans.

Impeccable Driving Dynamics
Matching its more athletic looks, the new Taurus features sporty driving dynamics. Handling reflects Ford DNA, combining responsive steering and road-holding with comfortable, compliant ride qualities.

Standard is Ford's award-winning Duratec® 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering impressive power and fuel economy and available in front- or all-wheel drive. The Taurus SHO has a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, delivering the power of a V-8, without compromise to its V-6 fuel efficiency. The SHO transfers its 365 horsepower and 350 ft.-lbs. of torque through a 6-speed SelectShift Automatic gearbox, featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and all-wheel drive.

  Taurus chassis tuning has been enhanced with increased roll stiffness and more responsive steering. A new rear suspension configuration improves ride quality, adds agility, saves weight and enables use of 19- and 20-inch wheels and tires.

Taurus driving dynamics, driveline performance and fuel efficiency combine to provide sedan buyers with exceptional value.

Safety Sustained
Taurus safety begins with a body structure optimized for strength and stiffness. The energy-absorbing front structure features octagonal front frame rails, tunnel rails and "shotgun" front structural members designed to absorb and redirect crash forces away from the passenger compartment.

Also included are dual-stage driver and front passenger air bags, side impact air bags and Safety Canopy® with rollover sensor - a Ford exclusive protection system featuring side curtain air bags that help protect front and rear outboard passengers in both rollover and side impact crashes.

The 2010 Ford Taurus will be built at Ford?s Chicago (Ill.) Assembly Plant.

Ford's 2010 Fusion Hybrid

- The Ford Fusion Hybrid team will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles for more than 43 continuous hours - on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process

- The most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America - the Fusion Hybrid driven by a team of Ford hybrid engineers, a fuel efficiency expert and a NASCAR star, will have to achieve an average of at least 57 mpg on the challenge to reach its goal

- By using Eco-Driving techniques engineers have achieved 70 mpg during testing of the Ford Fusion Hybrid in preparation for the challenge

- Consumers can improve their own vehicle's fuel economy performance is by adopting Ford's "Eco-Driving" tips used for the 1,000-Mile Challenge

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

DEARBORN, Mich., April 2 -- This weekend, the 2010 Ford (NYSE:F) Fusion Hybrid is being put to the ultimate fuel-efficiency test. A team of drivers, including NASCAR star Carl Edwards and world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, will attempt to drive more than 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

The 1,000-Mile Challenge starts at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and ends the morning of Monday, April 27, in Washington, D.C. The team will drive for more than 43 hours continuously to reach the 1,000-mile goal. The drivers will do stints of between two and three hours each and will have regular breaks to ensure safe driving is maintained. Already rated as the most fuel-efficient, mid-sized sedan in America, the Fusion Hybrid will need to average at least 57 mpg to achieve its goal. During preliminary testing in preparation for this challenge, Ford engineers have reached as much as 70 mpg in the Fusion Hybrid by using Eco-Driving techniques.

The team will run clinics for media and customers over the weekend in the Fusion Hybrid, conducting interviews and vehicle demonstrations on how simple techniques can make a significant difference to real world fuel economy numbers.

The Fusion Hybrid being used in the challenge will be a factory produced model with no modifications or alterations and will run on regular 87 octane gas.

The team will be uploading regular images and video to YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/fordstory), Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/fordmotorcompany), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/people/Kristopher- Spencer/1228149870), Twitter (http://twitter.com/Ford).

Carl Edwards, the NASCAR race star who recently bought his own 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, will take part of this event. Ford is taking on the 1,000-Mile Challenge for a number of reasons: -- To demonstrate Ford's commitment to be the best or amongst the best in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes; -- To highlight the crucial role the driver plays in maximizing fuel economy and demonstrate how consumers can make a difference through Eco-Driving; -- To raise awareness about Eco-Driving and how the Fusion Hybrid contributes to it with the ability to run up to 47 mph in pure electric mode; and -- To raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid The mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team will use and pass on to consumers include: -- Slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure; -- Gradually accelerating and smoothly braking; -- Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions; -- Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear; -- Minimize use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine; -- Close windows at high speeds to reduce aerodynamic drag; -- Applying the "Pulse and Glide" technique while maintaining the flow of traffic; -- Minimize excessive engine workload by using the vehicle's kinetic forward motion to climb hills, and use downhill momentum to build speed; and -- Avoiding bumps and potholes that can reduce momentum

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford's 2010 Escape, the small SUV with the best crash test ratings of any vehicle in its class, is increasing its technology leadership with the addition of five new features that improve safety, reduce driver distractions and aid drivers by automatically parallel parking their vehicle.

The new Escape, in showrooms this summer, will add MyKey(tm) teen-safety technology, Integrated Spotter Mirrors - both offered standard (MyKey on XLT and above models) - optional Rear View Camera System and SYNC with real-time Traffic, Directions and Information. The new model also will be the North America's first SUV to offer Active Park Assist, which 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.
The new technologies build on Escape's unsurpassed crash ratings - a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and 5-star government ratings in all crash tests. The Escape, which Kelley Blue Book editors recently named one of the "2009 Best New Family Vehicles," also is the only compact SUV to offer standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control) and a standard Safety Canopy® side  curtain air-bag system.

"The Ford Escape is one of few vehicles that earned both full 5-star crash ratings and a 'Top Safety Pick' in the small SUV segment," said Susan Cischke, Ford's group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. "These new technologies will help to take the new Escape to the next level of safety and driver satisfaction."

According to 2008 Ford market research data, nearly nine out of 10 Escape and Escape Hybrid buyers rank safety features - including the road-holding capability delivered by roll stability control - as one of their top purchase reasons.

COLOGNE, Germany - "The all-new Fiesta is one of the most stylish cars in the world." That is the verdict of 28 leading designers and design experts from 19 countries who have awarded the eye-catching Ford model a prestigious 'red dot' award for international product design.

The design professionals, who make up the award jury, said the Fiesta's design was "innovative and dynamic".

The red dot design awards are presented annually by Germany's Essen-based Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, and it's one of the world's largest design recognition programmes.

The independent jury assesses each entry against a series of criteria which includes innovation, design, functionality and quality. For the 2009 award, 3,231 submissions were received from 49 countries. The Fiesta was one of the products to be awarded a red dot for their outstanding design.

The awards, claimed by the organisers to be "an internationally recognised quality label for design excellence" are presented in three categories: product design, communication design and design concept. Within each category there are 17 product areas covering a broad diversity of goods, from sofas to caravans, watches to computers.

Previous automotive winners have included the Maserati Quattroporte, the Mercedes R Class and the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster

WAYNE, Mich., May 6, 2009 - Ford Motor Company said today it is investing $550 million to transform its Michigan Assembly Plant into a lean, green and flexible manufacturing complex that will build Ford's next-generation Focus global small car along with a new battery-electric version of the Focus for the North American market.

The plant, formerly the production site for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigators SUVs, is one of three North American light truck plants Ford is retooling to build fuel-efficient global small cars in the coming years. The new Focus will begin rolling off the line next year and the battery-electric version of the Focus - Ford's first all-electric passenger car - debuts in 2011.

As part of the retooling, Ford will consolidate its operations from Wayne Assembly Plant. When production launches in 2010, approximately 3,200 employees will be building the new Focus at Michigan Assembly Plant. At the plant, Ford and United Auto Workers are developing modern new operating practices to ensure high quality and even greater efficiency.

"The transformation of Michigan Assembly Plant embodies the larger transformation under way at Ford," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "This is about investing in modern, efficient and flexible American manufacturing. It is about fuel economy and the electrification of vehicles. It is about leveraging our expertise and vehicle platforms around the world and partnering with the UAW to deliver best-in-class global small cars. It is about skilled and motivated teams working together in new ways to create the future of automobile manufacturing in the United States."

The reinvention of Michigan Assembly, once one of the world's most profitable auto plants during the SUV boom of the late 1990s, is rooted in the fundamental strategic shift by Ford to leverage its global assets to bring six world-class small cars to the American market by the end of 2012. To produce the vehicles, Ford is converting three truck and SUV plants to car plants - Michigan Assembly, Cuautitlan Assembly in Mexico, which begins building the new Fiesta subcompact early next year; and Louisville (Ky.) Assembly, which will be converted to produce small vehicles from Ford's global Focus platform beginning in 2011.

The new Focus is being developed in Europe - where Ford is a leader in small cars - off a new global C-car platform. Over time, the new platform will be the basis for more than 2 million units annually around the world, including Focus and other derivatives, allowing Ford to leverage economies of scale to improve investment efficiency.

The zero-emission Focus battery-electric vehicle, which is being developed in partnership with Magna International, features a high-voltage electric motor powered by a high capacity Lithium Ion battery pack and charged by plugging in to a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet. The vehicle is one part of a larger strategy Ford announced in January to develop electric vehicles for North America quickly and affordably by leveraging its global platform capability.

In addition to the Focus battery electric vehicle, Ford is collaborating with Smith Electric to sell a Transit Connect battery electric commercial vehicle for North America in 2010. Ford's product plans also include a next-generation hybrid vehicle in 2012 and a plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012.

"We're changing from a company focused mainly on trucks and SUVs to a company with a balanced product lineup that includes even more high-quality, fuel-efficient small cars, hybrids and all-electric vehicles," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "As customers move to more fuel-efficient vehicles, we'll be there with more of the products they really want."

DEARBORN, Mich. - With a look born in the desert, the new Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Web page is a place enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the experience of driving a truck built to excel in the most extreme conditions. Launching today, the new Web page - www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor - highlights the expansive features of Ford's new high-performance off-road truck.

"We wanted to ensure the site is true to what Raptor is, emphasizing it as different and unique," said Eric Peterson, Ford's Truck and SUV communications manager. "Delivering Raptor's unique durability and performance is something only Ford can do, staying true to both our tough truck and racing heritage. We wanted to make that clear through the site."

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor simulator

• Ford F-150 SVT Raptor comes to life online with a new Web page designed to offer enthusiasts a closer look at the high-performance off-road truck

• A Ford F-150 SVT Raptor driving simulator visiting auto shows across the U.S. gives consumers the opportunity to experience off-roading in the desert

• 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor is a purpose-built, high-performance off-road truck versatile enough to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute

Unique Web Site Content
Unique applications on the site, like a 360-degree view, give consumers a thorough perspective of the truck and allow them to get a closer look at the features and functions that make it such a capable off-road vehicle. By clicking over components unique to the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, such as front shocks, engine, design cues and tires and wheels, visitors can learn more about what gives the truck its distinct personality.

Visitors also will get to see the truck in action, with videos demonstrating its capability in extreme terrain. One video showcases Raptor R, the racing version of the production Ford F-150 SVT Raptor developed by SVT and Ford Racing, by highlighting clips and interviews with key players from its successful racing debut at the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

In addition to the 360 view and videos, information and photos about the F-150 SVT Raptor will enhance the site. But these aren't glamour shots. These are Raptors in action.

"There are not a lot of pristine photos. People will see mud and dirt on it, doing the things only the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor can do," said Peterson. "Most websites have beauty shots, but we show how the truck is actually used."

Visitors to the Web site also can request a customized brochure or build an F-150 SVT Raptor with the content they desire.



Photo Credit : Ford Motor Company

Dealership makes commitment

Neil Scott, The Leader-Post

Published: Friday, April 18, 2008

Bruce Axelson, the owner of the new Capital Ford Lincoln dealership in Regina, was a proud man Thursday as he took visitors around to see his facilities.

"I dragged everybody into the bathroom, it wasn't necessary to take a pee,'' Axelson said, in a speech at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the dealership on Pasqua Street just north of the intersection of Pasqua and Rochdale Boulevard.

Axelson said the 50,000-square-foot building is designed to provide maximum comfort and services to customers -- and that includes washrooms that look a bit like what might be seen in an upscale hotel or restaurant.

Other features include a small movie theatre to keep customers entertained while waiting for car repairs to be completed, a customer cafeteria, and a granite fireplace in the customer service lounge.

There is also a showroom, ample vehicle repair bays, a parts department, and a staff consisting of close to 100 workers.

"The building was truly designed for the convenience of our customers and our staff,'' Axelson said. "We're excited about today and we're excited about our future.''

Capital Ford Lincoln is actually the descendant of the old Percival Ford business that operated for many years on Albert Street. But a decision was made to move to a new location, to expand and to change the name.

While exact figures were not being quoted Thursday, Axelson and other officials with the car dealership said millions of dollars were spent in making the move and constructing a larger building.

"This is a long-term commitment,'' Axelson said, adding the substantial investment in the new facility would not have been made if there was not a commitment to be in business selling Ford cars and trucks in Regina for many years to come.

Among the guests at Thursday's ribbon-cutting ceremony was Barry Engle, the CEO of Ford Canada.

"What you have here in Regina is absolutely incredible,'' Engle said, adding he and other senior Ford officials just said "wow'' when they toured the new facility.

"How about those washrooms?" Engle asked, adding he was very impressed with all aspects of the new vehicle sales and services establishment.

Auto dealerships "are the face of the Ford motor company'' and play a critical role in the success of Ford, Engle said.

While the North American auto industry has suffered its share of trials and tribulations in recent years, Engle said he is optimistic about the future at Ford.

New, exciting and environmentally friendly vehicles are to be brought out by Ford in the near future that will add to the strong line of products already offered by the company, Engle said.

"We've got a great story to tell,'' Engle said, adding the quality of cars manufactured by Ford can match up with anybody else's cars, including foreign competitors.

Coun. Jerry Flegel said the development of the Capital Ford Lincoln will add another "pillar'' to the continuing residential and commercial development of northwest Regina.

"More and more people will get to know that north Regina does exist,'' Flegel said.

A "grand opening sales event'' will be held today and Saturday.

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

Dealership makes commitment
	A pancake breakfast was part of the celebration Thursday when the Capital Ford Lincoln dealership had its ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1201 Pasqua St. N. Photograph by : Don Healy, Leader-Post