Ford Motor Company (F)

[Tina]

May 21 Ford e-News
DEARBORN, Mich., May 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

A smarter dummy: Ford, SAE lead research to reduce child crash injuries

Not all people, and not all crash dummies, are created equal. With an eye toward increasing safety for young children, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and the Society of Automotive Engineers are preparing to launch an international study of a more lifelike prototype abdominal insert for pediatric crash dummies. Pediatric crash dummies with the more lifelike abdomen will help in analyzing the risk of serious injury to children during car accidents. Independent studies show that children ages 4 to 8 are at higher risk for injuries to the spine and abdomen caused by the inappropriate use of a Child Restraint System. For more information, click on link: http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28267

Team Mustang goes undercover to understand muscle car owners

What truly revs the engine of America's performance cars enthusiasts? That was the question driving 40 members of Ford's Team Mustang, who traveled to Florida to interact and observe Mustang and other muscle car owners where they live and drive. The team -- who identified themselves as simply a market research group -- learned that Mustang owners are typically more passionate about their cars and pleased with their purchase than owners of competing sports cars. More importantly, they learned valuable lessons that will pay off for future Mustang owners. For more information, click on link:

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28269

Flex brings new meaning to fashion-forward

The Devil may wear Prada, but the Ford Flex wears Prozzi. Former DKNY menswear designer Anthony Prozzi brought his unique fashion sense to Ford's new large crossover, the Flex. Prozzi understands that more Americans want a taste of high-style at an affordable price, be it Roberto Cavalli clothing at H&M or Cynthia Rowley kitchenware at Target. The Brooklyn-born Prozzi translated what he learned about fashion and luxury to automotive design, specifically the interior of the new Ford Flex, from the Brooks Brothers-inspired entry-level interior to the upscale cabin trimmed in black leather and burled walnut. For more information, click on link:

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28266

Road trippin' Flex-style

Imagine a cross-country journey in the spacious second row of a classic American crossover. The interior is whisper quiet and a fridge between the two second-row captain's chairs has your Fiji water and sushi chilled to perfection. The Vista Roof provides a panoramic view of the clear night sky and tunes from your iPod are playing on a premium sound system controlled by a voice-activated SYNC system. Only the new Ford Flex can offer this experience, which is why the crossover due out this summer was named one of the "Top Ten Best New Road Trip Vehicles" by the editors of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. For more information, click on link:

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28268

How Ford's popular small SUVs raised their game

You start with the great package, capability and looks that made the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner among the most popular small SUVs to ever hit the American roadways. Then you add better fuel economy, thanks to a combination of the new engine, a fuel-saving six-speed transmission, refined aerodynamics and new low-rolling-resistance tires. Throw in a quieter, more refined cabin environment and you realize that the new 2009 Escape and Mariner went from good to great before your eyes. For more information, click on link:

http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28223

SOURCE Ford Motor Company 05/21/2008
CONTACT:
Said Deep, of Ford, 1-313-594-0942,
[e-mail],
or Mark Schirmer, of Lincoln, 1-313-390-8647,
[e-mail],
both of Ford Motor Company
Web site: http://www.ford.com (F)