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Ford Motor Company Launches New Program to Support Detroit Neighborhoods with $10 Million Investment

Ford Motor Company and its community relations arm, Ford Motor Company Fund (Ford Fund), today announced the launch of a major program in Detroit to strengthen neighborhoods and provide support for education, summer jobs programs and other community needs.

The $10 million program, called Operation Brighter Future – Detroit, augments Ford Fund’s ongoing community partnerships, as well as support for southeast Michigan nonprofits for community development, cultural and many other programs. The support has totaled approximately $60 million during the past five years.

The centerpiece of the program is the new Ford Resource and Engagement Center. It will be opened at the Mexicantown Mercado building in southwest Detroit. Under the arrangement, the building – which has been unused in recent years – will offer cultural and job training programs and other community services, including a Gleaners client choice food service center. Ford Fund will provide funding to local nonprofits to implement these programs and also provide the resources to operate the facility for at least four years.

“The Mexicantown Community Development Corporation (MCDC) board of directors is proud to partner with Ford Motor Company Fund and the city of Detroit to provide comprehensive programming at the Mexicantown Mercado that aligns with its original purpose as a community resource,” said Hector Hernandez, chairman emeritus of the MCDC board. “Ford, the city and MCDC are all committed to providing the highest-quality services to the southwest Detroit community within the Mercado, and we envision exciting cultural programming on the soon-to-be enhanced plaza space, complete with a new water fountain feature to extend this extraordinary exterior community plaza.”

Ford also is announcing it will “adopt” the Patton Recreation Center in southwest Detroit. Presently designated as a senior center, Ford will provide funding to add a wide variety of youth programming at the center, including arts, gymnastics, lacrosse, karate and swimming.

In addition, Ford will provide funding for the Brighter Future Summer Camp at Patton Recreation Center. The camp will offer 80 to 90 youth a meaningful and fun youth summer camp experience. Ford Fund also will provide a limited number of scholarships for youth to attend Camp Brighter Future.

“The Operation Brighter Future – Detroit initiative supports Ford’s work to build a better world,” said Mark Fields, chief operating officer, Ford Motor Company. “We are excited to contribute this $10 million investment toward services and support that will empower families and strengthen the community.”

Other initiatives in Operation Brighter Future – Detroit include:

• Donation to the Public Safety Foundation of two F-Series chassis, which will be turned into new ambulances for the city of Detroit
• Support for Greening of Detroit and its projects to turn abandoned sites into parks
• Funding for the Detroit Summer Youth Employment program that provides training and work experience for youth ages 14 to 21

“This is very exciting news for the city and our residents,” said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. “I am extremely grateful for Ford Motor Company Fund’s commitment to make such a generous investment in our neighborhoods. The Fund’s emphasis on jobs, recreation centers, youth and educational opportunities is in line with my administration’s plans to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. We need partners like Ford Motor Company Fund to help us transform Detroit.”

Courtesy of Ford

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Courtesy of Kiplinger

KBB.com: Best Redesigned Car is 2013 Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion has been named 2013 Best Redesigned Vehicle by Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information.  The expert editors of Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com considered more than 20 vehicles that were redesigned for the 2013 model year, but none could hold a candle to the completely renewed version of the popular mid-size model. 

"More than a handful of vehicles made the short list of finalists for this year, but ultimately the 2013 Ford Fusion was named KBB.com's 2013 Best Redesigned Vehicle with impressive gains in design, technology and fuel economy," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Outside, the new Fusion is clearly the hottest-looking car in a class with no fewer than 13 other entrants.  The interior is just as striking, and a variety of technological enhancements and choice of five powertrains is just icing on the cake.  Whatever mix of value, power and fuel efficiency you're looking for in a mid-size sedan, the new Fusion has it." 

The Best Redesigned Vehicle accolade honors the vehicle that best demonstrates improvement and superiority relative to its predecessor and competitors.  In judging, the KBB.com editors consider exterior and interior styling, technology, comfort and convenience features, performance/capability, driving dynamics, safety, fuel economy, overall refinement and, of course, value. 

One way to describe the Best Redesigned Vehicle is the model that received the best complete makeover.  It's the existing car, truck, minivan or SUV model whose team of designers, product planners and engineers did a superior job of transforming what once was into something much better.  For 2013, the Ford Fusion excelled and rose to the top.

Courtesy of Kelley Blue Book

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Henry Ford 150 Years 1863-2013

The yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of company founder Henry Ford kicked off yesterday as the world's oldest production Ford vehicle returns to the Ford family.

A key part of Ford Motor Company’s heritage returns home as a Model A built in 1903 is again with the Ford family, kicking off the yearlong celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of company founder Henry Ford.

Considered the oldest surviving Ford vehicle, the 1903 Model A was unveiled today to Ford Motor Comp

any employees by Executive Chairman Bill Ford, who purchased the vehicle at an auction in October.

“The timing was perfect to bring this key part of Ford heritage back to the family as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of my great-grandfather’s birth and his vision to improve people’s lives by making cars affordable for the average family,” said Bill Ford. “His vision to build cars that are reasonably priced, reliable and efficient still resonates and defines our vision today as well.”

MotorCities National Heritage Area and the Henry Ford Heritage Association teamed up with more than 30 Henry Ford-related collaborators to coordinate the yearlong celebration of events. These activities, highlighting Ford’s legacy, contributions and influence, include tours, educational programming, dramatic re-enactments, lectures, integration and special events at auto shows and more.

A dedicated website, www.henryford150.com, also is launching today that includes an interactive timeline of Ford’s life, tours, a calendar of 2013 events and information about efforts to preserve Henry Ford’s heritage.

Henry Ford’s 150th legacy will be celebrated in 2013 through a variety of events. Some of these include:

Coming Together: A Celebration of Henry Ford – July 27, 2013, The Henry Ford Estate Fair Lane, Dearborn, Mich. This free community event will bring Henry Ford to “life” and feature many of his little-known interests and contributions.

Maker Faire – July 27-28, The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Mich. A two-day, family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness. This year’s celebration of the Maker movement will include a special program to recognize innovators.

Discovering Henry Ford shows at The Henry Ford– April-December. A presenter-facilitated multimedia program using a large touch screen monitor to access digital assets (movies, photos) in themed 20-minute shows (Henry Ford the Tinkerer, Henry Ford and the Model T).

Henry’s T – Dramatic presentation at Greenfield Village– May-August. Visitors will meet Henry Ford in this interactive 15-minute play and hear how he was inspired to build the world’s universal car. Guests also will find out why the Model T was so revolutionary and how Henry Ford’s visionary thinking and hard work enabled him to put the world on wheels.

The role of the Model A
The Model A returning home played a pivotal role in Ford Motor Company history.

In July 1903, Henry Ford faced a daunting situation: The company’s cash balance stood at less than $250. A much-needed cash infusion arrived on July 13, 1903: One full payment and two deposits totaling $1,320 for three Model A cars kept Ford Motor Company afloat.

The car revealed today is a red 1903 Model A Rear Entry Tonneau. It is believed to be car No. 3, chassis No. 30, and the lone survivor of the group of three Model A cars sold on that day.
The vehicle was auctioned through RM Auctions in October in Hershey, Pa.

“The Model A helped keep our company going during a difficult time and enabled my great-grandfather to continue pursuing his vision of putting the world on wheels,” said Bill Ford. “We look forward to carrying that same spirit of innovation forward as we develop new technologies for safer, cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles.”

Courtesy of Ford

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New Ford Fiesta and Fiesta ST debut at the LA Auto Show

Ford Racing Has Enthusiast Needs Covered with a Full Lineup of Crate Engines and Performance Parts for 2013

Racers and enthusiasts have long looked to Ford Racing Performance Parts (FRPP) to fulfill their need for speed. The 2013 Ford Racing catalog is now stocked with fresh new options for every enthusiast budget and application. The updated lineup debuting at the Performance Racing Industry show this week includes new four-cylinder and V6 EcoBoost^® crate engines plus classic small-block, modular and contemporary Coyote V8s along with wheels, suspension and brake parts.

Build your own Cobra Jet

Racers who couldn’t get on the list for one of the limited-production 2013 Mustang Cobra Jets can now build their own starting with the RPP Aluminator XS crate engine. The 5.0-liter Aluminator XS is based on the naturally aspirated engine that was offered in the 2013 Cobra Jet earlier this year. Anyone interested in building a fast 5.0-liter-powered Ford vehicle for the track now has a ready-to-install option with more than 500 horsepower and the capability of 7,700 rpm.

Builders aiming for even greater heights from the Coyote V8 should consider the range of race-bred performance parts including the new Coyote Motorsports block. This new block has been optimized by the Ford Racing engineering team for improved durability even when subjected to the stresses of high-output racing applications. A variety of other Coyote race-tuned parts include the Cobra Jet intake manifold, billet oil pump, high-rpm competition pulse ring and more.

Modern and classic V8 options

Fans of the Modular V8 also have a new build option in the Aluminator 46X Stroker short-block. Stroked from 4.6 to 5.0 liters, this short-block is assembled with the best aftermarket components to provide a durable foundation for on and off-road applications in both naturally aspirated and supercharged form. Aluminator 46X is compatible with any of the two, three and four-valve cylinder heads used on the modular V8.

Builders looking for V8 power in a compact and easy-to-service package should look no further than two new flavors of the classic Ford pushrod small-block crate engine that join the existing lineup.

With a displacement of 460 cubic inches, the Z460 is the largest small-block ever offered by Ford. The Z460 builds on the long-running lineup of FRPP small-block crate engines and it is available with either a front or rear sump oil pan to fit the builder’s needs. Just add an intake, carburetor and accessories and the Z460 is ready to rock with more than 500 horsepower.

Enthusiasts looking for a true bolt-in small-block solution will like the “Ready to Run” X302D crate engine. The X302D comes out of the box equipped with an Edelbrock intake manifold, MSD distributor and a Holley carburetor jetted to Ford Racing specifications. The engine provides affordable and reliable small-block power for street rods, restored muscle cars or kit cars.

EcoBoost power for the aftermarket

Ford’s lineup of EcoBoost engines has proved extremely popular in an ever-increasing number of vehicles ranging from the Focus to the F-150 thanks to their outstanding power and torque delivery and exceptional fuel efficiency. Featuring the latest turbocharging, twin independent variable camshaft timing and direct fuel-injection technology, two of these engines are now available to customizers, racers and resto-mod builders.

With 365 horsepower and a remarkably flat torque curve peaking at 420 lb.-ft., the revolutionary twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 packs V8 performance in an efficient package. The V6 EcoBoost crate engine has proven its worth in both off-road truck racing and everyday work truck use. Off-road racers will appreciate the performance and ability to program custom calibrations to suit their vehicles.

Kit car, racers and hot rodding enthusiasts of all types will love the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder crate engine. This 255-horsepower mill comes straight from the new Focus ST and has already proven to be a true performer in the US and in Europe.

Engines are just the beginning

Power is only useful if it can be put to use and FRPP offers a complete lineup of suspension, brake and wheel kits and components to maximize the full performance envelope of every Ford vehicle.

Owners of 2005-13 Mustangs in search of improved mechanical grip can now get a fully assembled handling pack. The kit includes a set of preassembled struts that any do-it-yourselfer can install in their garage without any specialized tools.

2011-13 Mustang GT drivers can get a new shifter kit for the six-speed gearbox that provides 25 percent shorter throws and a crisper feel for enthusiastic driving.

While Mustang owners have nearly half a century of customizing history, FRPP is really ramping up support for Focus owners for 2013. A complete slate of bolt-on upgrades is now available to further sharpen the already impressive European-inspired dynamics of the Focus. Springs, dampers and beefier brakes help keep the Focus on course while European RS-spec wheels provide a unique appearance.

Truck owners who want an improved soundtrack can now get a premium stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. As a collaboration between Ford Racing and exhaust specialist Borla, the system is manufactured from the highest-quality Austenitic stainless steel to ensure maximum resistance to corrosion; the systems are available for 2011-13 F-150 pickups. The systems are available in a Sport (49-state drive by legal) version.

Courtesy of Ford

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