March 20, 2009
In this Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefing…
- Customers select the Ford F-150 Most Rugged Truck
- Company makes progress in latest J.D. Power Dependability Study
- More powerful, quieter 2010 Lincoln MKZ
- Ford starts the celebration of the Mustang's 45th anniversary
- Q&A: Brent Hinds on the EcoBoost Engine
- Outside Voices: Obama team offers $5B in supplier aid
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Ford F-150 Recognized as Most Rugged Truck by Customers in Kbb.com Survey
Kelley Blue Book announced that Ford Motor Company is the winner of the 2009 Brand Image Award for the “Most Rugged Truck Brand.” The 2009 Brand Image Awards are based on consumer data collected from Kelley Blue Book Market Research’s Brand Watch study, which surveys more than 12,000 shoppers on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com who are in the market for a new vehicle.
When people think of Ford trucks, they automatically think of the all-new 2009 Ford F-150, which continues to make a strong impression on consumers and critics alike as America’s best-selling vehicle and the country’s safest full-size pickup truck. The vehicle has received a host of prestigious awards and accolades, including 2009 North American Truck of the Year, 2009 Motor Trend Truck of the Year™ and “Truck of Texas” by the Texas Auto Writers.
To read the full article, click here.
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Ford Continues to Make Solid Progress on J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study
Ford Motor Company is pleased with its results in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study, which measures the dependability of vehicles within the first three years of use.
The Ford brand improved better than industry average by decreasing parts per 100 (PP100) by 22 percent from 204 to 159, moving the brand up two places from14th place among all brands to 12th. Mercury and Lincoln each improved, decreasing PP100 by 11 percent each.
To read the full article, click here.
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Quieter, More Powerful 2010 Lincoln MKZ Adds to Rich Tradition in Midsize Luxury Car Segment
Increased luxury and power are readily apparent and available in the 2010 Lincoln MKZ, as customers pampered with signature high-end features will enjoy a faster-accelerating and noticeably quieter luxury sedan. The 2010 model boasts a wide range of exterior and interior refinements – including premium Bridge of Weir leather-wrapped seats – as well as a new sport version for those desiring an even more-engaging driving experience.
“The new MKZ improves on the success of the current vehicle with Lincoln’s new signature look, appointments that amplify and expand the Lincoln portfolio and a faster, more-refined powertrain,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas.
To read the full article, click here
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Ford Looks Forward to 45th Anniversary of Mustang, Takes Nostalgic Look Back at American Icon
A number of pony cars have galloped in and out of the American automotive scene throughout the past four and a half decades, but none have enjoyed the lasting appeal of Mustang. And none have inspired the same degree of passion among car owners.
On Friday, April 17, 2009, Ford and the Mustang Club of America will commemorate the 45th anniversary of an American icon – the Ford Mustang – with a four-day celebration in Birmingham, Ala.
During the four weeks leading up to the Mustang’s 45th anniversary, Ford will take a nostalgic look back at five historic generations of its longest-running nameplate, beginning with the early years, 1964 to 1974.
To read the full article, click here.
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Ford Motor Company Receives Recognition for its Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Ford Motor Company was ranked No. 28 on The 2009 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list, announced March 12. This recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts is just the latest received by Ford Motor Company this year.
"A perennial DiversityInc Top 50 company, Ford has remained a diversity leader even as its industry is in turmoil. It consistently has been the highest-ranked auto company because of its commitment to an inclusive work force and its strong community philanthropy," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc.
A total of 401 companies, an increase of 14 percent from last year, vied for the honor this year, underscoring the increasing emphasis on diversity management among progressive companies. As a key factor in Ford's success, Visconti cited its 11 strong employee-resource groups, which are used for talent development and to connect with customers. These groups include the Ford Interfaith Network, which Visconti called the model for inclusive religious employee groups.
To read the full article, click here.
Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid Takes to the Small Screen
The 2010 Fusion and Fusion Hybrid – the most fuel efficient midsize sedan in America – have been getting some great press! So Ford striking while the iron is hot by highlighting this vehicle on several fabulous venues such as The Ellen Degeneres Show yesterday, Extreme Makeover on Sunday, March 22, and through the spring on American Idol.
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The Fusion Hybrid was on the Ellen Degeneres show Thursday, March 19. It was given to a stay-at-home mom in financial need in Las Vegas. Ellen personally introduced the Fusion Hybrid at the top of the show stating “the Ford Fusion Hybrid gets 700 miles on one tank of gas.” The segment highlighted the SmartGuage with EcoGuide™ in detail. Click here to check out the segment on the show.
Tune in to ABC this Sunday, March 22 at 8:00 p.m.
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