From seven to 11; Ford accelerates EcoBoost capacity

Ford is expanding its range of EcoBoost™ vehicles for 2012, offering this fuel-saving technology in 11 nameplates – up from seven in 2011. Delivering up to a 20 percent increase in fuel economy compared to larger engines of similar output, EcoBoost engines combine turbocharging and gasoline direct injection. The all-new Fusion arrives this year with two EcoBoost offerings in 1.6- and 2.0-liter engine sizes. The long-anticipated Focus ST is coming in 2012 too, joining Taurus SHO as a high-performance EcoBoost application. Coming off record sales of EcoBoost-equipped vehicles in 2011, Ford will triple EcoBoost capacity for 2012.

Richard Truett  |  rtruett1@ford.com  |  313.323.7045

Ford's global Driving Skills for Life program to help train new drivers

Ford kicks off its ninth year of helping new drivers around the world improve their motoring skills through the Driving Skills for Life program. DSFL will visit 30 high schools in five states in the northwest United States with a transporter featuring specially equipped vehicles and professional instructors. The program delivers a full day of activities that build young drivers' skills in four key areas: driver distraction, speed/space management, vehicle handling and hazard recognition. Ford DSFL now is in its fifth year training newly licensed drivers in Asia. Globally, the program has trained more than 500,000 new drivers through online and professional hands-on driver instruction.

Della DiPietro  |  ddipietr@ford.com  |  313.720.8095

Drivers of all-new Escape may be surprised to find there's a plant inside the doors

As part of a broader effort to make vehicles more sustainable, Ford is making the material inside the all-new Escape's door – known as the bolster – in part from kenaf. This tropical plant looks similar to bamboo and is related to cotton. It is combined with polypropylene in a 50-50 mixture. The use of eco-friendly kenaf is anticipated to offset 300,000 pounds of oil-based resin per year in North America; its use reduces the weight of the door bolsters by 25 percent.

Angie Kozleski  |  akozlesk@ford.com  |  313.323.1984

C-MAX Energi earns accolade from Green Car Journal

Ford C-MAX Energi has been named Green Car Journal's 2012 Green Car Vision Award™ winner. Editors note C-MAX Energi delivers on efficiency and versatility, while its engineering "enables straightforward use of a common platform for a wide range of uses, buyers, and worldwide markets at manageable cost." C-MAX Energi is one of five electrified vehicles Ford will launch in North America in 2012. It is expected to deliver a better fuel economy equivalent in electric mode than the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid with a 500-mile overall driving range – more than the Chevrolet Volt. Read more here.

U.S. News & World Report: Four Ford vehicles are tops for families

Four Ford models were selected for U.S. News & World Report's 2012 Best Cars for Families awards. Editors selected Ford Taurus as the best full-size car for families because, "An expansive interior, strong crash test ratings and Ford's MyKey system – which lets parents set speed limits to help keep new drivers safe – make the Taurus a strong choice for families who have kids in car seats as well as teens." Other Ford winners include the 2012 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Edge. Read more here.