FORD POSTS FULL YEAR PROFIT FOR 2009; FOURTH QUARTER 2009 NET INCOME OF $868 MILLION; PLANS TO BE PROFITABLE IN 2010

Ford Motor Company today reported a full year 2009 pre-tax operating profit, excluding special items, of $454 million, a $7.3 billion improvement over a year ago. The company said it now expects to be profitable for full year 2010 on a pre-tax basis excluding special items, for North America, total Automotive and total company, with positive Automotive operating-related cash flow.

Today Ford announced new investments and job creation in the Chicago Assembly Plan. This is good news for both Ford and good news for Chicago.

Earlier this month, Ford made a similar announcement in regards to our Michigan assembly plant. Read both announcements below (click on each headline for the complete news release).

In addition, the next-generation Explorer will debut the auto industry’s first-ever production inflatable seat belts, designed to provide additional protection for rear-seat. The inflatable rear seat belts spread crash forces over five times more area of the body than conventional seat belts, which helps to reduce pressure on the chest and to control head and neck motion for rear-seat passengers. Ford eventually plans to offer inflatable seat belt technology on other vehicles globally.

FORD, UNITED SPACE ALLIANCE SHARE VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERTISE TO BUILD BETTER CARS, SPACE MISSIONS

DEARBORN, Mich., January 20, 2010 – Engineers at United Space Alliance (USA) and Ford Motor Company are sharing their animation software experiences to create virtual reality simulations that benefit both astronauts and drivers.

Ford is applying virtual reality animation software that is used by movie animators and video game creators to improve real-life driving situations before the first prototype is even built. In an immersive Virtual Evaluation lab (iVE), Ford engineers create virtual vehicles complete with exterior views.

Engineers for USA, the prime Space Shuttle contractor, are using the same technology at the Kennedy Space Center to help build future space vehicles safer and more efficiently. Current applications include using the technology to track and characterize launch debris during ascent. Past applications include developing processes to more efficiently remove and re-install the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the Space Shuttle wing leading edges.

“In this virtual environment, we can evaluate early vehicle designs against a backdrop of virtual conditions and literally experience a vehicle from someone else’s vantage point before it is built, helping us to create a car, truck or crossover that provides the perfect environment for the driver and its occupants,” said Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist.

In the case of the Lincoln MKS, for example, iVE was used to test multiple iterations of the sedan’s centerstack at varying eye points. The intent is to find the best possible placement of controls and displays not only for aesthetics and visibility, but it helps engineers and designers to see how certain designs and layouts look before the vehicle is built.

Ford iVE technicians can put themselves in the customer’s shoes and get a better understanding of how the vehicle’s dashboard displays look from the customer’s point of view or evaluate height of the centerstack, for example. They can then judge things like whether the cockpit feels too crowded or cavernous, if all the buttons and dials on the dashboard are visible and within reach, and whether the layout is appealing.

“Being able to evaluate a vehicle in the virtual world allows us to duplicate anything to recreate a realistic driving experience,” Baron said. “We’re even able to include passing cars, pedestrians and animated towns in the driving experience.”

Ford is the auto industry leader when it comes to melding state-of-the-art motion capture and immersive virtual reality tools. Using analytical data derived from those tests, Ford can test targets in the iVE lab to improve visibility, quality and comfort of its vehicles, while significantly reducing the time and cost that come with prototype development.

Baron, renowned in her use of this animation software, frequently collaborates with other industries on iVE applications. Ford engineers, using a suite of virtual tools including animation software, have shaved eight to 14 months off the time it took to develop a vehicle five years ago.

USA, a leading space operations company, is also using the same digital animation tool to develop models that accurately predict how the loss of materials would affect liftoff of the Space Shuttle or the next generation vehicles.

Working with Baron, USA is looking at ways to customize the technology used by Ford to help it make quick decisions about repairs and maintenance, as well as determine the best decisions should a spacecraft face unexpected events.

These two teams are sharing information to the benefit of both. Ford engineers have helped USA to specify software enhancements to human simulation software and motion tracking technology with the goal of simulating spacecraft repairs.

In turn, USA engineers have provided expertise to Ford engineers to enhance the immersive virtual experience by improving response time, allowing for a smoother and more realistic environment. They’ve also provided expertise on computer and projection hardware.

“The opportunities working with the Ford Visualization team are providing us invaluable knowledge in combining ergonomic analysis with visualization technology,” said USA computer science lead Brad Lawrence. “It was extremely interesting to see how similar our efforts are regarding automobile and spacecraft processing. When the two teams got together a wealth of creative ideas were formed and lasting friendships were made. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Ford team.”

Ford’s Baron added, “Helping our designers build cars that are a better fit for drivers and passengers is a thrill and teaming up and sharing ideas with USA for the benefit of our space program is a whole other level of cool. We’ve learned a great deal from USA about how to make our virtual lab even more life-like for engineers and designers so our new vehicles look and feel just right inside.”

The partnership is a classic win-win, Baron said. “Ford is better able to refine the design of new vehicles, and USA aims to prepare for any scenario that lies ahead.”

FORD FOCUS NAMED ‘MOST SIGNIFICANT’ VEHICLE AT 2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW BY AUTOWEEK MAGAZINE

The next-generation Ford Focus was named "Most Significant" vehicle at the 2010 North American International
Auto Show.

Next-generation Ford Focus is named “Most Significant” vehicle of the 2010 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) by the writers of AutoWeek Magazine and autoweek.com
New Focus spearheads for Ford a new range of global C-cars based on a common platform underpinning up to 10 vehicles and 2 million units of annual production by 2012
Stylish new range offers class-leading technologies, features and craftsmanship. It targets exceptional fuel economy and advances acclaimed levels of driving quality

DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2010 – The AutoWeek editorial staff has named Ford’s next-generation Focus the “Most Significant” vehicle of the 2010 North American International Auto Show. High praise indeed, considering the number of excellent cars and trucks at this month’s annual gathering in Detroit. The popular auto show hosted nearly 40 new vehicle premieres.

“This was a unanimous vote, one of the few in the history of the AutoWeek award,” said Wes Raynal, editor of AutoWeek and autoweek.com. “This car gives Ford and Focus fans their car back. By that we mean enthusiasts have been crying for the European Focus for years and we’re finally getting our wish. We also think it’s a perfect platform for an SVT version. The car goes on sale in 2011 powered by a sporty four-cylinder engine mated to a DSG transmission, and we can’t wait to drive it.”

The next-generation Ford Focus

The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut Monday, Jan. 11 at the 2010 North American International Auto Show. Scheduled to go on sale in both North America and Europe early in 2011, the new Focus will offer customers more affordable technologies and features than ever in this segment, noteworthy levels of craftsmanship, outstanding fuel economy and a new standard for driving quality.

The prestigious AutoWeek award is being presented just three days after Ford received both the North American Car and Truck of the Year awards for the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Ford Transit Connect, respectively.

“We are delighted and humbled with the initial response to the next-generation Ford Focus,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president for Global Product Development. “The new Focus is a direct result of our new global product development system and perhaps the best example yet of what we believe a global Ford product should be – great to look at, great to sit in and great to drive. This is truly ONE Ford in action.”

Sleek, stylish and sporty, the new Focus will eventually be sold in 122 markets, with up to 80 percent parts commonality. The Focus will be built on Ford’s new C-car platform, which will underpin up to 10 unique models and generate sales of 2 million units annually.

The next-generation Ford Focus will be on public display at NAIAS – along with other award-winning Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles – in Detroit’s Cobo Hall through Jan. 24.

# # #

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

2011 FORD MUSTANG GT BECOMES DAYTONA 500 OFFICIAL PACE CAR, SUPPORTS CHARITY AT BARRETT-JACKSON

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 19, 2010 – Ford’s new 2011 Mustang GT will serve as the Official Pace Car at this year’s 52nd Daytona 500, the first time in 40 years a Ford vehicle has paced NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious race.

Under the hood of the Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe will be Ford’s all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which will be available to customers in dealer showrooms this spring.

“This is the resurgence of Ford, and pacing the field at the Daytona 500 is a great opportunity to showcase all of the technology that the new 2011 Mustang 5.0 brings to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg,” said Mark Fields, president, The Americas.

Before the new Ford Mustang takes to the track, one lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the pace car pony and help a deserving charity at the same time.

The Race Red Mustang, which carries a special Daytona 500 striped paint scheme, will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will be televised live on the SPEED
channel. All proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.

“Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world’s greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time.”

According to Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, while many collectors have experienced the thrill of buying pace vehicles and historic racers on the Barrett-Jackson auction block, buying a pace car before it hits the track has never happened before at the famed auction house.

“It would be a thrill to own this early VIN, one-of-one 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car and watch it lead the famous race in February,” he said. “And knowing that you helped an amazing organization like JDRF would make it even better.”

This is the first time in four decades that a Ford Motor Company vehicle will pace the Daytona 500. The last time was in 1970 when the Ford Torino GT convertible had the honors.

In addition to the special paint, the Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, summer-only tires and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates. It also carries an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8s made available for sale to the public.

2011 Ford Mustang GT: Heritage, high technology and horsepower
The all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment. For 2011, the new Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering, 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.

A Brembo brake package upgrade – featuring larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang – will be available for serious enthusiasts. Unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires also will be offered.

From the signature 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph, and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.

Three vibrant new colors are being added for 2011; along with Race Red, these include Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat and Ingot Silver.

2010 FORD TAURUS STARS IN NEW ONLINE INTERACTIVE GAME “CHASING THE SHADOW”

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 19, 2010 – The hot-selling 2010 Ford Taurus takes a giant leap into cyberspace today, starring in a new online interactive game that takes product placement in casual gaming to the next level by fully integrating the vehicle and its technology and features into the gaming experience.

The game, “White Collar: Chasing the Shadow,” is an extension of the critically acclaimed USA NETWORK drama “White Collar,” which follows a con artist and FBI agent who team up to catch bad guys. The Taurus is not only featured prominently in the television series but now in a new online game that allows players – acting as FBI trainees – to drive the Taurus and use its features to catch a notorious villain dubbed “The White Shadow.”

“What makes this initiative unique is that the 2010 Taurus isn’t just along for the ride,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content & Alliances manager. “The new and class-exclusive technologies in the Taurus are used to interpret clues and collect evidence.”

For example, players use the Ford SYNC technology to access text messages that contain important crime-solving tips.

“Features like SYNC, SecuriCode, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning are used in the online game as they would be by a real-world consumer, and they seamlessly contribute to the game’s plot and puzzles,” explained Fontaine. “The game also is episodic in nature, giving players the ability to come back and solve new puzzles weekly and vary the ways in which they interact with the Taurus.”

Online game product placement: Kicking it up a notch
Product placement in online games is not new for Ford, but the depth of the Taurus integration in “White Collar: Chasing the Shadow” is, according to Jonathan Beebe, Taurus Digital Marketing manager.

“This is a more immersive, realistic and storytelling-based experience that is more closely aligned with television and movie product integration,” he said. “It raises the bar by providing realistic environments and compelling game play that showcases the Taurus and its features to consumers.”

According to Jeff Eggen, Ford Car Experiential Marketing manager, the company is continually looking for ways to extend partnerships – like the one with USA NETWORK – in meaningful ways.

“What we really liked about creating the online game with USA is that it not only introduces Taurus to millions of consumers through the popularity of online gaming but provides them with a very engaging way to experience the innovative technology and features in the new Taurus,” he said.

If you would like to experience the Taurus in the new online game, please visit http://chasingtheshadow.usanetwork.com and click on the “games” tab at the top of the pa

The North American Car and Truck of the Year awards recognize vehicles based on factors including innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. A jury of 49 automotive journalists in the United States and Canada vote for the vehicles, which must be “all-new” or “substantially changed” from the previous model to qualify for the award.

Fusion Hybrid:
The all-new Fusion Hybrid arrived in dealers in March, complete with a powertrain system that combines the best attributes of the gasoline engine and electric battery-driven motors to deliver the optimal experience for the customer in terms of driving performance and fuel economy.
The Fusion Hybrid also offers drivers a way to be more connected to the hybrid driving experience thanks to Ford’s SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, a unique instrument cluster execution that helps coach them on how to optimize the performance of their hybrid.

Other class-exclusive technologies and features that set the Fusion Hybrid apart from the competition include Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), Ford SYNC®, SIRIUS Travel Link™ and more total passenger and luggage capacity than the Toyota Camry.

Despite the slump in overall industry sales, 2009 was a record-breaking year for the Ford Fusion. Sales are at an all-time high, with the Fusion Hybrid accounting for almost 20 percent of total Fusion retail sales. Perhaps even more significant, more than 60 percent of Fusion Hybrid sales have been to customers coming from import brands – mostly Toyota and Honda.

Transit Connect fills unmet needs of small businesses and fleets
The Transit Connect was brought to the U.S. to fulfill the unmet needs of small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering them a new vehicle choice with significantly improved fuel economy, generous and accessible cargo space, and the agility and maneuverability to operate in crowded urban areas.

Powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 engine with a four-speed automatic overdrive transmission, the
Transit Connect offers double the fuel economy of full-size vans, delivering an EPA-estimated 22 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

The Transit Connect also has more than double the cargo-carrying capacity of the Chevrolet HHR Panel, making it suitable for a broader range of commercial-use applications. And it offers commercial users a cargo payload of up to 1,600 pounds – a larger payload than the full-size Dodge Ram 1500 standard-cab short-box pickup truck.

The Transit Connect also is available with the industry-exclusive Ford Work Solutions™, a suite of affordable technologies that provides customers with connectivity, flexibility, visibility and security to better run key aspects of their business.

FIESTA CONTINUES TO SHINE ONLINE WITH NEW ROLE IN NEW SERIES "IF I CAN DREAM"

Dearborn, Mich., Dec. 16, 2009 – The Ford Fiesta is used to being noticed online. After all, it had a starring role in the Fiesta Movement, a marketing platform that lives in the social media space. Its newest role will be on the new series, If I Can Dream,where this exciting new car will serve as an integral part of the cast.

If I Can Dream follows five young people as they pursue their dreams in Hollywood. All the while, their lives will be captured and streamed online in real-time, 24/7 on www.ificandream.com. In addition, a 30-minute show will be broadcast each week exclusively on Hulu, a Web site that offers popular TV shows and movies from commercial networks.

“This is a natural role for Fiesta to play,” said Connie Fontaine, Ford brand content and alliances manager. “Fiesta’s substantial role will allow customers to interact with the vehicle firsthand and experience the technologies and features before the vehicle goes on sale.”

The show is also a natural extension of Fiesta’s vibrant life online. Like Fiesta Movement agents, the cast of the show will communicate with fans and followers via social media.

The Ford Fiesta already has the attention of socially connected consumers months before it goes on sale in North America next summer,” said Fontaine. “So when 19 Entertainment approached us to cast the Fiesta in If I Can Dream, it seemed only natural. The role that 19 Entertainment and Ford have created for Fiesta is really exciting and will provide viewers a different look at the cast members through amazing technology and the Fiesta.”

“I am determined to continue challenging convention and pushing the boundaries of mainstream entertainment,” said Simon Fuller, creator of If I Can Dream. “The next frontier is the video world of authentic real-time interaction. If I Can Dream experiments with technology to provide for the first time a complete open-door experience that allows the viewer to experience reality in a way never before attempted.”

Fiesta has it all – and more
Going on sale in the summer of 2010, the all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, with sharp reflexes and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers’ expectations. With 15 class-exclusive technologies and projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta brings fuel economy and convenience together.

It’s also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class safety, convenience and connectivity with segment-exclusive SYNC^® voice-activated communications system, an expressive color palette and available graphics.