Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and Siren Spread Christmas Cheer!

Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and SIREN Shelter of Eaton County are teaming up again for the annual "Fill The Truck" for Christmas!

SIREN Shelter's mission statement is to promote elimination of domestic violence and homelessness by providing temporary housing, support, advocacy, education, and information to the community.

The harsh winter months of Michigan are quickly approaching and they become grueling months for the homeless. The cold months bring increased needs for emergency shelter and temporary housing to get families out of the cold.

Each year Grand Ledge Ford fills a truck with donations from the community and individuals and delivers 5-7 truck loads per year. We cannot do it without the support of the community and we hope that it continues this year!

Besides the basic cash donations the shelter also needs: Gas cards, Quality Dairy Laundry tokens, ETran Tokens for adults and children, batteries of all sizes, diapers, pull ups, food vouchers for local restaurants, motel vouchers for Charlotte to use during family placement.

Also, the basic necessities are also greatly appreciated: hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, boots, paper products, baby food (except cereal), towels, pillows, blankets, toiletries, baby wipes, non- perishable food items (fruit, chunky soup, microwavable dinners) and more!

Any clothing and toys are always a good donation as long as they are clean!

SIREN depends on the donations from individuals, churches, clubs, and contributions of food, clothing, and furnishings to make up 25% of their annual budget! The remaining budget is made of from state/federal grants, United way, and community foundations.

It cost $12 per person a day to provide housing, food, and other needs which is reimbursed by the state of Michigan. Additionally each person cost $10-$15! Anything does help.

Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln is located at 6080 East Saginaw Highway, Grand Ledge, Michigan 48917. All donations are welcome. You can find the decorated truck in the showroom and employees are standing by to help!

Happy Holidays from Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and SIREN!

2012 Focus is Now on The Sims!

• The new Ford Focus sedan has joined 6 other Ford models and is now available on The Sims video game.



• The Focus is available to download in eight different colors!



• The seven Ford Vehicles offered in The Sims game have been downloaded more than 8 million times. Also, a study shows that 28% of people that download Fords to drive on Sims also drive Ford's in real life.

The Sims 3 is the worlds most popular real life simulation game, so it's no surprise that Ford would become part of that. The new Focus sedan is now available to download and drive on The Sims!

This is now the second time that the Focus has been a part of The Sims package including on The Sims 2 game.

The Sims is a game that can demonstrate personality and by allowing players to choose Ford vehicles such as the new Ford Focus this demonstrates their personality through the vehicle. The focus can be downloaded in eight different colors allowing players to showcase their personality through colors also.

Not only can players download the Focus for free they also get perks for their players when it's downloaded:
-One male Ford Tshirt
-One female Ford Tshirt
-a high end stereo
-a set of neon lights that can be incorporated into the game

Ford is using The Sims 3 as another way of marketing besides the print, television, and radio. With so many consumers playing video games it has become a very successful avenue that Ford has reached.

Only certain vehicles are used in these video games for a number of reasons. They are trying to reach a target audience and also gage what vehicles are most popular with consumers. The game allows Ford to build brand awareness.

The Sims 3 sold 1.4 million copies the first week that it was out, so it is no surprise that Ford has become a part of such an expanding market to reach consumers.

Other vehicles that have been available in The Sims 2 were the Escape Hybrid, Mustang GT, earlier version of the Focus, Fusion, Edge, and most recently the Fiesta in both the sedan and hatchback style.


(article courtesy of media.ford.com)

Lincoln AWD Mixes Luxury with Confidence

--Complete Lincoln family of luxury cars and crossovers available with all-wheel drive, combining all-weather capability with year-round agility and confidence

--Confident handling and acceleration provide peace of mind for safely negotiating many types of driving situations and conditions

--Significant numbers of Lincoln consumers are choosing optional all-wheel drive

DEARBORN, Mich., April 28, 2011 – All-wheel drive is a luxury feature that many buyers of premium automobiles demand in their vehicles for maximum mobility. This is especially true in northern states where colder climates naturally lead to more snow, ice, and generally inclement road conditions. Lincoln customers can choose the option of all-wheel drive on all of its models, giving them the added confidence and stability that this technology brings.

In fact, all-wheel drive offers safety and handling advantages in all seasons. Lincoln's all-wheel drive option allows drivers to accelerate and corner decisively and confidently with power to all four wheels, regardless of road surface and weather conditions.

"One of the greatest benefits of luxury is choice," said C.J. O'Donnell, Group Marketing Manager for Lincoln. "That is why Lincoln customers are able to equip any of our cars and crossovers with an advanced all-wheel drive system."

All five Lincoln models offer the convenience of all-wheel drive as an option, but customers of Lincoln's crossover and SUV models are more likely to choose this technology.

So far in 2011, 72 percent of Lincoln MKT three-row crossover customers and 62 percent of MKX two-row crossover buyers have opted for all-wheel drive. This compares to 46 percent of MKS and 25 percent of MKZ sedan customers. The truck-based Lincoln Navigator full-size SUV is built with all-wheel drive no less than 62 percent of the time.

The Lincoln MKS, MKT and MKZ all share a common all-wheel drive system to ensure the Lincoln DNA of luxurious ride and precise handling shines throughout the lineup.

All-wheel drive is standard on the MKS EcoBoost™ and MKT EcoBoost, proactively distributing torque to the wheels to allow performance-minded customers to take advantage of the power of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine's 355 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

The sophisticated AWD system fitted to MKS, MKT, and MKZ is fully automatic, using an advanced array of hardware and controls to efficiently distribute torque between front and rear wheels as needed. The Navigator uses unique truck-based hardware that also provides a luxurious experience.

The new MKX 2-row crossover, launched last summer, takes the AWD system to another level with even better handling attributes than the outgoing product with new controls specifically developed for improved cornering.

"We're seeing the number of customers choosing all-wheel drive increasing steadily as drivers appreciate the benefits," says O'Donnell. "More than half of our crossover customers are enjoying the reassurance that all-wheel drive delivers, such that once they have experienced it, they don't want to give it up.

"We see all-wheel drive as a core technology option for the entire Lincoln line-up, both today and for the future."

article courteousy of media.lincoln.com

Father's Day: June 19, 2011

Don't Forget that Father's day is quickly approaching on Sunday, June 19, 2011! Instead of getting Dad the regular clothes, golf clubs, or gift cards try something new like a new or pre-owned Ford or Lincoln from Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln!

With a wide range of selection GLF has many options to choose from for the special father in your life. If your looking for a small SUV to a full size sedan we have it for you! Stop by a pick up the perfect gift to surprise Dad with!

Packing a Picnic? Make Sure to Pack a Tire Gauge, Too!

-Keeping tires at the recommended pressure can reduce the average amount of fuel used by 3 to 4 percent
-Temperature can change tire pressure by an average of 1 psi for every change of 10 degrees – colder or warmer
-Don't rely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light. Check the tire pressure with a gauge weekly
-Remember to check the air pressure in the spare tire when you check the road tires

DEARBORN, Mich., May 27, 2011 – Ford says don’t forget to pack your tire pressure gauge along with the summer travel picnic basket and sunscreen.
That’s because correct tire pressure plays a huge role in achieving optimal fuel economy.
Despite higher fuel prices than last year, AAA predicts close to 31 million people plan to drive to their Memorial Day destinations.
“Many drivers will be wasting fuel – and money – if their tires are under-inflated,” says David Rohweder, Ford’s tire and wheel expert. “Properly inflated tires play an essential role in enabling vehicles to achieve their best fuel economy.”
The right amount of pressure in the tires also enhances safety. Ford and Lincoln vehicles are equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that alert the driver when a tire is significantly under-inflated. But that doesn’t mean drivers no longer have to check the air pressure regularly.
What the Tire Pressure Monitoring System warning looks like
Rohweder reminds motorists that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance. Even if under-inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low pressure warning light, drivers should check the pressure in their tires regularly.
Keeping tires at the recommended pressure can reduce the average amount of fuel used by 3 to 4 percent. Ford recommends customers check tire inflation pressures with an accurate (+/- 0.5 pounds per square inch, or psi) digital tire inflation pressure gauge.
Some tips for properly checking tire pressure:
Check tire pressure when the tires are cold; in other words, before they have been driven on. Do not bleed air pressure from hot tires. Follow the recommendation in your owner’s guide for proper bleeding procedures.
The proper air pressure for the front, rear and spare tires is listed on a sticker on the vehicle, usually on the driver’s door jamb. The pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum for the tire and not the recommended inflation pressure.
Check tire pressure at least once a month and always before trips. Even if the tire pressure warning light is not on, the tires could be under-inflated.
Always remember to check the air pressure in the spare tire when you check the road tires.
Ford recommends using digital tire gauges because they tend to be more accurate than the old-fashioned mechanic gauge. Air temperature can have a great effect on anything that’s inflated – such as when a child’s ball goes flat when left out in the garage in the winter, for example. Temperature can change tire pressure by an average of 1 psi for every change of 10 degrees – colder or warmer.
Driving also affects tire pressure, so when traveling stop and check your tires before you’ve driven more than three minutes or more than one mile. After that, the tires become hot and the inflation pressure increases.
Always follow the recommendation in the vehicle owner’s guide for additional information on the proper procedures for tire maintenance.

(article courtesy of media.ford.com)

Dandelion Roots for Rubber?

The thought of a dandelion usually rings the bell as being a weed in a yard. Not anymore. Researchers at Ford and Ohio State University have found that dandelion roots can serve as a sustainable resource for rubber. Since synthetic rubber is not a sustainable resource Ford is trying to reduce the use of it in their vehicles.

The particular dandelion that can used for a sustainable resource for rubber is the Russian dandelion. This dandelion is called Taraxacum kok-saghyz (TKS). A milky white substance that seeps from the dandelion root is used for the rubber.

The substance that seeps from dandelion roots can potentially be used for a plastic modifier and used in cup holders, floor mats, and interior trim.

Before the new product is used Ford will test the quality to make sure for suitability and that it meets durability standards.

Not only is Ford looking into the prospects of using dandelion root for rubber they are also looking into using a guayule, a U.S. shrub, for potential rubber. Both dandelion root and guayule can be grown domestically.

Ford has made a "reduce, reuse, and recycle" commitment as part of the organizations commitment to become more Eco-friendly. Ford is actively seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint.

Please visit us at http://www.grandledgeford.com/

(Information in this article is courtesy of media.ford.com)

Ford Explorer Industry-First Rear Inflatable Seatbelts Earns Safety Award

-The already popular new Ford Explorer may get even more looks after its industry-exclusive rear inflatable seat belts received another important honor, the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award
-The rear inflatable seat belts just launched on the new 2011 Ford Explorer SUV – named in January as the North American Truck of the Year
-Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts also stood out at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award ceremony by receiving the gold medal in applied technology
-New Explorer safety innovations include Ford’s MyKey® teen safety technology – a prior recipient of this safety award – and curve control, which can help drivers maintain control of a vehicle if they drive too quickly into a curve

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011 – Ford’s industry-exclusive rear inflatable seat belts – one of the 2011 Explorer’s breakthrough safety innovations that helped nearly triple the vehicle’s March sales – earned the 2011 Traffic Safety Achievement Award from the New York International Auto Show’s World Traffic Safety Symposium.

This advanced restraint system is designed to help reduce head, neck and chest injuries for rear seat occupants. Over time, Ford plans to offer this technology in other nameplates globally.

“Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt technology will enhance safety for rear seat passengers of all ages, especially young children who might be more vulnerable in crashes,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Rear inflatable seat belts – a Ford exclusive – help build on our safety leadership.”

Safer and more comfortable
In everyday use, rear inflatable belts operate like conventional seat belts, including compatibility with infant and child safety and booster seats. The additional comfort and padding of rear inflatable seat belts encourages increased use.

In the event of a frontal or side crash, the increased diameter of the inflated belt more effectively holds the occupant in the proper seating position, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

The inflated belts help to distribute crash force energy across up to five times more of the occupant’s torso than a traditional belt. This expands its range of protection and reduces risk of injury by diffusing crash pressure over a larger area, while helping provide additional head and neck support.

Following deployment, the belt remains inflated for several seconds before dispersing its air through pores in the material.

Innovation and heritage
Rear inflatable seat belts debuted as an affordable option for the 2011 Ford Explorer, named in January as the 2011 North American Truck of the Year.

Ford has the most top U.S. safety ratings of any automotive manufacturer ever. This includes more Top Safety Picks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and more National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star ratings.

Ford was the first automaker to introduce seat belts in all seating positions in 1955 and was a leader in making driver and front passenger airbags standard in most vehicles by 1993.

The New York International Auto Show’s 2009 World Traffic Safety Symposium honored Ford’s MyKey® owner control feature, enabling parents or fleet administrators to set limits on vehicle speed and audio volume while muting the audio system if front occupants don’t buckle up.

In 2007 Ford was recognized with the Traffic Safety Achievement Award for Community Service, honoring the Driving Skills for Lifeinitiative to improve driver skill sets among teens. Two years earlier, Ford was feted for its exclusive VIRTTEX driving simulator and its use in researching potential driver distractions.

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belts also stood out at the 2011 Edison Best New Product Award ceremony by receiving the gold medal in applied technology.

Article Courtesy of Media.Ford.Com

One Millionth Fiesta Produced!

-Ford’s Cologne factory manufactured one million current model Ford Fiestas in just 33 months
-Since 1979, more than six million Ford Fiestas have been produced in Cologne
-The Fiesta is Europe’s top-selling small car and Europe’s second best-selling car overall for March and the first quarter 2011

Cologne, Germany, May 6, 2011 – Ford employees today celebrated the production of the one millionth current Fiesta – just 33 months after the first car rolled off the line.

This production milestone coincides with two further anniversaries: 35 years ago this month, the first generation of the Ford Fiesta was introduced to the German market. And 80 years ago, on May 4, 1931, the very first vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Cologne – a Ford Model A.

Since Ford first began production of the Fiesta, more than six million have been produced. Today, Fiestas built in Cologne are exported to 71 countries. Key markets include Great Britain, France, Turkey and Russia, but the Fiesta is also sold to more remote markets including Mozambique, Morocco, Brunei and even Tahiti.

The current Fiesta has been manufactured in Cologne since 2008 and, since 2009, also rolls off the assembly line in Valencia, Spain. Ford also produces the Fiesta in China (Nanjing), Thailand (Rayong) and Mexico (Cuautitlán), where the Fiesta is manufactured for customers in the US and Canada.

Since the current Ford Fiesta went on sale in October 2008, more than 1,350,000 units have been sold globally. In the first quarter of 2011, JATO records show that 102,859 Ford Fiestas were sold in Europe, making it the top-selling small car and second best-selling car overall for
March and the first quarter 2011 in Europe

“We are pleased with the Fiesta’s continued success, not only because it’s our highest volume model in Europe, but also because it’s now being produced and sold around the world to great acclaim,” said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe.

Thanks to its excellent efficiency, the Fiesta-producing plant in Cologne ranks highest of 52 evaluated automotive production sites in Europe. In 2006 the factory was presented with the “Automotive Lean Production Award 2006”, a highly sought-after international commendation.

The plant was also honoured for its leading role in the automotive industry by “Agamus Consult” under the leadership of Otto Wolff von Amerongen, former Honorary President of the German Board of Trade “DIHK”, after comparing the progressive production processes in Cologne with automotive factories throughout Europe.

Ford’s Cologne facility is the production centre for both the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Fusion, with an average output of 1,770 cars per day. The Cologne plant’s annual capacity is 400,000 cars and 17,300 employees from more than 50 countries make this output possible, with 4,200 employees working in each of the three production shifts.

The construction time for a Ford Fiesta model currently stands at only thirteen hours – a five hour reduction compared with a decade ago – thanks to ongoing improvements and investment at the plant. A total of €100 million was invested in the Cologne site in 2010 alone.

(Article and Photo's Courtesy of Media.Ford.Com)

Ford's Rear Inflatable Seat Belt Wins '2011 Best New Technology' Award

•Ford's rear inflatable seat belt is named 'Best New Technology' by AJAC
•Ford’s unique inflatable rear belts spread impact forces across more than five times the area than conventional seat belts, reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion
•Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt functions like a standard seat belt in normal everyday use. The vehicle’s crash sensing system determines when the inflatable belt should deploy

TORONTO, Ontario, February 17, 2011 – Ford's rear inflatable seat belt is named the '2011 Best New Technology' by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) at the Canadian International Auto Show.

"Safety is a key priority at Ford and we are honoured to win this year's 'Best New Technology' award for our industry-first rear inflatable seat belts," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. "Available initially on our all-new 2011 Ford Explorer, the rear inflatable seat belts work by spreading impact forces over five times more area than conventional seat belts."

Ford's unique inflatable rear belts reducing pressure on the chest while helping to control head and neck motion.

Ford’s rear inflatable seat belt functions like a standard seat belt in normal everyday use. The vehicle’s crash sensing system determines when the inflatable belt should deploy.

What's The Bright Idea?

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 17, 2011 – The lights around Ford’s Dearborn, Mich., campus are going to get more efficient, as a new lighting project kicks off that will bring an estimated energy reduction of more than 18.2 million kilowatt-hours – enough to power 1,648 U.S. residential homes for a year.

The project eliminates more than 11,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions and offers an annual cost reduction of more than $1.3 million. Ford Land Energy Efficiency and Supply Office is handling the project, by switching out and retrofitting more than 50,000 light fixtures in buildings across southeast Michigan. In fact, more than 6,000 fixtures in Ford World Headquarters alone will be replaced.

“We are continuously taking steps to make sure we’re current with the technologies that offer us reduced energy consumption, along with a cost savings for the type of space,” said Gary Jensen, manager of energy efficiency. “This project helps the environment, reduces demand on the grid and brings bottom line savings for Ford, too.”

Details of the project include:
•Retrofitting existing fixtures
•Optimizing the use of day lighting
•Replacing incandescent exit signs with LED exit signs
•Controlling unoccupied areas with occupancy sensors
•Replacing incandescent and halogen lamps with compact fluorescent and LED lamps

“Lighting technology changes rapidly, with each generation producing greater efficiencies,” said Jensen. “This is only the most recent large-scale lighting upgrade that Ford has done.”

Office buildings, test facilities, a test warehouse and a vehicle proving ground facility are all areas that will be upgraded, with the project being wrapped up in 2011. Within those buildings, lighting is being replaced in offices, conference rooms, hallways, design studios, laboratories and restrooms.

Additional benefits
The project offers several benefits including reduced lumen power density, which will support future Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) considerations. Employees and visitors also will enjoy better visual clarity and enhanced perceived brightness thanks to an improved color rendering index.

Additionally, the project will lower ongoing maintenance costs due to the reduction in total lamps and longer lamp life.

Homeowners note: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners could save $30 or more in electricity costs over the lifetime of a compact fluorescent bulb if they choose to switch to that type of bulb.

Ford NASCAR Drivers Comment On Upcoming 600th Sprint Cup Win

CARL EDWARDS – No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion -- “That would be huge. Every win is important, but the 600th win is no more important than the last one or the next one after that. They’re all important and I just love being in victory lane with a Ford.”


GREG BIFFLE – No. 16 3M Ford Fusion -- “It would be pretty awesome. On top of that it would be the Daytona 500 and that would be a great place to have your 600th win. As you saw last weekend, I think it’s anybody’s game. We’ll just have to wait and see. I think we’ve got as good a chance as anybody – any manufacturer, any car. All of the Ford cars stand a good chance.”

AJ ALLMENDINGER – No. 43 Best Buy Ford Fusion -- “It would be a big deal just to win anything right now. I’d like to just contribute to any win total for Ford, but to be the 600th, especially here at Daytona, that would obviously be a huge deal. We’ll take it as it comes. I think we’re gonna have a lot of good shots this year to get some wins and add to that total and, hopefully, it starts here at Daytona.”

DAVID RAGAN – No. 6 UPS Ford Fusion -- “That would be awesome. Winning the Daytona 500 and number 600 would be very, very special. If you could win the worst race of the year and be number 600, that would be great. That would make up for a lot of the other races that we missed out on, so 600 for Ford is gonna be something to remember because it goes all the way back to Henry Ford, who won his first race. A lot of great race car drivers have won under the Ford banner and it would be awesome to throw our name in the hat.”

MARCOS AMBROSE – No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion -- “I’d like to be 600. I’ll take one win however I can get it, but Ford has been great to me and it’s just great to be back in the Ford Racing family. This year is fairly iconic for the company in racing and 600 wins is a pretty cool stat if you can say you did it, so I’ll be trying hard. The trouble is you’ve got Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle and AJ and everyone else trying to do the same thing.”

TRAVIS KVAPIL – No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford Fusion -- “How special would that be – to get to be the driver who has such a monumental win for Ford. It would be huge for me. That’s a goal for me in the Cup Series is to be a winner. We’ve had some top 10s and some good runs and led laps, but I haven’t won, so that’s the number one goal on my list and to do that at the same time as getting Ford’s 600th win would be pretty cool. That would be really special. Daytona and Talladega, there are a handful of tracks where I really feel like Front Row Motorsports can get it done, so you never know. If you’re in the right place at the right time with a few laps to go, you’ve got a shot at it. That would be pretty special.”

DAVID GILLILAND – No. 34 Taco Bell Ford Fusion -- “We’ve been close here before and that would be awesome and something no one could ever take from you. That would be cool and we’re gonna try and do it for sure. I think we’ve got a car that’s capable of doing it, but you have to position yourself to be at the right place at the end and now I think it’s even more so because I think there are gonna be even more cars fighting for the lead at the end than the two that we always see.”

TREVOR BAYNE – No. 21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion -- “First, that means we would be winning the race, which is great. And then to get Ford’s 600th win, I would kind of feel bad coming in after all these guys have been working on it for 599, and I come in and it’s like ‘Here’s 600.’ But that would be incredible and to do it with the Wood Brothers and how everything has happened, that would be insane. I don’t even know how to fathom that."

New Ford Focus News

Ford is inviting digital influencers to participate in the inaugural global test drive of the next-generation Ford Focus
•The Focus Global Test Drive event will take place near Madrid, Spain, Feb. 18-20, at a private proving ground facility
•100 participants will share the experience of a lifetime as they put the all-new Ford Focus through its paces, in support of their charities of choice
•Test drivers – among the first to experience the all-new global Ford Focus – will be hosted and coached by racing drivers Justin Bell and Tanner Foust

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 14, 2011 – Anticipation is building among Focus Global Test Drive participants – bloggers and consumers, hailing from 13 countries where the all-new Ford Focus will soon be available – as they prepare to convene in Madrid later this week.

These cause-minded consumers – many of whom will receive $10,000 (U.S.) to be donated to their favorite charity – will be the first members of the public to test drive the new Ford Focus, in exercises and dynamic driving challenges that highlight features and attributes of the newest car from Ford, which will eventually be sold in 122 counties.

Participants will gather at the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) on the outskirts of Madrid, which offers multiple road surfaces and challenges for putting the all-new Focus through its paces. A world-class testing facility originally founded in 1942, INTA features high-speed tracks, road courses and proving ground roads replicating every conceivable obstacle a driver might face, anywhere in the world.

Test driver briefings and dynamic driving exercises will be co-hosted by veteran race driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Justin Bell, teaming up with Tanner Foust, U.S. Top Gear HISTORY television personality, stunt driver, rally competitor and Formula D drift champion.

Impress Your Valentine with a Ford!

Cramping My Style
Take interior space, for example. Cramped, tight spaces can really put a damper on a comfortable “car date.” But you don’t have to have a big car to get some elbow room.

The all-new Focus from Ford brings small car interior space to a new level, rivaling larger vehicles. It offers more shoulder room than an Audi A4 and more front headroom than a Toyota Camry. In the spacious second row, the new Focus provides more hip room than the Audi or Toyota.

Sweet sounds
There’s nothing like good tunes to spice things up. Music is essential on a date. Wouldn’t it be even better if you could simply ask your car to select the song your date wants to hear from your custom playlist on an iPod or MP3 player?

Ford’s next-generation voice control can interpret a single voice command, such “USB, play artist, Lifehouse” to change a song if the mood calls for something soft and slow. Connectivity for portable devices and media players, are available through two USB ports, three RCA jacks (video, right and left audio) and SD card reader.

The setting gets even better when the songs are played on a premium Sony® 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer found on most Ford models.

Careful component matching and tuning for the vehicle has ensured that the premium sound system delivers outstanding sound quality. System performance is enhanced by the center speaker, which provides highly authentic staging, while the subwoofer ensures that bass sounds have a full, rich quality.

Mood Lighting
Almost as important as mood music is mood lighting.

Ford’s advanced ambient lighting system uses LED technology to provide precise pools of illumination in the foot wells, cup holders, door handle releases and map pockets. The driver can choose between seven different accent colors and set the brightness level to suit his or her mood.

A search mode can also be activated, switching the lighting to a bright white color, helping occupants to find misplaced objects within the car.

The right kind of lighting, such as Ford’s new LED Crystal Blue interior lighting, ensures consistent levels of color and brightness are delivered in the right places and at the right times to set the right mood.

Roof with a view
If gazing at the stars is your idea of a romantic car date, you can while staying warm, dry and bug free while viewing from the inside of your car. Several of Ford’s crossover and sports utility models can be equipped with the panoramic Vista Roof. The large glass moon roof provides a grand view of the sky.

The roof features a large glass panel. The oversized front panel provides open-air touring. Close the forward roof and the enormous skylights allow natural light to flood the cabin while protecting it, and you, from the elements. Or sky-gazing on a hot, sunny day? Twin power-operated cloth shades can be closed simultaneously to block nearly 100 percent of ultra-violet rays.

Chillin’
Need to keep beverages chilled? Ford’s Flex cross-over vehicle boasts a class-exclusive refrigerated console that is mounted between the second-row captain’s chairs. The available refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in a little more than two-and-a-half hours – 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.

Intimate Interiors
Attention to detail, including the look, touch, feel and operation of all controls, features and surfaces also help define the setting. Materials that feel luxurious to the touch, comfortable seats and a welcoming interior contribute to the appeal and allure of any interior space, including a car.

For example, Ford uses authentic chrome plating on the interior trim parts, such as door handle release, rather than painted coatings to improve the look and feel of its car interiors. Optimizing the softness and feel of key customer touch points, such as the steering wheel, door armrests and center console, also provides an overall feeling of comfort and style.

Peace and Tranquillity
An ideal date night is one without distractions or disruptions from noise generated by the external environment, such as traffic noise, pedestrian chatter, and other business taking place outside of the car.

Soundproofing cars to shut out distracting outside noises offers both privacy and tranquillity inside.

Windshields with a special acoustic layer and thicker side and rear glass on Ford cars and trucks significantly reduce high-frequency noises. Sound-absorbing carpets and self-expanding foams also help absorb sound, as well as help maintain a more consistent sound level distribution inside the vehicle.

Describe Your Ulitmate Explorer Road Trip!

Ford is asking you to describe your ultimate adventure if you had the all new 2011 Ford Explorer for one week. You can submit you idea in the form of an essay, video, or photos at www.ford.com/explorer or on Facebook. Ford will pick 10 or more winners to live out their ultimate Explorer adventure as long as you don't mind having the experience documented on video. Doesn't sound like a bad deal?

Ford and the Grammy Awards

Ford to Showcase Ads for All-New Explorer During GRAMMY Awards, Including Unique Spot Featuring Nelly•Ford Explorer’s heavy presence during this Sunday’s 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards® will showcase the SUV’s reinvention to millions; the GRAMMY awards air Sunday, Feb. 13, at 8 p.m. EST on CBS
•Ford will air three Explorer ads, including the premiere of a unique 60-second television commercial featuring hip hop recording artist Nelly and the Audio System from Sony in the new Ford Explorer
•All the ads lean heavily on music to tell the Explorer story; they are part of an integrated campaign designed to help people reconnect with Explorer and the shared adventures an SUV can deliver
•Since the July reveal of the reinvented Explorer, Ford has been engaging with consumers in one-on-one conversations on Facebook using text, videos and images; Nelly is one of a number of celebrities – including Bret Michaels, Snoop Dogg and professional pool player Jeanette Lee – who have appeared in Explorer Facebook videos

Building A More Intelligent Vehicle

•Ford is rapidly expanding its commitment to intelligent vehicles that wirelessly talk to each other, warning of potential dangers to enhance safety and flag impending traffic congestion to help improve the environment
•Intelligent vehicles could potentially help in 81 percent of all police-reported light-vehicle crashes involving unimpaired drivers, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report
•Ford is building the first-ever prototype intelligent vehicles that will tour the U.S. beginning this spring and will provide additional prototypes for the Department of Transportation’s world-first research clinics expected to begin this summer
•Ford is doubling its intelligent vehicle investment in 2011 and plans a new 20-member task force of scientists and engineers to explore the technology’s broader possibilities