Ford Flex and Ford Fusion Hybrid Named 2010 All-Stars by AUTOMOBILE Magazine

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 23, 2009; The 2010 Ford Flex and the award-winning 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid have been named 2010 All-Stars by AUTOMOBILE Magazine, one of America's leading automotive lifestyle publications.

This year marks the second consecutive win for the Ford Flex. Last year, AUTOMOBILE Magazine described the 2009 model as a "class act among people movers."

"For 2010, Ford has equipped the Flex with its much-anticipated EcoBoost(TM) engine, thereby addressing the Flex's only weakness - power - and effectively transforming it from a well-rounded family hauler into a large sport wagon," said Jean Jennings, president and editor-in-

chief of AUTOMOBILE Magazine. "The Flex is unique in a market brimming with compromised, look-alike utility vehicles and is one of the best-handling full-size crossovers on the market."

Jason Mase, Ford crossover marketing manager, says it is the design and features available with the Ford Flex that make the vehicle stand out.

"We're delighted that AUTOMOBILE Magazine has named Flex an All-Star two years running," he said. "The AUTOMOBILE editors recognize Flex stands apart from the rest of the crossover crowd with unmatched style, tremendous passenger comfort and space, and leading technology features like the available EcoBoost engine, Active Park Assist, Ford SYNC� and a refrigerated second-row console."

Jennings says what makes the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid special is that it doesn't drive like a hybrid.

"Its very ordinariness is what makes the Fusion Hybrid an AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Star," said Jennings. "The Fusion Hybrid is not a performance machine, but neither does it feel hobbled or inadequate for daily driving. Perhaps the best thing about it is that, apart from the LCD color screens, you might never know you're driving a hybrid."

The recognition from AUTOMOBILE Magazine is the latest in a string of prestigious awards for the Fusion Hybrid.

"Third parties are now endorsing what we have known for quite a while," said Greg Scott, Fusion marketing manager. "The Fusion Hybrid is a great car."

The AUTOMOBILE Magazine All-Stars are chosen by the AUTOMOBILE Magazine staff, its worldwide bureau chiefs and its contributors, following an intensive test drive of the year's most innovative and important new cars. Winners are selected based on design, value and performance, driving enjoyment and the vehicle's ability to redefine an existing category or create a new market segment.

"The level of excellence found during our annual All-Stars competition was at an all-time high and the competition was strong, despite the auto industry coming off its worst year in recent history," said Jennings. "We whittled down a list of 39 finalists to the 10 All-Stars, and the end results produced a list of true standouts."

The 2010 Ford Flex: Turning heads today and tomorrow

In addition to being named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars, the 2010 Ford Flex was recently singled out for the 2009 "Collectible Vehicle of the Future" award from the Friends of the National Automotive History Collection (NAHC). Members of the organization, which supports the world-famous automotive collection at the Detroit Public Library, predict Flex will be the vehicle most likely to turn heads at the Woodward Dream Cruise of 2034. Ford's unique crossover has been turning heads since its introduction in 2007.

For 2010, the Flex offers outstanding fuel economy in the full-size crossover segment with 17 mpg city/24 highway and an unsurpassed 20 mpg combined. It also offers a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, an auto-fold 60/40 second-row split bench seat, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel and the Ford-exclusive MyKey(TM) technology, which allows owners to program a maximum top speed - and radio volume - to encourage safe operation by teen drivers.

Banner year for 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

2009 has been a banner year for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. In addition to being named one of AUTOMOBILE Magazine's 2010 All-Stars, America's most fuel-efficient midsize sedan was honored as one of CAR and DRIVER magazine's "10Best" cars for 2010, and the entire Fusion lineup captured the prestigious MOTOR TREND Car of the Year award. The Fusion Hybrid also is a finalist for North American Car of the Year.

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, Fusion sales are at an all-time high for 2009, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. And more than 60 percent of Fusion sales have been to customers coming from import brands - mostly Toyota and Honda.

  Additional awards and accolades for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid include:
  --  "Top Safety Pick" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway
      Safety
  --  2009 Ward's Interior of the Year Special Achievement Award for Best
      Graphic Display for SmartGauge(TM) with EcoGuide digital instrument
      cluster
  --  Great Car for the Long-haul Salesman by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  --  Named one of America's Top 40 New Cars by MOTOR TREND magazine
  --  Rated the No. 1 Hybrid Family Sedan by CAR and DRIVER in a recent
      comparison test by the magazine
  --  Named 2009 Editors Choice for Fuel Sipper by CAR and DRIVER
  --  Named Best Hybrid for the Money in the Midsize Car segment by cars.com
  --  Named one of 2009 Top 10 Green Cars by Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  --  Earned The Detroit News Readers' Choice Award for "Best Value"

  About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company , a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.