May 18, 2012
In this Blue Oval Connect Weekly Briefing…
- Q&A with Raj Nair – Annual 'Car Wars' Report
- All-New 2013 Ford Escape Set to Pace NASCAR Stable of Races at Kentucky Speedway
- Go Further: Group V.P. of Human Resources Discusses Global Brand Promise as ‘Inspiring Compass’
- 2012 Ford Mondeo Sport Limited Edition Launched in China
- Video Corner: 1.0 Liter EcoBoost in Craiova
- Outside Voices: (The Detroit News) Ford To Lead Rollouts of New Models
 |
Q&A with Raj Nair – Annual 'Car Wars' Report
Bank of America Merrill Lynch recently published its annual "Car Wars" report by Research Analyst John Murphy. Car Wars assesses the relative strength of automakers' product pipeline in the U.S. The purpose of the study is to quantify industry product trends and then relate the findings to investment decisions.
In this year’s study, Murphy notes that the product replacement rate drives showroom age, which drives market share, which in turn drives profits and stock prices. The study finds that OEMs with the highest replacement rate and youngest relative showroom age have generally gained market share from 2002-2012.
Click here to continue reading Raj Nair’s, group vice president, Ford Global Product Development, perspective on this year's "Car Wars" report.
 |
Harold 'Red' Poling, Extraordinary Leader
Harold A. Poling passed away on May 12, 2012 at the age of 86. He was living in Pacific Grove, Calif.
"Red Poling was an extraordinary leader who had a profound impact on Ford Motor Company and everyone who worked with him. With a list of accomplishments that span 43 years, including leading the company through a remarkable turnaround during the 1980s and 1990s, Red was respected by all for his leadership, his passion for being the low-cost producer and his genuine affinity for people. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
- Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company
A memorial website for Red Poling has been developed by his family which will be used to share stories and photos of Red's life and provide information regarding plans for his memorial service. Click here to visit his memorial website and share your stories.
To read the full article, click here.
 |
All-New 2013 Ford Escape Set to Pace NASCAR Stable of Races at Kentucky Speedway
Ford Motor Company rolled out its latest NASCAR pace vehicle today – the all-new 2013 Ford Escape – which will make its pace vehicle debut during the NASCAR Sprint Cup race weekend at nearby Kentucky Speedway June 28 through 30.
To read the full article, click here.
2013 Shelby GT500 Launch Control Spins the Wheels for Maximum Acceleration
Paraphrasing a classic quote, "With great power comes the need for great control," the engineers at Ford’s Special Vehicles Team have stepped up to the plate to manage the massive output of the 2013 Shelby GT500.
To read the full article, click here.
 |
Carroll Shelby, Ford Family for More Than Half a Century
The following statement is attributable to Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company and great-grandson of Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motor Company.
"Today, we have lost a legend in Ford Motor Company's history, and my family and I have lost a dear friend. Carroll Shelby is one of the most recognized names in performance car history, and he's been successful at everything he’s done. Whether helping Ford dominate the 1960s racing scene or building some of the most famous Mustangs, his enthusiasm and passion for great automobiles over six decades has truly inspired everyone who worked with him. He was a great innovator whose legend at Ford never will be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."
To read the full article, click here.
 |
Ford Motor Company Fund Provides More Than $280,000 for Programs Supporting Youth in Detroit
In recognition of the importance of supporting youth in the Detroit community, Ford Motor Company Fund is announcing more than U.S. $280,000 in grants and other support to benefit young people.
To read the full article, click here.
Ford Begins Taking Orders for C-MAX Hybrid – America's Most Affordable, Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Utility Vehicle
Ford dealers are starting to place orders for America's most affordable and fuel-efficient hybrid utility vehicle – the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid – with innovative technologies such as a hands-free liftgate, spaciousness for five passengers and cargo as well as the fun-to-drive character shared with well-handling cars including Ford Focus.
To read the full article, click here.
 |
Proving Grounds Provide Site for Auto ‘Torture Chamber’
Editor's Note: Each Thursday, @Ford Online takes a look back at Ford heritage moments from the company's past. Click here for more heritage articles.
On May 19, 1957, Ford announced the completion of Michigan Proving Grounds, near Romeo, Mich. The project involved the largest, privately funded earth moving project in the history of Michigan – some 4 million cubic yards of earth were moved – the equivalent of digging 13,000 average-sized home basements.
To read the full article, click here.
 |
Go Further: Group V.P. of Human Resources Discusses Global Brand Promise as ‘Inspiring Compass’
This week, Felicia Fields, group vice president, Human Resources and Corporate Services, shared her thoughts on the company’s new Go Further global brand promise with @Ford Online. Below is an excerpt from that discussion.
Q. How do you describe the Go Further brand promise to your team?
A. Go Further really describes what it means to be Ford. It describes our passion for our customers, our passion for working together and for our communities. It’s really a natural expression of what we do best.
The full version of this article and others like it are featured on the Go Further - Team Content section on @Ford Online - click here to go there now or submit your own Go Further story.
 |
2012 Ford Mondeo Sport Limited Edition Launched in China
Ford has unleashed the special 2012 Mondeo limited edition into the Chinese market with a sporty new contemporary styling.
One of the stars of Auto China 2012 in Beijing held in April, this new Mondeo edition brings a fresh look in both interior and exterior design to meet the needs of young Chinese customers.
To read the full article, click here.
EcoBoost Engine Job One in Romania
The 1.0-liter EcoBoost® engine recently went into production at Ford’s new plant in Craiova, Romania. A special event to mark the occasion was attended by employees, the media and VIPs.
The plant will assemble three-cylinder engine in 100, 120 and 125 PS variants. It will also machine cylinder blocks, cylinder heads and crankshafts.
To read the full article, click here
Focus Wins Diesel Car Award
The Focus has been voted Britain’s best diesel medium car in the Diesel Car 2012 awards. The Focus fought off competitors including the Hyundai i30 and Volkswagen Golf.
To read the full article, click here.
Ford Donates $10,000 to Forest Conservation Project in Sri Lanka
Ford Motor Company selected the Fire Prevention in Knuckles Forest Reserve project as the winning entry in its Environmental Conservation and Grants program in Sri Lanka. The project will receive $10,000 to take steps to minimize the damage caused by forest fires in the southern border of the Knuckles Forest Reserve in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
To read the full article, click here.
1.0-Liter EcoBoost in Craiova
(@Ford Online) Production of the 1.0-Liter EcoBoost® commenced at Ford's new plant in Craiova, Romania, on May 10.
Click here to view the video.
Freeing Ford's Logo From Debtors' Prison
(Bloomberg Businessweek) Six years ago, Ford was running out of time and money.To save the company, Henry Ford’s great-grandson had to do something the founder never could have imagined–sign away the family name. To read the full article, click here.
Ford To Lead Rollouts of New Models
(The Detroit News) Ford Motor Co. will offer more new car models over the next three years than any other automaker, according to a Bank of America/Merrill Lynch report released Wednesday. To read the full article, click here.
Ford Named One of America's Hottest Brands
(24/7 Wall St.) Brand expert company Corebrand examined brands from the standpoint of favorability and familiarity to identify America's hottest brands. To read the full article, click here.
Sorry, Toyota: Ford Prices 2013 C-MAX Hybrid at $26,790, Undercutting 2012 Toyota Prius v
(Automobile Magazine)The market of compact hybrid people movers will grow this year with the addition of the 2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid, and it's trying to steal the 2012 Toyota Prius v's thunder. Ford says that the C-MAX Hybrid will cost U.S. $26,790, some $520 less than the Prius v. To read the full article, click here.
GM Cuts Facebook Ad Spending, But Ford Steps On The Gas
(Automotive News) On the eve of Facebook's wildly anticipated initial public stock offering, General Motors said Tuesday that it will stop buying advertisements on Facebook – about $10 million a year – but "remains committed" to the social network as part of "an aggressive content strategy with all our products and brands." To read the full article, click here.
High-Tech Interiors Drive Future Vehicles
(The Detroit News) The interior of your next vehicle will be driven by technology and entertainment systems, and in the next few years, could include "augmented reality" technology that spreads across your windshield, showing you roadway lines and exits, automakers and suppliers say. To read the full article, click here.
|
