A fuel economy hat trick – Ford C-MAX Hybrid earns 47 across the board

Ford once again raises the fuel-economy bar with the all-new C-MAX Hybrid, which is now EPA-certified at 47 mpg city, 47 mpg highway and 47 mpg combined – beating Toyota Prius v by up to 7 mpg.

Wes Sherwood  |  wsherwoo@ford.com  |  313.390.5660

Ford C-MAX Energi delivers industry's top electric-only speed

At the touch of a button, Ford C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid drivers can enjoy the industry's top electric-only speed among all plug-in hybrid vehicles – 85 mph. Topping the Toyota Prius plug-in's top EV-only speed by more than 20 mph, C-MAX Energi can easily keep pace with the flow of traffic, even when the EV mode button is engaged and the gasoline engine is off.

Richard Truett  |  rtruett1@ford.com  |  313.323.7045

Achoo! Allergy Alert app now on Ford SYNC AppLink

Allergy Alert is now compatible with Ford SYNC® AppLink™ to give drivers a safe way to check the potential for scratchy eyes, sore throats and runny noses while on the go. With SYNC AppLink, drivers can connect smartphones or tablets to their cars, and using simple voice commands, can quickly access information from the IMS Health Allergy Alert app.

Alan Hall  |  ahall32@ford.com  |  313.594.3744

Ford produces only FWD hybrid transmission to be made in North America

Ford launches a new era of clean technology and job growth with the debut of a flexible assembly line at Van Dyke Transmission Plant, making the company North America's only producer of front-wheel-drive hybrid transmissions.

Todd Nissen  |  tnissen@ford.com  |  313.322.4898

Fiesta makes KBB.com's Back-to-School list

Ford Fiesta has made the KBB.com list of 2012 Top 10 Back-to-School cars. Here's why Kelley Blue Book put Fiesta on its list: "The 5-door hatchback is definitely a player. With fuel economy bumping 40 mpg and a protecto-cocoon of seven airbags at the ready, the Fiesta is both smart and fun, and will look very cool with a Springfield High parking sticker clinging to the window." Read more here.

Driver assist technology interest grows among midsize sedan buyers

Advanced technology hasn't traditionally played a large role in the purchase consideration among midsize sedan buyers, but this may be changing. Of the more than 155,000 online shoppers who built and priced the 2013 Ford Fusion on a recent test site, nearly 25 percent opted for the Driver Assist package that includes some of Ford's most advanced technology.

Chris Terry  |  cterry34@ford.com  |  248.506.4500