Ford eNews & ndash; Aug. 3, 2011

EcoBoost-powered Ford Edge and Explorer push envelope on fuel efficiency; Ford makes hands-free calling more affordable; SYNC price drops $100; Inventors find a new home, thanks to Ford and TechShop; Azure Dynamics expands PHEV technology to Ford F-Series

Ford eNews – Aug. 3, 2011

EcoBoost-powered Ford Edge and Explorer push envelope on fuel efficiency

The 2012 Ford Edge and Explorer utilities are now available with an advanced 2.0-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine, ideal for drivers placing the highest priority on fuel efficiency. Building on Edge's best-in-class V6 fuel efficiency, EcoBoost and active grille shutters help the versatile crossover return EPA ratings of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.



The capable Ford Explorer raises the bar with best-in-class full-size three-row SUV fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. EcoBoost is a high-tech engine technology combining turbocharging and direct gasoline injection with smaller displacement to provide the power buyers want along with the fuel efficiency they need.

Angie Kozleski  |  [email protected]  |  313.323.1984

Ford makes hands-free calling more affordable; SYNC price drops $100

Ford is making voice-controlled in-car connectivity even more affordable, announcing both a $100 price drop for Ford SYNC® along with expanded availability by offering the system as an option on base trim levels for the first time. The move marks the company's latest push to make voice control the primary and safest way for customers to access their favorite mobile devices while driving – a capability more and more drivers are clamoring for, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. With the base SYNC package, customers will enjoy the core hands-free features and services that have quickly established SYNC as a must-have technology, with more than 76 percent of current customers saying they would recommend the system to others. Since its debut in 2007, SYNC has now been installed on more than 3 million vehicles.

Alan Hall  |  [email protected]  |  313.594.3744

Inventors find a new home, thanks to Ford and TechShop

Ford and TechShop have announced that Allen Park, Mich., is the new home for TechShop Detroit, the communal fabrication studio where everyday inventors can create their very own homegrown innovations, both automotive and otherwise. TechShop Detroit is the culmination of a year's worth of collaboration between Ford and TechShop, the world's first and largest membership-based do-it-yourself workshop enterprise that also has locations in California and North Carolina. Ford is the first automaker to work with TechShop to open one of its centers, which offer creative minds of all kinds – from backyard tinkerers to tech-savvy engineers – affordable access to tools, machinery and even coaches so they can design and develop prototypes of their latest inventions.

Alan Hall  |  [email protected]  |  313.594.3744

Azure Dynamics expands PHEV technology to Ford F-Series

In collaboration with Ford, Azure Dynamics is integrating its plug-in hybrid technology on Ford's market-leading F-Series Super Duty cab and chassis, the F-550, which is expected to be available in early 2013. The agreement allows Azure to perform hybrid powertrain conversions on other Super Duty platforms including F-350 and F-450 models as well, and spans all engine, frame length and regular production options and configurations. The Super Duty program will allow Azure to further expand its product lineup in its targeted medium-duty commercial truck segment.

Dan Pierce  |  [email protected]  |  313.594.0949

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