Who wants pi? Ford demonstrates its devotion to math on Pi Day

Ford engineers are very fond of pi. In fact, today isn't just another day on the calendar for them. For Ford engineers – and for other math fanatics around the world – it's Pi Day (3.14 day), a holiday recognizing the role mathematics has in everyday life. At Ford, math plays a critical role in developing smarter, safer and more fuel-efficient cars like the all-new Fusion.

Dan Pierce  |  dpierc41@ford.com  |  313.594.0949

New Escape is a hauling champ

The 2.0-liter EcoBoost® engine available in the all-new Ford Escape delivers the ultimate combination of fuel economy, performance and capability that SUV customers with active lifestyles need with today's record-high fuel prices. Packing 237 horsepower and 250 lb.-ft. of torque, the EcoBoost enables Escape to tow 3,500 pounds – roughly equal to two jet skis or a snowmobile and the trailer they ride on – best in class among small SUVs with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Volkswagen Tiguan has a tow rating of 2,200 pounds, while the turbocharged Kia Sportage and Acura RDX top out at just 2,000 pounds and 1,500 pounds respectively.

Aaron Miller  |  amill226@ford.com  |  313.845.4467

F-150 wins Best Value award

The Ford F-150 is winner of the eighth annual Vincentric Best Value in America award for full-size, half-ton pickups. Using its comprehensive, proprietary cost-of-ownership database, Vincentric measures and analyzes the cost of owning and operating vehicles and the impact on value to buyers. F-150 beat out Chevrolet Silverado for the second year in a row. Key factors were its best-in-class fuel economy, low insurance costs and lowest depreciation rate, adding up to 3 percent lower-than-expected ownership costs for F-150. Click here for the full article.

Ford teams up with NBC for 'Escape Routes'

Ford is teaming up with NBC to highlight the Ford Escape and take contestants on a unique road-trip competition featuring real-world challenges. Six teams of two will be highlighted on the show, which airs March 31. With Fiesta and Explorer, Ford was the first automaker to reveal vehicles via social media, and with Escape, the first to reveal through social gaming.

Angie Kozleski  |  akozlesk@ford.com  |  313.323.1984

Californians can save money, cruise in HOV lanes in Ford Focus Electric

The Ford Focus Electric is letting consumers experience life in the less crowded lane. The California Environmental Protection Agency's Air Resources Board has given approval for Golden State owners of the new 2012 Focus Electric to drive in those highly sought-after high occupancy vehicle lanes, which means less congestion. These owners also will be able to receive up to $10,000 in tax credits.

Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660

Ford F-Series goes upscale with new Platinum edition, MyFord Touch

Ford F-Series Super Duty customers demand a truck with toughness and capability, yet they appreciate the amenities that make their driving experience more enjoyable. The 2013 Super Duty offers both, with a first-ever Platinum model and the addition of SYNC® with MyFord Touch®. Complete with unique design cues, Super Duty Platinum will offer a wealth of standard features. And unique to F-Series, designers have optimized the physical interface for MyFord Touch to accommodate users who may be wearing work gloves by providing easy access to climate controls and audio presets on the center stack.

Mike Levine  |  mlevine5@ford.com  |  313.323.6854

Ford Flex and bestselling author Christian Lander present Suburban Dictionary

Ford, in conjunction with bestselling author Christian Lander, presents Suburban Dictionary, an online glossary of terms related to suburban life. The more than 44,000 fans of Flex on Facebook are encouraged to submit their own entries into the Suburban Dictionary and interact with other Flex owners and enthusiasts on Facebook.

Angie Kozleski  |  akozlesk@ford.com  |  313.323.1984