SYNC goes standard on new Fusion and Flex
Drivers of more than 4 million vehicles already take advantage of mobile device connectivity provided by Ford SYNC®, available as either optional or standard equipment on every new Ford sold in North America. Now, that population is set to grow even more as the all-new Ford Fusion and Flex get SYNC as standard equipment for 2013. Every Fusion from the base car through to the advanced plug-in Fusion Energi, as well as the redesigned Flex will be equipped with SYNC whether it has an entry-level audio system or top-of-the-line MyFord Touch® interface.
Alan Hall | ahall32@ford.com | 313.594.3744
Ford, Lincoln earn accolades in reliability from J.D. Power
Ford Motor Company has placed a laser-sharp focus on quality, and the results are paying off for its customers. The company has six vehicles ranked in the top three for long-term durability in the annual J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Vehicle Dependability Study. The study asks owners about problems they've experienced in the past 12 months with their three-year-old vehicles (so for 2012, 2009 vehicles were surveyed). Vehicles that came out on top include Ford Fusion, Explorer, Ranger and Taurus, as well as Lincoln MKZ and MKX.
Francesca Montini | fmontini@ford.com | 313.845.0508
Drive your way to summer X Games with Focus ST Challenge
Ford is giving fans of the new Focus ST a chance to put the upcoming high-performance hatchback to the test virtually and in a competition that will send the winning driver to the ESPN summer X Games. The competition puts drivers into the seat of a Focus ST driving simulator at auto shows across the country. The participant with the fastest lap time will win a host of awards, including an invite to the X Games for a meet-and-greet with drivers of Ford's Octane Academy. Additional prizes also will be awarded to top times on a regional basis.
Said Deep | sdeep@ford.com | 313.594.0942
Ford hybrid patent list grows to nearly 500
The number of hybrid patents held by Ford has increased as the company continues to grow its intellectual property portfolio and expand its electrified vehicle lineup with products like the new Fusion Hybrid. Ford has 461 hybrid patents in its intellectual property portfolio. That's up from just 10 in 2000. The increase is due in large part to a commitment Ford made to continued innovation even during the deep recession. With anticipated fuel economy of up to 47 mpg, Fusion Hybrid represents how that commitment has paid off.
Wes Sherwood | wsherwoo@ford.com | 313.390.5660
