The New 2011 Mustang

MSN writes it's review of the new 2011 Ford Mustang!

It is time to Pony Up!

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2011 Ford Explorer Revealed

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Thoroughbred Ford -Free Concert Tickets!

Saturday July 10

Rock N’ Roll Dream Concert
Tribute bands Houses Of The Holy (Led Zeppelin), Edge of Forever (Lynyrd Skynyrd), 7 Bridges Road (The Eagles) and Silver Bullet (Bob Seger) will be performing at this year's Rock N' Roll Dream Concert.

6pm Doors, 7pm Show All Ages

Free tickets available for this concert at Thoroughbred Ford! All you have to do is come to our front desk and ask for them. We will run out quick, so get them before they run out!!

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Two of a Kind?

thoroughbredford@Flickr

• Year: 2008
• Make: Ford
• Model: Mustang
• Trim: Shelby GT500
• Body style: 2 Dr Coupe
• Mileage: 2131
• Engine: 8 Cyl. 5.4
• Trans: 6 Speed Manual
• Exterior Color: White
• Interior Color: Black
• Stock: 59086A
• VIN: 1ZVHT88S485197314

thoroughbredford@flickr

• Year: 2009
• Make: Ford
• Model: Mustang
• Trim: Shelby GT500
• Body style: 2 Dr Coupe
• Mileage: 13754
• Engine: 8 Cyl. 5.4
• Trans: 6 Speed Manual
• Exterior Color: Vapor
• Interior Color: Gray
• Stock: 03694A
• VIN: 1ZVHT88S095136964

thoroughbredford@flickr

Thoroughbred Ford is Kansas City's Premier Ford Dealer! Why buy a car when you can own a Thoroughbred!

Heartland Park and Ford

What a great experience Heartland Park is!!

Thoroughbred Ford is Kansas City's Premier Ford Dealer! Why buy a car when you can own a Thoroughbred!

TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BOAT MORE EASILY DOWN THE ROAD WITH 2011 FORD SUPER DUTY’S TECHNOLOGIES

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ALL-NEW FORD FIESTA DELIVERS 40 MPG; TOPS CLASS IN FUEL ECONOMY

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Ford Makes Selecting the Correct Four-wheel-drive Mode Easy

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Ford Customer's Benefit, from Higher Resale Values, Fewer Warranty Repairs

Thoroughbred Ford is Kansas City's Premier Ford Dealer! Why buy a car when you can own a Thoroughbred!

Ford's April Sales up 25%

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Manual Versus Automatic Transmissions

Thoroughbred Ford is Kansas City's Premier Ford Dealer! Why buy a car when you can own a Thoroughbred!

The Ford Start Concept Shows the Newest EcoBoost™ Engine

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Maintenance Myths

- They’ve been around awhile – a snippet of advice here, an old adage there. They’re the guidelines that are supposed to help keep cars running in top condition. Problem is, most of them aren’t based in fact – or they’re just plain outdated. Ford decided to debunk a few of the most popular maintenance myths, including the following:
MYTH: Cars need oil changes every three months or 3,000 miles. False: That used to be true, but not with newer cars. Because of synthetic oils that don’t break down as quickly, consumers actually don’t need oil changes as often – more like every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. (There may be two recommendations for oil-change intervals: one for normal driving and one for hard use. Check your maintenance guide to be sure.)
SAVE: Either way, there’s a considerable savings here: Let’s say you’re an average consumer who drives 12,000 miles a year, which means you would need about four oil changes a year under the old formula. With the new extended mileage, consumers need only about two oil changes a year, cutting their bill for oil changes in half – you could pocket upward of $50 a year or $650 in the lifetime of your car and do something to help the environment by saving oil.
MYTH: You need to let your vehicle engine warm up in cold weather. False: Your vehicle’s engine only needs a warm-up period of about 10 seconds – you’re actually the only one who may feel chilly. The engine warms up while you drive. Running your car any longer beforehand is just a waste of gas.
SAVE: Depending on engine size, temperature and other variables, modern cars can use about a third of a gallon of gas per hour while idling. By giving up that 10-minute idle every weekday morning, you could save more than a gallon a month – $32 a year or $416 over the life of the vehicle.
MYTH: Premium gas is a treat for your car. False: Unless your vehicle is specifically tailored to take advantage of the higher octane level in the fuel, you’re wasting your money. Go by what is recommended in your owner’s manual and leave it at that.
SAVE: At current gas prices, drivers may save up to $150 a year by opting for unleaded gas instead of premium.
MYTH: The number listed on the sidewall of your tire is the recommended tire pressure. False: In most cases, this is actually the maximum pressure allowed for that tire. The recommended amount of pressure is usually listed on the inside door panel – check your owner’s manual to be sure.
SAVE: The government estimates that the average driver’s tires are underinflated by 26 percent. Generally, underinflated treads lower gas mileage about a half percent for each pound lacking when the pressure of all four tires is added up. An average driver with underinflated tires could add $79 a year to his or her fuel bill – or more than $1,027 in the lifetime of the vehicle. You could also save nearly half a barrel of crude oil per year by keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Per the EPA, one barrel of crude oil equals 42 gallons of gasoline.
MYTH: Buy gas in the morning and you’ll save money. False: The old adage was to fill up in the morning when gas was coolest and most dense because gas is sold by volume and you would get more gas for your buck.
But gas is sold in underground, nonmetallic tanks that typically hold about 10,000 gallons, and it will take a lot of sunlight to raise the temperature even a degree. (However, pumping your gas when it’s cooler does mean less release of vapors, which is better for the environment.)
SAVE: Do your research before buying. Ford’s SIRIUS Travel Link™ sorts gas stations by price on the navigation screen, but Web sites like MSNAutos.com can also help drivers navigate to bargains. In our quick research, we found two gas stations in New York City – less than a mile apart – with 30 cents per gallon price difference. If you know before you go and fill up for less every time, it could result in $227 in your pocket annually, or $2,951 saved over the lifetime of your car.

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FORD POSTS FIRST QUARTER 2010 NET INCOME OF $2.1 BILLION AS STRONG NEW PRODUCTS FUEL PROFITABLE GROWTH

Ford reports first quarter net income of $2.1 billion, or 50 cents per share, a $3.5 billion improvement from first quarter 2009. Pre-tax operating profit of $2 billion, or 46 cents per share, a $4 billion improvement from first quarter 2009++
Ford Automotive operations posted first quarter pre-tax operating profit of $1.2 billion, a $3.2 billion improvement from first quarter 2009++
Ford North America reported first quarter pre-tax operating profit of more than $1.2 billion, a $1.9 billion improvement from first quarter 2009; Ford Europe earned a pre-tax operating profit of $107 million, a $692 million improvement from a year ago++
Revenue for the quarter totaled $28.1 billion, a $3.7 billion improvement from first quarter 2009++
Strong response to new vehicles drove the largest quarterly U.S. market share gain since 1977
Ended the quarter with $25.3 billion of Automotive gross cash, with operating-related cash outflow of $100 million. Ford ended the quarter with $34.3 billion in Automotive debt
Ford Motor Credit Company reported first quarter pre-tax operating profit of $828 million, an $864 million improvement from first quarter 2009
Based on Ford’s improving performance, the gradually strengthening economy, and its present assumptions, Ford now expects to deliver solid profits this year with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow
Download Full Financial Release (PDF)
Download Slides (PDF)
Financial Results Summary+
First Quarter

2009
2010
O/(U) 2009
Wholesales (000) ++
986
1,253
267
Revenue (Bils.) ++
$ 24.4
$ 28.1
$ 3.7




Operating Results ++



Automotive Sector (Mils.)
$ (1,963)
$ 1,195
$ 3,158
Financial Services Sector (Mils.)
(62)
815
877
Pre-Tax Results (Mils.)
$ (2,025)
$ 2,010
$ 4,035




After-Tax Results (Mils.)
$ (1,793)
$ 1,761
$ 3,554




Earnings Per Share+++
$ (0.75)
$ 0.46
$ 1.21




Special Items Pre-Tax (Mils.)
$ 363
$ 125
$ (238)




Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Ford



After-Tax Results (Mils.)
$ (1,427)
$ 2,085
$ 3,512
Earnings Per Share
$ (0.60)
$ 0.50
$ 1.10




Automotive Gross Cash (Bils.)
$ 20.9
$ 25.3
$ 4.4
See end notes on page 8.
DEARBORN, Mich., April 27, 2010 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] today reported first quarter 2010 net income of $2.1 billion, or 50 cents per share, a $3.5 billion improvement from first quarter 2009, as strong selling new products, improvements in its global Automotive operations, and higher profits at Ford Credit boosted results.
Excluding special items, Ford reported pre-tax operating profit of $2 billion, or 46 cents per share, an improvement of $4 billion from a year ago. It marked Ford’s highest quarterly pre-tax operating profit in six years.
Ford North America posted first quarter pre-tax operating profit of more than $1.2 billion, a $1.9 billion improvement from first quarter 2009, as a result of higher volume and mix and favorable net pricing. Ford operations in South America, Europe and Asia Pacific Africa as well as Ford Credit also posted pre-tax operating profits in the first quarter and improved results over the same period in 2009.
“The Ford team around the world achieved another very solid quarter, and we are delivering profitable growth,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “Our plan is working, and the basic engine that drives our business results – products, market share, revenue and cost structure – is performing stronger each quarter, even as the economy and vehicle demand remain relatively soft.”
At the end of March, Ford entered into a definitive agreement to sell Volvo and related assets to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group for $1.8 billion, subject to customary purchase price adjustments. The sale is expected to close in the third quarter of 2010. As a result of the agreement to sell Volvo, all of Volvo’s 2010 results are being reported as special items and excluded from Ford’s operating results; 2009 data include Volvo.
Ford’s first quarter revenue was $28.1 billion, up $3.7 billion from the same period a year ago. If Volvo had been excluded from 2009, Automotive revenue would have increased by $7 billion, or more than 30 percent. Ford finished the first quarter with $25.3 billion in Automotive gross cash, an increase of $400 million since year end. Automotive operating-related cash outflow was $100 million during the first quarter, as Automotive pre-tax operating profit was more than offset by changes in working capital and other timing differences, as well as a $300 million payment to Ford Credit reflecting up-front subvention payment. The company ended the first quarter with total Automotive debt of $34.3 billion, an increase of $700 million compared to year-end 2009.
On April 6, Ford paid down $3 billion of the drawn amount of its 2013 revolving credit facility. This payment has reduced Automotive gross cash and debt by $3 billion, which will be reflected on Ford’s second quarter 2010 balance sheet. The action did not affect Automotive liquidity, as the repaid amounts remain available for borrowing.
Special items were a favorable pre-tax amount of $125 million in the first quarter of 2010, or 7 cents per share. Ford recorded a $188 million gain related to held-for-sale adjustments for Volvo, which was offset partially by $63 million of global personnel reductions and dealer-related charges. If Volvo had continued to be reported as an ongoing operation, Ford would have reported a first quarter pre-tax operating profit of $49 million for Volvo.
“We are seeing the benefits of our One Ford plan around the world,” said Lewis Booth, Ford executive vice president and chief financial officer. “All of our business operations – North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific Africa and Ford Credit – were not only profitable, but also showed substantially improved results over a year ago.”
The following discussion of first quarter highlights and results are on a pre-tax basis and exclude special items. See tables following “Safe Harbor/Risk Factors” for the nature and amount of these special items and any necessary reconciliation to U.S. GAAP. Discussion of Automotive cost changes is measured primarily at prior-year exchange, and excludes special items and discontinued operations. In addition, costs that vary directly with volume, such as material, freight, and warranty costs are measured at prior-year volume and mix.
ADDITIONAL FIRST QUARTER 2010 HIGHLIGHTS
Increased U.S. market share by 2.7 percentage points to 16.6 percent and a 14.1 share of the retail market, fueled by strong sales of Fusion, F-150, Taurus and Focus
Achieved market leadership in Canada, boosting market share to 15.5 percent and increasing sales by 29 percent
Increased sales by 14 percent in the South American region and sold a record 88,000 vehicles in Brazil
Increased sales in Europe and achieved a 9.4 percent market share. In March, Ford was the best selling brand in Europe for the 19 markets we track
Ford Asia Pacific Africa increased sales by 39 percent as the Fiesta gained momentum in several markets
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles achieved the highest customer satisfaction and the fewest number of “things gone wrong” among all full-line manufacturers, according to the first quarter Global Quality Research System survey for the U.S.
Revealed new global Ford Focus, which goes on sale early next year in North America and Europe, and in 2012 for Asia
Revealed 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX, which reach showrooms this fall and will be the first vehicles to feature MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch
Unveiled the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid, expected to be America’s most fuel-efficient luxury sedan
Announced partnership with Microsoft to use Microsoft Hohm as a platform to help future owners of Ford’s electric vehicles manage energy use
Began production of Figo small car for India; received 10,000 orders in first month on the market
Began production of the next-generation F-Series Super Duty lineup with new fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline engines
Announced Ford’s electric vehicles plan is extending to Europe with plans to launch five full-electric or hybrid vehicles for European customers by 2013
Announced plan to increase investment in Brazil and Argentina by $450 million to more than $2.6 billion by 2015
Announced $2.3 billion investment in U.K. manufacturing facilities over the next five years to support production of low-carbon emission vehicles
Announced $400 million investment in South Africa to support production of Ford’s next-generation compact pickup truck and Puma diesel engine
Confirmed $400 million investment in Chicago Assembly Plant and the addition of 1,200 jobs to support production of the next-generation Ford Explorer
AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
Automotive Sector+
First Quarter

2009
2010
O/(U) 2009
Wholesales (000)
986
1,253
267
Revenue (Bils.)
$ 21.0
$ 25.4
$ 4.4
Pre-Tax Results (Mils.)
$ (1,963)
$ 1,195
$ 3,158
For the first quarter of 2010, Ford’s worldwide Automotive sector reported a pre-tax operating profit of $1.2 billion, compared with a loss of $2 billion a year ago. The improvement reflected higher volume and mix, as well as improvements in net pricing across all Automotive segments.
Total vehicle wholesales in the first quarter were 1.3 million, compared with 986,000 units a year ago. Worldwide Automotive revenue in the first quarter was $25.4 billion, up from $21 billion a year ago.
North America: For the first quarter, Ford North America reported a pre-tax operating profit of more than $1.2 billion, compared with a loss of $665 million a year ago. The improvement was more than explained by higher volume and mix and favorable net pricing. First quarter revenue was $14.1 billion, up from $10 billion a year ago.
South America: For the first quarter, Ford South America reported a pre-tax operating profit of $203 million, compared with a profit of $63 million a year ago. The increase was more than explained by favorable exchange and net pricing, offset partially by higher costs. First quarter revenue was $2 billion, up from $1.4 billion a year ago.
Europe: For the first quarter, Ford Europe reported a pre-tax operating profit of $107 million, compared with a loss of $585 million a year ago. The improvement was explained primarily by higher volume, lower costs, and higher parts profit. First quarter revenue was $7.7 billion, up from $5.8 billion a year ago.
Asia Pacific Africa: For the first quarter, Ford Asia Pacific Africa’s pre-tax operating profit was $23 million, compared with a loss of $97 million a year ago. The improvement was more than explained by higher profits of unconsolidated China joint ventures driven by higher industry volumes , favorable net pricing, increases in industry volume outside of China and favorable exchange. First quarter revenue was $1.6 billion, up from $1.2 billion a year ago.
Other Automotive: Other Automotive consists primarily of interest and financing-related costs and resulted in a first quarter pre-tax operating loss of $391 million, more than explained by net interest expense of $492 million.
FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR
Financial Services Sector+
First Quarter
(in millions)
2009
2010
O/(U) 2009
Ford Credit Pre-Tax Results
$ (36)
$ 828
$ 864
Other Financial Services Pre-Tax Results
(26)
(13)
13
Financial Services Pre-Tax Results
$ (62)
$ 815
$ 877
For the first quarter, the Financial Services sector reported a pre-tax operating profit of $815 million, compared with a loss of $62 million a year ago.
Ford Motor Credit Company: Ford Credit reported a pre-tax operating profit of $828 million in the first quarter, compared with a pre-tax loss of $36 million a year ago. The improvement primarily reflected lower depreciation expense for leased vehicles due to higher auction values and a lower provision for credit losses, offset partially by lower volume.OUTLOOK Ford said it continues to make progress on all four pillars of its plan:
Aggressively restructuring to operate profitably at the current demand and changing model mix
Accelerating the development of new products that customers want and value
Financing the plan and improving the balance sheet
Working together effectively as one team, leveraging Ford’s global assets
Overall, Ford said its performance this year is off to a more encouraging start than anticipated. Based on Ford’s improving performance, the gradually strengthening economy, and its present assumptions, Ford now expects to deliver solid profits this year with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow.
Ford expects full-year 2010 U.S. industry sales will be in the range of 11.5 million to 12.5 million, consistent with the guidance previously communicated by the company.
In Europe, Ford now expects full-year industry volume will be in the 14 million to 15 million range, which is somewhat higher than the previous guidance. The change reflects strong first quarter results, although uncertainty remains in Europe about the extent of payback from scrappage programs.
Initial quality improved across all of Ford’s regions based on the latest Global Quality Research System survey. Ford is on track to meet full-year quality targets.
As mentioned previously, Ford has achieved significant structural cost reductions over the past four years, and in 2010 expects full year Automotive structural costs to be somewhat higher as Ford increases production to meet demand.
Ford expects full year U.S. total market share and its share of the U.S. retail market to be equal or improved compared with 2009 and Europe market share is expected to be equal to 2009.
Ford expects second quarter 2010 production to be up compared with year-ago levels and up compared to first quarter 2010 production. The increase reflects strong customer demand for our products, the maintenance of competitive stock levels, and the non-recurrence of prior year stock reductions.
Ford now expects Ford Credit’s 2010 profits to be about the same as 2009. The recent improvements in used vehicle auction values and credit loss performance are expected to offset the effects of lower average receivables and the non-recurrence of certain favorable 2009 factors.
“We are absolutely committed to building great products, a stronger business, and contributing to a better world,” Mulally said. “Our product lineup is stronger than ever, and our leadership in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value is resonating with consumers.
“We remain cautiously optimistic about positive signs emerging in the global economy, while knowing that the recovery is fragile and the global auto industry continues to deal with excess capacity. For us, the most important thing we can do is to stay focused and continue to make progress on our plan,” Mulally said.
Ford’s 2010 planning assumptions regarding the industry and operating metrics include the following:
Planning Assumptions
First Quarter

Full Year Plan


Full Year Outlook
Industry Volume (SAAR)*





– U.S. (million units)
11.2

11.5 – 12.5

On Track
– Europe (million units)**
16.0

13.5 – 14.5

14.0 – 15.0






Operational Metrics





Compared with Prior Year:





-- Quality:
Improved

Improve

On Track






-- Automotive Structural Costs***
$100 Million Lower

Somewhat Higher

On Track






-- U.S. Total Market Share (Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury)
16.6%

Equal/Improve

On Track
-- U.S. Share of Retail Market****
14.1%

Equal/Improve

On Track
-- Europe Market Share **
9.4%

Equal

On Track






Absolute Amount:





-- Automotive Operating-Related Cash Flow
$(100) Million

Positive

On Track
-- Capital Spending
$900 Million

$4.5 to $5 Billion

On Track

FORD EXPECTS TO DELIVER SOLID PROFITS IN 2010WITH POSITIVE AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING-RELATED CASH FLOW
**********
Includes medium and heavy trucks European 19 markets we trackStructural cost changes are measured primarily at prior-year exchange, and exclude special items and discontinued operationsEstimate
Ford’s production volumes are shown below:
Production Volumes
Actual
Forecast

First Quarter 2010
Second Quarter 2010

Units (000)
O/(U)2009 (000)

Units (000)
O/(U)2009 (000)





Ford North America
574
225
625
174
Ford South America
110
11
135
25
Ford Europe
442
99
448
50
Ford Asia Pacific Africa
194
79
213
73





CONFERENCE CALL DETAILSFord Motor Company [NYSE:F] releases its preliminary first quarter 2010 financial results at 7 a.m. EDT today. The following briefings will be conducted after the announcement:
At 9 a.m. EDT, Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer, and Lewis Booth, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will host a call for the investment community and news media to discuss first quarter 2010 results.
At 11 a.m. EDT, Bob Shanks, Ford vice president and controller, Neil Schloss, Ford vice president and treasurer, and K.R. Kent, Ford Motor Credit Company vice chairman and chief financial officer, will host a conference call for fixed income analysts and investors.
The presentations (listen-only) and supporting materials will be available on the Internet at www.shareholder.ford.com. Representatives of the news media and the investment community participating by teleconference will have the opportunity to ask questions following the presentations.
Access Information – Tuesday, April 27Earnings Call: 9 a.m. EDTToll Free: 866-318-8620International: 617-399-5139Earnings Passcode: “Ford Earnings”
Fixed Income: 11 a.m. EDTToll Free: 866-318-8613International: 617-399-5132Earnings Passcode: “Ford Fixed Income”
Replays – Available after noon day of the event through Tuesday, May 4www.shareholder.ford.comToll Free: 888-286-8010International: 617-801-6888
Passcodes:Earnings: 73198326Fixed Income: 99284554
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.
# # #
+ The financial results discussed herein are presented on a preliminary basis; final data will be included in Ford’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010. As a result of Ford’s agreement to sell Volvo, 2010 results for Volvo are being reported as special items and excluded from operating results; 2009 operating results include Volvo unless otherwise indicated. As disclosed last quarter, the new accounting standard for variable interest entity consolidation, effective Jan. 1, 2010, required Ford to deconsolidate many of its joint ventures. In addition to results in the first quarter of 2010 reflecting this new standard, 2009 results have been adjusted to reflect the deconsolidation of many of Ford’s joint ventures, with Ford’s joint venture in Turkey, Ford Otosan, being the most significant. For wholesale unit sales and production volumes, amounts include the sale or production of Ford-brand and JMC-brand vehicles by unconsolidated affiliates. JMC refers to our Chinese joint venture, Jiangling Motors Corporation. See materials supporting the April 27, 2010 conference calls at www.shareholder.ford.com for discussion of wholesale unit volumes. Discussion of overall Automotive cost changes is at constant exchange and excludes special items and discontinued operations; in addition, costs that vary directly with production volume, such as material, freight, and warranty costs, are measured at constant volume and mix (generally, by holding constant prior-year levels). See tables following the "Safe Harbor/Risk Factors” for the nature and amount of special items, and reconciliation of items designated as “excluding special items” to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Also see the tables following "Safe Harbor/Risks Factors” reconciliation of Automotive gross cash and operating-related cash flow to GAAP. ++ Excluding special items. +++ Excluding special items and “Income/(Loss) attributable to non-controlling interests.” See tables following "Safe Harbor/Risk Factors” for the nature and amount of these special items and reconciliation to GAAP. Safe Harbor/Risk Factors
Statements included herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, forecasts, and assumptions by our management and involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, including, without limitation:
Further declines in industry sales volume, particularly in the United States or Europe, due to financial crisis, deepening recession, geo-political events, or other factors;
Decline in market share;
Lower-than-anticipated market acceptance of new or existing products;
An increase in or acceleration of market shift beyond our current planning assumptions from sales of trucks, medium- and large-sized utilities, or other more profitable vehicles, particularly in the United States;
A return to elevated gasoline prices, as well as the potential for volatile prices or reduced availability;
Continued or increased price competition resulting from industry overcapacity, currency fluctuations, or other factors;
Adverse effects from the bankruptcy, insolvency, or government-funded restructuring of, change in ownership or control of, or alliances entered into by a major competitor;
A prolonged disruption of the debt and securitization markets;
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices, and interest rates;
Economic distress of suppliers that may require us to provide substantial financial support or take other measures to ensure supplies of components or materials and could increase our costs, affect our liquidity, or cause production disruptions;
Single-source supply of components or materials;
Labor or other constraints on our ability to restructure our business;
Work stoppages at Ford or supplier facilities or other interruptions of production;
Substantial pension and postretirement health care and life insurance liabilities impairing our liquidity or financial condition;
Worse-than-assumed economic and demographic experience for our postretirement benefit plans (e.g., discount rates or investment returns);
Restriction on use of tax attributes from tax law "ownership change;"
The discovery of defects in vehicles resulting in delays in new model launches, recall campaigns, or increased warranty costs;
Increased safety, emissions, fuel economy, or other regulation resulting in higher costs, cash expenditures, and/or sales restrictions;
Unusual or significant litigation or governmental investigations arising out of alleged defects in our products, perceived environmental impacts, or otherwise;
A change in our requirements for parts or materials where we have long-term supply arrangements that commit us to purchase minimum or fixed quantities of certain parts or materials, or to pay a minimum amount to the seller ("take-or-pay" contracts);
Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation of government incentives related to capital investments;
Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events;
Substantial levels of Automotive indebtedness adversely affecting our financial condition or preventing us from fulfilling our debt obligations (which may grow because we are able to incur substantially more debt, including additional secured debt);
Failure of financial institutions to fulfill commitments under committed credit facilities;
Inability of Ford Credit to obtain competitive funding;
Inability of Ford Credit to access debt, securitization, or derivative markets around the world at competitive rates or in sufficient amounts due to credit rating downgrades, market volatility, market disruption, or other factors;
Higher-than-expected credit losses;
Increased competition from banks or other financial institutions seeking to increase their share of financing Ford vehicles;
Collection and servicing problems related to finance receivables and net investment in operating leases;
Lower-than-anticipated residual values or higher-than-expected return volumes for leased vehicles;
New or increased credit, consumer, or data protection or other regulations resulting in higher costs and/or additional financing restrictions; and
Inability to implement our One Ford plan.
We cannot be certain that any expectation, forecast, or assumption made in preparing forward-looking statements will prove accurate, or that any projection will be realized. It is to be expected that there may be differences between projected and actual results. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of their initial issuance, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional discussion of these risks, see "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2009 Form 10-K Report.
Download Full Financial Release (PDF)

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SYNC APPLINK TO LAUNCH ON 2011 FIESTA, MAKING FORD FIRST TO DELIVER VOICE CONTROL OF SMARTPHONE APPS

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Happy Earth Day - Go Green Buy Blue

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Ford Recognizes the Purchasing Power of Women

Understanding what women want when it comes to vehicles, and giving it to them, is more important today than ever before. As the National Women’s History Project sponsors its 30th Women’s History Month in March, Ford Motor Company is more aware than ever of the changing role that women hold in today’s society.
“Women pack a powerful purchasing punch,” said Christine Stasiw Lazarchuk, director of global marketing research for Ford. “And that’s grabbed the attention of all automakers searching for new business in an era of tight competition. Women are directly responsible for 45 to 50 percent of all new vehicles purchased in the U.S, and they have a direct influence of up to 80 percent of vehicles they don’t purchase themselves. And 65 percent take their own vehicles to the dealership or shop for repair. Women account for a whopping $85 billion in automotive and related businesses.”But it’s not only the U.S. that is seeing women’s roles shift.
“The whole world is changing, and it’s changing fast,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford’s global trend manager. “Women are at the forefront of change that’s contributing significantly to an increase in their progress and power.”
Connelly sees five major global factors driving that change:
Improved education: Although gender disparities persist in some countries, the gender gap in education continues to narrow, allowing women to find their way into the work force. In the U.S., the number of women earning Ph.D.s is rising at a rate of 63 percent a year.
Career opportunities: With more education, women are finding their way into the work force, earning their own money. In China, for instance, 44 percent of government jobs are held by women.
Financial independence: Increased earning power is leading to financial independence for more women. Working women in relationships often out-earn their partners – by 25 percent in the U.S., 30 percent in Great Britain.
Delayed marriage and parenthood: More and more women are choosing to delay marriage to pursue education, career and personal development, with many choosing to have fewer children later in life. In Bangladesh, for instance, marriage is delayed due to incentives for girls to attend primary and secondary school, and in Brazil, the declining fertility rate has been attributed to women modeling their lives on the small, happy families they see on television.
Media: The spread of information in the media, particularly the Internet, has empowered women. About half of women worldwide own and use personal computers.
As the world changes, women obviously change with it, Connelly notes. When the economy began to crumble, many women took a lead role in keeping the home front together – either going back to work or taking over the belt-tightening of the budget.
“Gender roles have blurred,” Connelly said. “You no longer have the women always staying at home and the man of the house always the breadwinner. You don’t have those definitive roles anymore.”
That could make things difficult for Ford’s marketing team, charged with reaching target demographics that include, of course, the specific needs and wants of women.
Ford researchers queried women with 2008 vehicles and found that these are the highest-ranked features they don’t have on their vehicles, but they’d like to:
Run-flat tires (57 percent)
Rain-sensing wipers (44 percent)
Auto park assist (32 percent)
Tire pressure monitoring system (18 percent)

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Ford Now Has Industry's Highest Customer Satisfaction With Quality, New Survey Shows.

DEARBORN, April 19, 2010 – Ford Motor Company now has the highest customer satisfaction with vehicle quality among all major automakers, a new consumer research study shows.
Eighty-four percent of customers who purchased 2010 model-year Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars and trucks are satisfied with the quality of their vehicle, a 4 percentage point improvement since the fourth quarter of 2009, according to the first quarter Global Quality Research System (GQRS) study conducted for Ford by RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
With the improvement, Ford’s customer satisfaction scores are now significantly higher than all other full-line automotive manufacturers, including Asian and European automakers, according to the study.
The study also showed Ford has the fewest number of vehicle defects or “things gone wrong” among all full-line manufacturers in the first three months of ownership. Owners of 2010 model Ford, Lincoln and Mercury owners reported 1,107 TGWs per 1,000 vehicles -- an 8 percent improvement compared to last year.
“To become the No. 1 automaker in terms of customer satisfaction with vehicle quality is amazing accomplishment and testament to the whole company’s commitment to quality,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president, Global Quality. “All the third parties studies are showing the same thing – Ford now has world-class quality.”
As Ford’s quality has improved, it has reduced warranty repair rates on vehicles in their first three months of service by an average of more than 40 percent in every major business region around the world in the past three years.
“Ford has proven its commitment to quality by demonstrating steady improvements through consistency and discipline.” said Donald Pietrowski, president, RDA Group. “Those improvements are clearly reflected in rising customer satisfaction with its products.”
Ford captured eight segment leaders in customer satisfaction, TGW or both. Notably, Fusion Hybrid owners now report 93 percent satisfaction with the quality of their vehicle while 92 percent of Taurus owners are satisfied.
The following models led their respective segments in the survey:
Taurus – Satisfaction leader D/E car.
Fusion Hybrid –Satisfaction leader C/D car
Milan Hybrid – TGW leader C/D car
Focus -- Satisfaction leader C car
Mountaineer – TGW leader Medium Traditional Utility
Expedition – TGW and Satisfaction leader Large Utility
Navigator – TGW and Satisfaction Leader Large Premium Utility
Ranger – TGW and Satisfaction Leader Compact Pickup
These dramatic gains in quality have also contributed to a 23 percent year-over-year improvement in the resale values of Ford vehicles with one to five years on the road – outpacing the industry average by 4 percentage points.
“While we are proud of the progress we’ve made, we know how important it is to keep the momentum going,” said Fowler. “We can never be satisfied.”
The GQRS study is conducted on a quarterly basis with scores assessed from survey responses collected from owners of vehicles purchased within specific time frames.
New vehicle owners are asked to report any defects or issues as well as rate their satisfaction with vehicle quality on a scale of 1 to 10 across an array of vehicle systems and features.
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About Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

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Sync Voice Control for Smartphones

SYNC AppLink to launch on 2011 fiesta, MAKING FORD FIRST TO DELIVER voice control of smartphone apps



· Ford will first offer SYNC® AppLink, a downloadable software program, on the 2011 Fiesta, allowing owners to access and control AndroidTM and BlackBerry® smartphone apps with voice commands and vehicle controls

· Pandora internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and Orangatame's OpenBeak are the first SYNC-enabled mobile applications

· Ford to create SYNC developer community with launch of new "Mobile Application Developer Network" (www.syncmyride.com/developer), giving developers a pathway to partner with Ford on SYNC-enabled applications

· Ford's platform approach with SYNC is poised to harness smartphone app development and mobile web access; apps expected to be a $4 billion industry by 2012; analysts predict the mobile device to become the No. 1 source for Internet access by 2015

SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2010 – Customers have spoken -- asking for safe, convenient access to their smartphone apps while in the vehicle – and Ford is responding by announcing the new SYNC AppLink software that will allow hands-free voice control of popular smartphone apps.

SYNC AppLink, a downloadable software upgrade, will be released for 2011 Ford Fiesta owners with the award-winning SYNC communications and infotainment system later this year, allowing drivers hands-free control of apps on their Android or BlackBerry smartphones via voice commands and vehicle controls. Ford will introduce AppLink on all SYNC-equipped vehicles next year, as well as provide interoperability with iPhone and other smartphones.

"The growth in smartphone mobile apps has been explosive, and Ford has worked hard to respond at the speed of the consumer electronics market," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford's Connected Services Organization. "SYNC is the only connectivity system available that can extend that functionality into the car. AppLink will allow drivers to control some of the most popular apps through SYNC's voice commands and steering wheel buttons, helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

The Android MarketTM and BlackBerry App World™ are among the leading growth markets for mobile apps. The new SYNC AppLink will seamlessly integrate apps using the vehicle's voice and user interface controls, including buttons on the steering wheel, increasing eyes-on-the-road and hands-on-the-wheel time.

The first SYNC-enabled apps available later this year include Pandora internet radio, Stitcher "smart radio" and Orangatame's OpenBeak app for Twitter, with additional apps on the way. Updated versions of each app, incorporating the SYNC application programming interface (API), will be available through Android Market and BlackBerry App World for customers to download.

Built-in, Beamed-in and Brought-in: The SYNC App Ecosystem

From its introduction, Ford has been building an ecosystem of available SYNC apps, continuously improving the consumer experience.

· Built-in apps, including Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist™, are downloaded and installed directly on the in-car SYNC operating system

· SYNC apps like Traffic, Directions & Information rely on beamed-in, or "cloud-based," information. Drivers access the Ford Service Delivery Network, a network of data centers providing turn-by-turn directions, business searches, and on-demand news, sports and weather information, through a simple voice-connection using their cell phone.

· SYNC AppLink represents the third category of the ecosystem, brought-in apps, leveraging apps installed on a user's smartphone, such as Pandora, Stitcher and OpenBeak

Studies show mobile app development – a niche market just three years ago – is expected to blossom into a $4 billion industry by 2012. Sites serving specific mobile operating systems, such as Android and BlackBerry OS, have experienced massive growth, with analysts predicting the mobile device will become the No. 1 source for Internet access by 2015, surpassing the home computer.

Ford and SYNC will answer the consumer demand by offering the only platform available for drivers to safely control their mobile devices and applications in the car. Leveraging SYNC's safer voice commands and steering wheel controls, drivers are able to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. "Brought-in" apps residing on a consumer's smartphone also eliminate the need for yet another piece of hardware to be installed in the car which only serves to add cost and complexity.

Customers will be able to download SYNC-enabled mobile apps through the same app store interfaces currently used. As SYNC-enabled versions of existing apps are released into the app stores, users will be prompted to download the latest version upon connection. Also, as developers grasp the notion that the vehicle interior has opened to them, a new dimension of apps designed from the outset to maximize the unique in-car environment will follow.

Opening the door to developers

To facilitate future SYNC-enabled app development, Ford has also activated a new developer network on its SYNCmyride Web site (www.syncmyride.com/developer). Interested developers can find a link to submit innovative ideas, and sign up for the latest information and news about the SYNC application programming interface (API) and software development kit (SDK). The package will allow developers to modify existing applications and create all-new apps that can successfully interface with SYNC

Working with trusted partners, Ford is completing beta-testing on the SDK. Once beta-testing is complete, a broader release of the development tools is planned for later this year. Initial reports have been positive, with one of Ford's development partners creating a SYNC-enabled version of its app just three days after receiving the development tools.

"We're very pleased by the rapid development time and positive feedback we've seen from our first partners," said VanDagens. "We want to encourage all developers to visit our site and submit ideas, helping us tap into the global pool of innovation and creativity.

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Fiesta is #1 in Europe

STYLISH FORD FIESTA IS EUROPE'S TOP-SELLER IN MARCH AND FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2010

STYLISH FORD FIESTA IS EUROPE'S TOP-SellER IN MARCH AND FOR THE FIRST QUARTER 2010

The stylish, latest generation Ford Fiesta is Europe's top-selling car in March and for the first quarter 2010, according to figures released by JATO Dynamics Fiesta sold 68,630 units in Europe last month, a 25.8 per cent increase from March 2009 and almost 11,800 units ahead of its nearest rival  (JATO Dynamics figures) Fiesta sales in March were the highest for any Ford model on record in a single month in Europe Sales of the Fiesta in the first quarter totaled 140,496 units – over 5,400 units more than the VW Golf (JATO Dynamics figures) Since the latest-generation Ford Fiesta went on sale 18 months ago, over 750,000 have been sold globally (Ford figure) JATO Dynamics confirms Ford to be best-selling brand in Europe in March

(Click on the picture to download)


COLOGNE, April 16, 2010 – The stylish, latest generation Ford Fiesta is officially Europe's best-selling car in March and for the first quarter 2010, according to the latest figures from the world's leading provider of automotive data and intelligence, JATO Dynamics.*
According to the figures compiled by JATO Dynamics, 68,630 Ford Fiestas were sold in March, a 25.8 per cent increase from the same month last year, and almost 11,800 units ahead of its nearest rival, the Volkswagen Golf.
In the first quarter of 2010, JATO records that 140,496 Ford Fiestas were sold – over 5,400 units ahead of its nearest rival.
"Fiesta simply outpaced VW Golf, with its move to pole position particularly due to its strong March sales in the UK (+14.7%) and Italy (+87%) where 57% of all Fiestas sold (11,251) were LPG-powered," said JATO Dynamics.
Ingvar Sviggum, Ford of Europe's Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, said: "Last year was a great year for the Fiesta despite the economic conditions, but this year has been even stronger so far! March sales of the Fiesta were the highest we've ever recorded for any Ford model in a single month in Europe."
"We're very proud of the latest-generation Ford Fiesta, and our customers love it," Sviggum added. "Since it first went on sale 18 months ago, over 750,000 have been sold to customers around the world - this would be an outstanding achievement any time, but even more so given the unprecedented economic situation. And with the launch now underway in North America, I believe the Fiesta will continue to go from strength-to-strength."
In its news release dated April 19, JATO Dynamics also confirmed Ford as Europe's best-selling brand in March.

Notes to Editors:
* JATO Dynamics results are based on data provided by JATO Consult, the company's bespoke consulting service.  Figures are based on 27 European countries.  Ford figures are usually based on its main 19 European markets or 51 total European markets.  Based on Ford's main 19 European markets, Fiesta sales were 68,756 for March, and 140,447 units for the first quarter.

For further details please contact:

Ford
Astrid Wagner: Tel: +49 (0) 221 901 9925, email: awagne16@ford.com

Torque PR Limited
Peter Haynes:  Tel: +44 (0) 1306 871338,email: peter@torquepr.co.uk
Phil Hale: Tel: +44 (0) 1306 871201, email: phil@torquepr.co.uk

Further information also available on www.media.ford.com or www.jato.com

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Spring Has Sprung: Time For Spring Cleaning

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2011 Ford Fiesta Reviews

2011 Ford Fiesta



Pros and Cons
Super fun to drive
Great build quality
Comfortable, upscale cabin
Base model is sparsely-equipped

Ford Fiesta - What the Auto Press Says
Reviewers are nearly unanimous in saying that the 2011 Ford Fiesta sets new benchmarks for the affordable small car class. Even reviewers who don't go that far say the class leaders should be watching their backs.

Ask any car lover and they'll tell you: some of the world's best small cars never make it stateside. With the 2011 Ford Fiesta, that's changed. On sale in Europe since 2008, the most recent iteration of the Fiesta hits the U.S. in the summer of 2010. AutoWeek says, "The Fiesta is as good a small car as can be found, sourced from anywhere in the world. That it comes from the Blue Oval is remarkable and heartening; its brilliance is the first ray of sunshine on what has been a seemingly midnight horizon."

The Fiesta gets high marks from almost every reviewer who has driven it because it offers things many other small cars lack: a fun driving experience and a comfortable, upscale cabin. With the Fiesta, many reviewers say, Ford may radically alter what American buyers expect from small cars. The Fiesta has features rarely seen in the Affordable Small Car class, from available heated seats to Ford's SYNC system to an airbag for the driver's knees. But what will seal the deal for many buyers is the Fiesta's hybrid-like fuel economy. Ford says it should get 30 miles per gallon in the city and 40 miles per gallon on the highway. Those numbers are close to what many hybrids offer, but the Fiesta will cost thousands less.

However, there's always the risk that the praise may be premature. Many of the reviews we analyzed were of European-spec Fiestas. While the differences between the U.S. and European models are slight (the U.S. model gets different tires, a slightly more powerful engine and a sedan body style), those changes should make a difference for some buyers. Plus, reviewers have been enjoying well-optioned higher trims. In the base trim, which comes with few standout features, reviewers may not be so effusive.

Reference: US News

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Ford and Microsoft Team up again

FORD, MICROSOFT TEAM UP TO HELP ELECTRIC VEHICLE OWNERS RECHARGE MORE EFFECTIVELY, AFFORDABLY

Ford Electric Vehicles and Microsoft Hohm
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• Ford and Microsoft are teaming up to use Microsoft Hohm as a platform to help future owners of Ford’s electric vehicles optimize the way they recharge their vehicle and better manage their home’s energy use
• Microsoft and Ford also will work with utilities and municipalities to help develop an energy ecosystem that manages energy usage as consumer demand for electric vehicles grows
• Ford’s aggressive electrification plan includes five new vehicles in North America and Europe by 2013; in North America, they include the Transit Connect Electric later this year, Focus Electric in 2011, a plug-in hybrid and two next-generation hybrids in 2012, joining four Ford and Mercury hybrids already on the road and a new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid coming this fall
• The Focus Electric is expected to be the first Ford electric vehicle to use Hohm

• New York Auto Show Media Web Site
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/Ford
• Twitter (corporate): http://twitter.com/Ford
• Twitter (green): http://twitter.com/FordDriveGreen
• Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/FordMotorCompany
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/FordStory
• Scribd: http://www.scribd.com/FordMotorCompany

• Microsoft Hohm home page: http://microsoft-hohm.com
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/microsofthohm
• Blog (Hohm): http://blog.microsoft-hohm.com
• Blog (corporate): http://blogs.technet.com/microsoft_blog/
• Blog (environmental): http://blogs.msdn.com/see/
• Twitter (Hohm): http:/twitter.com/microsofthohm
• Twitter (corporate): http://twitter.com/Microsoft
• Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48819330@N08/
• YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/microsofthohm

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2 Million Sync Systems

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Ford Quality

Ford Beats Every Auto Company in Quality*
July 24, 2009
It’s a mark of higher quality, and it’s official: Ford had fewer problems than any other auto maker. In a second-quarter study conducted by the RDA Group of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Ford moved past Toyota, which it has been tied with in the past.*

The survey compares issues per 1,000 vehicles. For the second quarter of 2009, it showed that new Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars and trucks had 1,185 issues per 1,000 vehicles. Toyota had 1,215 problems and Honda Motor Co. had 1,291.

The study also rates customer satisfaction, and reported that Ford in tied with Toyota in this segment.

“We’ve been tied with Toyota before, but it sure feels better to be on the top!” says Bennie Fowler, Ford’s global head of quality. “We can all be pleased with the progress we have made in quality, even as we face external and internal challenges in a tumultuous climate. Our progress has come as the result of our union partnerships in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, along with the work of dedicated teams in manufacturing, product development, purchasing, marketing, sales, service, legal, IT and others who follow disciplined, standardized processes.”

Reference: Ford Motor Company

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