The Ford Motor Company has several popular and successful models to choose from. In Canada, however, they are the top selling manufacturer, setting the bar for the competition. Their sales for their 2010 year were up 23 percent year to date. In fact, during the month of June there was an increase of sales by 16 percent, making June 2010 the best grossing month on record in 10 years. Within that month there were 31,707 units sold. This increase also gives Ford the top seller spot two quarters in a row, which hasn’t happened in more than 50 years.

“Any increase for Ford of Canada this month is significant when you consider that we are comparing this June’s sales to an unprecedented month this time last year. In June 2009, we were the only major manufacturer to show a sales increase (Ford sales were up 25%) in an industry that was down 14 per cent and where two key competitors were in bankruptcy,” said David Mondragon, president and CEO, Ford of Canada. “Customers are rewarding Ford for delivering new products they want and value – products offering leading fuel economy, quality and resale value. That’s why our business is growing.”

The number of overall vehicle sales increased by 16 percent over the past year. In addition, the total sales of Ford trucks increased by 13 percent, while car sales rose by 23 percent. Most impressive were the Ford Taurus sales, which rose 145 percent. The next highest rise in sales was from the Ford Explorer with an increase of 79 percent. Over the past eighteen months, the resale values of Ford vehicles in Canada have risen by 28 percent. This is simply due to the growth in demand for the Ford brand vehicles.

The Ford Motor Company has been successful at developing significantly efficient vehicles that are in high demand around the world. The company has a global electric vehicles plan that is reaping benefits from participating in the UK government’s “Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator” program.

The announcement of its participation came in March 2010. Since then there have been introductions of two zero-emission, full battery-electric vehicles. These include the 2011 Ford Transit Connect Electric light commercial vehicle and what will be the 2012 Ford Focus Electric. In addition there is expected to be two other vehicles names by 2013.

The first to experience the zero-emissions technology of the Ford cars will be the London residents. Those taking part in the project will be asked to go through a complete training program in order to obtain the most accurate results when operated under normal driving conditions.

The Ford Transit Connect Electric is quickly gaining popularity. It has recently been added to commercial fleets in the United States, as well. The ecological benefits of the vehicle are undeniable and only pose great benefits to companies worldwide. The traditional Transit Connect light commercial vehicle is an award-winning vehicle. The Ford Transit Connect Electric is a zero-emission vehicle, as well as an all-electric version of the traditional Transit Connect. The electric version will be available later this year in the United States and in Europe from 2011.

The key feature of the Ford Transit Connect Electric includes a highly technological lithium ion battery pack. The sophistication of this system allows the vehicle a range of up to 80 miles with a top speed of 75 miles per hour. To charge the battery system will take less than 10 hours using just a household electricity supply of 230 volts.


The Built Ford Tough American Ride Sweepstakes is underway and was set forth by Ford trucks and singer Toby Keith. The sweepstakes will award one winner a new 2011 Ford F-Series truck and a weekend on tour with Toby Keith. The winner will also be able to enjoy the entire experience with three of their closest friends. They will have an up close and personal look at life on the road, complete with their own tour bus and back stage access.

“Once again, Ford Trucks is bringing our shows to a whole new level this summer and we want you to know what it’s like to be on the road with us.  We are going to rock your world and give you a weekend you will never forget,” said Toby Keith.

“We are proud to once again partner with Toby Keith on his American Ride Tour and to have the opportunity to award one lucky winner the chance of a lifetime that only Ford Trucks and Toby Keith can offer,” said Kevin Schebil, Ford Motor Company.  “We are looking forward to giving one lucky person the experience of being on tour with Toby Keith and keys to the ultimate American Ride – a Ford F-Series.”

During the American Ride Tour fans can enjoy the American Ride Karaoke Truck. The truck is a new 2011 Ford Super Duty. It will be one of the hottest tailgate parties of the year.

If you’re interested in purchasing or test driving one of the new Ford F-Series trucks, including the Super Duty, stop in to a local Sunset Ford dealer. The dealer has two convenient locations; one location sits in the heart of Missouri in Saint Louis, and the other is just across the river in Waterloo Illinois.

The Ford Motor Company was recently recognized, not for their outstanding Ford cars, Ford trucks, SUVs, or crossovers, instead for the diversity of their company. The auto maker was recently ranked number 44 in the 2010 DiversityInc. Top 50 Companies for Diversity. This list recognizes visionary companies which demonstrate great diversity in their initiatives and their results. The Ford Motor Company was the highest ranked automotive company named on the list.

“Despite a very tough economic climate, our commitment to inclusion and diversity is helping us to pull together and work inclusively around the world,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “We are focused on great products, creating a strong business and contributing to a better world. Our ability to leverage all of the diverse talents, perspectives and experiences of our skilled and motivated workforce is critical to our success. This will help us deliver the enabling technology and highest quality, fuel-efficient, safe, and best value vehicles our increasingly diverse customers really want and value.”

The Ford Motor Company has been named each year on the list since 2000. This year the list of companies competing for a spot on the list has increased by 14 percent over last year. This increase has marked a progress in several companies to push for greater diversity within their structures. The Ford Motor Company also received accolades when it was named in the DiversityInc Top 10 Companies for Supplier Diversity as well as the recognition in the 2010 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity. This is not the only place that Ford was recently recognized, in fact, the auto manufacturer was also recognized Ethisphere Institute. They named The Ford Motor Company one of the World’s 100 Most Ethical Companies.

The Ford Motor Company is known for its innovation and advancements which make their Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers highly competitive. They have recently introduced a new innovation called Curve Control. It is a system designed to help drivers to maintain a control of their vehicles when they take a curve at too high of a speed.

This new technology will sense when a driver is going too quickly around a curve. It will drastically reduce the engine torque and, depending on the severity, has the ability to apply the four wheel braking system, resulting in slowing the vehicle by up to 10 miles per hour in, roughly, one second. Drivers taking curves at significant speeds, account for about 50,000 accidents each year in the United States.

“Too many accidents stem from drivers misjudging their speed going into curves and freeway off- and on-ramps,” said Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president of Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “Ford’s Curve Control technology senses a potentially dangerous situation and reduces power and applies brakes more quickly than most drivers can react on their own.”

The technology will debut as a standard feature on the 2011 model Ford Explorer. By 2015, the Ford Motor Company will offer Curve Control on 90 percent of their North American SUVs, trucks, vans, and crossovers.

“Ford is developing technologies such as Curve Control and radar-based collision warning systems that can prevent crashes from happening in the first place,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford vice president of Engineering for Global Product Development. “These new active systems designed to prevent accidents are the perfect complement for Ford’s leading passive safety systems – such as advanced airbags and high-strength vehicle structures – that protect occupants when a crash is inevitable.”

The Ford Motor Company, the auto maker that produces several unforgettable Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, has now taken initiative to decrease its debt by more than $4 billion dollars. In order to achieve such a debt reduction, the company is planning on paying down debt owed to the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust ahead of schedule. The past years have proven to strengthen the company in terms of sales profit. Now they shift their focus to strengthening their financials.

Under Note A and Note B, the Ford Motor Company owes about $860 million. This will be retired by the company by making several monthly cash payments on both Notes held by UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust.

In addition to these efforts, the company will be paying down debt in the form of a $255 million dollar cash payment to the Cumulative Trust Preferred Securities of Ford Motor Company Capital Trust II. With these combined actions and an April payment of $3 billion on its revolving credit facility, the debt acquired by the Ford Motor Company will be reduced by more than $7 million dollars by the second quarter. These efforts will also save the auto maker about $470 million dollars in annual interest.

“Our One Ford plan to profitably grow our business is working, and we are increasingly confident about the future,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. “We expect to continue to improve our balance sheet as we deliver on our plan. Importantly, our business results make it possible to take these actions while still accelerating the investments we are making in our business to serve our customers with the very best cars and trucks.

“We are pleased to make these payments ahead of schedule for the benefit of Ford and our UAW-Ford retirees who count on the Trust for their health care benefits,” Mulally said.

The Ford Motor Company has always played an active role in community development, in addition to manufacturing unforgettable Ford cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers. Recently the Ford Partnership for Advanced Studies (Ford PAS) has joined the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) to form what will be known as a Leadership Level Next Generation Learning Community in Nashville. The objective of this program is to aid in the preparation of high school students for colleges and long term careers. This new program, Leadership Level Next Generation Learning Community is part of a redesign of the high school system into smaller, more personalized, learning centers. These smaller centers are known as The Academics of Nashville.

“The Ford PAS model is real-world relevant learning where students learn their academic subjects through the lens of a career,” said Cheryl Carrier, manager, Ford PAS. “What makes the Nashville experience so unique is that 82 companies have signed on to support this initiative and the career academies.”

The joining of the two programs has been for several years. Now the two are committed to taking things a step further. There will be several areas of study incorporated in the program. These will include manufacturing, business, health, and others, as well.

“The success of Nashville’s public school system will affect the future prosperity of not only the city, but our region,” said Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ralph Schulz. “Academies create a connection with area businesses and students that will bring real-world relevance and inspiration to the next generation of our workforce.”

There are six other cities, besides Nashville, across the United States that are a part of the Ford commitment program; although the Nashville schools represent the largest community wide commitment to the new curriculum thus far.

The Ford Motor Company has taken pride in its efforts to build strong communities over the years. They are always seeking ways to enrich communities and meet the needs of their car buyers, outside of their automotive needs. In 2003 the Ford Motor Company Fund joined the National Latino Children’s Institute and created a program called Corazón de mi vida. The program was put together in order to promote and raise awareness of the important role safety seats and safety belts play in lives of our children. To this day the program is still going strong and continues to reach further into communities. Its continued message of the importance of child safety within vehicles has reached 15 states across the United States. In Puerto Rico it is reported that a total of 80% of child safety seats are improperly installed.

“Corazón de mi vida builds on parents’ love for their children and provides them with the information they need to keep their children safe,” said Josie Garza, executive director, NLCI. “Ford Motor Company Fund’s involvement has helped us reach more communities, offer training for bilingual certified technicians and partner with safety advocates to help spread the word with families.”

Most recently 20 Child Passenger Safety technicians graduated in Puerto Rico. These graduates come from all walks of life; from police officers and firefighters, to community organizers. Their sole purpose is to train members of the community on proper safety seat installation and use.

The program has reached states from California to Arizona and from Texas to Florida. The joining between the two companies has had a lasting positive impact on saving the lives of children. All Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers are made to reach the top safety standards in the automotive market. This program bridges the gap between the safety of the vehicle and the proper use of safety systems for children to provide a supremely safe ride for every child.

The Ford Motor Company produces several vehicles each year that are considered top of the line when it comes to safety and reliability. With new models coming into production there are still a select few that have been a mainstay in the complete lineup of Ford vehicle. Of all the Ford trucks the auto company has to offer the Ford F-150 is by far the most impressive of the group. One of the first to be offered this truck has grown over the years and continued to remain at the front of the pack amongst others in the industry.  In addition to the Ford F-150 there has been another Ford vehicle that has shown truly remarkable qualities that have withstood the test of time. The Ford Mustang is a favorite amongst drivers of all ages. The earliest models are treasured by car enthusiasts and the newer models are still impressing today’s youngest drivers.

Recently, though, the Ford Motor Company has decided to give the two vehicles a chance to really rev up their looks. They are expanding the custom graphics that will be offered for both the Ford F-150 and the Ford Mustang. They aspire to have custom graphics available for all the vehicles in their lineup in the future.

A few of the options for the Mustang will include racing themed designs, stripes, flames, or matte black accents. The F-150 will have a number to choose from, as well, such as camouflage or diamond plate aluminum graphic designs.

“The whole idea behind the program is to offer our customers new ways to personalize their vehicle and provide a new exterior look throughout the ownership experience,” said Jim Abraham, Ford Licensed Accessories manager. “In order to do this, we are going to keep revising the available graphics packages to give customers fresh new ideas to choose from.”

All Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers have their unique characteristics that set them apart from their competition. As time passes the Ford Motor Company is still seeking ways to improve upon their current models. Each year they have better safety features, more eye-catching body styles, and improved technological features.

Recently the Ford Motor Company released a number of photos which provided an inside look at some of the features we can expect in the new 2011 Lincoln MKX, as well as, the 2011 Ford Edge. Though the Edge isn’t expected to be seen until July at the Chicago auto show, the Lincoln MKX is scheduled to debut in June at the Detroit auto show. Some of the photos show, in great detail, some of the new characteristics of the interiors of the vehicles. The Lincoln MKX is showing vast improvements on its interior. Modifications to the design, the materials, and the fit seem to be working very well together. Most striking is the French stitching used on parts. It is expected that the Edge include some of these similar features.

Probably the most anticipated feature of both the Lincoln MKX and the Ford Edge is the new MyFord connectivity suite. Soon to be released, the MyFord connectivity suite will contain all of the most recent upgrades to the MyFord system. They have added a few new functions to the system, some of which include the Lincoln’s HVAC fan speed control and volume sliders. These are now utilized through touch controls, rather than hard buttons. In addition, Ford has made a few minor adjustments to the controls on the steering wheels to provide easier use without losing concentration on the road.