The Blue Oval rises

What better way to celebrate the return of the Blue Oval to Ford than by re-creating it in human form? That's what more than 1,000 Ford employees did at World Headquarters in Dearborn, Mich. They were marking a milestone as Moody's upgraded the company to investment grade status, allowing Ford to reclaim the assets it mortgaged in 2006, including the Blue Oval, to finance its turnaround plan. Bill Ford called it a "once-in-a-lifetime event."

Jay Cooney  |  jcoone17@ford.com  |  313.323.0593

Shelby GT500 debuts as fastest, most powerful Mustang ever

The 2013 Ford Shelby GT500 is the complete package for everyday drivers and track-day enthusiasts alike. The 5.8-liter V8 aluminum-block engine produces 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the highest horsepower engine ever produced in North America.

Elizabeth Weigandt  |  eweigand@ford.com  |  313.845.4147

4 million 'likes' and then some for Mustang

Ford Mustang surpassed 4 million fans on Facebook, making it the most popular nameplate vehicle on the world's largest social network. Growing at a rate of approximately 14,000 fans a day, the Mustang brand resonates with users of Facebook who appreciate both the iconic performance car and the engaging content on the fan page.

Craig Daitch  |  cdaitch@ford.com  |  313.594.7903

Hands-free, hassle-free Escape liftgate

The available hands-free power liftgate on the all-new Ford Escape faced torrential downpours, running dogs, bouncing balls and other tests to ensure the back end opens only when the customer wants. A gentle kick under the rear bumper activates, unlocks and raises the liftgate when the driver has the Escape key fob in his or her possession, allowing quick and easy access to the cargo area.

Aaron Miller  |  amill226@ford.com  |  313.845.4467

Focus Electric to costar in reality show

Ford and Yahoo! released a teaser video previewing "Plugged In," a weekly online reality show coinciding with the launch of the all-new 2012 Focus Electric. Airing exclusively on Yahoo! Screen, the show features celebrities taking viewers on intimate tours of their hometowns while two-person teams compete in challenges in those cities.

Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660

Orders begin for C-MAX Hybrid

Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America's most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid. Ford's first dedicated line of hybrids features innovative technologies such as hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo, as well as a fun-to-drive design for a base price of $25,995 – $500 lower than Toyota Prius v.

Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660