Ford eNews - April 6, 2011

DEARBORN, MI--April 6, 2011:

Ford researchers are no dummies they know children need virtual models of their own

A child's body is very different from an adult body, and that's why Ford researchers are immersed in their latest project to build one of the world's first digital child crash dummies. While Ford already has a digital adult human body model, which took a decade to create, a child needs a model all its own. The researchers started the project after monitoring and studying injury trends for children, who generally are more vulnerable in crashes. Building this digital child could help engineers design future restraint systems that offer better protection for young passengers.

The CW and Ford team up for nightly giveaways of all-new Focus

The CW and Ford have formed a strategic marketing partnership --The CW SHOWroom --to allow viewers the chance to win a new 2012 Ford Focus each night this week during The CW's prime time. The CW created custom commercials for this unprecedented campaign featuring stars from the network's shows, including "Gossip Girl," "The Vampire Diaries" and "90210." The spots are airing each night this week, and viewers can watch to learn how to enter to win an all-new Ford Focus, see sneak previews of upcoming episodes of The CW shows and get an up-close look at the Focus.

Ford scores a hat trick, and then some

Three of Ford's latest industry-exclusive technologies rear inflatable seat belts, MyFord Touchand MyKey --took Gold at the internationally known 2011 Edison Best New Product Awardsgala in New York last night, which recognizes pioneering technology, forward-thinking innovation and market success. SYNC AppLink was also honored with a Silver award and Ford CEO Alan Mulally took home the prestigious Edison Achievement Award for his career-long commitment to innovation.

Smooth operators: Ford vehicles help ease gas pains

With unleaded regular gas cresting $3.75 a gallon in many parts of the country, aerodynamic detailing helps Ford vehicles not only look better but achieve better fuel economy, too. Clever tweaks by designers and aerodynamicists in the wind tunnel enhance the appearance of the versatile Flex crossover and workhorse F-150 pickup, while helping these vehicles get better mileage at the same time. Similar attention to aerodynamic optimization helps smaller cars like Fiesta and the all-new Focus deliver up to 40 mpg highway.

Ford hybrids are value, investment leaders

Soaring gas prices also means that fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle options are top of mind for potential car buyers. But are all hybrids created equal? Recent 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 top those lists. Edmunds.com lists Escape Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid as demonstrating the best return on investment, and as class leaders for best monthly fuel costs in its annual best and worst monthly fuel cost estimates analysis.

Critically acclaimed 'Swap Your Ride' is back

Ford is challenging people's perceptions head-on with the return of its very successful "Swap Your Ride" ad campaign, which chronicles the experiences of actual consumers who swapped their competitive-make vehicles to spend a week driving a Ford. Host of the hit show Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe engages participants with the class-leading fuel efficiency, quality, smart technology, advanced safety features and head-turning design of Ford products. The Swap Your Ride campaign first debuted in 2007, with Nielsen Automotive citing it as among the "top most-recalled new television ads." And the campaign is a finalist for Best Sales Event Campaign in Nielsen's Effectiveness Awards, to be given out at the New York Auto Show later this month.