DEARBORN, Mich., July 16, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX News Network/ -- Vehicle-to-intersection communications research holds key to safety

The 2009 Ford (NYSE: F) Flex is cruising toward an intersection with no
signs of slowing. A voice inside the car says "stop light" and a red light
flashes above the dashboard. The driver then brings the vehicle to a safe
stop. The recent demonstration highlighted emerging technology from Ford that
allows a vehicle to communicate with a "smart intersection," sharing data that
can prevent accidents and alleviate congestion. The project will accelerate
Ford's research into proprietary "active safety" technologies as it continues
development of a common architecture and standards for smart intersections
together with General Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co., Daimler AG, Toyota Motor
Corp., the federal government, and local and county road commissions. For
more information, contact Wes Sherwood at wsherwoo@ford.com or 313-390-5660 or
click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28611&make_id=trust

A Flex and a few rules for the road make carpooling easy

Carpooling can ease the pain at the pump in today's $4-a-gallon world, but
ride-sharing commuters are finding it's best to follow a few rules for the
road. Punctuality and clear policies for radio play, eating and smoking are a
must. Too much talk about religion and politics can kill the carpool vibe.
But choosing the right vehicle can be the most important ingredient. Ford's
new Flex, for instance, offers limousine-like comfort - even for third-row
passengers - and there is no full-size crossover with better fuel economy,
with up to 24 mpg for front-wheel drive and 22 mpg for all-wheel drive. An
available refrigerated console could be the perfect place to stash that soda
or bottled water for the drive home. For more information, contact Jay Ward
at jward35@ford.com or 313-845-2387 or click on: http://tinyurl.com/5zbd7s

Thinking outside the box, Flex engineers deliver aerodynamics

At first glance, few would assume that the new Ford Flex, best known for
its signature boxy profile, is an aerodynamic leader in the emergent crossover
vehicle segment. But Ford designers and engineers spent countless hours in
the wind tunnel and made numerous subtle tweaks to deliver breakthrough
aerodynamics while staying true to the stunning looks of the Ford Fairlane
concept that inspired the Flex. Compared to the competition, Ford Flex moves
through the air with surprising ease. In fact, the Flex's aerodynamic
performance is the untold story behind its class-leading fuel economy. For
more information, contact Jay Ward at jward35@ford.com or 313-845-2387 or
click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28644&make_id=trust

Model T's birthplace gets new lease on life

If walls could talk, the Piquette Plant in Detroit would have quite a tale
to tell. It was in the humble three-story brick building in Detroit that
Henry Ford built the first Model T, a car that changed the world and put the
world on wheels. The Piquette plant, a once-neglected relic of the industrial
renaissance, is getting a new lease on life. Thanks to a dedicated group of
volunteers, historians and car buffs, the Piquette Plant building, now known
as the Model T Automotive Heritage Complex, is being restored and is open to
the public.

As part of the festivities celebrating the 100th birthday of the Model T,
coats of paint and years of grime are being carefully removed from the
building's exterior before the installation of a large historic marker and
period-correct signage. For more information, contact Marisa Bradley at
mbradl31@ford.com or 313-845-3701 or click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28647

New Ford Racing chief is living the dream

Brian Wolfe grew up pining for fast cars. He listened to his father's
stories about Henry Ford and watched his brother race cars on the weekend.
Wolfe himself started racing the same day he received his driver's license.
He saved up and bought a 1968 428 Cobra Jet Fairlane. So when Wolfe was
recently named director of Ford Racing, it was the culmination of a lifelong
dream. For more information, contact Kevin Kennedy at 313-203-7108 or
kkennedy@pcgcampbell.com or click on:
http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28649

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

http://www.ford.com

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