March 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/.

• 2011 Ford Mustang GT Leads with 26 MPG Highway, 412 Horsepower
• 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Power Stroke Diesel is Cleanest Ever; Fuel Economy Greatly Improved
• Lincoln Among Top Two in Reliability; Mercury, Ford Also Score Well in Study
• Ford Fiesta, Top 12 'American Idols' Get Personal
• Ford CEO Asks Nation to March to Prevent Preterm Birth
• Video: (CNBC) Toyota Says Its Investigation of Runaway Prius Showed Things Were Working Normally
• Outside Voices: (USA Today) GM's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Fleet Holds Up in Crashes

Offer ends March 31. Click here for more information.

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. We hope you take a moment to view them on @Ford Online (http://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: http://www.myfordbenefits.com/ and follow the instructions to log in.

Click here to donate.

With the six-speed manual transmission, Mustang GT coupe is rated at 17 mpg city and 26 highway, while models with the available six-speed automatic achieve 18 mpg city and 25 highway.

The GT's best in class fuel numbers come on the heels of the Mustang V-6, which just last week cracked the record books as not only the most fuel-efficient Mustang ever, but also the first production car in history to produce 305 horsepower and 31 mpg highway.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• 2011 Ford Mustang V-6 Pace Car Brings Best-in-Class Fuel Efficiency to Bristol Motor Speedway for NASCAR Race
• 2011 5.0L V-8 Mustang Video
• 2011 Mustang GT Photo Gallery
• The 5.0-Liter is Back: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Leads Class with 412 HP, Fuel Efficiency, Chassis Dynamics
• 2011 Mustang GT Powertrain Uses Ti-VCT to Make 400-Plus HP, Deliver Unsurpassed Fuel Economy

All-new diesel and gas engine powertrains are the backbone of the 2011 Super Duty's best-in-class towing (26,400 pounds for F-550 chassis cab with fifth-wheel hitch) and payload capability (6,520 pounds for F-350 dual rear-wheel pickup). The Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged diesel engine produces best-in-class 735 ft.-lb. of torque at 1,600 rpm and best-in-class 390 horsepower at 2,800 rpm. The new engine is compatible up to B20 biodiesel fuel as well.

The new 6.2-liter V-8 gasoline engine also boasts best-in-class numbers of 405 ft.-lb. of torque at 4,500 rpm and 385 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. The new engine is E85 compatible.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• 2011 Super Duty Torque Fact Sheet
• Q&A with Chris Brewer – F-Series Super Duty
• 2011 Ford F-Series Super Duty Leads Heavy-Duty Trucks in Capability, Now Fuel Economy, Too

Mercury and Ford also finished in the top eight nameplates in the long-term reliability study measuring problems experienced by original owners of 2007 model year vehicles.

The study showed that Lincoln had improved six positions to come in second while Mercury remained in fifth and Ford moving up four positions to eighth, ahead of such brands as Mercedes Benz, Acura and Cadillac.

To read the full article, click here.

"Ford has been a sponsor of 'American Idol' since the show premiered in 2002, and each season we try to take our relationship with the show to the next level in a fun and meaningful way," said Connie Fontaine, manager, Ford Brand Content and Alliances. "This year, the Idols will get a closer experience with our vehicles as they interact with our designers and customize a Fiesta design that reflects their own personality."

All of the Idols' Fiestas will be on display at www.americanidol.com. From March 17 through May 21, 2010 fans 18 and older can enter the Ford Music Video Challenge weekly for a chance to win one of the vehicles and a trip to the set of a Ford Music Video shoot or the grand prize, which includes a Fiesta with their choice of one of the Top 12 designs and tickets to the finale. Official rules and entry details are available at www.americanidol.com/ford/challenge.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• 2011 Ford Fiesta Photo Gallery
• 2011 Ford Fiesta: Fuel-Efficient, Progressive Design Offers Versatility, Personality
• New Set of Agents Team Up to Bring Ford Fiesta Local with Fiesta Movement Chapter 2
• Fiesta Global Heritage Fact Sheet

March for Babies provides the financial support for research and programs to prevent and treat preterm birth. The walking event takes place April 24-25 in more than 900 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

"In an average week in the U.S., thousands of babies are born prematurely and many develop lifelong health problems or disabilities," said Mulally, one of the 2010 March for Babies co-chairmen, in the video message. "We are confident that with your help, we can walk together toward a healthier future for our nation's premature babies."

Mulally is working closely with Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers and fellow 2010 March for Babies national co-chairman, to help raise $1 million toward the March for Babies national goal of $100 million.

To read the full article, click here.

Times have most definitely changed. Ford vehicles are still durable and easy to handle, but the women behind the wheel bear little resemblance to the hothouse flower of yesteryear. She's strong, self-assured, and very capable of taking care of herself. As the National Women's History Project sponsors its 30th Women's History Month in March, Ford Motor Company is more aware than ever of the changing role that women hold in today's society.

Statistics prove out her point. "Women are directly responsible for 45 to 50 percent of all new vehicles purchased in the U.S, and they have a direct influence of up to 80 percent of vehicles they don't purchase themselves," said Stasiw Lazarchuk, director of global marketing research for Ford. "And 65 percent take their own vehicles to the dealership or shop for repair. Women account for a whopping $85 billion in automotive and related businesses."

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• Power of the Purse Fact Sheet

When the 2011 Ford Mustang goes on sales this spring, it will be the first production car in history to produce more than 300 horsepower and more than 30 mpg highway. Official EPA ratings for Mustang V-6 coupe models equipped with the 305-hp 3.7-liter V-6 and available six-speed automatic transmission are 31 mpg on the highway and 19 mpg in the city. Dave Pericak, chief engineer of the 2011 Mustang, explains how the team achieved the feat and offers other insights into the latest iteration of Ford's iconic sports car.

Q: What are you most proud of about the new car?
A: What I am most proud of is that our customers can go out and get a real sports car and they can do it responsibly. They can feel smart about their purchase. That's what I think is really important. Mustang has always been a fantastic car. It's loaded with technology and it's got all the features you'd ever want to see. But the fact that customers can feel good about making a responsible purchase in regard to fuel economy, that's what it's all about for me.

Q: What role did Mustang enthusiasts play in the development of the 2011 Mustang?
A: They definitely helped shape the program. We constantly look at blogs and talk to different Mustang groups, including the Mustang Club of America. In fact, new for the 2011 Mustang V-6 model is a Mustang Club of America option package. They helped us design the package. We use input from those groups to make sure that all of the offerings we're bringing out address the needs and desires of Mustang customers. For example, we made Brembo brakes available for the 2010 model after hearing all of the customers who wanted to see those brakes on Mustang.

Q: With its new powertrains and other changes, do you feel Mustang will lead its class this year?
A: We can't wait to get these vehicles in the hands of customers. We know that we have the right powertrains and we know these powertrains have been highly anticipated for some time. While I can't predict sales, we already have 11,000 orders in the order bank for the 2011 model. That's three times the number of orders we had last year at this time for the 2010 Mustang. So, we know we have the right product. Now, it's a matter of communicating it. We believe that once we tell people what we've got and they get in and drive the 2011 Mustang, we'll have a winner on our hands.

To read the full Q&A, click here.

Related Material:

• 2011 Mustang V-6 Fact Sheet
• Faces of Ford: 2011 Ford Mustang V-6

These vehicles have received important international awards, most recent, 'Car of the Year' at the 2010 North American International Auto Show NAIAS for Ford Fusion Hybrid.

To read the full article, click here.

The new 2010 Ranger Sport is a vehicle for consumers bearing a young and adventurous spirit, who value at the same time strength, robustness, agility and design. One of the most sold versions of the Ranger line-up, the Sport model is a unique choice within the segment, because it has an advantage in equipment offerings and price compared to other mid-sized gasoline pick-ups, and even with small-sized pick-ups.

To read the full article, click here.

Secretary of State for Business, Peter Mandelson, announced the £360 million backing of Ford's £450 million application to the European Investment Bank (EIB) at the company's Dagenham site today. Support from UK government is a major step in seeking loan approval from the EIB which will allow Ford to proceed with its UK investment strategy.

Ford Dagenham is one of four UK sites covering research, development and manufacture of low-CO2 technology for both cars and commercial vehicles.

To read the full article, click here.

Italy led Ford's European sales charts for February, having increased volume by 3,800 units to 22,000 units, with a market share of 10.1 percent. In Spain, Ford's February volume increased by 53 percent versus the same month last year, or 3,000 units to 8,800 units, while in France volume grew by 1,800 units to 12,200 units, more than 17 percent higher.

To read the full article, click here.

To read the full article, click here.

GMAC's Mortgage Arm will be Tough to Unload
(Detroit Free Press) Chrysler Group LLC will start production of the final run of 500 Dodge Vipers on March 29 and wind up the year with the launch of the tiny Fiat 500, leaked production schedule dates show. To read the full article, click here.

Saab to Invest $2.4 Million in Royal Oak Headquarters
(Detroit Free Press) Saab Cars will invest $2.4 million to establish its new North American headquarters in Royal Oak. To read the full article, click here.

Prius Named Top Compact Car for Longterm Dependability by JD Power
(Edmunds.com) A little good news for Toyota amid all the negative press coverage it's been collecting lately - its Prius hybrid - well, the 2007 model of the Prius hybrid (right) - has been named the top compact car for longterm reliability in the annual JD Power & Associates dependability study. To read the full article, click here.

Honda to Recall 410,000 Vehicles for Brake Problem
(Ocala.com) Honda Motor Co. will recall more than 410,000 Odyssey minivans and Element small trucks because of braking system problems that could make it tougher to stop the vehicle if not repaired. To read the full article, click here.

CFO Learns of GM from Inside
(Detroit Free Press) The new chief financial officer at General Motors described the automaker's financial operations as being in reasonable shape, a far cry from the derision leveled by the Obama auto task force's former chief following the company's bankruptcy last year. To read the full article, click here.

Toyota Warns of Engine Stalling in 1.2 Million Corollas
(USA Today) Just when Toyota thought it was getting hold of its recall nightmare, it is now trying to figure out how to fix computer flaws in up to 1.2 million Toyota Corolla and Matrix models that can cause engines to stall, the Detroit Free Press is reporting. To read the full article, click here.

Ford Cites Progress on Volvo as Geely Sees ‘Very Tough’ Talks
(Bloomberg) Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally said talks to sell the automaker’s Volvo unit to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. are proceeding, while the chairman of the Chinese company raised doubts about a deal. 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.

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.

Atlanta Salaried Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Milton, Ga.)
The next general membership meeting will be held on the second Tuesday in April at the Ford Regional office. If you would like further information about the meeting 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@sympaticao.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.

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 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.

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.)
We're pleased to invite everyone to our next luncheon occuring on Wednesday, March 24.
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 Johnny Caldwell at JONCAL@swbell.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) starting 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 consists of 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 931-260-0427.

May 30 - 31:
SAAC-MCR 35th annual Show and Go (Dearborn, 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 the Waterford Hills Road Race Course (4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston, MI). For more information, click to http://www.saac-mcr.net/ or contact Jim Binder at SASGROUP@comcast.net

Each week we will highlight various special offers from a number of outside companies all offering valuable deals exclusive to Ford employees, retirees and contract personnel. Discounts are made available to you from a wide array of businesses ranging from clothing, accessories and consumer electronics to financial services, travel and entertainment. Our new Special Offers section makes it easy for you to shop around for the best prices.

Save 10% off at Target.com.

Target has everything from furniture and home decor to clothing and the latest electronics. Get ready for the biggest sale of the season with spring just around the corner. Click here to begin shopping.

Save $25 on tax preperation.

Let Jackson Hewitt review a prior-year tax return, whether prepared by you or another tax preperation company. Jackson Hewitt alerts you of any missed deductions or credits and then, for a fee, will file your amended return.

To find the nearest location, call 1-800-234-1040 or visit www.jacksonhewitt.com.

Click here to view your coupon.

Ford employees, retirees and contract personnel receive up to 10% off HP and Compaq consumer products, accessories and supplies by becoming a member of the HP Employee Purchase Program. Additional discounts are offered throughout the store including mail-in and instant rebates, coupons and exclusive EPP offers on a range of HP products, including Notebook and Desktop PCs, printers, print supplies, accessories and more.

If you'd like to join, visit the HP Home & Home Office Store at www.hpshopping.com/epp and register using the Ford company code: 3673. Or, click here to check out the specials for the month.