February 26, 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. Has your e-mail address changed? Click here to update your e-mail address. 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. In this Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefing…
See the Future of Ford Design
Plus Our Newly Introduced Cars and Crossovers As part of our commitment to provide you with product and technology information first, today we are announcing our Design and In-Car Connectivity program. Join J Mays or Moray Callum and Jim Buczkowski for an in-depth look at our design philosophy and the strategy behind our in-car technology. Then Mark Fields or Derrick Kuzak will join to help answer your questions. You´ll also see the next-generation Ford Focus and Edge, Mustang, Shelby GT500, and next-generation Lincoln MKX and have the opportunity to experience auto show displays that set us apart from the competition. NOTE: There will be a high demand to participate in this event and availability is extremely limited for each session. Registration will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sessions available are:
WHERE: World Headquarters Auditorium HOW: Please park in the WHQ South parking lot and bring signed confidentiality agreements to the table in front of the auditorium. No cameras will be allowed inside the auditorium.
Click here to register for the event. This registration is for Ford retirees only.
Now's the time to consider Lincoln with attractive short-term lease rates now available on select new Lincoln vehicles. Offer ends March 31. Click here for more information.
The Ford Volunteer Corps needs your help to bring the warmth of an early spring to children and families on March 4 – the first Ford Accelerated Action Day of the year. 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 http://www.volunteer.ford.com/.
Savings Plan Administration Change – FAQs Available
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.
Please join in the Ford Motor Company Giving Campaign to support the American Red Cross and their efforts to help those in crisis following the earthquake in Haiti. Ford Motor Company will be matching employee and retiree donations up to a total of $50,000. Click here to donate.
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The new 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty delivers the most heavy-duty truck horsepower. Top torque. Industry-best towing capability and payload. Fuel economy leadership. In short, the new Super Duty delivers leadership in every feature that matters to heavy-duty truck customers. With Ford-built diesel and gas powertrains, the all-new Ford Super Duty dominates the competition in payload, conventional towing, fifth-wheel towing and gross combined weight rating in both pickups and chassis cabs. Diesel engines account for 65 percent of the Super Duty sales, with gas engines making up the remaining 35 percent. The new 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel – designed, engineered and built by Ford – delivers class-leading fuel economy as well as best-in-class 390 horsepower and 735 ft.-lb. of torque – that’s 75 ft.-lb. more than its nearest competitor in the market today. Plus, the new Super Duty fuel economy improvement averages 18 percent better for pickup models and up to 25 percent for chassis cab versus the outgoing Super Duty. To read the full article, click here. Related Material:
The annual auto issue of Consumer Reports contains some good news for Ford – the magazine now recommends 75 percent of Ford models tested, up from 70 percent last year. "Among American manufacturers, only Ford improved over last year," the magazine notes in its April issue, which goes on sale March 2. Several Ford models were highlighted on CR's list of the highest-rated American vehicles. They included the manual Ford Focus SES, the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan Hybrids, the Lincoln MKZ, Ford Mustang V-8 GT and Ford Expedition EL Eddie Bauer. In addition, the Focus SES and four-cylinder Fusion SE and base Milan made CR's list of recommended vehicles under $25,000. To read the full article, click here.
Ford Motor Company added to its leading number of five-star crash test-rated vehicles as the 2010 Lincoln MKT earned top ratings for frontal and side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Lincoln's three-row luxury crossover previously earned a 2009 "Top Safety Pick" award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford has more Top Safety Pick ratings and more U.S. government five-star ratings than any other automaker. The all-new MKT is attracting a balanced mix of Lincoln loyalists and new customers with its array of standard and optional crash-protection, crash-avoidance and driver-awareness features in addition to distinctive design, interior spaciousness, craftsmanship and fuel economy. To read the full article, click here.
As the recession starts to ease, business leaders and political leaders need to work together for America's future, Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally told the nation's governors on Monday. Speaking at the National Governors Association meeting in Washington, D.C., Mulally shared key points of Ford's business turn-around plan during an afternoon session broadcast live on C-SPAN. The session focused on how states could deal with a post-recession economy and Mulally drew on Ford's experience during the discussion. To read the full article, click here. Related Material:
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Customer demand for Ford's new F-150 SVT Raptor is moving nearly as fast as the world's only production high-speed off-road performance truck. Already, over 5,300 orders have been placed for the new performance pickup. The F-150 Raptor is the first ever high-speed off-road performance truck offered by any manufacture and highlights Ford's 33 years of truck leadership by emphasizing Built Ford Tough innovation and engineering. Developed with the DNA of an off-road pre-runner, the comprehensive modifications to the truck focused on chassis and suspension. Built alongside the best-selling F-150 at Ford's Dearborn Truck Plant, the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor was designed for the off-road performance market which has steadily grown in popularity over the past decade. To read the full article, click here.
Driven to preserve resources and pare costs, employees of the Cleveland Casting Plant (CCP) implemented a water-reduction plan in 2008 that saves approximately 126-million gallons of city water annually, worth about $657,000. Additional cost reductions related the project boost the total savings to more than $1 million a year. CCP's City Water Reduction Program also reduces waste discharges. For these reasons, along with exhibiting outstanding teamwork and innovation, CCP was named winner of Ford's 2009 Environmental Leadership Award. The Environmental Leadership Award promotes ground-breaking ideas that support Ford's "blueprint for sustainability." Specifically, the award acknowledges the environmental and financial impact of projects and their potential for replication. To read the full article, click here.
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the costs of treating hay fever and similar nasal allergies have skyrocketed, reaching more than $11 billion annually – mostly for prescription medications. For the 30 to 40 percent of people estimated to suffer from allergies, improvements in air quality can make a big difference in their symptoms, and consequently, their health care expenses. For the millions of people who suffer from airborne allergies, Ford is making a small change that could produce huge benefits. Beginning with the 2010 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, more efficient, upgraded allergen filters have been installed in the vehicles' climate control systems. The particulate filters remove pollen, mold spores and road dust from outside air. The result is a cleaner, fresher cabin for occupants. To read the full article, click here.
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Doug VanDagens Director Ford Connected Service Solutions In late 2007, Ford SYNC™ debuted in the 2008-model Ford Focus. Since then, the company's popular hands-free voice-activated communications system has been rolled out across the product lineup. Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services, discusses with @Ford Online the competitive systems that have entered the market since SYNC debuted and how Ford is keeping SYNC ahead of the pack. Q: Ford's exclusive use of the Microsoft platform, which underpins SYNC, ended in Nov. 2008. What companies are trying to leverage that same platform? Q: How are other companies approaching in-vehicle connectivity? Q: What other advantages does SYNC offer versus competitive systems? Last year, we offered Traffic, Directions and Information (TDI) services – a very sophisticated package – through syncmyride.com. We have the most flexible in-vehicle platform. No other automaker is offering a system that is as easy to update and offers added value at minimal cost. Probably the greatest differentiator, though, is our connectivity strategy to leverage consumer devices. Because we utilize a customer's cell phone, we're always leveraging the latest technology. Right now, we can send data over a phone with just a voice plan, but if you bring in a phone with 3G or 4G capability, our strategy allows us to leverage that data connection on that phone. Other automakers put phones in a vehicle – bolt them in – and they have to replace them a few years later. With SYNC, when the customer upgrades their phone, they've essentially improved SYNC! To read the full Q&A, click here. Related Material:
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In January 2010, the Ford EcoSport posted its all time sales record in Argentina since its launching in 2003, being the best selling model for the month. The 3,394 units registered in January reflect the high value of this vehicle for the Argentine customers. This successful Ford model, which was designed and engineered in the South American region and created a new industry segment in 2003, continues to offer an unique vehicle to the consumers that delivers a driving experience that combines style and versatility. In addition, the Ford EcoSport is fun to drive and has an accessible price that makes it the best choice for a significant quantity of customers in Argentina. To read the full article, click here.
Ford's next-generation Focus makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 2, just weeks after a global unveiling at the North American International Auto Show in January. This will be the first chance for European customers to see the car that spearheads Ford's next generation of global C-platform models. Taking their place alongside the next-generation Focus will be production versions of the all-new C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, previewed at the Frankfurt Show last year. Ford is also announcing further technology enhancements for the Ford Kuga and Mondeo, plus revealing additional options for the new S-MAX and Galaxy. The all-new Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, which go on sale later this year, will provide two of Ford's star attractions at the Geneva Motor Show, bringing new levels of style and desirability to the compact Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) market. To read the full article, click here.
Ford enthusiasts from across South Africa will come together this weekend in an attempt to set the world record for the largest Ford parade. The event will take place at the Phakisa Freeway racetrack in Welkom. All Ford-branded vehicles are invited to participate in the parade that will consist of one lap around the race circuit. The record attempt will be certified by the Guinness Book of World Records. In order to break the record for the Largest Ford Parade, the continuous column of vehicles will complete a 3.2-kilometre route at no less than two car-lengths apart. To read the full article, click here.
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(AutoWeek) Over the past few years, Ford has overhaul its lineup of engines and transmissions. The goal: deliver the power with better fuel economy. The person leading that effort is Barb Samardzich, Ford's vice president of powertrain engineering. Click here to view video.
![]() General Motors Roaring Out of Bankruptcy (Detroit News) General Motors Co. has invested $1.4 billion in more than a dozen plants and created about 5,500 jobs since emerging from bankruptcy court in July. To read the full article, click here. Toyota Seen Facing Lawsuits On Several Fronts Consumer Reports Names Six New Top Pick Cars for 2010 Mazda to Boost China Output Capacity to Meet Demand Lexus CT 200h Brochure Leaks Out Ahead of Geneva Debut Quietly, Mercury Moves Up in Fuel Economy Fiat's 2-Cylinder Engine to Reduce CO2 Emissions GM Sells Saab to Spyker Cars, Saving Swedish Brand
![]() Got an Idea, Share It! Ever had an idea for a new product or a suggestion for a current vehicle you'd like to share with the Ford team? If so, do we have some Web sites for you! 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 http://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.
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Location: Desk hours: 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. For more FERA information, click to http://www.fera.org/.
For benefit questions, please contact the NESC at 800-248-4444 or e-mail NESC@ford.com.
![]() Click here to check out the @Ford Online listing of known Retiree Clubs and Groups. Atlanta Salaried Retirees Automatic Transmission Product Design & Engineering Retiree
Breakfast Club Building "H" Club – Michigan Information Technology Systems
Retirees Canadian Ford Alumni Chicago Stamping Plant Salaried Retiree Club Dearborn Assembly Plant Retirees Dearborn Assembly Retiree Breakfast Club Dearborn Frame Plant Retirees (Southfield, Mich.) Ford 5R55 Automatic Transmission Systems Design Retirees Group
Field Accounting Department (F.A.D.) Ford Air Transportation Office Retirees Ford of Canada Ladies' Retirees Group Ford Chassis Retirees Breakfast (Livonia, Mich.) Ford Dearborn Engine & Fuel Tank Retirees Ford Glass UAW Local 737 Retirees Ford Human Resources Retiree Group Ford Rouge Plant Railroad Operations Retiree Group Ford Rouge Transportation Retirees Ford Technical Illustration and Graphics Retirees – EEE, Bldg.
3, FMCC, WHQ (Northville, Mich.) Ford Tool and Die Skilled Trades Retirees Frame Plant Survivors Salaried Retirees FRAW (Ford Rawsonville Area Women) Retirees Indianapolis Ford Retirees Kansas City Ford Salaried Retiree Club Lorain Local 425 Retirees Maumee Ford Retirees Nebraska – Iowa Ford Retirees (Omaha, Neb.) Norfolk Ford Assembly Plant Retirees PDC/Body Engineering Illustration Retirees Plant Engineering Office Retirees Product Development, Body Design and Engineering
Retirees Research Laboratory Retiree Brunch Club UAW Eastern Carolina Retirees Van Dyke Plant Retiree Luncheon Club (Sterling Heights, Mich.)
March 31: April 14: May 26: August 27 - 28:
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29th Annual Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival (Ann Arbor, Mich.) The Ford Seahorses Scuba Diving Club, in conjunction with the Detroit Historical Society's Dossin Maritime Group and the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, presents the 29th Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building (4800 E. Huron River Drive). This year's program features two historic Civil War wrecks – The Hunley, presented by Ralph Wilbanks, and the ironclad, U.S.S. Monitor, presented by Sue Smith. Daytime programs between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. feature a wide variety of sessions on Great Lakes shipwrecks, international dives and technical diving and equipment, as well as a variety of book signings and exhibits from local maritime artists, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum and local dive shops. The evening concludes with a "Cayman Island Beach Break" party at 6 p.m. Tickets for the event are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For ticket information or program details, visit http://www.shipwreckfestival.org/, e-mail GLSFTICKETS@aol.com or call 734-485-0492. March 7:
Mustang Owners Club of Southeastern Michigan 2010 Annual Spring "Swap & Shop" (Dearborn, Mich.) Mustang & Ford Swap Meet at Village Ford (23535 Michigan Avenue) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Village Ford is located on the south side of Michigan Avenue, between Telegraph and Outer Drive roads. For more information, go to http://www.mocsem.org/.
SAAC-MCR 35th annual Show and Go (Dearborn, Mich. & Clarkson, Mich.) On May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (show and swap meet) will take place at Ford World Headquarters SE lot (Southfield Freeway and Michigan Ave.) and on May 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ("Go" track event) will take place at Waterford Hills Road Race Course (4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston, Mich.). For more information, click to http://www.saac-mcr.net/ or contact Jim Binder at SASGROUP@comcast.net
Falcon Club of America 2010 National Convention (Dearborn, Mich.) The Metro Detroit Chapter of the Falcon Club of America is hosting the 2010 National Convention at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Ford Falcon. Because the 50th anniversary is a significant milestone, the club anticipates over 400 Falcons and their owners to attend from all over the United States and Canada. Please visit fca2010detroit.webs.com for additional information and to download a copy of the registration form or contact Alan Aniol at 734-282-8188 or e-mail at JOANAL@wideopenwest.com.
FCN News Team: Publisher: Sara Tatchio Associate Publisher: Susan Krusel Managing Editors: Jenn Corney, Terra Donnelly You received this e-mail because you opted in to receive e-mail communications from Blue Oval Connect. Please note that we have updated the Privacy Policy for BlueOvalConnect.com. We have also added to the site a statement relating to "Your California Privacy Rights." To review these documents, click to www.blueovalconnect.com/privacy_policy.cfm and http://www.blueovalconnect.com/california_privacy.cfm To opt out of receiving e-mail communications from Blue Oval Connect click here. Blue Oval Connect, One American Road, Dearborn, MI 48126 |