2013 Ford C-MAX Hybrid Has the Toyota Prius v in Its Sights
Pre-Orders Begin for All-New Compact Hybrid Utility Vehicle

WATERTOWN, Mass., May 29, 2012 – With fuel economy now a prime consideration for many American car buyers, Ford has vowed to triple its electrified-vehicle production capacity by 2013 to meet the rising demand for efficient vehicles. The automaker’s efforts have resulted in its first hybrid-only vehicle line in North America: the 2013 Ford C-MAX compact utility. Now available for pre-order at Ford dealerships, the C-MAX Hybrid will make its nationwide debut this fall, while the C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid will arrive later in the year.

Directly targeting the Prius v, the largest member of Toyota’s Prius lineup, Ford claims that the 2013 C-MAX Hybrid will offer superior fuel efficiency and performance, all at a price that starts at roughly $500 less than its Japanese competitor. Though EPA fuel-economy estimates have yet to be set, both C-MAX models will use a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine, along with a powerful electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. By comparison, the Prius v features a 1.8-liter engine and a nickel-metal hydride battery along with its electric motor, returning 40 mpg on the highway.

“The C-MAX Hybrid’s use of a lightweight lithium-ion battery will help it beat the Prius v in fuel efficiency, and the C-MAX Energi is even expected to have better electric-mode fuel economy than the Prius Plug-in,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealership. “Ford has struck the right balance between affordability, capability and fuel efficiency in the C-MAX, creating a vehicle that will even appeal to those who have not previously considered a hybrid.”

While the Toyota Prius v and Ford C-MAX can both accommodate up to five passengers, occupants in the C-MAX will have more room to breathe, with greater overall passenger space and more headroom in the front and the back. When owners need to maximize cargo space, the C-MAX can fit in 54.3 cubic-feet of gear with the back seats folded flat, an area that can be accessed through an available hands-free liftgate that opens by swinging a foot under the bumper. There is also a hidden storage compartment in the floor behind the driver’s seat, a prime spot for smaller items like books, maps or even a tablet PC.

For buyers looking for a similar mix of versatility and fuel economy without having to wait until the fall, the 2013 Ford Escape currently arriving at dealerships offers even greater capability without sacrificing efficiency. Available with two of Ford’s innovative EcoBoost engines, the all-new Escape compact SUV can return a class-leading 33 mpg on the highway with a 1.6-liter powerplant or tow up to 3,500 pounds with a more powerful 2.0-liter unit. Meanwhile, an Intelligent 4WD System is available for maintaining performance when road conditions are harsh.

Inside, the Escape features plenty of cargo capacity, opening up to 68.1 cubic-feet of space behind the front seats, and more than half of that area is still available with the back seats occupied. The rear cargo floor is even adjustable in select models to provide a completely flat loading surface or to maximize vertical space.

“When it comes to utilizing space, the level of thought behind the new Escape is very impressive; it has everything from umbrella and parking-ticket holders to hidden compartments,” King noted. “Both the 2013 Ford Escape and C-MAX make the days of having to choose between utility and fuel efficiency a distant memory. It’s going to be an uphill battle for the competition to catch up.”



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Ford Mustang Cleans Up in Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value Awards
Iconic Pony Car Is Fast on the Street, but Slow to Depreciate

WATERTOWN, Mass., May 2, 2012 – Residual value may not be at the top of every sports-car buyer’s list, but Mustang owners can rest assured that their pony car will be worth more when it comes time to trade it in at their local Ford dealership. Edmunds.com recently published its 2012 Best Retained Value Awards, with the 2012 Ford Mustang, Shelby GT500 coupe and Shelby GT500 convertible all winning their categories thanks to their low depreciation.

Overall, Ford led all auto brands with five category wins in Edmunds.com’s Best Retained Value Awards, including nods for the 2012 F-150 in the Large Light Duty Truck category and the 2012 F-350 Super Duty in the Large Heavy Duty Truck category. Meanwhile, the
Ford Mustang took the Coupe $25K-$35K category, and the two Shelby GT500 models topped the Coupe Over $45,000 and Convertible Over $45,000 segments.

“Retained value is a good indicator of quality, reliability and desirability, which are three traits the Mustang has in spades,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. “We often focus on power and speed when talking about sports cars, but getting more money back when you trade in makes the Mustang more than just an emotional purchase; it makes it a smart buy too.”

Edmunds.com named winners in 23 different market segments based on projected residual value after five years of ownership, which was expressed as a percentage the vehicle’s original True Market Value. Eligible models had to have been released before the end of 2011 for the 2012 model year, and their unit sales in February 2012 needed to be at least 20 percent of the average unit sales for models in their segment. Edmunds.com projects that the 2012 Mustang will retain 46.8 percent of its value after five years, while the Shelby GT500 coupe and convertible are expected to retain 47.5 percent and 46.5 percent of their original values, respectively.

The Ford Mustang recently got a refresh for the 2013 model year, adding more aggressive styling to the already imposing sports car. Currently on sale at dealerships, the 2013 Mustang features a more prominent grille, high-intensity headlights and three high-tech LED bars for taillights. Meanwhile, a newly sculpted hood makes room for the Mustang’s strongest attribute: its engines. Even the standard Mustang comes with 305 horsepower, while the 2013 Mustang GT pumps out 420 horsepower with its 5.0-liter V8, an eight-horsepower improvement from the 2012 model.

Those with a thirst for only the highest performance will want the new 2013 Ford Shelby GT500, which goes on sale this month as a coupe and later this summer as a convertible. Featuring what Ford claims is the most powerful production V8 engine in the world, the 2013 Shelby GT500 pumps out an incredible 662 horsepower and 631 pound-feet of torque through its supercharged 5.8-liter unit. While the regular Mustang comes with a manual or automatic transmission, the Shelby GT500 is only available with a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, helping to solidify the elite muscle car’s reputation among driving enthusiasts.

“Chevy has a long road ahead if they think they can one-up Ford when it comes to power,” King noted. “The Shelby GT500 has the new Camaro ZL1 beat by 82 horsepower. It is the king of the pony cars right now, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.”



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When It Comes to Value, Ford Flex Customers Are Feeling the Love
Automaker’s Crossover Nets Segment-Best Score in Strategic Vision Total Value Index

WATERTOWN, Mass., March 30, 2012 – Owners of one of Ford’s least-marketed models are among the most pleased with the value they’re getting from their vehicle, according to Strategic Vision’s recently released Total Value Index (TVI). The new research found that Ford Flex owners rate the vehicle as providing the most value in the Mid-Size Crossover Utility category. That finding may help explain how Ford can largely sell the vehicle on word of mouth alone, as the automaker’s group marketing manager recently revealed to WardsAuto.

To calculate a vehicle’s Total Value score for the TVI, Strategic Vision first surveyed 68,088 buyers about their vehicle-ownership experience. Topics touched upon included reliability, dealership experience, warranty details and expected operating costs. Strategic Vision then translated survey answers into a formula to calculate the vehicle’s value out of 1,000 points. Currently available at Ford dealerships, the Flex topped its class with 763 points, which was enough to overtake the second-place Ford Edge by 22 points.

“The Flex’s unique styling brings a different type of buyer to the brand, but they’re extremely passionate about the crossover and end up selling their like-minded friends on it,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. “A lot of Flex drivers appreciate that they can go shopping and then pick up the kids without having to make a pit stop at home to drop anything off. The kicker is that they can also do all that in style.”

Refreshed by Ford for the 2013 model year and going on sale this spring, the latest Ford Flex received a new chrome grille for a more contemporary feel, as well as an available two-tone roof that helps it stand out in the crowded crossover market. A standard 3.5-liter V6 engine sits under the hood, though buyers can upgrade to a more-powerful EcoBoost V6 that delivers 365 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Inside, the 2013 Flex has room for up to seven people, or, for those who would rather tote around camping gear than kids, up to 83.2 cubic-feet of cargo room behind the first row of seats.

For buyers eyeing a pickup truck rather than a crossover, Strategic Vision’s study revealed that Ford truck owners value their vehicles highly as well. The Ford F-150 scored 787 points in the TVI to take the Full-Size Pickup segment crown, while the Ford F-250 and F-350 topped the Heavy-Duty Pickup class with 733 points.

The Ford F-Series lineup saw another big sales month in February, moving 47,273 units in the United States. That figure represents a 25.9-percent sales increase compared to February 2011, bringing F-Series sales up by 16.9 percent year-to-date.

“Ford’s F-Series trucks have a tremendous reputation for durability and capability, which is why we are seeing so many of them roll out of here as quickly as they come in,” added King. “Whether you’re a suburban mom bringing mulch and potting soil to your garden or you’re a construction worker transporting heavy-duty tools, there is an F-Series truck to help you out.”



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New Ford Escape Spends Some Time in Front of the Mirror
Upcoming Compact SUV Uses Acoustic Mirror to Reduce Wind Noise

WATERTOWN, Mass., Jan. 31, 2012 – Ford took the old saying “the devil is in the details” to heart while redesigning its Escape crossover SUV, spending countless man-hours with an acoustic mirror to reduce wind noise. Due to reach Ford dealerships later this year, the all-new 2013 Ford Escape has grown more refined and sophisticated in an effort to continue to win over fans in an increasingly competitive market.

To ensure a quiet ride, Ford turned to elliptical- acoustic-mirror technology that was originally used to detect airplanes by sound in WWI before the advent of radar. Though the acoustic mirror is now nearly 100 years old, its use outside of the luxury-auto segment is a new development. The technology helped engineers pinpoint problem areas on the new Ford Escape early on in development, ensuring that the vehicle is as quiet as can be.

“Sometimes using existing technology in a new way is more effective than trying to come up with an entirely new process,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. “Ford recognized the potential of the acoustic mirror and used it to great effect on the Escape, and the result is a level of refinement on par with luxury models.”

Acoustic mirrors act as a way to collect and focus sound for a microphone, not unlike the way a satellite dish collects signals. Using a collector means engineers can detect even the faintest noises, find their cause and refine the vehicle’s design. Ford engineers paid special attention to the Escape’s A- pillars, reducing sound caused by crosswinds and creating a vehicle that Ford promises will be among the quietest in the class.

Wind noise wasn’t the only concern that Ford had for its compact crossover. Rising federal fuel-economy standards and consumer pressure demand greater fuel efficiency, and the new Escape takes on that task with a suite of revised drivetrains. Gone are the V6 and hybrid powertrains of previous models, replaced by a pair of Ford’s advanced EcoBoost engines that promise similar performance with fewer trips to the gas pump. Fuel-economy estimates have yet to be released, but the automaker claims the new Escape will be the most fuel- efficient compact SUV available in the United States, returning up to 5 mpg more than the outgoing model.

While consumers will have to wait to see how efficient the new Escape will be, information about the compact SUV’s other high-tech features have already been released. Ford focused on what families need most, providing an available hands-free power liftgate that can be activated by waving a foot under the rear bumper. The 2013 Escape will also feature the SYNC with MyFord Touch system, which connects to Bluetooth- enabled smartphones to provide hands-free phone calls, available navigation and access to applications like Pandora internet radio.

“Being fuel-efficient and quiet isn’t enough to compete in the compact crossover market; you have to have innovative technology as well,” King noted. “Ford pulled out all the stops when designing the 2013 Escape. Buyers can get exclusive features previously unseen at its price point, along with a sophisticated, upscale exterior.”



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Ford Focus Electric Production Ramps Up in Michigan
Blue Oval’s Lineup Expands with Eco-Minded Offerings

WATERTOWN, Mass., Dec. 29, 2011 – Ford recently announced that its Michigan Assembly Plant has begun manufacturing the 2012 Ford Focus Electric, an all-electric compact car headed to Ford dealers in 19 select markets, including Boston, next year. The American automaker claims its newest model will be the first five-passenger, all-electric vehicle to achieve a miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) of more than 100.

Ford is the first of the Big Three domestic automakers to sell an all-electric car, and it has gone to great lengths to improve on the inherent weaknesses of plug- in vehicles, particularly when it comes to charging times. It claims the Ford Focus Electric can charge twice as fast as the Nissan Leaf when connected to a 240-volt outlet, which means a full charge takes about 3.5 hours instead of seven.

“Convenience is a big problem for most electric cars, because Americans like the flexibility of just filling up the gas tank and going rather than having to plug in for an entire night,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Massachusetts Ford dealer. “Ford has done a great job of substantially shortening charge times, which will make the Focus Electric much easier to maintain on a day- to-day basis. That’s a huge step toward widespread acceptance of the electric car.”

Ford’s Focus Electric won’t be the only vehicle with a lithium-ion battery rolling out of the automaker’s Michigan Assembly Plant for long. The C-MAX Hybrid and C-MAX Energi, a pair of fuel-sipping, gas-electric vehicles, are scheduled to reach Ford dealerships in the latter half of 2012.

The C-MAX Hybrid will be a direct competitor of the Prius v wagon, providing similar versatility with even greater fuel efficiency, according to Ford. With similarly high expectations for the C-MAX Energi, Ford claims the plug-in hybrid will have a greater range than the Chevy Volt, with 500 miles between fill-ups, while returning better fuel economy than Toyota’s Prius Plug-in.

Both the C-MAX Hybrid and the C-MAX Energi will alternate their power use between a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, depending on the needs of the driver. Thanks to Ford’s innovations in electric-transmission technology, the C-MAX vehicles will be capable of using their electric motor at higher speeds and will use optimized gear ratios to improve fuel economy.

“Ford knows that drivers have fuel efficiency in the back of their minds at all times, even when gas prices are steady,” added King. “The introduction of the Focus Electric and C-MAX Hybrid and Energi will provide even more choices for Massachusetts Ford fans looking to save gas or avoid the fuel pump entirely.”



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Ford’s Evos Concept Takes Commuting to the Cloud
Cloud-Computing Car Will Make North American Debut in January

WATERTOWN, Mass., Dec. 5, 2011 – While new car technology has yet to make traffic move any faster, Ford dealerships may soon sell a car that drastically changes the commuting experience. Acting as a kind of personal assistant, new technology in the Ford Evos Concept car gathers, analyzes and reacts to data to make commuting easier, healthier and more effective. It will make its North American debut in Las Vegas at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in January.

A plug-in hybrid, the Evos Concept will use cloud computing to keep track of the driver’s priorities and preferences, like their schedules and favorite music, as well as external factors like weather conditions. Rather than requiring drivers to adapt to the vehicle’s technology, the Evos will adapt to driver’s habits. For example, if the car determines that the driver takes I-93 into Boston every morning for work, it will be able to switch from using engine power to battery power, or vice versa, at the most efficient points along the route.

“The Evos is a vehicle that will do many of your daily calculations and adjust to suit your needs,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Greater Boston Ford dealer. “Ford’s goal is to take as much stress out of driving as possible. While some inconveniences are inevitable, like rush-hour traffic, the Evos will take care of everything it can, right down to your own health.”

Ford designed the Evos with preventative health measures like an allergy-free interior and in-seat heart rate monitor that are connected to the cloud. The Evos will be able to actively gather data and adjust the driving experience accordingly when it determines a driver is in a stressful situation, whether it be traffic, bad weather or a lot of activity in the cabin.

Some facets of cloud computing already appear in Ford vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch, the automaker’s infotainment system found in vehicles like the 2012 Ford Explorer and 2012 Ford Focus. MyFord Touch allows drivers to access local information, like traffic alerts and weather, and provides full Wi-Fi capability. Though it can’t automatically adjust vehicle conditions based on the driver’s health like the Evos, MyFord Touch does report back vehicle health in the form of diagnostics and provides a direct line to a 911 operator in the event of a collision.

While the Evos will be able to react to information in more personalized ways in the future, Ford is currently upgrading the MyFord Touch system to deliver a more streamlined user experience. With simpler, more intuitive controls and a quicker response time, MyFord Touch will be able to help owners navigate unfamiliar territory, play their favorite tunes and avoid traffic more effectively when the upgrade is available early next year.

“The Evos isn’t quite at the production stage yet, but Ford is continuing to build upon and advance the technology already available to its drivers,” added King. “The latest MyFord Touch upgrade will be more about what users don’t notice than what they do, because they’ll be able to focus more on their driving while their requests are easily processed.”



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Ford Explorer Breaks into the Fast Lane with Sales Growth
Reinvented SUV Passes 100,000 in Sales in 2011

WATERTOWN, Mass., Nov. 2, 2011 – The number of Ford Explorers rolling off of showroom floors and onto American highways is increasing faster than any other midsize sporty utility, according to sales figures from Ford. With more than 100,000 units sold this year through early October, the reinvented Ford Explorer has seen the fastest U.S. retail sales growth in its class so far this year. Those impressive sales represent a 290-percent increase compared with the same period in 2010.

Helping the Ford Explorer cross the 100,000-unit milestone for the first time since 2007 is a new EcoBoost engine capable of 28 mpg on the highway that arrived at Ford dealerships at the end of August. Since then, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost model has accounted for 15 percent of all Explorer sales. Another boon to sales has been the Explorer’s available rear-inflatable seat belts, an automotive industry first that recently earned Ford a 2011 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Product Award.

“The newest batch of Explorers really addresses the reservations our customers may have had about previous generations of the SUV, including fuel economy and safety,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Greater Boston Ford dealer. “The new engines, especially the EcoBoost, have significantly reduced the costs of filling an Explorer’s tank, while the rear-inflatable seat belts have eased the minds of concerned parents.”

Recognized as remarkable, forward-thinking product technology, the Ford Explorer’s inflatable seat belts were chosen by Popular Mechanics for their ability to provide additional protection to a rear passenger’s head, neck and chest during a crash. They work by combining the restraint of a seat belt with the cushioning and force distribution effects of an air bag. Ford’s innovative seat belts are particularly relevant to parents, as rear occupants tend to be either children or older adults.

While the 2012 Ford Explorer is already impressing buyers with its factory features, Ford has chosen to showcase the vehicle’s aftermarket versatility at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, which is currently taking place in Las Vegas and runs through Nov. 4. Three tricked-out Explorers will each offer a completely different look to Ford fans, with features ranging from unique 24-inch iForged concave wheels to custom black leather seating and DSO Eyewear-inspired custom LED headlamps.

In addition to the customized Explorers, modified versions of Ford’s 2012 Focus and 2011 Fiesta models will also be present at the 2011 SEMA Show. Seven Ford Focus models, with variants present from companies like 3dCarbon, Roush and Gold Coast Automotive, will feature everything from powertrain and chassis upgrades to a Thule bike rack and racing stripes. Three Fiesta models will also receive a variety of modifications, like tire, intake and audio system upgrades, amongst other unique accents and accessories.

“The SEMA Show is all about making your vehicle truly unique and seeing how far you can take customization,” added King. “Our younger buyers love that Ford’s models can be customized in so many ways. The practical aspects of the Explorer draw people in, but the fun really begins when owners start to make the SUV their own.”



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Block-by-Block, a Life-Size Lego Ford Explorer Is Born
Toy SUV Debuts as Real Model Gets Fuel-Efficient EcoBoost Engine

WATERTOWN, Mass., Oct. 4, 2011 – While several models of the 2012 Ford Explorer may come off the assembly line over the course of a few hours, it took 22 designers roughly 2,500 hours to craft a life-size Lego likeness of the recently redesigned SUV. Comprised of more than 380,000 individual bricks and tipping the scales at 2,654 pounds, the Lego Explorer won’t be found at Ford dealerships anytime soon, as it is destined to be an attraction at Legoland Florida in Orlando when the new park opens on October 15.

The Lego Explorer will be a part of the Ford Driving School at Legoland, where young kids can drive small Lego-shaped Fords at speeds of up to 3 mph. Before the giant Ford toy began its trek to Florida, it debuted at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant, home of the 2012 Ford Explorer. The new Explorer is one of the most recent recipients of a Ford’s powerful yet fuel-efficient EcoBoost engine, which provides V6 performance in a four-cylinder unit.

“Based on the success we’ve seen with the EcoBoost technology in our F-150 pickup, the 2012 Explorer with the new engine should be a huge hit,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Greater Boston Ford dealer. “The Explorer already offered unparalleled capability and class-leading fuel economy, but the EcoBoost drops the engine size to save owners even more on gas money while actually boosting torque.”

The heart of the EcoBoost-equipped 2012 Explorer is a 2-liter direct-injected turbocharged engine. Ford engineers focused on doing more with less when they developed the 2-liter EcoBoost, which pumps out 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, the EcoBoost Explorer can return 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, an improvement of three miles per gallon during highway driving compared with the standard V6 model.

Inside, the EcoBoost Explorer has all the features Ford drivers have come to expect, like spacious cargo room and family-friendly seating that opens up plenty of space for children to build Lego cars of their own. With the second row of seats folded flat, the Explorer has 43.8 cubic-feet of cargo space, a number that grows to 80.7 cubic-feet with both back rows folded flat.

While driving with kids can be distracting, Ford’s SYNC with MyFord Touch is available to help keep hands on the wheel. The technology offers voice control of the navigation system and stereo, as well as hands-free calling and access to internet apps when connected to a compatible phone. With the available Active Park Assist, the Explorer will even parallel park itself with little input from the driver.

“The 2012 Explorer is the best choice for families that like to get out and see the world, and with EcoBoost efficiency they can explore more without breaking the bank,” King noted. “Ford has done a great job creating a vehicle that’s just as useful as it is desirable, and I know its benefits won’t be lost on our customers.”

A time-lapse video of the Lego Ford Explorer’s creation can be seen here. Ford’s comparison of the 2012 Explorer with the Lego version can be viewed at http://media.ford.com/images/10031/Lego_Explorer.p df.



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Ford F-250 Sets Diesel Land Speed Records
Lightly Modified Super Duty Truck Showcases Ford’s Power Stroke Diesel Engine

WATERTOWN, Mass., Sept. 1, 2011 – There are a lot of fast rides at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats race track, but diesel trucks are usually reserved for towing, not racing. Hajek Motorsports recently proved that trucks can take to the track as well, setting two land speed records in a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck that was only a slightly modified version of the models available at Ford dealerships.

Hajek Motorsports entered the B Production Diesel Truck class using a mostly stock 2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck, a rarity in a class that features highly modified rides. Reaching 171.12 mph, the Ford shattered the previous record of 166.85 mph set by a Duramax diesel GMC. Hajek then filled the same Ford truck with B20 biodiesel and set a new record in the unlimited biodiesel class with a 182 -mph run. The former record was 130.61 mph.

“Ford has really gone into painstaking detail with its diesel engines so that they can run reliably for years under the harshest conditions,” said Peter King, general manager of Watertown Ford, a Greater Boston Ford dealer. “In stock trim, the diesel engine in the Super Duty produces 400 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque, which are already best-in-class, but Hajek Motorsports proved that with a few modifications these engines can produce world-beating speed.”

Modifications to the 6.7-liter turbocharged Power Stroke diesel engine on the record-breaking F-250 included new fuel injectors and turbochargers and a new fuel pump, as well as a tweaked compression ratio. A Ford engineer that worked on the project says the engine produces a more than 50 percent increase in power compared to the stock unit.

Ford has also been pushing development of more efficient engines for its trucks and SUVs, efforts that have been recently bolstered by a signed memorandum between Ford and Toyota to jointly develop a hybrid propulsion system for trucks and SUVs. The hope is that by pooling their resources, the two automakers will be able to produce a hybrid drive system at a significantly lower price point. Ford and Toyota will not co-develop a vehicle, but will use the hybrid drivetrain in their own trucks and SUVs due out by the end of the decade.

A hybrid drivetrain for trucks and SUVs would help both automakers meet increasingly strict federal fuel economy standards in the United States, which will require manufacturers’ fleets to average 35.5 mpg by 2016. The jointly developed hybrid drivetrain will be for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, while Ford’s existing hybrids, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid, have been front-wheel-drive only.

“Ford has lots of expertise in building trucks, with the Ford F-150 being the best-selling vehicle in America, while Toyota has sold the most hybrid vehicles,” King noted. “Joining forces with Toyota means both automakers will be able to produce hybrid pickup trucks with cutting-edge technology without jacking up prices. That’s a win-win situation for everybody.”

Ford and Toyota have also agreed to work together on the development of improved communications and entertainment technology for their future vehicles, an area where both companies have already developed industry leadership.



About Watertown Ford:

Watertown Ford is where Greater Boston Ford lovers head for the best deals on new and used Fords. No other Massachusetts Ford dealer has the same dedication to the customer, and that dedication has earned Watertown Ford the loyalty of Ford owners all over the state. Their extensive inventory, as well as information about their premier Ford dealership, can be viewed online at www.watertownford.com, You can also like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MyWatertownFord, reach them by phone at 800-584-6486, or visit their showroom at 625 Pleasant St. in Watertown, just minutes from Boston.