MEDIA.FORD.COM

Customer demand for the 2012 Ford Focus is on the rise, most notably in the high-volume California market.

Ford is recognizing its dealers who go above and beyond when it comes to giving back to their communities with its 12th annual Salute to Dealers award. Six dealerships were selected from among more than 8,500 Ford dealers worldwide for exhibiting unparalleled dedication to their communities.

Ford World Rally Team’s Nordic drivers will aim to extend the squad’s winning grip at the Swedish Rally (9 - 12 February) next week. The team has won the last five fixtures of the FIA World Rally Championship’s only true winter encounter and both Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala and Norway’s Petter Solberg have Swedish victories to their names.

From seven to 11; Ford accelerates EcoBoost capacity; Ford's global Driving Skills for Life program to help train new drivers; Drivers of all-new Escape may be surprised to find there's a plant inside the doors; C-MAX Energi earns accolade from Green Car Journal; U.S. News & World Report: Four Ford vehicles are tops for families

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 136,710 vehicles in January, a 7 percent increase versus year-old levels. Erich Merkle, Ford Sales analyst said the Ford brand totaled 131,589 vehicles in January, making it the best January sales month for the Ford brand since 2008.

Ford Motor Company U.S. sales totaled 136,710 vehicles in January, a 7 percent increase versus year-old levels. The Ford brand totaled 131,589 vehicles in January, making it the best January sales month for the Ford brand since 2008.

Four Ford models have been selected for U.S. News & World Report’s 2012 Best Cars for Families awards. These awards help busy parents navigate a confusing automotive market by identifying the cars that offer the best combination of factors important to everyday families. Editors selected Ford Taurus as the best full-size car for families because, “An expansive interior, strong crash test ratings and Ford’s MyKey system – which lets parents set speed limits to help keep new drivers safe – make the Taurus a strong choice for families who have kids in car seats as well as teens.” Other Ford winners include the 2012 Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Edge. Read more here.

Ford kicks off another year of helping new drivers around the world improve their motoring skills through the Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) program.

Ford Motor Credit Company reported net income of $1.8 billion in 2011, compared with $2 billion a year earlier. On a pre-tax basis, Ford Credit earned $2.4 billion in 2011, compared with $3.1 billion in the previous year. The decrease in pre-tax earnings is more than explained by fewer leases being terminated and the related vehicles sold at a gain, and lower credit loss reserve reductions.

Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported 2011 full year pre-tax operating profit of $8.8 billion, an increase of $463 million from a year ago, as strong performance in North America and Ford Credit offset challenges in other parts of the world. This marks the company’s third year in a row of improving annual operating profits.