Ford today announced the launch of its Innovate Mobility Challenge Series, inviting the developer and ‘maker’ communities to come together to find innovative mobility solutions in eight different locations around the world.

Ford, the Official Automotive Partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, today named the first athlete ambassadors who will be supporting its newly-launched #PlayYourPart campaign.

Laura Parker has rejoined the Ford Press Office team to lead van communications following her successful university placement with the “Blue Oval”. Laura has taken over the best-selling Ford commercial vehicle range from Dan Jones, who has been promoted to large car communications manager in Ford’s European Public Affairs team providing maternity cover.

Ford’s sales volume in its 20 traditional markets in Europe totalled 605,400 vehicles in the first six months of the year – 37,700 vehicles, or 6.6 percent, more than in the same period in 2013. This compared to a total industry growth in sales of 6.3 percent for the first half of the year. Ford’s market share in Europe was level at 7.9 percent.

UK market leader Ford has increased its car, commercial vehicle and total vehicle sales for the year to the end of June, extending its lead over its nearest rival to over 54,000.

The New Ford Focus ST notched up a first victory hours after making its global debut by winning a unique ‘virtual versus real’ race. The new model went head-to-head against a virtual Focus ST after Ford and Sony Computer Entertainment staged the first such race on the world-famous hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

For the first time ever, Ken Block has opened the doors to his Hoonigan Racing Division (HRD) base and let the Ford Racing cameras capture what goes on behind the scenes.

The New Ford Focus ST notched up a first victory hours after making its global debut – by winning a unique “virtual vs real” race. The new model went head-to-head against a virtual Focus ST after Ford and Sony Computer Entertainment staged the first such race on the world-famous hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The new Focus ST makes its global debut today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, U.K. – the ideal location to showcase the speed and enhanced driving dynamics of the global performance car.

A small petrol engine that powers Ford cars including the new Fiesta has fought off competition from premium brands and supercars to win the “Oscars” of the engine world for an unprecedented third time in a row. Ford Motor Company’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine – which lowers fuel consumption without sacrificing power – today was named 2014 International Engine of the Year for its drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology.