Ford researches greenbacks to replace plastics

Rising oil prices have Ford speeding up its efforts to reduce its dependence on petroleum and use more sustainable materials – including old U.S. paper currency retired from service. Shredded cash joins cellulose from trees, Indian grass, sugar cane, dandelions, corn and coconuts as alternative material under review for potential application in Ford vehicles.

Dan Pierce  |  dpierc41@ford.com  |  313.594.0949

The big SHFT

Ford is "charging" into Earth Day by launching initiatives encouraging people to take a more sustainable approach in life year-round with a national electrified vehicle education program, multi-city tour and a short documentary series with SHFT.com. SHFT.com is an award-winning sustainability lifestyle platform developed by Adrian Grenier and Peter Glatzer.

Marisa Bradley  |  mbradl31@ford.com  |  313.845.3971

Ford makes NASCAR history, again

The all-new Ford Focus Electric will be the first all-electric car to perform pace car duties for the Sprint Cup Richmond 400 April 28. Ford was also first to use a hybrid to start a NASCAR event when Fusion Hybrid served as pace car at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2008.

Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660

Focus Electric Facebook game launches

Ford is giving Facebook users the chance to take a virtual road trip in the Focus Electric. "Plug N Play in Electric City" is a great way for consumers to have fun and learn about the all-new Focus Electric at the same time, and they don't even have to leave their computers.

Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660

Ford and Dow join forces to lighten up

Ford and The Dow Chemical Company are teaming up to research the use of advanced carbon fiber composites in high-volume vehicles. The goal of reducing the weight of cars and trucks by up to 750 pounds by the end of the decade will result in improved fuel efficiency.

Alan Hall  |  ahall32@ford.com  |  313.594.3744

Robots boost the quality of all-new Escape

Robots equipped with laser eyes and suction cup hands are helping humans reduce physical strain and boosting the quality of the all-new Escape being built at Ford's Louisville Assembly Plant. More than 700 robots assist in the build of the Escape.

Marcey Evans   |  mevans13@ford.com  |  313.322.9211