Ford's all-new 2011 Fiesta - an Internet star even before it goes on sale this summer - will now stand out on the highway with an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified 40 mpg rating, making it the most fuel efficient car in its class.

The Ford Fiesta 40 mpg, achieved with Ford's new six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, is 5 mpg better than the Honda Fit and 4 mpg better than the Toyota Yaris.

"The new Fiesta is yet another car in Ford's lineup that delivers class-leading fuel economy," said Barb Samardzich, vice president, Global Powertrain Engineering. "From Super Duty to Fusion Hybrid and the new Mustang V-6, Ford is committed to fuel economy leadership with every new vehicle it introduces in all segments."

Fiesta's class-leading fuel efficiency follows Fusion Hybrid - America's most fuel efficient midsize sedan - and other fuel economy champs such as the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid and Ford Ranger pickup. For 2011, the streak continues with the Mustang V-6, Ford Super Duty and now the responsive, sporty and economical Fiesta. Moving forward, Ford is committed to being a fuel economy leader in each segment in which it competes.

The Fiesta achieves its best-in-segment fuel figures thanks to a host of fuel-saving technologies not normally seen at this price level. To increase fuel economy, Fiesta features a new 1.6-liter Duratec® engine with Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing (Ti-VCT) that delivers 120 horsepower, an aggressive deceleration fuel shutoff and an engine accessory drive system that improves efficiency by reducing the energy it takes to power the air conditioner and alternator.

In addition, the Fiesta also features the PowerShift transmission, a six-speed automatic that combines the fuel benefits of a manual with the convenience of an automatic. Combine that with electric power-assisted steering, another fuel saver and some aerodynamic optimizations and you have a car that can go a long way on a single tank of fuel.

"We worked hard to deliver the class-leading fuel economy Ford is becoming synonymous for," said Steve Pintar, Fiesta chief nameplate engineer. "To be the only vehicle in the segment to deliver 40 mpg is something we feel consumers will appreciate."

The 2011 Fiesta with standard five-speed manual transmission is EPA rated at 28 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.

These efficiency innovations combine with the stylish and aerodynamically clean Fiesta body design to efficiently slip through the wind with both fuel savings and reduced wind noise.

Fiesta is built for North American markets at Ford's manufacturing facility in Cuautitlan, Mexico. The vehicle goes on sale in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback body styles - with the sedan starting at $13,995, including destination charges - at Ford dealerships this summer.

Source: Ford Motor Company

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- -- Ford Motor Company's (NYSE:F)

year-to-date hybrid sales are 73 percent higher than the same period in 2008, fueled by the introduction of hybrid versions of the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan.

-- More than 60 percent of the sales of Fusion Hybrid are by non-Ford owners - with more than 52 percent of those customers coming from import brands

-- Numbers of Ford Escape Hybrid taxis growing on streets of San Francisco and New York where vehicles in service have exceeded 300,000 miles since their introduction

-- Ford hybrids help "green" federal government fleets

Ford Motor Company's hybrid vehicle sales have risen 73 percent this year in sharp contrast to a 14-percent decline in hybrid sales across the industry.

The fuel economy and durability of hybrid versions of Ford Fusion and Escape, Mercury Milan and Mariner also are winning over large numbers of conquest customers, many of whom are previous import owners. Through September, Ford has sold 26,016 hybrid vehicles, up 73 percent versus the same period in 2008, according to figures from Autodata Inc.

"Hybrid customers increasingly are considering Ford," said David Finnegan, Ford hybrid marketing manager. "More than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been from non-Ford owners, and more than half of those are customers coming from import brands, mostly from Toyota and Honda."

Ford's strong 2009 hybrid sales have been fueled by the introduction of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the road. Both vehicles deliver a certified 41 mpg rating in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, topping the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city and 2 mpg on the highway.

Durable and fuel efficient

While the introduction of the Fusion Hybrid has spurred sales from non-Ford owners, Ford's longest-running hybrid nameplate, the Escape Hybrid, has proven particularly popular with Ford customers operating taxi, lifeguard and government fleets due to the combination of fuel efficiency and durability. The front-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid delivers 34 mpg in city driving and 30 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market.

In 2005, San Francisco became one of the first cities to adopt hybrids into taxi service, with hybrids accounting for 14 percent of its current fleet. Each of the original fleet of 15 Escape Hybrids exceeded 300,000 miles per vehicle before being retired and replaced with more Escape Hybrids. There are almost 200 Escape Hybrid taxis on San Francisco's streets today.

New York has more hybrid taxis in service than any other city in North America with 13,237, of which more than 2,000 are Escape Hybrids. The Big Apple recently has begun retiring its original fleet of Escape Hybrids put into service in the 2005 model year after accumulating 300,000 to 350,000 miles per vehicle.

"We're extremely pleased with the performance of the Escape Hybrid in taxi service," said Gerry Koss, Ford's fleet marketing manager. "Not only have they proven very reliable, they've also saved taxi drivers money on gas and contributed to lower tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions in the cities that use them in taxi fleets."

"Greening" the federal government fleet

Government fleets also are seeking cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles and hybrids are filling that need. In 2009, federal agencies have purchased more than 3,000 hybrids from Ford, more than any other automotive brand. Included in the sales were 1,900 vehicles acquired through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the purpose of improving the fuel economy of the federal fleet. The U.S. Army was the single largest purchaser among the government fleets, acquiring 400 Fusion hybrids.

Saving lives and conserving fuel

In 2008, Ford began delivery of a fleet of 45 Escape Hybrids to the Los Angeles County Lifeguards, a division of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, for use on rescue patrol along 72 miles of Southern California coastline. After the first 11 months of service, lifeguards reported that Escape Hybrids had played a crucial part in thousands of rescues and more than a million rescue preventions at L.A. County beaches.

The Escape Hybrid fleet enabled L.A. lifeguards to reduce their entire fleet's fuel usage by 25 percent - more than 5,000 gallons of gas - during the first six months of service. That fuel cost savings has helped L.A. County to maintain its critical front line staffing despite the economic downturn.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Ford Gains Retail Share as Fusion Sets Sales Record.
- Ford gains retail share - for the sixth time in last seven months
- Ford Fusion sets monthly sales record and grows strength in mid-size car segment
- Ford hybrids combine to eclipse year-ago sales; Kelley Blue Book names Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid to Top 10 Green Cars list
- Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 129,898

DEARBORN, Mich., May 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- New, fuel-efficient products and quality on par with the best in the industry helped Ford increase retail market share in April - the sixth time in the last seven months that Ford's share of the retail market was higher than a year ago.

In April, the Ford Fusion paced the share performance. Fusion sales totaled 18,321, a record for any month. April was the first full month of sales for the redesigned 2010 model and the new Fusion Hybrid version, and April is believed to be the first month that Fusion was among the top three-selling mid-size sedans. Recent independent studies rate Fusion and the Mercury Milan - the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedans in America - as having the best predicted reliability among all mid-size sedans.

"We continue to operate in a very challenging economic and competitive environment," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Sales and Marketing. "Especially given this external environment, we're very encouraged by the consumer response to our new mid-size sedans."

"Sales of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Lincoln MKZ and hybrid versions exceeded our plan and customers also are equipping our new products with levels of content and features that are higher than we expected," he added. "This suggests consumers view our high-quality, fuel-efficient new products as offering outstanding value."

The new Fusion Hybrid is one of four hybrid models offered by Ford. Hybrid models also are offered in the Mercury Milan mid-size sedan and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small utility vehicles. All Ford hybrid models are the most fuel-efficient vehicles in their class, and the Ford Escape and Ford Fusion recently were named to Kelley Blue Book's list of Top 10 Green Cars. In April, combined sales of all hybrid models totaled 2,299, up 21 percent versus a year ago.

Other new Ford products contributed to the retail share performance, including the new F-150 pickup, America's best-selling vehicle, and Ford Flex, the distinctively styled crossover utility that had its best sales month ever (3,190).

Growing awareness and consideration of Ford and its high-quality, fuel-efficient products are starting to take hold. Plus, through June 1, Ford is offering consumers additional reasons to "Drive one."

The Ford Advantage Plan offers payment protection up to 12 months for up to $700 per month on any new Ford, Lincoln or Mercury vehicle if a customer loses his or her job. Plus, 0 percent financing from Ford Motor Credit is available on select vehicles.

On Tuesday, April 28, Ford launched a community engagement phase of the Ford Advantage Plan. Through June 1, Ford will donate $20 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every test drive taken at a participating Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealership to Komen - up to $1 million. That amount could grow even higher as more than a thousand dealers around the country are joining in to match the company's donation. During the past 15 years, Ford has contributed more than $100 million to the fight against breast cancer.

Ford, Lincoln and Mercury sales totaled 129,898, down 31 percent compared with April 2008. Retail sales were down 32 percent compared with a year ago and fleet sales were down 30 percent.

One Thousand Miles and Counting: Fusion Hybrid Breaks 1,000 Miles on Single Tank, Presses on

WASHINGTON, April 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/  The Ford Fusion Hybrid team has achieved more than 1,000 miles -- over
47 continuous hours -- on a single tank of gas, raising funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

-- Passing the 1,000 mile mark at 9:08 a.m. this morning, the team will continue as their unmodified, regular production Fusion Hybrid has nearly one-third of a tank of fuel remaining.

-- 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, achieved more than 80 miles per gallon using Eco-Driving techniques.

At 9:08 a.m. this morning, the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid team hit the 1,000-mile mark on a single tank of gas, and is continuing its ultimate fuel-efficiency challenge with nearly one-third of a tank of fuel remaining.

The 1,000-mile mark was achieved with the Fusion Hybrid 1,000-Mile Challenge team leader and NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards, behind the wheel. Other team members include world-record breaking hypermiler Wayne Gerdes and several Ford hybrid engineers.

The 1,000-Mile Challenge started at 8:15 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, from Mount Vernon, Va., and is expected to end on Tuesday, April 28 in Washington, D.C.

A regular production version of the Fusion Hybrid -- the most fuel efficient mid-sized sedan in America -- delivered over 80 miles per gallon over the course of 47 hours of continuous driving. The team will continue to drive until the fuel tank is depleted.

The vehicle is being put to the test to demonstrate Ford's commitment to be the best, or amongst the best, in fuel economy in every vehicle segment in which it competes and to raise funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the process.

As part of the event, the team is conducting clinics for media and customers in the Fusion Hybrid, providing interviews and vehicle demonstrations on how simple techniques can make a significant difference to real world fuel economy numbers. The team also is uploading regular images and video of the challenge to YouTube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, and www.media.ford.com.

Mileage-maximizing techniques that the Ford team used and recommend 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

Source: Ford Motor Company

Ford to Showcase Hybrids, Powertrain Solutions at 2009 SAE World Congress

DEARBORN, Mich., April 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EcoBoost engine technology, the hybrid system that led the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid to best-in- class 41 highway mpg and Ford's aggressive electrification plan will be key topics of discussion during the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress on April 20-23. This year's conference theme: "Racing to Green Mobility."

Ford engineers, researchers and academia will present more than 70 papers during the conference. Ford also is offering up the expertise of Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Research and Advanced Engineering; and Sherif Marakby, chief engineer, Ford Global Hybrid Engineering; for interactive discussions on powertrain technology solutions.

Schmidt will share his insights on how to develop a sustainable global plug-and-play powertrain platform during the "Future Powertrain Technology Solutions - 2015 and Beyond" panel on April 21.

The SAE also will honor Schmidt on April 21 as the 2009 winner of the organization's all-new Franz F. Pischinger Powertrain Innovation Award.

"As a former Ph.D. student of Professor Pischinger, this award is particularly meaningful to me," said Schmidt. "This award truly recognizes the team of talented people I've been honored to work beside throughout my career."

Ford's Marakby will speak to trends in consumer hybrid purchase considerations during the "Making Green Cool While Staying in the Black" panel discussion on April 21. Ford's innovative SmartGauge with EcoGuide digital instrument cluster will be illustrated as a perfect example of cool-factor hybrid technology.

"What we are discovering is that the notion of a hybrid and its outstanding fuel economy is what may draw the consumer to the showroom, but it's the cool factor - the HMI displays, the next-generation navigation system, Ford SYNC functionality - that is a significant dynamic in the customer purchase decision," said Marakby.

On April 22, Marakby will lead a more technical discussion on full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery-electric vehicles as a participant in the "Which Hybrid Concepts Will Rise to the Top? The Race to the Marketplace" panel.

Technologies on Tap

Ford is using this year's SAE World Congress to showcase a wide spectrum of powertrain advancements, including the development of more efficient lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems, which will power the company's future battery electric, hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles slated for introduction in 2010 through 2012.

Ford's engine combustion team also will present a number of papers related to Ford's direct injection, turbocharged EcoBoost gasoline engine technology. EcoBoost delivers up to 20 percent better fuel economy than traditional naturally-aspirated engines and reduces CO2 emissions up to 15 percent.

Paul Mascarenas, vice president of engineering for Global Product Development, will highlight the part played by vehicle weight - as well as aerodynamics, materials, and electrical loads - in total energy use of a vehicle during the "Total Vehicle Energy Use Management" panel discussion on April 22.

"Improving fuel economy involves optimizing every aspect of a vehicle's energy consumption, including aerodynamics, weight, rolling resistance and electrical loads. These actions, coupled with state-of-the-art powertrain technologies, can be seen in many of our newly-launched vehicles," said Mascarenas, who will act as the session moderator.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Ford's EcoBoost Engine In Action: The spray pattern, which comes from six pinhole-like openings in the injector, is carefully calibrated to optimize fuel burn. The cleaner combustion results in faster starts and lower emissions. (1/11/09)

2010 Fusion Hybrid Earns 'Top Safety Pick', Gives Ford Hybrids Best Fuel Economy and Safety Combo

The 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and their hybrid versions received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Pick" rating

Ford hybrids offer the best combination of safety and fuel economy as Fusion and Milan hybrids join the Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids as the only vehicles in their segments with leading fuel economy, "Top Safety Pick" awards and exclusive safety technologies

The Fusion and Milan deliver segment-exclusive safety and driver-aid technologies, such as SYNC(TM) with 911 Assist, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA)

DEARBORN, Mich., March 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The all-new 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid - the most fuel efficient midsize cars in North America - has received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Ford (NYSE:F) is the only automotive brand to offer two hybrids that have segment-leading fuel efficiency, "Top Safety Pick" awards and exclusive safety technologies. The Fusion Hybrid offers 41 mpg city while the Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market and also garnered a "Top Safety Pick."

"Customers no longer have to choose between fuel economy and safety - now they can have both with the Fusion and Escape hybrids," said Susan Cischke, group vice president, Ford Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering.

The new Fusion Hybrid's class-leading fuel economy bests the Toyota Camry hybrid by 8 mpg in the city. It also features Ford's innovative SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide, which coaches hybrid drivers to maximize fuel efficiency.

In addition, the new Fusion and Milan offer three fuel-sipping gas engine options, including the Duratec 2.5-liter I-4 and enhanced 3.0-liter V-6 and 3.5-liter V-6 Duratec engines. Fusions equipped with the 2.5-liter I-4 engine are expected to deliver at least 3 mpg better on the highway than the Honda Accord and 2 mpg better than the Toyota Camry. The 3.5-liter V-6 powers the all-new Fusion Sport model.

Side impact protection

Fusion and Milan get some of their core strength from the use of lightweight high-strength steel in the body structure. The structure of the Fusion helps it withstand intrusion in a side impact. The tailor-welded B-pillars between the front and rear doorframes are stronger at the top of the vehicle - from below the beltline upward - than at the bottom. This helps to channel energy below the level of the occupants. At the torso level and above, the structure helps to prevent intrusion into the passenger compartment.

"The new Fusion and Milan continue to build on Ford's leading safety heritage and prove yet again that a high level of safety can come in a midsize package," said Steve Kozak, chief engineer, Ford Safety Systems.

  Fusion's side-protection elements include:

  --  Two energy absorbing foam blocks between the inner door panels and
      interior trim, aligned with the occupants' chest and hip
  --  Side-intrusion beams inside the door, anchored at the hinge and latch
      areas
  --  Tailor-welded steel in the B-pillar structure with extra
      thickness--nearly a quarter inch of solid steel--above the beltline
  --  Seat-deployed thorax air bags for front occupants and side-curtain air
      bags for head protection in both rows

  Segment-exclusive features

Among the segment-exclusive safety and driver aid technologies on the new Fusion and Milan are Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and 911 Assist.

BLIS with CTA uses two multiple-beam radars in the rear quarter panels (one per side) for two different - but important - purposes. BLIS checks the defined blind spot zone, which is about 10 feet from the back of the bumper to the outside mirrors. When a vehicle is detected, an amber light in the outside mirror of whichever side the vehicle is on lights up. The driver is still responsible for any lane changes, but the BLIS is there to help.

Cross Traffic Alert notifies the driver of impending traffic when backing out of a parking spot and warns the driver when a vehicle is detected within three car widths of either side of the car. As with BLIS, the driver is warned with a light in the outside mirror on the side of the traffic. A warning beep is also sounded.

For safety and security, the 2010 Fusion and Milan include 911 Assist, a new feature integrated into the award-winning Ford SYNC(TM) hands-free system. 911 Assist is designed to aid occupants in placing a call directly to a local 911 emergency operator if an accident that activates an air bag or the emergency fuel cutoff occurs. Unlike competitive systems that are routed through an intermediate call center, 911 Assist places the call directly to the 911 operator to speed response time. Ford Escape also features SYNC with 911 Assist.

A recent Ford study shows that SYNC's hands-free operation significantly reduces the level of distraction when drivers select a phone number or choose a song on their MP3 player compared with the same operations with hand-held cell phones and music players.

"We know people want to stay connected in their vehicles, so we're delivering that connectivity for them responsibly and safely," Cischke said. "Our research backs up what most of us instinctively know - that it's better while driving to place a call using a voice interface than dialing manually, so you can keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Ford's 100,000th hybrid SUV rolls off the line today at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.  The Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids - the world's first hybrid SUVs - continue to be the most fuel-efficient hybrid SUVs on the planet at 34 mpg city driving. Ford is doubling its production of hybrid vehicles this year with the introduction of the new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids - America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedans at 41 mpg city driving.

Ford recently launched an aggressive electrification plan to bring pure battery-electric vehicles, next-generation hybrids and a plug-in hybrid to market by 2012

CLAYCOMO, Mo., March 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) today celebrated the production of its 100,000th hybrid SUV and reinforced its commitment to ramping up production of hybrid vehicles this year.

Ford launched the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids five years ago and the vehicles remain the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market. At the same time as workers at Ford's Kansas City Assembly Plant celebrated the hybrid milestone, Ford dealers are preparing to begin selling the all-new 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, which will be America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedans.

"As we celebrate our 100,000th hybrid, America's interest in hybrid vehicles keeps growing, as does Ford's commitment to advanced powertrain technologies that deliver greater fuel economy, lower emissions and help enhance our country's energy security," said Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford. "No domestic automaker has more real-world experience with hybrid vehicle technology than Ford, and it shows in the quality and fuel economy of our vehicles."

Today, the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV and Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV deliver 34 mpg city driving, 31 mpg highway. The newest entries to Ford's hybrid lineup, the Fusion Hybrid and Milan Hybrid deliver 41 mpg city driving, 36 mpg highway, the most fuel-efficient midsize sedans on the market today.