February 19, 2010

Thank you for registering to be a part of Ford Motor Company's Blue Oval Connect retiree outreach initiative. If you know of other Ford retirees who would like to register for Blue Oval Connect, please send them to http://www.blueovalconnect.com.

If you have difficulty reading or opening links in this document, Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefings are archived in the http://www.at.ford.com/news/Publications/Pages/BlueOvalConnect.aspx.

• Ford Announces Dealer Sustainability Program
• Ford Next Generation Hybrid System and SmartGauge Win 2010 Best New Green Technology Award
• Three Ford Vehicles Selected as 'Top 10 Family Cars for 2010' by kbb.com
• Ford, ACH Donation Adds 240 Acres of Wetlands to Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
• Ford Named One of Fast Company's Top 10 'Most Innovative Companies' in Mobile Technology
• Video: (WGN-TV) Ford Fusion Hybrid is Cars.com's Car of the Year
• Outside Voices: (Detroit Free Press) GM to Pump $500 Million into Ecotec Engines, Create 550 Jobs

Offer ends March 31. Click here for more information.

MODEL Teams of Ford volunteers are preparing to paint and rebuild, make urgent repairs and clean at shelters and family centers in their local communities. Teams are forming now, and we invite all Ford retirees to join us.

To view projects and register online please click here, or go to the Ford Volunteer Corps Web site at www.volunteer.ford.com.

Savings Plan Administration Change – FAQs Available
The transition of the savings plan administration from Fidelity to Affiliated Computer Services, Inc (ACS) occurred Jan. 5, 2010. We have developed a list of answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) from employees and retirees, which are available on @Ford Online (www.at.ford.com).

If you are a Salaried Retiree, click here to view the recent FAQs.

If you are a Hourly Retiree click here to view the recent FAQs.

To visit the savings plan Web site, go to: www.myfordbenefits.com and follow the instructions to log in.

Click here to donate.

The goal of the program is simple: Collaborate with dealers to implement cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of their facilities, resulting in a long-term reduction in individual dealership's carbon footprint as well as overall operating costs. Participation in the 'Go Green' Dealership Sustainability Program is voluntary for dealers.

To read the full article, click here.

"Great strides in our hybrid technology have made the Fusion Hybrid the most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan and the addition of SmartGauge with EcoGuide instrument cluster technology, is a unique way to help drivers get the most out of their hybrids," said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada.

To read the full article, click here.

"While the product landscape in the new-car world seems ever-changing, the vehicle needs of the typical American family remain fairly constant; capable versatility, value, safety and economical factors usually remain top-of-mind," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Nerad says the Ford Fusion Hybrid is a top pick for families because it saves money at the pump, keeps everyone entertained with the latest Ford SYNC® technology, and scores high in terms of ride and handling.

To read the full article, click here.

Fast Company ranked Ford fifth in the mobile technology category for the introduction and evolution of SYNC, the industry-leading connectivity system co-developed with Microsoft, as well as the recent reveal of MyFord Touch, an innovative user interface that promises to redefine the in-car experience.

To read the full article, click here.

This donation of the land follows nearly five years of joint management under a cooperative agreement between ACH, a Ford affiliate, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Ford Marsh is located adjacent to Lake Erie in Monroe County and bordered by Sterling State Park and the River Raisin.

It is an important flyway for thousands of migrating birds, a habitat for bald eagles and wide variety of mammals, and is home to significant beds of the American Lotus, the official symbol of Michigan's clean waterways.

To read the full article, click here.

Named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln, the Lelands had set up the Lincoln Motor Company in 1917 to build aircraft engines for the Allies. When World War I ended, the company began building luxury cars but financial troubles forced it into bankruptcy in 1921.

But Edsel Ford saw potential value in Lincoln and, at his urging, Ford Motor Company bought what remained of the company for $8 million on Feb. 4, 1922.

To read the full article, click here.

Interested customers have placed more than 6,000 reservations for the new 2011 Ford Fiesta, despite the fact the car will not arrive in dealer showrooms until this summer. Sam De La Garza, Fiesta brand manager, speaks to @Ford Online about other interesting data gleaned from potential Fiesta customers through the company's Fiesta Reservations program.

Q: There is nearly a 50-50 split of reservations made by people younger than 45 and older than 45. Did you expect that?
A: Yes. There are two big population groups of people who buy small cars in the U.S. One is young people, and the other group consists of Baby Boomers who have been downsizing certain aspects of their lives. Those are the largest customer groups that we see for Fiesta.

Q: How does U.S. Fiesta customer data compare to that for Europe?
A: The B-car segment in Europe is different than in the U.S. It is very mature and represents about 24 to 25 percent of the industry. Because B-cars are sold in such high volume in Europe, they must have a broader consumer appeal.

That helps us in the U.S. because it allows us to bring in a lot of premium, high-quality content in an affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle that resonates with many customers here. Younger and older consumers will appreciate Fiesta's premium content, such as push-button start, heated seats and SYNC. Customers will not have to compromise with the Ford Fiesta. We've learned a lot from our European colleagues about that.

Q: Initial customer excitement about Fiesta was in response to European models that were featured in the popular Fiesta Movement campaign. Has that level of interest been maintained since the North American Fiesta was revealed late last year?
A: Yes. In fact, it was important that the team maintain the integrity of the European Fiesta design for North America. I think we pretty much accomplished that. Some of the most common feedback we're receiving now is from customers who are asking for even more premium content.

However, it is important for employees to understand that even though we have more than 6,000 reservations, customers have yet to put money down on a car. As a result, we're being cautiously optimistic about how the level of interest may translate into actual sales. There is much work to do.

To read the full Q&A, click here.

The new Focus won the same award last year with 25.4 percent of the votes. The previous-generation Focus also won the poll in 2001 and 2002. "The entry of four launches in the category (I30, Soul, and the five-door SX4 version of C4) did not affect the Focus prestige, which conquered the fourth championship - including two titles in the older generation - the votes percentage is even bigger than in the last year," said the Best Cars Web Site.

To read the full article, click here.

Ford increased its share over January 2009 in Denmark, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Poland, and was the No.1 best-selling brand in the UK, Ireland, Hungary and Turkey. Fiesta monthly sales were the highest in January since 1998, up by more than 34 percent on 2009, making the Fiesta Europe's No.1 small car and second best-selling car overall in January. Ka also had a great month, with sales increasing by 57 percent year-on-year.

To read the full article, click here.

The new retail stores bring Ford's dealership total to 164 facilities located in 97 cities across India. In the past two years, the number of cities with a Ford outlet has jumped more than 30 percent.

The introduction of the new Ford Figo marks a significant shift for India's role in the global ONE Ford strategy that is transforming how Ford brings more small cars to market. After a $500 million investment that doubled annual production capacity to 200,000 units, the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility is now positioned as a Ford regional center of excellence for small-car engineering and production.

To read the full article, click here.

Toyota’s Lentz Will Testify at First U.S. Hearing
(Bloomberg) Toyota Motor Corp.’s U.S. sales unit president Jim Lentz will testify at the first House of Representatives hearing next week on the Japanese automaker’s recalls, rather than the company’s North American president. To read the full article, click here.

Chrysler to Drop Sebring Name, Change Small, Midsize Models
(Detroit Free Press) Facing a drumbeat of doubt about its pace of new car development, Chrysler is dropping clues that changes in its small and midsize cars may be more substantial and arrive sooner, based on recent comments from CEO Sergio Marchionne. To read the full article, click here.

Now Your GM Car Can Email You if it Gets Sick
(USA Today) Cars have long had self-diagnostic systems, but now there's one that can not only tells you in an email every month if it has any gripes, but tells the automaker as well so it can spot problems in the entire batch. To read the full article, click here.

Montgomery Law Firm Files Suit Against Toyota
(Birmingham Business Journal) Montgomery law firm Beasley Allen Crow Methvin Portis & Miles PC recently filed a lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Sales USA on behalf of more than 500,000 Toyota Prius and Lexus Hybrid owners. To read the full article, click here.

Turin, Italy Could Be Model for Detroit Revival
(Detroit News) Turin, Italy was a dried-up shell of an automotive city. Its peoples' hope in their collective future had faded as the once-vibrant manufacturing town's jobs disappeared. To read the full article, click here.

If you have an idea for a new product or technology you'd like to see on a Ford vehicle, click to the Ford New Ideas site at www.FordNewIdeas.com.

If you have a suggestion for a current Ford Motor Company product, click here to connect to the Customer Relationship Center.

Through these two sites, your ideas and comments will be directed to the appropriate teams within the company … One team, one plan, one goal … ONE Ford.

Location:
Lower Mezzanine of Ford World Headquarters

Desk hours:
Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m

The FERA desk handles discount tickets for Cedar Point, Kings Island, the North American International Auto Show, the Michigan Renaissance Festival and other events; the desk also has the Entertainment Book and Golf Michigan Play Books. The desk is filled with flyers of travel specials and club events and is really fun to examine, so stop by and say, "Hi" and thank the person at the desk because they are volunteering their time for you!

For more FERA information, click to www.FERA.org. Ticket price information for Cedar Point and Kings Island, click here.

Directory Information Now Online
Phone numbers and e-mail addresses for important Ford Motor Company contacts can now be found on @Ford Online at: http://www.at.ford.com/B2B/Pages/Directory2.aspx.

For benefit questions, please contact the NESC at 800-248-4444 or e-mail NESC@ford.com.

Atlanta Salaried Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Alpharetta, Ga.)
The monthly brunch occurs the second Tuesday of every month from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at The Original Pancake House (5530 Windward Parkway). If you would like further information about the brunch or the Ford Metro Atlanta Salaried Retirees Club, please contact Bob Loovis at COUNTRYCOVEFARM@comcast.net .

Automatic Transmission Product Design & Engineering Retiree Breakfast Club
Second Wednesday of Every Month (Northville, Mich.)
The group meets at 9 a.m. for breakfast at Senate Coney Island off Haggerty Road just south of 6 Mile Road on the west side of the street (39430 Dun Rovin Drive). For additional information, contact Mike Carlin at OLDSEADOG@wowway.com.

Building "H" Club – Michigan Information Technology Systems Retirees
Second Thursday of Every Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The club meets at 11:30 a.m. at Building H on Michigan Avenue. For more information, call 313-402-0044 or e-mail FLCOTE@aol.com.

Canadian Ford Alumni
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
The Ford Alumni is made up of retirees from Ford of Canada's Sales, Marketing, Parts, Service and Central staffs. Breaking Ford news is provided electronically to members and we have a luncheon on the third Wednesday of each month. For more information, please contact Bob Rideout at BRIDEOUT@sympatico.ca.

Chicago Stamping Plant Salaried Retiree Club
Twice a Year (June, Dec) (Schererville, Ind.)
The group meets twice a year at Tiebel's (U.S. 30 & Hwy. 41). Spouses are welcome. For more information, contact Ray Schmelzer at RAYTIREE@aol.com.

Dearborn Assembly Plant Retirees
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Livonia, Mich.)
Dearborn Assembly Plant retirees and guests meet each month at Richard's Family Restaurant (39305 Plymouth Road). The group meets at 12:30 p.m. for lunch from the restaurant's menu and followed by announcements, jokes, camaraderie, and so forth. All Ford retirees from the area are welcomed to join us. For additional information, contact Rose at ROZLAF@aol.com.

Dearborn Assembly Retiree Breakfast Club
First Monday of Every Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Dearborn Assembly Plant Retiree Breakfast Club meets at 9 a.m. at the Big Boy Restaurant (13001 Michigan Avenue at Miller Road) the first Monday of every month. Everyone is welcome. For more information, contact Henry Russell Jr. at HRARJR@yahoo.com.

Dearborn Frame Plant Retirees (Southfield, Mich.)
Second Tuesday of Every Month
The group meets for breakfast and networking at L George's (26799 Greenfield Rd). For more information, contact Sandra Hutson at SKHUTSON@sbcglobal.net.

Ford 5R55 Automatic Transmission Systems Design Retirees Group
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Livonia, Mich.)
The retiree group meets at Richard's Restaurant (39305 Plymouth Road) at 10 a.m. All are welcome to join us. For more information, contact Jeff Ebersole at EBERSOLE.JEFF@gmail.com.

Field Accounting Department (F.A.D.)
Second Thursday of Every Other Month (Livonia, Mich.)
The F.A.D. retiree group meets on the odd months of the year on Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov. We meet at G. Subo's Leather Bottle Restaurant (20300 Farmington Rd.) For more information, contact Bob Briolat at REBRIOLAT@aol.com. Spouses are always welcome.

Ford Air Transportation Office Retirees
First Thursday of Every Month (Taylor, Mich.)
Ford Air Transportation Office retirees meet once a month at noon for lunch at the Lakes of Taylor Restaurant (25505 Northline Road). For more information, contact Pauline Smart Bozyk at PSMARTY@att.net.

Ford of Canada Ladies' Retirees Group
Second Wednesday of Every Month (Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
The Ladies' Retirees group consists of all FOC Ladies retired from Head Office in Oakville, Regional Offices, Oakville Assembly Plant, and Bramalea Parts Distribution Centre. The Ladies meet at the Oakville Golf and Country Club for lunch. For more information, please contact Judy Killeavy at MKILLEAV@sympatico.ca.

Ford Chassis Retirees Breakfast (Livonia, Mich.)
First Monday of Every Month
The group (OLD Bldg #5 Chassis Designers, Checkers, Detailers, CAD retirees) meets at Big Boy's (37123 6 Mile Road) at 9 a.m. For more information, contact Vince Asta at VASTA1955@att.net.

Ford Dearborn Engine & Fuel Tank Retirees
First Thursday of Every Month (Taylor, Mich.)
Dearborn Engine & Fuel Tank retirees and guests meet the first Thursday of the month at the Fire Mountain Restaurant (14691 Huron), starting at 11 a.m. For more information, contact Hazel Fuller at HJFULLER@ameritech.net.

Ford Glass UAW Local 737 Retirees
Fourth Tuesday of Every Month (except Dec) (Nashville, Tenn.)
Ford Glass UAW Local 737 retirees meet each month at 10 a.m. Business is discussed and problems are approached. The group has guest speakers, as well as guest representatives to help keep retirees informed. There also is a Retiree Banquet in October of each year. A very large gathering of old friends and a great time. All retirees of the UAW-FORD in the area are invited and welcome. For more information, contact Bill Fry at BFRY10@aol.com.

Ford Human Resources Retiree Group
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Detroit Area)
The Human Resources Retiree Group meets monthly. For more information, contact Don Hayes at DNLDHAYES@aol.com.

Ford Rouge Plant Railroad Operations Retiree Group
Last Tuesday of the Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Ford Rouge Plant Railroad Operations Retiree Group meets at Leon's Restaurant (23830 Michigan Ave.) at 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ford Rouge Plant Transportation Services retirees also are welcome. For more information, contact Frank Evanko at FEVANKO123@comcast.net.

Ford Rouge Transportation Retirees
First Wednesday of Every Month (Woodhaven, Mich.)
The Ford Rouge Transportation retirees meet each month for breakfast at Louie's Restaurant (I-75 and West Road) at 9 a.m. The group has been meeting since 1999. The gatherings are well attended with good conversation and discussions on the future of Ford and the auto industry. For more information, contact Leo R. (Dick) Esper at DMESPER@chartermi.net.

Ford Technical Illustration and Graphics Retirees – EEE, Bldg. 3, FMCC, WHQ (Northville, Mich.)
First Monday of Every Month
The group meets for lunch at 11:30 a.m. at George's Senate Coney Island Restaurant (39430 Dun Rovin Drive – first traffic light south of Six Mile Rd., on Haggerty Rd.). For more information, please contact Grant Beard at GBEARD3741@aol.com.

Ford Tool and Die Skilled Trades Retirees
First Wednesday of the Month (Mar, June, Sept and Dec) (Dearborn, Mich.)
Ford Tool and Die Skilled Trades Retirees meet at 10 a.m. at Local 600 (10550 Dix Avenue), with coffee and donuts served at 9:30 a.m. Ladies always welcome. For more information, contact Bud Lusk at BVLTAL@aol.com.

Frame Plant Survivors Salaried Retirees
Third Wednesday of Every Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Frame Plant Survivors Salaried Retirees meet at 11 a.m. at the Dearborn Hills Golf Course (1300 S. Telegraph Road). For more information, contact Bob Grodus at 248-682-0422 or RGRODUS@aol.com.

FRAW (Ford Rawsonville Area Women) Retirees
First Thursday of Every Month (Ypsilanti, Mich.)
The retiree group is comprised of females that formerly worked at the Rawsonville Plant. The group meets at Haab's Restaurant (18 West Michigan Ave.) at 1 p.m. If anyone would like to be included on the group's mailing list or is interested in more information, please contact Rhonda Colthorp at RCOLTHORP@peoplepc.com.

Indianapolis Ford Retirees
First Monday of Every Month (Indianapolis, Ind.)
The Indianapolis retirees meet the first Monday of each month with the exception of September which will be on the Sept. 14 this year due to the Labor Day holiday. For more information, contact Joe Hendricks at JOE_HENDRICKS_742@comcast.net.

Kansas City Ford Salaried Retiree Club
Fourth Wednesday of the Month (Jan, Mar, May and Sep) (Kansas City, Mo.)
If you are a retired salaried Ford employee in the Kansas City area and would like to join our club, we welcome you. We have great food, select common topic of interest to present to the membership and social time filled with laughter and smiles as we greet old friends and coworkers. If this interests you or if you would like more information, contact Shirley Sewell at SSEWELL01@comcast.net.

Lorain Local 425 Retirees
Third Thursday of Every Month (Lorain, Ohio)
The Local 425 Retirees meet at the Union Hall (5300 Baumhart Rd.) at 9:30 a.m. Activities include guest speakers and members doing all kinds of trips. Come meet old friends. Spouses are always welcome to attend. For more information, contact George at WALKER4471@yahoo.com.

Maumee Ford Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Maumee, Ohio)
The Maumee Ford Retirees meet at the Region 2B Union Hall (1691 Woodlands Dr.) at 10 a.m. For more information, contact BBIRR@bex.net or 1892UAWRETIREES@gmail.com.

Nebraska – Iowa Ford Retirees (Omaha, Neb.)
Wednesdays Every Week
NIFTY (NE.-IA. Ford Together Yet) retirees and guests meet at 9 a.m. at the Summer Kitchen (130th West Maple Road). The group orders from the menu and they share fun, camaraderie and information. For more info, contact Claudia Preddy at CLAUDIAEPWORTH@cox.net.

Norfolk Ford Assembly Plant Retirees
First Monday of Every Month (Chesapeake, Va.)
The Norfolk Assembly Plant Retirees meet at Shoney's (721 Battlefield Blvd. N) staring at 7 a.m. All Ford Motor Company retirees and former employees in the area are welcome. For more information, contact Theron Koon at TEKOON@cox.net

PDC/Body Engineering Illustration Retirees
First and Third Tuesday of Every Month (Canton, Mich.)
PDC/Body Engineering Illustration Retirees meet twice a month at the 4 Friends Bar & Grill (44282 Warren Road; on the North side of Warren Road nestled in a small strip mall just east of Sheldon Road) at 1 p.m. The group mainly consists of illustrators who produced manuals that instructed assembly plants how to assemble Ford car and trucks. Anyone who ever had dealings with our unique artistic provisions etc. are more than welcomed to join the group and enjoy stepping on a path down memory lane! For more information please contact Al McDonald at COOKY015@earthlink.net.

Plant Engineering Office Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Livonia, Mich.)
The Plant Engineering Office retirees meet at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at the Elks Lodge (31117 Plymouth Road). All retirees, associates and friends are invited to attend. This group has been in existence since 1993. For more information, contact Russ Van Zanten at 734-728-7308 or RUSS514@comcast.net.

Product Development, Body Design and Engineering Retirees
First Wednesday of Every Month (Lincoln Park, Mich.)
The group meets at 11 a.m. at the Robert Jones K of C Hall (25160 W. Outer Drive (Dix at I-75)). For more information, contact Jim White at JWHITE13453@gmail.com.

Research Laboratory Retiree Brunch Club
First Monday of Every Month (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
The group meets at 10 a.m. for brunch at Flim Flam (2707 Plymouth Rd). For additional information please contact Mohammad Haghgooie at RAMMGB@sbcglobal.net.

UAW Eastern Carolina Retirees
Second Wednesday of Every Month (Little River, S.C.)
The UAW Eastern Carolina Retiree Council invites retirees to join them for a monthly meeting at the Little River S.C. V.F.W. Hall (111 Highway 57 North). For more information, contact Bob Artus at 803-481-3622.

Van Dyke Plant Retiree Luncheon Club (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
First Tuesday of Every Month
The group meets for its monthly luncheon at noon at various local eateries. Although the group consist sof mostly salaried retirees, all are welcome. For more information, monthly notices and reminders, contact Allan Yee at ALLAN.YEE@att.net.

March 31:
Cleveland Engine and Casting Plants Salaried Retiree Club Luncheon
(Olmsted Township, OH)
The Ford Salary Retiree Club is taking a trip to Seneca Allegheny Casino, New York. It is $30 per person and upon arrival you will be offered $20 in gambling cash and $5 to buy your lunch. Bus leaves CEP#1 hourly lot (5600 Henry Ford Blvd., also known an Engle Road) promptly at 7 a.m. and will be returning no later than 10 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be provided on the bus. Be sure to bring a valid driver's license or picture ID and if you have one, bring a Casino-issued ID. For more information, contact Mary Kay Dessoffy at FORDRETIREES@yahoo.com.

April 14:
Dearborn/Allen Park Retired Ford Cafeteria Employees (Dearborn, Mich.)
The retirees of Ford Motor Company that have worked in the cafeterias in the Dearborn/Allen Park area are going to meet at Liberati's (6451 Miller Road) at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Judy Hernandez at JUDY42KAY@aol.com.

May 26:
Cleveland Engine and Casting Plants Salaried Retiree Club Luncheon
(Olmsted Township, OH)
The Ford Salary Retiree Club meets 3-4 times a year for luncheons, which are held at the German American Cultural Center (7370 Columbia Road). There is a $10 fee and they require a reservation which must be received two weeks before the event. To reserve, send checks made to the Ford Salary Retiree Club at the following address: P.O. Box 566, North Olmsted, OH 44070. For more information, contact Mary Kay Dessoffy at FORDRETIREES@yahoo.com.

August 27 - 28:
Chicago Stamping Reunion (Wildersville, Tenn.)
This year's Chicago Stamping Reunion will be held at Natchez Trace State Park (24845 Natchez Trace Road). For more information, contact (Ace) Dempsay at ADEMPSAY@frontiernet.net or call 931-520-0427.

March 7:
SAAC-MCR Winter Swap Meet (Woodhaven, Mich.)
Swap meet takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Vender set up 7 a.m.) at Gorno Ford (22025 Allen Rd.). For more information, click to www.saac-mcr.net or contact the club hotline at 734-956-1626.

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