Ford Explorer tops 100,000 in sales; Ford Focus & hellip;

Ford Explorer tops 100,000 in sales

America's love affair with the Ford Explorer is stronger than ever. With more than 100,000 Explorers sold this year, it is the fastest-growing midsize utility in the nation. This year the all-new Explorer has had stronger retail sales growth than any midsize utility vehicle, having either tripled or quadrupled in all regions of the country. In total, U.S. retail sales of Explorer are up 290 percent compared to the same period in 2010, making it one of the best-selling midsize utilities in America.

Angie Kozleski  |  [email protected]  |  313.323.1984

Ford Focus Electric named 'Top 5 Green Car for 2012'

Ford Focus Electric is one of five finalists for Green Car Journal's 2012 Green Car of the Year® award. The winner will be announced Nov. 17 at the L.A. Auto Show. The Green Car of the Year awards honor environmental leadership in the automotive field. Focus Electric is just one example of Ford's commitment to offer customers the power of choice in electrified vehicle technology. Click here for the full release.

Ford ropes 'Truck of Texas'

Ford trucks and crossovers earned top honors at the 2011 Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) Truck Rodeo, including the 2012 F-150 being named "Truck of Texas" – the most prestigious award. Ford also swept seven additional categories for its vehicles and EcoBoost® engine technology. Ford's truck lineup was named "Truck Line of Texas" for the 12th consecutive year. Ford's dominance of this award is further evidence of the durability and reliability of Built Ford Tough F-Series trucks.

Mike Levine  |  [email protected]  |  313.323.6854

Carpet in next Ford Escape to come with a tint of green

Empty plastic beverage bottles – something found nearly everywhere – have a new use in the next Ford Escape. Twenty-five 20-ounce bottles are used in the carpeting of every new Escape, and this means more than 4 million bottles could be kept out of landfills based on current sales of the best-selling small SUV in America. The all-new Ford Escape, complete with carpets made from recycled bottles, makes its global debut at the L.A. Auto Show Nov. 16.

Angie Kozleski  |  [email protected]  |  313.323.1984

Increased investment coming to Ford Kansas City Assembly Plant

Ford confirms Kansas City Assembly Plant workers will build its full-size Transit van – Europe's best-selling commercial vehicle – when the new product joins the North American lineup in 2013. Ford is investing $1.1 billion – $700 million more than previously announced – in a new body shop, new tooling in the final assembly area, an upgraded paint shop and an all-new integrated stamping plant. A portion of the investment also will be used to support next-generation F-150 pickup production.

Marcey Evans  |  [email protected]  |  313.322.9211