Drivers in the U.S. can now place their order for the new Ford Focus ST, a high-performance hatchback that will offer exhilarating performance and handling, a distinctive interior and muscular exterior design.

Focus ST, Ford’s first global performance car, will integrate a collection of advanced and sport-oriented technologies previously unavailable to North American customers. The combination of these technologies into a refined yet high-performance sport compact will elevate the category and further cement Focus as the most complete compact car range sold in North America.

Customers interested in Focus ST build and pricing options should visit: http://www.ford.com/cars/focus/focusst/.

Among the more visible options will be the Tangerine Scream metallic color that will be offered exclusively on the Focus ST as well as race-inspired Recaro seats with matching color accents.

Ford is offering drivers who preorder a 2013 Focus ST the GoPro HD Hero2 Motorsports Edition camera pack upon delivery. Already a staple in the motorsports and action sport communities, a GoPro is the ideal camera to capture a spirited drive or Focus ST track day. The first 1000 Pre-sale orders placed between May 1st and August 20th are eligible for the GoPro HD Hero2 Camera System. Cameras will be sent after vehicle delivery

“We recognize Focus ST customers are very social in nature and will love having the right tool to share their amazing drive experiences,” said Lisa Schoder, Ford Focus ST Marketing manager. “I look forward to seeing videos of the Focus ST taking on some great roads across the U.S.

“Some cars in this category are entertaining on the track, but much less practical for daily driving,” Schoder added. “We think we’ve hit the perfect balance between pure driving exhilaration and everyday livability with this car.

“In terms of athletics, the Focus ST is a gold-medal decathlete,” she said. “You can easily live with the car every day; when the time comes to really drive it; very few will be left wanting.”

The heart of the Focus ST is a reworked EcoBoost 2.0-liter engine massaged for very sporting throttle input responsiveness, strong off-idle power and a broad torque curve. The engine produces 252 horsepower and 270 lb.-ft. of torque.

“The power delivery has no weak spots, there’s no way to be left flat-footed,” Schoder said. “At the same time, drivers wanting to spin this motor into the upper octaves will be rewarded.”

To enhance the full experience for the driver, Focus ST is equipped with a sound symposer box that enriches the natural sounds of the motor by capturing internal engine oscillations and piping them through the interior under throttle. In part-throttle driving, the car’s power is felt more than heard; under full throttle, the engine music is naturally amplified through the symposer box.

Power, torque and engine notes are even more impressive in the context of its efficiency. Official EPA figures are not yet available, but Schoder said she expects exceptional fuel economy for Focus ST, especially for this class.

The unique sport suspension combines several technologies never before seen. Designed to give drivers enhanced agility on winding roads while still inspiring high-speed confidence, the variable-ratio steering rack makes steering less sensitive on the straightaways but increases sensitivity at the corners. It can also help drivers at slow speeds, like when maneuvering into a tight parking spot.

The electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) on Focus ST is enhanced with torque steer compensation. More aggressive tuning of the torque steer compensation allows drivers to accelerate while still maintaining grip on roads with uneven surfaces. The system detects the torque steer those conditions can create and counteracts the effect to help the driver feel in complete control.

Focus ST will offer Recaro sport seats, unique 18-inch Y-spoke ST wheels, dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlights and leather appointments throughout the cabin. Its superior chassis rigidity aids the suspension in providing a firm, but quiet and controlled ride. The instrument cluster features ST-unique sport gauges with red needle pointers to monitor turbo boost, oil pressure and oil temperature levels.

Advanced technology such as available SYNC with MyFord Touch will also be available for Focus ST, along with a Sony Audio System, HD Radio and 10-speaker surround sound.

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Ford knows that full-size truck buyers like to personalize their pickups and so do the experts at Truckin’ magazine. But it takes more than style to win with consumers. After testing four half-ton pickups in a well-rounded set of challenges, the Ford F-150 FX2 SuperCrew is now the Truckin’ half-ton Truck of the Year.

“Ford stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam with the EcoBoost F-150 FX2,” said Truckin’ Feature Editor Maxwell Matthewson. “They gave the consumer everything they wanted in one package: impeccable styling, remarkable performance, and gas mileage that doesn’t punch you in the gut at the fuel pump.”

Ford is giving buyers more options to personalize the truck.

The new FX Appearance Package is available on both FX2 and FX4 trucks and delivers a unique look with stealthy, flat-black accents. The look is set off with black fender and tailgate badges that feature red lettering, which is carried into the interior with a red-stitched steering wheel.

The FX’s interior also features black leather seating surfaces with red perforations and red piping. Unique interior touches include black-painted dash accents, brushed-metal surfaces, and satin shifter knob, door handles and air conditioning vent bezels. The package is available with all seven FX exterior colors.

Also new for 2012, the FX Luxury Package now offers cooled front seats, which combine with the previously available heated seats.

New 20-inch six-spoke wheels with flat-black paint are just one of the specialized styling cues on the exterior. A unique body-side decal is matte black with color read-through for a distinctive appearance. A chrome exhaust tip, black-finished grille, and blacked-out headlamps and taillamps round out the exterior upgrades.

“The new FX package delivers a distinctive style that truck buyers are looking for without compromising on any of the F-150’s rugged qualities,” said Raj Sarkar, F-150 Marketing manager. “Earning this recognition from such a discerning group of personalization and performance experts as Truckin’ is gratifying.”

With a twin-turbocharged direct-injection gasoline EcoBoost V6 engine making 365 horsepower and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, the Ford F-150 delivers power and performance comparable to competitive, naturally aspirated V8 engines, while delivering significantly improved fuel economy, up to 20 percent better.

The F-150 offers plenty of room for tools and such. Speaking of tools - Harbor Freight offers a huge selection on power tools at HarborFreight.com.

The 2012 Ford F-150 FX2 with EcoBoost offers 22 mpg on the highway (4×2) – mileage that’s superior to competitors’ full-size V6 and V8 conventional gasoline trucks and beats even midsize pickups with V6 engines.

The half-ton shootout appears in the April 2012 issue of Truckin’ magazine, on newsstands now. The test compares the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD Crew Cab LTZ, Ram 1500 Sport Crew Cab 4×4 and Nissan Titan 4×4 Pro-4X pickups to the winning Ford F-150. F-150 delivers class-leading towing capability of 11,300 pounds and hauling capacity of 3,030 pounds – a combination no other competitor can match.

Buying a car can be very fun. There is now a motors.co.uk app available to download to mobiles. If you are interested in a cheap second hand car such as the used Ford Ka then it’s certainly worth a look.

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With the national average price of gasoline nearing $4 a gallon, the new Ford Fusion offers yet another way for consumers to save money at the pump as the first non-hybrid midsize sedan available with Auto Start-Stop.

The fuel-saving technology will be offered for only $295, allowing more buyers to opt for the new technology and underscoring Ford’s commitment to make fuel economy affordable for millions. Similar systems in other competitive cars can cost several thousand dollars.

“We expect the average Fusion driver with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Auto Start-Stop will save about $1,100 more than other midsize sedan owners during five years of driving,” said Samantha Hoyt, Fusion marketing manager. “That’s cash in their pocket and time saved with fewer trips to the pump.”

Auto Start-Stop saves fuel use when the car is standing and running at idle. Savings vary depending on driving patterns, but owners who spend most time in heavy urban areas and city traffic will benefit the most – up to 10 percent. On average, Auto Start-Stop improves fuel efficiency by about 3.5 percent.

Wasting gas while we wait

A study by the United States Department of the Treasury estimates that congestion consumed an extra 1.9 billion gallons of fuel in 2011, approximately 5 percent of all the gasoline used.

Communities across America – including Denver and Ann Arbor, Mich. – are considering ordinances banning excessive engine idling.

“Idling vehicles are consuming energy without doing any work,” said Birgit Sorgenfrei, Ford’s Auto Start-Stop program manager. “They’re also producing exhaust gases in a concentrated space that can contribute to air quality problems like smog.”

Studies show drivers encounter an average of 10 to 15 red lights and stop signs on a typical 20 mile commute, which can add 5 to 15 minutes of idle time and wasted gas.

Fast, seamless, no added maintenance

Ford is making Auto Start-Stop – one of the most popular features of hybrid vehicles – available with the new 1.6-liter EcoBoost-powered Fusion. When the Fusion comes to a stop, the engine can automatically switch off, consuming no gasoline and emitting no exhaust gases. As soon as the driver releases brake pedal, the engine seamlessly re-starts itself and is ready to go by the time the driver presses the accelerator pedal.

“Our team has put a lot of effort into calibrating the Auto Start-Stop on the Fusion to make it as transparent as possible to the driver and passengers,” says Sorgenfrei.

Auto Start-Stop is the latest addition to the new Ford Fusion’s industry leading suite of affordable, fuel saving technologies, including:

• EcoBoost engines, which combine turbocharging, direct injection and twin independent variable camshaft timing or Ti-VCT, with downsizing to deliver outstanding fuel economy without sacrificing performance.
• Electric power steering eliminating the engine-driven hydraulic pump, lines and fluid.
• Six-speed transmissions, which enable engines to run more efficiently by always selecting the best gear for top fuel economy.

On sale this fall, Fusion offers customers the Power of Choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment – two EcoBoost-powered gasoline engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Fuel-economy includes:

• 2013 Fusion 1.6-liter EcoBoost: Delivering a projected 37 mpg highway
• 2013 Fusion Hybrid: Delivering at least a projected 47 mpg – 4 mpg  better than the Toyota Camry Hybrid
• 2013 Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: Delivering at least a projected 100 MPGe-plus rating – making it the world’s most fuel-efficient midsize sedan

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Ford will expand its portfolio of fuel-efficient offerings this year with the fuel-saving 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine in the high-volume Escape compact utility vehicle and Fusion sedan nameplates, five new electrified vehicles, as well as with the introduction of auto start stop technology paired with the convenience of an automatic transmission.

“EcoBoost expansion and availability in high-volume nameplates such as the all-new Ford Escape and Fusion will take this affordable, fuel-saving technology to the heart of the market,” said Ford Group Vice President of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering Sue Cischke. “Ford is committed to delivering class-leading fuel economy for our customers, which benefits the environment and helps the U.S. move toward greater energy independence.”

The full-size Taurus sedan becomes the first Ford vehicle to offer customers a choice between two EcoBoost engines. It will offer a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making an estimated 237 horsepower and giving customers up to an anticipated class-leading 31 mpg, while the iconic Taurus SHO sport sedan features a 365-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 delivering 25 mpg highway.

The green and mean Focus ST arrives this year as a high-performance – yet fuel-efficient – sport compact EcoBoost application.

Additionally, Ford offers an EcoBoost-powered Police Interceptor for 2012. It is the first-ever turbocharged law-enforcement vehicle offering.

Ford’s lineup of fuel-efficient cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers underscores the company’s commitment to continually improve fuel economy.

By the end of 2012, nine Ford models will deliver or are anticipated to deliver an EPA-certified 40 mpg highway or higher, with still more fuel-efficient vehicles on the way.

Of the 11 market segments in which Ford competes, the company leads in fuel economy customer satisfaction in six, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates APEAL study, a third-party measure of buyer attitudes concerning recent vehicle purchases.

These findings show Ford customers are pleased with their fuel economy, and that their new Ford vehicle delivers the EPA-rated estimates in regular use.

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Ford’s all-new Fusion brings alive the next generation of more expressive vehicles from Ford and is the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions – each expected to deliver top fuel economy and an engaging driving experience.

Featuring a sleek silhouette and fresh face, the all-new Fusion is the latest in a series of vehicles from Ford – following the 2011 Fiesta subcompact and 2012 Focus small cars – developed to satisfy customers everywhere who want leading fuel efficiency, helpful technologies and game-changing looks.

“Our vision for Fusion was clear – deliver the very best of what One Ford stands for,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president of Global Product Development. “We brought our global teams together around a blank slate with the charge to develop a midsize car with groundbreaking design and jaw-dropping fuel economy – one that featured technologies to help make our customers safer and better drivers. This car is the result.”

Fusion is revealed in North America in S, SE and range-topping Titanium series and points to the next Ford Mondeo for world markets.

Triple-crown fuel efficiency

The new Fusion is expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy across customers’ choice of gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid sub-segments, following through with the commitment by Ford to be the fuel-efficiency leader – or among the leaders – with each new model brought to market.

Fusion brings the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment. It offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid alternatives, a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, an automatic start stop system to shut off the engine at stationary idle, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive applications, and a choice between automatic and manually shifted six-speed transmissions.

The 1.6-liter EcoBoost is expected to deliver best-in-class four-cylinder non-hybrid fuel efficiency of 26 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine – paired with a paddle-shifted six-speed SelectShift Automatic™ transmission, available 19-inch wheels and tires, and all-wheel drive with the ability to send additional torque to the rear – is the Fusion performance option.

The Fusion Hybrid – 2010 North American Car of the Year – continues to innovate and evolve with all-new lithium-ion batteries that save weight and generate more power than previous nickel-metal hydride batteries, while raising maximum speed under electric-only power from 47 mph to 62 mph.

Fusion Hybrid also features an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine, significantly downsized from the previous 2.5-liter unit while maintaining performance standards. This innovative powertrain is anticipated to deliver best-in-class fuel economy of 47 mpg in city driving and 44 mpg on the highway.

Fusion Hybrid fuel economy stands to outperform the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid by 4 mpg city and 5 mpg highway and the 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid by 12 mpg and 4 mpg, respectively.

Topping the fuel-efficiency ladder is the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world. Arriving this fall, Fusion Energi is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles. This is 8 MPGe more than the Chevrolet Volt and 13 MPGe more than the projected efficiency of the Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid model.

The next-generation Fusion 1.6-liter is the first automatic-transmission Ford product offered with an automatic start stop system. It shuts off engine power smoothly when the car is stopped and seamlessly restarts as the driver releases the brake pedal, helping Fusion to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by approximately 3.5 percent.

Fusion looks out for you

The all-new Fusion offers an unprecedented portfolio of driver assistance and convenience technologies based on sensors, cameras and radar that enable the car to see and respond.

Fusion can help drivers maintain proper lane position, adjust vehicle speed to changing traffic conditions, identify suitable parking spaces and help park, even aiding drivers backing out of parking space where visibility is obstructed. Specific technologies include:

• Lane Keeping System: This class-exclusive technology consists of three elements to help a driver maintain proper lane position. Using a small, forward-facing camera behind the inside rearview mirror, the system “looks” down the road, monitoring lane lines to determine that the car is on course. The system will alert a driver if drowsiness or erratic lane-keeping is detected. The second element warns a driver with a steering wheel vibration if the Fusion drifts too close to lane markings. Finally, lane keeping aid will actually apply pressure on the steering to help bring the car back into proper lane position
• Adaptive cruise control: Using forward-looking radar, this system “looks” down the road when activated, slowing the Fusion when slower traffic is detected ahead. Adaptive cruise control enables collision warning with brake support to help slow the car if the potential of a crash is detected
• Active park assist: Employing sensors, this technology can identify a suitable parallel parking space, calculate the trajectory and steer the car to properly position it within the spot. All a driver need do is operate accelerator and brake pedals
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with cross-traffic alert: Sensors in both Fusion rear quarter-panels are able to detect traffic in a driver’s blind spot, providing both audible and visual warnings if traffic – unseen by the driver – is detected. BLIS technology enables cross-traffic alert, warning the driver of oncoming traffic when backing out of a parking space with obstructed views, such as between two large vans

The power of voice

The all-new Fusion offers the latest iteration of Ford’s award-winning, industry-exclusive SYNC® communications and entertainment system, which enables voice-activated communication through a driver’s mobile phone and interaction with the car’s audio system.

Fusion also offers the latest version of MyFord Touch®, allowing a driver to interact with vehicle systems through voice control, a touch screen tap or a conventional button.

Both SYNC and MyFord Touch – powered by SYNC – help reduce the potential for driver distraction through voice-controlled functionality, allowing drivers to keep hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

Different, by design

“The previous Fusion was an easy purchase for a customer to rationalize,” said Chris Hamilton, chief exterior designer for the next-generation model. “Our design goal for the new car was to give the mainstream sedan buyer a top-drawer visual experience, adding some emotional appeal to an already sensible choice.”

These five elements provided direction for the design team behind the all-new Fusion:

• Silhouette innovation: Fusion’s sleek profile sets it apart from the powertrain/cabin/trunk “three-box” designs synonymous with midsize sedans
• Perceived efficiency: Fusion character lines sweeping to the rear and thin roof pillars suggest the car is nimble and light on its feet
• Refined surface language: Fusion demonstrates that a tasteful, well-executed design does not require add-ons or visual clutter
• Technical graphics: Fusion’s functional design elements such as headlamps, LED taillamps and polished exhaust tips communicate enhanced technological capability
• New face: Fusion signals the next evolution in Ford global design language for midsize cars and smaller

Inside, the new Fusion offers a sporty, driver-oriented environment with next-generation seating that brings expanded functionality. A higher center console supports the driver-centric theme and yields clever storage for items a driver wants to keep handy.

Additional passenger space was designed-in by moving the instrument panel toward the windshield, contributing to the cabin’s airy, open environment. Thinner, lighter frames support the comfortable next-generation seats trimmed with fabric using recycled sustainable yarns.

Craftsmanship plus dynamics equals feel

Fusion design delivers on the promise of high visual quality, with improved materials, elevated levels of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Interior surfaces are softer to the touch and interior and exterior gaps are minimized, while extra care has been taken to upholster or cover each edge and every surface a customer can touch. When the trunk lid is opened, for example, a spring-loaded cover automatically conceals the trunk latch hardware.

“The holistic goal of our craftsmanship process is to see that Fusion not only delivers a superior visual experience but alsofeels like quality to the customer,” said Adrian Whittle, Fusion chief engineer.

Key contributors to how the Fusion feels are the ride and handling components that maximize vehicle dynamics.

“This really is a driver’s car,” said John Jraiche, program manager. “Fusion is even more fun to drive with specially tuned electric power-assisted steering (EPAS), a MacPherson strut front suspension and an all-new premium-level multilink rear suspension – comparable to Audi and BMW configurations.”

Careful tuning by Ford’s vehicle handling and ride team has yielded a Fusion with a dynamic character that will please a well-seasoned enthusiast while increasing the confidence level of less-experienced drivers.

Fusion interior quiet reaches a new level with acoustic underbody shields and weight-saving sound-absorption material; both minimize road and powertrain noise while boosting aerodynamic efficiency to help save fuel. The all-new model adds content such as a full-perimeter hood seal to be among the midsize sedan segment leaders in giving drivers a quiet ride.

Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi models also are equipped with active noise control. This feature uses the audio system to mitigate extraneous road noise while enhancing powertrain sounds.

Strength and safety

Fusion is designed with customer safety in mind. Engineers increased its body strength by 10 percent, using more high-strength steels such as boron, and added dual first-row knee airbags and adaptive front airbags that vent and tether to conform to a specific occupant’s size, position and seatbelt usage.

The Fusion safety team targeted top-of-the-line ratings in each public domain safety benchmark, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ratings, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick and top ratings in world markets where the car will be sold.

The most prominent example is Fusion’s front-end architecture, as the same car must face simultaneous – and seemingly conflictive – standards across regions. The car’s front end is equipped to meet head-on and offset barrier standards for North America while still conforming to European standards for pedestrian protection – thanks to hours of computer modeling and 180 validating crash tests.

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Ford cars are renowned for their excellent durability, so it should come as no surprise that when it comes to buying a used car Ford is often an extremely popular choice among customers searching for a used car that will still offer years of use. Anybody looking for a used or new car should take a close look at Ford’s formidable range, which is available to buy from trusted used car dealer Evans Halshaw.

While Ford already had reason to celebrate over the immense popularity of their small cars and their lauded technological advancements in the field of fuel efficiency, a testament to their environmental conscience as car manufacturers, they were recently honoured with 3 used car awards from highly respected industry experts What Car? magazine.

Ford cars won awards in 3 different categories at the What Car? Awards, which are organised each year to identify, highlight and give recognition to the very best used cars currently available on the market. What Car? Editor-in-chief Chas Hall complimented the quality of the cars that drove away with awards this year.

Ford’s first award came in the best used supermini category for their Ford Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr. When it was first released, the Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr was praised for its agility, fantastic handling and for being one of the quietest cars on the road in the supermini category.

While not among the most spacious superminis, the excellent performance levels of the Fiesta 1.25i Style+ 5dr and its sheer value for money distinguish it as an attractive car on the used car market, which no doubt helped it clinch the What Car? Award.

Ford’s next big win came in the best used family car category for the Ford Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr. Singled out as an excellent car for drivers who notch up a high mileage when it first entered on to the market, the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr also received widespread recognition for its superb handling, which makes it remarkably agile for a big car.

The Mondeo remains immensely popular in the UK and has been a major force in the family car class for ten years. With good fuel efficiency for a large car, a significant amount of space for the family and storage for long trips the Mondeo 2.0 TDCi Zetec 5dr should certainly be considered by anybody looking to buy a used family car and it was a worthy winner in its category.

Finally, Ford also came top in the best used multi-purpose vehicle with the Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec. Again, it was the responsive steering and overall handling of the S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec that won unanimous positive feedback upon its initial release.

Available in four different power units ranging from 114 to 197bhp, the S-Max 2.0 TDCi Zetec is spacious enough for the whole family to be seated in comfort, combining power, performance and practicality in an admirable package.

Anybody planning to buy a used or new car should take notice of Ford’s stellar range, which continues to combine quality with value for money.

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With gas prices on the rise, the interest around fuel efficiency and hybrid vehicle options is top of mind for potential car buyers. But are all hybrids created equal? Recent industry studies show that certain hybrid models provide car buyers with much more bang for their buck, and the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Ford Escape Hybrid are at the top of those lists, demonstrating the best return on investment compared to competitors.

Edmunds.com lists the Ford Escape Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid as class leaders for best monthly fuel cost in the publication’s annual best and worst monthly fuel cost estimates analysis. The hybrid versions of both vehicles led the pack for best monthly fuel costs, with consumers paying over $100 less for fuel per month, compared to competing vehicles.

Further building Ford’s reputation as a leader in hybrid vehicles, CarGurus.com recently named Escape Hybrid one of the best vehicles for hybrid investment. According to the site, the Escape Hybrid is one of the few hybrid vehicles consumers can justify paying a premium for, compared to the gas-only version, as the Escape Hybrid pays for its own premium once gas prices and savings are factored in.

“In less than 10 years, Ford has become a leader in hybrid technologies that are both advanced and innovative for the market,” said Sherif Marakby, Ford’s director of Electrification Programs and Engineering. “True to our electrification strategy, we continue to invest in hybrids and improve on technologies every year.”

The science behind the fuel economy

Building on 10 years of experience with hybrid technologies, current Ford hybrids use the company’s second-generation full hybrid system, with battery technology that provides 20 percent more power than the first-generation system. To achieve this fuel economy, Ford’s Powersplit technology system uses two motors and a continuously variable transmission that uses the most efficient points of the engine. By doing this, the energy flow between the battery and the engine is optimized to drive the wheels and achieve the best fuel efficiency for all operation modes. To date, Ford’s Powersplit technology has received more than 200 patents.

Additional ways in which Ford hybrids achieve fuel economy improvements include:

• Second-generation Ford hybrid vehicles improve performance by modifying components like inverters, to increase efficiency of electric components to more than 90 percent
• An electric compressor is used for climate control systems, to optimize energy use
• Ford Fusion Hybrid has an added boost converter on the battery, which instantaneously provides power when needed – for acceleration – but doesn’t carry this power in the battery at all times, improving overall fuel efficiency

The power of choice

Electrification is an important piece of Ford’s overall product sustainability strategy. Ford’s aggressive strategy includes five new electrified vehicles in North America by 2012 and Europe by 2013. Ford launched the Transit Connect Electric small commercial van in 2010 and in addition to Focus Electric in late 2011, will introduce C-MAX Hybrid, a second next-generation lithium-ion battery hybrid and the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid in 2012.

Best-in-class fuel economy

Ford invested billions in researching and developing new fuel-efficient engines, transmissions and electrified vehicles, even during the depths of the economic downturn when competitors dialed back product spending. Today, Ford has 12 vehicles with best-in-class fuel economy and four models with at least 40 mpg – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

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The reinvented 2011 Ford Explorer, that provides a suite of innovative safety technologies, may be the latest Ford vehicle to earn a high Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Ford presently has eight vehicles on the road within the U.S. that have earned Top Safety Picks, which adds to Ford’s leading quantity of top U.S. safety ratings ever.

“The Ford Explorer sets a new standard for high-tech safety innovation,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “The Explorer offers several new innovative technologies, including available industry-first production rear inflatable seat belts, and Curve Control, which could help drivers maintain charge of a vehicle when they enter a curve too quickly.”

To earn a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must receive a rating of “good” in offset frontal-, side- and rear-impact crash tests and roof strength evaluations, as well as offer electronic stability control.

Initial demand for the driver-aid technologies on the new 2011 Explorer continues to be strong. Of the first 19,000 orders received:

• 22 percent include adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, active park assist and rain-sensing wipers
• 40 percent include BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert
• 87 percent include rear view camera

“Explorer has a history of safety innovation, from side-curtain airbags to AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control), and now providing the world’s first production rear inflatable seat belts,” said Craig Patterson, Explorer marketing manager. “Explorer customers value safety and security. Security features are one of the main reasons customers cite for his or her purchases of Explorer and SUVs in general.”

World’s first production inflatable rear seat belts
The new Ford inflatable rear seat belts spread impact forces across five times more area than conventional seat belts to reduce pressure about the chest while helping to control neck and head motion. The car industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts are made to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants, often children and older passengers who can become more susceptible to head, chest and neck injuries.

Explorer’s Curve Control
Ford is pioneering the next frontier of safety with crash-avoidance innovations for example Curve Control, made to help drivers maintain charge of their vehicle when going for a curve prematurely, a scenario found to bring about approximately 50,000 crashes on curves every year within the U.S. alone.

Curve Control senses whenever a vehicle is entering a curve too quickly, and may apply four-wheel smart braking to reduce vehicle speed by up to 10 mph in approximately one second and help drivers follow their intended path.

Additional driver-assist and safety features
“The new Explorer delivers features that both assist in preventing an accident and help minimize occupant injuries whenever a crash is unavoidable,” said Erika Low, Explorer safety manager. “It’s a comprehensive safety story from bumper to bumper.”

The new Explorer comes with technologies to assist prevent crashes – from parking lot fender benders to high-speed collisions – by warning drivers from the potential for an accident. Driver- aid and safety technologies include options such as:

• Adaptive cruise control, which slows the automobile to adapt for traffic conditions and gaze after a preset distance between vehicles
• Collision warning with brake support, whichhelpsreduce speed, automatically pre-charges brakes, supplies a red warning light about the windshield as well as an audible beep to help drivers stop faster when the system detects a collision is imminent
• BLISwith cross-traffic alert, whichhelps detect vehicles in blind spots during normal driving, as well as traffic approaching in the sides when reversing from parking spots
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System, which alerts drivers when it senses tire pressure is low
• MyKey, whichallows parents to limit speed and audio volume in their vehicles and it is made to help parents encourage safe driving habits within their teens

Structural safety and crash protection
Explorer features a unibody configuration body structure with nearly 1 / 2 of the stiff shell made up of high-strength steels, such as boron. A-pillars, rocker panels and front beams are made from boron steel for both increased strength and reduced weight. This structure was designed and developed to meet global crash standards. Explorer features Ford’s Trinity front crash structure, so named because of its three components made to absorb and redirect crash forces in the event of an incident.

When a crash becomes unavoidable, Explorer uses class-leading variety of airbags to protect occupants. Two front and 2 side second-generation airbags are joined by a security Canopy comprising side-curtain airbags for those three rows of passengers. Personal Safety System safety belts feature pretensioners and an energy management system with adjustable D-ring height in the first row.

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