DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Taurus SHO returns with twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6
The Taurus SHO returns as the sporty version of Ford Motor Company's (NYSE: F) new flagship with premium performance and updated interior and exterior design. Unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show, the all-wheel drive vehicle comes equipped with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, which delivers V-8 levels of power at an estimated 365 horsepower, without compromising its V-6 fuel economy. The new Taurus SHO driveline combines a high-capacity six-speed SelectShift transmission with all-wheel drive for spirited acceleration and comfortable high-speed cruising. http://www.media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29846
Marisa Bradley | mbradl31@ford.com | 313-845-3971
Said Deep | sdeep@ford.com | 313-594-0942
Transit Connect: Ford's first battery electric vehicle on global platform
Ford's first product in its aggressive electric vehicle plan will be a battery electric-powered version of Ford's global Transit Connect commercial vehicle, which was introduced this week at the Chicago Auto Show. To be offered in North America in 2010, the battery electric vehicle is a collaboration with Europe's leading battery electric commercial vehicle upfitter, Smith Electric Vehicles, a unit of Tanfield Group. Transit Connect's unique combination of driving dynamics, cargo capacity and accessibility make it a logical platform for battery electric power. http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29830
Jennifer Moore | jmoor186@ford.com | 313-248-2335
Said Deep | sdeep@ford.com | 313-594-0942
New Transit Connect Ready to Serve Entrepreneurs
The all-new Transit Connect commercial vehicle - a spacious new fuel-efficient alternative to larger commercial vehicles - taps Ford's global portfolio of products to meet the needs of small business owners in the U.S. Built on a dedicated front-wheel drive commercial vehicle platform, Transit Connect features low operating and ownership costs, a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter engine and a 1,600 pound payload capacity. "Transit Connect is a tangible success of the 'One Ford' strategy," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29829
Anne Marie Gattari | agattari@ford.com | 313-323-7809
Said Deep | sdeep@ford.com | 313-594-0942
2010 Harley Davidson F-150: Tough Truck, Cool Attitude
The 2010 Ford Harley Davidson F-150 delivers a new standard of "custom cool," combining the smooth handling and legendary durability of America's best-selling truck with the authentic styling of Harley-Davidson.(TM) "This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that's been the hallmark of the Ford F-Series brand," said Matt O'Leary, chief engineer. "Now we're giving customers more of everything they love with the best F-150 and the boldest Harley-Davidson F-150 ever." The new truck - the 14th Harley-Davidson edition of an F-Series truck - features a differentiated design, all-wheel-drive capability, standard 22-inch polished, forged aluminum wheels and tires and sport suspension. http://www.media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29845
Anne Marie Gattari | agattari@ford.com | 313-323-7809
Said Deep | sdeep@ford.com | 313-594-0942
New Third Crew to Start at Dearborn Truck Plant
About 800 new workers at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant are undergoing intensive quality training as they prepare to build the new 2009 Ford F-150. While full production is slated to being on Feb. 16, workers on the new third crew are undergoing intensive courses on quality processes and procedures to ensure every F-150 is built with quality, an overarching theme at the Dearborn Truck Plant. http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29849
Angie Kozleski | akozlesk@ford.com | 313-323-1984
Ford Uses Car-Size Balloons to Test New Technologies
Ford is testing an array of new "active" crash-avoidance and driver-aid technologies it will introduce in 2009 by driving prototypes into car-shaped balloons. Used at Ford's Dearborn Development Center, the balloons play the role of the "target" vehicle, allowing engineers to prove out new technology without endangering test drivers or damaging real cars. Developed in conjunction with Ford's European research teams, about a dozen different balloon cars - weighing more than 40 pounds - are available to test the radar precision of the vehicle. http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29838
Wes Sherwood | wsherwoo@ford.com | 313-390-5660
Unique 'K-Bag' helps F-150 outperform competition in crash tests
The all-new 2009 Ford F-150 - with its exclusive air bag technology - provides better side-impact crash safety than its leading competitors, according to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The patented "K-bag" technology includes a new front seat-mounted dual-chamber side air bag named for its unique shape, which is designed to help protect the rib cage from excessive crash forces during a side impact. This air bag is supported with a state-of-the-art side crash sensing system that deploys the air bag 30 percent faster than a conventional system. http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=29857
Wes Sherwood | wsherwoo@ford.com | 313-390-5660
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About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 213,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's wholly owned brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.
