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Ford eNews & ndash; May 18, 2011

Ford broadens the reach of SYNC with new tools for health and wellness; 2011 Ford F-150 earns Top Safety Pick; Ford's horn lady explains the art of the humble honker; Ford continues to pledge support to breast cancer survivors, awareness; Ford, Georgia Tech team up for first hydraulic...

Ford eNews – May 18, 2011

Ford broadens the reach of SYNC with new tools for health and wellness

As Americans take a more active role in managing their health and well-being, Ford researchers are taking a leading role in developing a series of health and wellness in-car connectivity solutions. These solutions are designed to empower people with self-help information while they drive. Leveraging Ford SYNC®, researchers developed industry-first voice-controlled in-car connections to an array of health aids from glucose monitoring devices, diabetes management services, asthma management tools and Web-based allergen alert solutions.

Alan Hall | [email protected] | 313.594.3744

2011 Ford F-150 earns Top Safety Pick

The 2011 Ford F-150 SuperCrew is building on Ford's safety leadership, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick for models built after February 2011. Ford F-150 features a number of standard safety and stability systems including Safety Canopy® side curtain airbags, AdvanceTrac® with RSC®, SOS Post Crash Alert System™ and trailer sway control. Ford now has 11 vehicles on the road in the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks. To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of "good" in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact tests and the new roof strength evaluation, as well as offer electronic stability control.

Wes Sherwood | [email protected] | 313.390.5660

Ford's horn lady explains the art of the humble honker

Patricia Seashore knows that a vehicle's horn is a deceptively simple device. In North America, for instance, drivers use it to say hello or to locate their vehicles in a parking lot. They like their horns to sound melodious and musical. But in India drivers tackle congested roads, and their horns must stand up to constant use. In China, drivers want the best of both worlds – a horn that sounds nice but that can also stand up to heavy use. Seashore, a design and release supervisor for Ford, has become a horn specialist, working to ensure that as Ford expands globally, the honk-honk and beep-beep of its cars and trucks match the demands of customers around the world.

Wes Sherwood | [email protected] | 313.390.5660

Ford continues to pledge support to breast cancer survivors, awareness

Ford will mark its 17th year of support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® at the 20th annual Susan G. Komen Detroit Race for the Cure on Saturday, May 21, at Comerica Park. To date, Ford has dedicated more than $110 million to the cause. In addition to providing financial support, Ford encourages its employees to participate in local races. More than 75,000 Ford employees run or walk in races across the country to support the cause, and thousands of Ford dealers across the nation participate in their local race events. This year, a new 2011 line of Warriors in Pink apparel and accessories is available, with 100 percent of net proceeds directly benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Amanda Zusman | [email protected] | 313.322.3132

Ford, Georgia Tech team up for first hydraulic hybrid school bus

Some Georgia students' school bus ride just got a lot greener. Ford Motor Company Fund and Georgia Institute of Technology are partnering on the nation's first conversion of a traditional school bus to a hydraulic hybrid vehicle that runs on recycled biofuel. Atlanta Public Schools donated the bus for the project. Conducted by Georgia Tech, the project is financed by a $50,000 Ford College Community Challenge Grant, one of five given annually for a student-led project that matches university resources with an urgent community need related to sustainability. This project focuses on converting existing school buses into hydraulic hybrids, which could lower greenhouse emissions and reduce transportation costs for schools.

Della DiPietro | [email protected] | 313.720.8095

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