Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefing: October 28, 2011

October 28, 2011

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In this Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefing…

Ford Continues to Grow Profitably, Positive Outlook for the Year
Ford Quality Back on Track After Addressing Near-Term Issues
Ford's New MyKey Do Not Disturb Technology Helps Teens Stay Connected to Driving, Not the Phone
Ford Ropes 'Truck of Texas' Title, Best Truck Lineup, Six Other High Honors at Annual TAWA Texas Truck Rodeo
All-new Ranger Earns 5-star Rating
Outside Voices: (Forbes) Ford Mustang Boss 302: Kind Of A Big Deal

Attention Salaried Retirees Enrolled in Ford Sponsored Health Care Coverage and Not Enrolled in Medicare

Ford’s Benefit Annual Enrollment begins on Oct. 31 and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Nov. 15, 2011 for the 2012 plan year. If you do not make any changes during this period, the benefits listed as your “default election” on your Worksheet will be your choices for 2012. The next opportunity you will have to make a change in your health care enrollment will be next fall for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2013, unless you have a qualifying event.

All of the company's medical plan providers will continue with their wellness criteria and the two levels of benefits: Enhanced Benefit Level and Standard Benefit Level. The Enhanced Benefit Level is the benefit level with lower annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. The Standard Benefit Level is the benefit level with higher annual deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums.

In order to remain in the Enhanced Benefit Level for healthcare coverage you must:

Complete an online health assessment by March 31, 2012
Have a physical examination completed by March 31, 2012
Comply with the wellness and health coaching requirements as defined by your plan

If all requirements are met, you will remain in the Enhanced Benefit Level for the 2012 benefit plan year.

Medicare B Premiums Will Rise Almost Exactly the Same Percentage as the Social Security Increase For 2012

The Annual Enrollment Period is at the halfway point for those considering switching into, out of or between Medicare Advantage Plans. The AEP runs through Dec. 7.
The Government announced Oct. 27 that the basic Medicare B Premium for 2012 would be $99.90, up from $96.25 for the large majority of Medicare members. Retirees who reached age 65 only in the past few years pay a higher annual premium, as do those with higher incomes. The increase, while smaller than what had been signaled earlier in the year, is about the same percentage as the 2012 3.6 percent Social Security Cost of Living increase announced last week.
Meanwhile, the Congressional Select Committee of 12 held a thus far rare public meeting. Both parties offered broad deficit and spending cut proposals, which included important adjustments in Medicare. There will be considerable discussion, rumor and analysis throughout November, but it is not clear what, if any action, will be taken.
The American Medical Association released a national study showing that the large majority of metropolitan areas lack competitive commercial health care insurance markets. The primary cause was identified as the dominance of one or two health insurance companies. Michigan ranked number 47 among the states.
Ford selected Health Alliance Plan as the exclusive HMO provider for both employees and pre age-65 retirees for 2012. Previously, HAP had been one of a few that were offered. Separately, HAP announced that that University of Michigan Health Services will join the networks for HAP's Senior Plus Expanded Network and Alliance Medicare PPO effective Jan. 1. The group is offering Medicare information seminars throughout Southeast Michigan during the Annual Enrollment Period.
Further information can be found on the Peer Support website www.ford-umbrella-group.org.

Final Days! The Built Ford Tough^® Sales Event is almost over
Act fast to get 0 percent APR Financing for 60 Months + $1,000 Trade Assist + No Payments for 90 Days¹ during the Built Ford Tough Sales Event!

Ford F-Series pickups are the best-selling trucks for 34 years running because both F-150 and Super Duty^® offer what you need in a full-size pickup: best-in-class towing, payload² and fuel efficiency. ³ If you need to go a little smaller, Ranger I-4 delivers best-in-class fuel economy⁴ too, and has better quality than its Toyota Tacoma competitor. ⁵

See your local Ford Dealer now to take advantage of the Built Ford Tough Sales Event. Click here for more information on this event.

Disclaimer:
¹Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit financing. Customer can defer first payment for up to 90 days. 60 months paid over 62 months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed regardless of down payment. 0% financing not available on F-150 Raptor. Trade-in cash available on '11 F-150, Ranger and Super Duty. Trade-in 1995 or newer FLM or competitive vehicle, or terminate lease 30 days prior to or 90 days after new retail delivery. For all offers, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 10/31/11. Offer varies on Super Duty in Texas. See dealer for complete details. ²F-150: When properly equipped. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, Non-Hybrid. Super Duty: When properly equipped. Class is Full-Size Pickups over 8,500 lbs. GVWR. ³F-150: EPA-estimated 17 city/23 hwy/19 combined mpg, 3.7L V6 4x2. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR, Non-Hybrid. Super Duty: Based on Ford drive-cycle test of comparably equipped 2011 Ford and 2010/2011 competitive models. ⁴EPA-estimated 22 city/27 hwy/24 combined mpg, I-4 manual 4x2. Class is Compact Pickups. ⁵Based on RDA Group's GQRS cumulative survey at three months of service in three surveys of 2010 Ford and competitive owners conducted 9/09-5/10.

Ford Continues to Grow Profitably, Positive Outlook for the Year
The auditorium at Ford World Headquarters was packed with employees to hear Alan Mulally, president and CEO, discuss third-quarter financials at the Global Town Hall.

Ford reported 2011 third-quarter net income of U.S. $1.6 billion, a decrease of $38 million, from third-quarter 2010. During the quarter, volume was up 7 percent and revenue was up 14 percent, compared to a year ago. Ford also saw market share increases in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific Africa.