September 10, 2010

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• Class-Exclusive Technologies Help Keep 2011 Ford Edge a Safety and Security Leader
• 2011 Ford Explorer: Torture-Testing Traction, Air Conditioning in the White-Hot Sands of Dubai
• Ford and Azure Dynamics Tap Xcel Energy for Elite Lead Customer Program
• Ford Global Week of Caring – Five Years of Reaching Out and Making a World of Difference
• Video: (FOX) Ford Unveils New SuperCrew SVT Raptor
• Outside Voices: (Autoblog) Consumer Reports Picks Side in V6 Pony Car Wars

Leading the safety technology for the popular midsize crossover is Ford's exclusive AdvanceTrac® with RSC® (Roll Stability Control™). This electronic stability control system helps maintain a driver's intended path by measuring side-to-side yaw through steering angle, lateral acceleration and yaw rate sensors and automatically making braking and throttle adjustments.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• Unique, Tech-Savvy Campaign Launches 2011 Ford Edge
• 2011 Ford Edge – Blending Technology with Style Fact Sheet
• 2011 Ford Edge Fact Sheet
• 2011 Ford Edge Sport Overview Fact Sheet

"The sweltering heat and humidity conditions of Dubai have helped us develop a better Explorer," said Chief Engineer for Vehicle Engineering Don Ufford. "With midday temperatures pushing 125 degrees Fahrenheit – aggravated by high humidity near the sea coast – Dubai represents an ideal environment to test and validate vehicle performance in some of the world's most extreme conditions."

To read the full article, click here.

Xcel Energy, a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company, will add two of the 13 vans into its corporate fleet. The company will also provide U.S. $20,000 grants from its Chairman's Fund to support the purchase of 11 additional Ford Transit Connect Electric vans for its project partners. These partners will agree to invest the remaining cost to take delivery of each van.

To read the full article, click here.

Related Material:

• Transit Connect Electric Fact Sheet

More than 8,000 Ford employee and retiree volunteers already are registered in more than 24 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Thousands more are expected to join the effort before the week is finished.

To read the full article, click here.

To read the full article, click here.

The award – one of ten presented annually by an independent jury for what they consider are outstanding environmentally-friendly vehicle solutions – was presented to the Fiesta ECOnetic as a representative model from the Ford ECOnetic Technologies range. The Fiesta ECOnetic is one of Europe's most fuel efficient and lowest CO2 emission passenger cars.

To read the full article, click here.

The 1.6-liter RoCam engine assembly, along with three cylinder head assemblies, with a combined value of approximately U.S. $3,315, was donated by the Engine Plant in Struandale, Port Elizabeth. The engine and parts will assist the university to teach students about the mechanics, metallurgy and thermodynamics of engines, as well as the combustion and heat release properties of biofuels.

To read the full article, click here.

In its first full month of sales, the new Ford Figo became the fourth best selling passenger car in South Africa with 1,142 units sold. Sales of the Fiesta also surged to more than 1,000 units, securing the sixth spot in the country's Top 10 best selling passenger cars.

To read the full article, click here.

Ford: How About a Group Hug?
(Forbes Online) Ford Motor is notorious for its executive infighting and jealous fiefdoms. To read the full article, click here.

GM Launches Chevy Cruze in U.S.
(The Street) Today is a big day for General Motors, which is formally introducing the Chevy Cruze, a made-in-the-USA compact that will start at $16,995. To read the full article, click here.

Ford, GM Catch China Growth
(The Street) A new report says passenger car sales in China rose 18 percent in August, which benefitted both GM and Ford. To read the full article, click here.

SEMA Debuts "Hottest Vehicles" Awards
(Edmunds' Inside Line) The Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Ford Mustang are just a few of the contenders for a new SEMA award for the "hottest car" to be handed out at the 2010 SEMA Show in November. To read the full article, click here.

2011 Dodge Charger Caught Undisguised at Police Fleet Expo
(Topspeed) Technically speaking, the 2011 Dodge Charger has yet to be made official by Chrysler, but despite that, the Charger Pursuit police car based on the 2011 Charger has already been released. To read the full article, click here.

Toyota May Think Small on Next Hybrids to Fight Off Honda
(USA Today) Toyota, long the leader in hybrids, may be planning to take them into smaller, cheaper cars, starting with the Yaris subcompact. 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.

All of Village Ford's new and used vehicles have prices online, but call 1-800-257-1538 for the latest incentives on the vehicle of your choice to further reduce your price! Click here for more information.

AARP is now offering a special, limited-time 35% discount on annual dues. If you or your spouse is 50 or over, join or renew your AARP Membership and enjoy everyday savings on prescriptions, groceries, restaurants, travel and more. Click here for more information.

Atlanta Salaried Retirees
Second Tuesday in September (Milton, Ga.)
The next general membership meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the Ford Regional Office (13010 Morris Rd. Corporate Center One Ste. 500) from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you would like further information about the meetings 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.

Cleveland Engine and Casting Plants Salaried Retiree Club (North Olmsted, Ohio)
If you would like to join the Cleveland Engine and Casting Plants Salaried Retiree Club, it is $15 a year, which can be made payable to the Ford Retiree Club (P.O. Box 566, North Olmsted, OH 44010). It is $10 for surviving spouses and retirees over the age of 80. For more information, please contact Mary Kay Dessoffy at FORDRETIREES@yahoo.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 Body & Assembly Operations/Vehicle Operations Salaried Retiree Group
Twice a Year (May, Oct.) (Westland, Mich.)
The group meets twice a year for a social get-together at Hawthorne Valley Golf & Banquet Facility (7300 N. Merriman R). Guests are welcome. For more information, contact Pat Heavener at PHEAVENER@mi.rr.com.

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 FCSD Retiree Lunch Club-GB
First Wednesday of the Month (Mar, June, Sept and Dec) (Essex, U.K.)
The next general meeting will be held the first Wednesday of March, June, September & December with a location that is to be announced locally. Informal meetings last for three hours and comprise of discussions on various topics such as an assortment of Ford issues, new products, product issues and shares along with a lunch that follows. If you would like further information about the meetings or the Ford FCSD Retiree Lunch Club-GB, please contact Dennis Gull at DENNIS@GULL1619.freeserve.co.uk.

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 Old Timers Club
Twice a Year (May, Sept.) (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Ford Old Timers Club meets twice a year for a mid-May Luncheon and a mid-September Fall Dinner at Park Place Catering (23400 Park St.) A guest speaker, usually a Ford executive, attends to discuss a special subject of interest at that time. Most recent speakers were Alan Mulally, Mark Fields, Peter Horbury and Greg C. Smith. Any Ford retiree and his/her spouse are welcome at any time. If you would like further information about the meetings or the Ford Old Timers Club, please contact Donald J. Van Kirk, president, at 1-313-563-0029 or D_VANKIRK@comcast.net .

Ford Retired Workers Chapter 906 of Mahwah, N.J.
Second Thursday of Every Month (Mahwah, N.J.)
Meetings are held at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church (900 Darlington Avenue). Coffee and buns will be served before the meeting for the convenience of our members. As always, we will have all of our Benefit Representatives; medical; hearing; dental and vision. There are no meetings during the months of July or August. All retired workers, spouses and surviving spouses are welcome. For more information, contact Mike DiMilta at MIKIE426@gmail.com.

Ford Retirees Club of The Villages Florida
Third Thursday of the Month (The Villages, Fla.)
The Ford Retirees Club of the Villages Florida has been formed and are meeting at 10:30 a.m. at Laurel Manor Recreational Center in the Monroe Room (1895 Laurel Manor Drive). There will be no meetings the months of June, July and August. For more information, contact Weldon Gorlich at WGORLICH@comcast.net or 1-352-753-1950 or Richard Hitz at DICKHITZ@comcast.net or 1-352-259-2635.

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 Salaried Retirees Association
First and Third Thursday of Every Month (Oakville, Ontario, Canada)
The Ford Salaried Retirees Association meet at the Quality Inn (754 Bronte Rd., Oakville, Ontario) in the Hampton Room. Additionally, all members receive our 9th Line newsletter. Each year, two golf tournaments take place along with an annual picnic in August. We pride ourselves on staying in contact with retirees from coast to coast. For more information, please contact Irene Saunders at ISAUNDERS@sympatico.ca.

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 (Mar, May, Sep and Nov) (Kansas City, Mo.)
The Christmas party will be the 2nd Saturday in December (Dec. 11). The next luncheon for the Kansas City Ford Salaried Retiree Club is on September 22 and will be at Finnigan's Hall (505 East 18th Avenue). Reserve your seat. RSVP by e-mail to John 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.

Manatee-Sarasota County Florida, Ford Retirees
Second Tuesday of Every Month (Location TBA, Fla.)
The Manatee-Sarasota County Ford Retirees next meeting will be October 12 at the Tara Golf & Country Club (6602 Drewrys Bluff) at 10 a.m. For more information, contact Den Ras at DRAS22@msn.com or Tony Ridley at RIDLEYS@comcast.net.

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 (Riverview, Mich.)
The group meets at 11 a.m. at the Riverview Highlands Golf Course (15015 Sibley Rd – east of I-75, between Allen Road & Fort St). 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.

USA Ford UAW Local 600
Every Fourth Sunday in the Month (Dearborn, Mich.)
This group meets at 10 a.m. every fourth Sunday of the month at the Local Hall (10550 Dix Avenue). Coffee and doughnuts are always available, and two televisions are raffled off at each meeting. For more information, contact Rudy Nelson at RETIREES600@yahoo.com .

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.

First and Third Monday of Every Month:
Ford Euchre Club (Dearborn, Mich.)
The Ford Euchre Club is looking for players and with a mere $6 admission fee you can become one of them. Anyone is welcome to play so feel free to bring your friends and relatives. Registration starts at 5:15 p.m. and the games begin at 5:45 p.m. This event is held at O'Kelly Knights of Columbus (23663 Park St.). Click here for more information or contact Dennis Natoli at DENISNATOLI@aol.com.

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