Ford eNews - Oct. 12, 2011

DEARBORN, MI--Oct. 12, 2011:

Ford offers crisp, fresh harvest of colors

The Ford harvest of vehicle colors reflects crisp, rich shades like Ginger Ale and Frosted Glass, offering a fresh selection of earthy neutrals. And that's important because color matters -- research shows up to 40 percent of car buyers say they would walk out of a dealership if they couldn't buy a vehicle in the color they want. Ginger Ale will be seen on the all-new Escape, while Frosted Glass is a signature color for Focus Electric.  more...

Marisa Bradley | mbradl31@ford.com | 313.845.3971

Ford earns Popular Mechanics honor for industry-first inflatable belts

Ford's rear inflatable seat belts have been named a Breakthrough Product Award winner by Popular Mechanics. Lead developer Srini Sundararajan accepted the prestigious award in New York, meeting other innovators -- like film director James Cameron, who was honored for his pioneering work in CGI. Inflatable belts combine the attributes of traditional seat belts and airbags to provide additional crash protection.  more...

Wes Sherwood | wsherwoo@ford.com | 313.390.5660

Ford and Scotts Miracle-Gro are crazy for coconuts

Ford is working with The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company to research how coconut coir might be used as a plastic reinforcement. ScottsMiracle-Gro uses the coir, taken from the husk of a coconut, as a carrier for its soils and grass seed products. Once it comes to Ford, it's combined with plastic to deliver additional reinforcement to a part while eliminating the need for some petroleum. The new part is not only lighter in weight, but the long fibers are visible in the plastic and offer a more natural look.  more...

Dan Pierce | dpierc41@ford.com | 313.594.0949

Leviton and Ford achieve certification for Focus Electric Home Charging Station

Leviton and Ford announced the new Ford Electric Vehicle Home Charging Station has achieved UL certification for UL 2231, UL 2251 and UL 2594. The new Level 2 Electric Vehicle charging device, designed exclusively for Ford, is also compatible with all additional industry safety standards and recommended practices, including SAE J1772 and NEC 625. The Ford charging station provides up to 32 amps at 240 volts AC (7.7 kW output), fully charging a Focus Electric's battery in a little over three hours -- more than four times faster than the standard portable charger.  more...

Dan Pierce | dpierc41@ford.com | 313.594.0949

Ford tops in supplier diversity

Ford has been named Corporation of the Year by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council. This is the second year in a row Ford has received the award, which recognizes an automaker's commitment to developing and growing a diverse supply base. Last year Ford exceeded its supplier diversity sourcing goals by purchasing $4.1 billion in goods and services from its tier-one minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the U.S.  more...

Todd Nissen | tnissen@ford.com | 313.322.4898

Ford ramps up presence in America's Thanksgiving Parade

Ford Motor Company, Ford Motor Company Fund and The Parade Company announced a major partnership that increases Ford's longtime support for one of the country's largest and longest-running parades -- America's Thanksgiving Parade®. Bill and Lisa Ford will serve as this year's co-grand marshals for the parade, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary on Thursday, Nov. 24. Additionally, a community outreach program and multimedia campaign, "Ford: Driving Food Home for the Holidays and Beyond," will encourage donations to Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan. more...

Della DiPietro | ddpietr@ford.com | 313.720.8095