Annual Fall Luau and Vendor Event Coming Up Soon!!

New England Cab Company Improves Global Footprint by Adding 35 CNG-Powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis

Ford Transit Connect Taxi

• Metro Taxi of West Haven, Conn. adds 35 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis to its cab fleet
• West Haven joins growing list of cities to offer CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis that also includes Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and Las Vegas
• CNG burns cleaner than gasoline and can result in 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 26, 2011 – The global footprint of a New England cab company is a few sizes smaller after it put 35 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis into service.
Metro Taxi of West Haven, Conn. added 35 Ford Transit Connect Taxis to its fleet as part of its efforts to reduce reliance on gasoline and greenhouse gas emissions. The cabs are the first CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis in New England.

The addition of the Transit Connect Taxis to the Metro Taxi fleet is being celebrated as part of an event in West Haven today coinciding with the opening of a Clean Energy-owned CNG fueling station in the city.
A few weeks ago the first CNG Transit Connect Taxis began servicing West Haven, which is near Hartford and about 80 miles northeast of New York City. Bill Scalzi, president of Metro Taxi, said there is already a waiting list of drivers who want Transit Connect Taxis.

“The CNG Transit Connect Taxis  have been a tremendous hit all around,” said Scalzi, who was named 2010 Taxicab Operator of the Year by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association.

“The drivers love the fuel savings that come with CNG along with the overall roominess and the reliability of the Transit Connect taxis,” said Scalzi. “Passengers also love the fact that the new taxis are much easier to get in and out of than traditional car-styled taxis. We are really, really pleased with this new venture of ours.”
Gerry Koss, marketing manager, Ford Fleet, said Scalzi’s comments are echoed around the country. CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are already servicing places such as Chicago, Las Vegas, St. Louis and California’s Orange County.

The addition of CNG Transit Connect Taxis to Metro Taxi’s fleet comes less than a month after California Yellow Cab put California’s first CNG Transit Connect Taxis into service.

“I’ve talked to Transit Connect Taxi drivers in places like Orange County and the response to these greener, cleaner vehicles has been phenomenal,” said Koss. “From a driving standpoint, taxi drivers tell me they love the maneuverability and comfort. Passengers are saying they can’t believe how much room and cargo space there is.”

The standard Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with traditional taxis. Transit Connect Taxi is available with engine preparation packages for conversion to liquefied propane gas (LPG) or CNG.

CNG is used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engines that have been modified to operate on CNG. Dallas-based BAF Technologies, a Clean Energy-owned company, has been certified by Ford as a Quality Vehicle Modifier to convert standard Transit Connect Taxis into CNG-powered cabs.

The fuel cost savings and environmental impact of CNG-powered cars and trucks are two benefits of alternative fuel-powered taxis like the Transit Connect Taxi.

The estimated fuel economy of a CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxi is the same as the standard gasoline version. However, operating costs are lower because the cost of a gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG is much less than a gallon of gasoline. The current national average cost per gasoline gallon equivalent is about $2. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the price per gallon of gasoline has ranged from just over $1 a gallon in early 2002 to nearly $4 a gallon this year. During the same period, however, CNG generally has stayed between $1 and $2 per gasoline gallon equivalent, peaking at a high of $2.34 in July 2008.
Clean Energy, which owns and operates more than 250 CNG stations, said the Ford Transit Connect Taxi fits in with its own mission.

“We are bringing the many benefits of natural gas fuel for transportation to West Haven and the state of Connecticut,” said Andrew J. Littlefair, president and CEO, Clean Energy. “Ford’s CNG Transit Connect Taxis will help measurably in this goal by lowering petroleum use and reducing greenhouse gas emissions up to 30 percent compared to traditional gas vehicles.”

CNG is a nontoxic, extremely clean-burning fuel and significantly reduces CO, CO2 and NOx compared with gasoline. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, use of CNG can result in 30 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Use is increasing, too. Clean Energy alone, for example, has plans for another 100 stations.

Ford has invested billions in researching and developing new fuel-efficient engines, transmissions and electrified vehicles, even during the depths of the economic downturn when competitors dialed back product spending. Today Ford has 12 vehicles with best-in-class fuel economy and four models with at least 40 mpg – claims no other full-line automaker can match

Ford Explorer Made From Lego Bricks

A unique Ford Explorer rolling off the line today at Chicago Assembly Plant will feature the model's its trademark eye-catching craftsmanship with one notable distinction. This Ford Explorer is created from more than 380,000 LEGO bricks and marks the beginning of a long-term alliance between Ford and LEGOLAND® Florida theme park. Brought to you by Sports Car Illustrated. http://www.sportscarillustrated.com

New Ford Police Interceptors Validated as Pursuit-Rated in Tests Conducted by the Michigan State Police

Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicle: The all-new Ford Police Interceptor utility (left) and Police Interceptor sedan (right) comprise Ford's first-ever police portfolio.

• The all-new Ford Police Interceptors deliver more performance, handling and fuel economy
• The only all-wheel-drive vehicles specifically built for law enforcement, the Police Interceptors meet stringent law enforcement standards
• Now police departments and other law enforcement agencies can get an all-new, American-made vehicle with the expected durability and price of the popular Crown Victoria
• Ford Police Interceptor Utility expands ability for law enforcement to get the job done efficiently and effectively

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 20, 2011 – The 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility today passed stringent Michigan State Police tests and have proven they are ready for law enforcement use. Of special note was the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility, which not only outperformed the Chevrolet Tahoe but held its own amongst the sedans.

The Ford Police Interceptor Utility excelled in 0-60 acceleration, braking, and handling over the two day testing.

"We are pleased that the performance of the Police Interceptor Utility was validated because it provides more choice for law enforcement agencies,” said Lisa Teed, Ford’s marketing manager for the Police Interceptors.  "They can be assured that whether in slippery conditions like snow or in pursuit situations the purpose-built Utility will deliver."

Building on more than 15 years of leadership Ford has taken the key product attributes that made Crown Victoria Police Interceptor the leading law enforcement vehicle and increased the next-generation products' capabilities including offering the first and only pursuit-rated all-wheel-drive police vehicles. Now police departments and other law enforcement agencies can get an all-new, American-made vehicle with the same durability and price range of the popular Crown Victoria. The new Police Interceptors will be built at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant.

Working with Ford’s Police Advisory Board, consisting of law enforcement professionals from the United States and Canada who provided feedback on attributes such as safety, performance, durability, driver comfort and functionality.  Ford has ensured that the new Police Interceptors are purpose-built to meet the requirements of this demanding industry.

“Our experience with the Crown Victoria helped us develop the next generation of Police Interceptor vehicles that serve as tools for public safety officials to do their jobs safely, efficiently and effectively,” added Teed. 

Officer protection is the first priority. The Ford Police Interceptors are the only vehicles certified to pass 75 mph rear collisions. Ballistic door panels to protect from gunshots are available on the driver or passenger doors. Safety cell construction helps direct the force of a collision around the occupant compartment. Crumple zones help absorb and dissipate the energy of a crash.

Power and efficiency
The V6 powertrain portfolio of engines on the Police Interceptors provides the fuel efficiency improvement to assist government agencies in reducing their operating costs.  More importantly, the smaller-displacement engines provide increased performance and capability when compared to the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) 4.6-liter V8. The highly efficient 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers at least 280 horsepower in the Sedan. An all-new EcoBoost® V6 twin-turbocharged, direct-injection engine is also available producing 365 horsepower and 350 lb.-ft. of torque.

“This week’s testing by the Michigan State Police proves our powerful and efficient V6 powertrains exceed CVPI V8 performance and deliver savings back to government agencies," said Bill Gubing, chief engineer of the Ford Police Program.  "Government agencies have been seeking money saving solutions.  Increased performance and improved fuel economy deliver on our commitment.  In addition, engineering common components between the Sedan and Utility, and upfit-friendly solutions will aid the fleet's maintenance.  Our goal was to streamline and reduce complexity for the customer, whose resources are constrained in these economic times.”

Managing increased power, requires more stopping power.  New 18-inch five-spoke steel wheels and tires are designed to work in concert with the new brake system for improved capability. Additional unique components include a larger heavy-duty alternator and larger radiator. A honeycomb grille provides increased airflow throughout the vehicle to improve cooling and enhance operation.

Rigorous testing was conducted to ensure the new Police Interceptors could handle the demands of around-the-clock law enforcement duty. In addition to the certification testing designed by the Michigan State Police, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will conduct its vehicle tests in November to further evaluate the durability and capability of police vehicles under the most extreme conditions.

The pursuit-rated Ford Police Interceptors come standard with all-wheel-drive.  The Sedan is available with a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT flex-fuel V6 or 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6 engine.  The Utility has 3.7-liter Ti-VCT flex-fuel V6 engine producing 300 hp.  Front-wheel-drive configuration is optional

2011 Frankfurt: 2012 Ford Focus ST

Executive Editor Ed Loh takes a look at the production version of the 2012 Ford Focus ST on the floor of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

HHA 16 Axle Big Move - 241 ton Generator

Here are the HHA boys movin a big 241 ton Generator Section from Brisbane to Central Queensland - Total Gross Weight 500 ton. The Trucks used were the C501 of JK's 2 x T908's steered by Trucker Dave and Mr Superliner Jason and the Rear Truck is a T900 driven by Captain Overload Paul McNae. Check it out more new videos to come.....

In Their Own Words -- Bill Elliott

Bill Elliott ranks second on the all-time Ford win list with 40 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victories. In addition, he made history by being the first driver to win the 'Winston Million' bonus and captured the 1988 series championship. In this video, Elliott talks about his brilliant career, which included being named the sport's Most Popular Driver a record 16 times.

Hybrid Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Sales to Surpass 100,000 Vehicles Annually by 2017

September 6, 2011

As the global economy begins tentative steps toward recovery, truck manufacturers are looking to technologies that can help mitigate the rising cost of diesel fuel while meeting increasingly strict emissions requirements.  Trucks that utilize electricity to meet these goals come in four variations: hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and plug-in electric power take-off (EPTO) to operate equipment onboard without using fuel.  As the technology costs fall and diesel prices increase, the value proposition for hybrid trucks is strong, and a new report from Pike Research forecasts that sales will surpass 100,000 vehicles annually by 2017.

“The truck market has experienced seismic changes in the last few years,” says senior analyst Dave Hurst.  “The global recession has taken a huge toll on medium duty and heavy duty truck sales in many regions.  As fuel prices have increased, truck manufacturers have responded by expanding their offerings of alternative drivetrains to help reduce emissions and fuel usage by trucks.”

However, Hurst adds that the primary challenge facing the hybrid truck market remains the cost of the system.  Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) all continue to have higher upfront costs that are significant enough to result in higher total cost of ownership for the vehicles.  While the typical operating cost of a diesel vehicle is significantly higher than that of other drivetrains ($0.72/mile for diesel versus $0.60/mile for hybrid and $0.22/mile for BEV trucks), Pike Research’s analysis indicates that the higher purchase cost and low cost of diesel in some markets means that the trucks are not able to recover the incremental costs for the electric drive system in their lifetime.  As a result, government incentives and emissions or fuel economy regulations will continue to play a very important role in promoting hybrids and plug-in trucks.

Pike Research’s analysis further indicates that most HEV, PHEV, and BEV trucks will utilize different chemistries of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries.  The cleantech market intelligence firm expects that the use of nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries will peak in 2016, as vehicle manufacturers move their remaining systems toward Li-ion.  The Li-ion market is expected to reach 3.6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) globally in the medium and heavy duty truck market by 2017.

Pike Research’s report, “Hybrid Medium and Heavy Duty Trucks”, examines the opportunities and challenges in the market for hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric medium and heavy-duty trucks.  The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the different drivetrains, battery technologies, and key drivers of market growth.  The report explores global government regulations regarding diesel emissions and vehicle purchase incentives and includes detailed forecasts through 2017.  Key market players are also profiled.  An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download on the firm’s website.

Pike Research is a market research and consulting firm that provides in-depth analysis of global clean technology markets.  The company’s research methodology combines supply-side industry analysis, end-user primary research and demand assessment, and deep examination of technology trends to provide a comprehensive view of the Smart Energy, Smart Grid, Smart Transportation, Smart Industry, and Smart Buildings sectors.  For more information, visit www.pikeresearch.com or call +1.303.997.7609.

New Ford Mustang Customizer Website Lets Enthusiasts Dream Up and Share Their Ultimate Pony Car

Ford is putting designing Mustangs back in the hands of enthusiasts with a new customizer website that features
the 2012 Mustang.

• New Ford Mustang Customizer website allows enthusiasts to create their very own Mustang, selecting colors, accessories and decals to complement the classic design
• The website lets enthusiasts customize a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500 with three different backgrounds, five different angles and hundreds of accessories from which to choose
• Additionally, users can connect to the site via Facebook with a tool that lets them share and store all of the Mustangs they have created. They can even use “battle mode” to ask people to vote for their Mustang

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 15, 2011 – Ford is putting design in the hands of enthusiasts with a new customizer website that features the 2012 Mustang.

Ford launched the site at http://www.fordvehicles.com/mustang to let Mustang enthusiasts take advantage of the classic design with limitless possibilities.

“This site lets Mustang fans customize cars to their heart’s content,” said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. “It’s a simple-to-use layout that lets users take the base design of Mustang and run with it.”

Users can choose to customize a Mustang V6, GT, Boss 302 or Shelby GT500. Their custom touch is blended with three different backgrounds – a dragway, cityscape or drive-in restaurant – along with five different angles from which to check out the design.

Accessories include body kits, wheels, decals, grilles and decklids, along with parts from Ford Racing Performance Parts and Ford Vehicle Personalization. Within minutes, several different looks can easily be created and saved as desktop wallpaper.

“Customers love to make Mustang their own, one that suits their taste; this is the perfect way to let them test out their design and imagine what’s possible,” said Jim Owens, Mustang marketing manager. “The interactive aspect also adds a whole new dimension and lets more people get in on the fun.”

The site also incorporates social media, as users can log in through their Facebook account and save and share all of the Mustangs they have created. A “battle mode” through Facebook lets users go head-to-head to see who has the best-looking car.

By posting their Mustang to their Facebook wall, users can accumulate votes that will be tallied on a leaderboard for others to check out. They can even identify a nemesis to go after in battle.

For those intent on making their custom car a reality, a downloadable PDF facility offers a detailed list of all the real parts used to create that particular virtual Mustang. The PDF is separated into three categories – Ford, aftermarket and concept accessories – and includes links to the applicable websites, making it easy for customers to start a conversation with their local Ford dealer

2011 Professional Bull Riders Edition Ford F-150

Check out the custom, Professional Bull Riders Edition F-150 EcoBoost that Ford Trucks created for the 2011 Invasion of the Bulls promotion. Visit http://www.Invasionofthebulls.com and enter for your chance to become one of three finalists to win a VIP trip to the 2011 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals in Las Vegas. One lucky finalist will become the Grand Prize Winner and leave Vegas in this one-of-a-kind truck!

Lonnie White Is Named Vendor Representative For Nor Cal Ford Truck Club

Lonnie White with Harbor Truck Bodies has been named the Vendor Representative for the Nor Cal Ford Truck Club. You can reach Lonnie at 916-295-7432 or email at LWhite@harbortruck.com

First CNG-Powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis Begin Servicing Greater Los Angeles Area

• California Yellow Cab of Orange County becomes first business in California to offer Ford Transit Connect Taxis powered by compressed natural gas (CNG)
• First 10 taxis are to be joined soon by more than 100 more CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis servicing the area
• Interest in California being driven by lower CNG costs and approvals of CNG-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis by governing agencies like the California Air Resources Board (CARB)

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 8, 2011 – California’s first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Ford Transit Connect Taxis hit the greater Los Angeles area today, giving taxi owners, drivers and passengers a chance to help the environment one small trip at a time.

California Yellow Cab of Orange County put its first 10 Transit Connect Taxis into service – marked by an event celebrating the increased presence of CNG use in California. Clean Energy, which owns and operates CNG filling stations, also participated in the event.

The first 10 Transit Connect Taxis are part of an order for 50 units that California Yellow Cab plans to put into service by 2012. In addition, Yellow Cab of Anaheim also ordered 69 units, bringing the total number of CNG Transit Connect Taxis that will soon be servicing Southern California to more than 100.
Tim Conlon, president and general manager of California Yellow Cab, said there is a lot of excitement over the new taxis.

“Our goal is to convert our entire fleet to alternative fuels, so bringing the CNG Transit Connect Taxis into service is an exciting step in that direction,” said Conlon. “The drivers are excited too. They have been lining up to be among the first to get behind the wheel of a CNG-powered taxi.”

Conlon isn’t alone in being excited about the taxi option as many others in California are considering adding the versatile vehicle to their fleets, said Gerry Koss, marketing manager, Ford Fleet.

“The Transit Connect Taxi is well-suited for California taxi service for many reasons including its exceptional maneuverability and improved fuel economy,” said Koss. “As more and more taxi industry representatives see how well the Transit Connect Taxi performs, we expect the level of interest in the vehicle to increase accordingly.”

CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are becoming more popular in other parts of the country as well, servicing places such as Las Vegas and St. Louis. Chicago is another city where CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis are in service already. Taxi Medallion Management put 12 of the vehicles into service in June.

Taxi conversion
Dallas-based BAF Technologies has been certified by Ford as a Quality Vehicle Modifier to convert standard Transit Connect Taxis into CNG-powered cabs.

The standard Ford Transit Connect – 2010 North American Truck of the Year – features a 2.0-liter I-4 engine that gets 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, an estimated 30 percent improvement in fuel economy compared with traditional taxis.

The estimated fuel economy of a CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxi is the same as the standard gasoline version. However, operating costs are lower because the cost of a gasoline gallon equivalent of CNG is roughly half the cost of a gallon of regular gasoline. In addition to CNG, Transit Connect Taxi is available with an engine preparation package for conversion to liquefied propane gas (LPG).

“Taxicab operators will save up to $2 per gallon over gasoline at the pump,” said Mitchell Pratt, chief operating officer, Clean Energy.  “Because the vehicles’ tailpipe emissions are near zero, Ford’s CNG Transit Connects qualify to drive in California’s carpool lanes and, compared to petroleum versions, will reduce greenhouse gases by almost 30 percent.”

Earlier this year in the Golden State, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved the use of CNG-powered Transit Connect Taxis modified by BAF Technologies, which is owned by Clean Energy.
CARB is a government agency designed to promote and protect public health, welfare and ecological resources through reduction of air pollutants.

In addition to the CARB approval, Conlon said another factor that is pro-CNG is the increase in infrastructure supporting CNG-fueled vehicles. He said that since 2001 the number of CNG filling stations in Orange County has tripled to about 30.

“We have a situation here in Orange County where the per gallon equivalent of CNG is almost $2 less than the price of a gallon of traditional fuel. Given that, along with the increased infrastructure support, it’s not hard to see why it makes sense for us to go with the [CNG-powered] Transit Connect Taxi,” said Conlon.
The powertrain isn’t the only reason orders are expected to continue coming in for the Transit Connect Taxi. Roominess, for example, is a big factor for many, said Craig Cannons, commercial business manager, Ford Commercial Truck Sales and Marketing.

“Passengers can get in and out of the vehicle so much easier than they can with other taxi vehicles out there,” said Cannons. “In fact, the spaciousness of the Transit Connect Taxi is a huge factor – if not the deciding factor – for many considering adding it to their fleet.”

The open architecture of the Transit Connect Taxi provides excellent interior headroom and passenger visibility, and – with 6.5 inches of ground clearance – passengers step easily through the sliding doors. The rear door opening is 50.2 inches wide at the floor and has a height of 52.1 inches.

The Transit Connect Taxi is certified to Ford Light Commercial Vehicle Durability Standards while suspension components and the underbody structure have passed requirements for potholes and curbs. The 39-foot turning diameter makes it easier to handle tight spots.

The Ford dealership, South Bay Ford in Los Angeles, is delivering the first Transit Connect Taxis in California to California Yellow Cab

Annual Fall Luau Nor Cal Ford Truck Club Event Is Announced!

Ford ZipCar Announcement

Ford, Zipcar Bring Future of Transportation to Newest Generation of Drivers at U.S. Universities

Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network and Ford is its largest university vehicle source, reaching students at hundreds of campuses across the U.S. Along with Escape, the highly fuel-efficient Ford Focus is part of Zipcar’s fleet of environmentally friendly, reliable and fun vehicles.

• Ford Motor Company and Zipcar, Inc. – the world’s leading car-sharing network – are teaming up to help make transportation more affordable, fun and sustainable for students at more than 250 university campuses throughout the U.S.
• The two-year alliance, announced today, establishes Ford as the largest automotive source in Zipcar’s University program
• Ford vehicles, primarily the fuel-efficient 2012 Ford Focus and the 2012 Ford Escape, start arriving this week on university campuses
• The strategic alliance includes offering incentives to join and use car sharing on campus to help accelerate use of Zipcar across the U.S. and introduce a new generation of drivers to Ford vehicles

DEARBORN, Mich. and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 31, 2011 – Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) and Zipcar, Inc. (Nasdaq: ZIP) – the world’s leading car-sharing network – today announced a new strategic alliance establishing Ford as Zipcar’s largest university vehicle partner, reaching students at more than 250 U.S. campuses.

The first-of-its-kind, two-year tie-up introduces a new generation of drivers to Ford vehicles with the highly fuel-efficient Focus and Escape now part of Zipcar’s existing fleet of environmentally friendly, reliable and fun vehicles. Zipcar will add up to 650 Fords to its lineup during this academic year and up to 1,000 Ford vehicles during the life of the agreement.

“Today’s students are thinking differently about driving and transportation than they have in the past,” said Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company. “This program enables today’s new drivers to experience our latest fuel-efficient vehicles, while helping them reduce their cost of living and help relieve congestion on campus. We’re looking forward to making Ford a staple of their college experience.”
Thanks to Ford, Zipcar will offer $10 off the $35 annual membership fee for the first 100,000 new University members who sign up for Zipcar, plus $1 off the hourly rate for the first 1 million hours of use on any of the new Ford vehicles at select colleges and universities.

New Ford vehicles start arriving on campuses this week. The program, which could generate 2 million hours behind the wheel of Ford vehicles for college-age drivers, also helps reduce parking demand, congestion and emissions.

The new generation of Ford vehicles, especially the all-new Ford Focus, is a good match for Zipcar’s environmentally minded student members who demand high fuel efficiency and value performance and style balanced with reliability and utility.

The stylish new Focus delivers 40 mpg on the highway plus leading new technologies such as Ford SYNC® – all important attributes to today’s smart, environmentally minded college students.

Scott Griffith, chairman and CEO, Zipcar, says the alliance will help Ford and Zipcar prepare the next generation of drivers for the future of urban transportation while helping the companies better understand the unique preferences of the college-age segment of the driving population.

“We’ve had Zipcars on campuses for more than eight years and as a result we’ve learned a lot from the next generation of drivers. We’re targeting a generation that only knows how to buy music by the song so paying for a car by the hour is a natural for them. Students are smart consumers who appreciate Zipcar’s ‘Wheels when you want them’ approach,” said Griffith. “We believe this alliance will drive home the value of using Zipcar and the fun of driving a Ford when students need a ride. With reduced membership fees and hourly rates sponsored by Ford, they can save even more money on sustainable transportation, without sacrificing the freedom – and fun – of having a car on campus.”

Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 250 universities throughout North America, including Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, the University of Southern California, the University of California – Berkeley, Loyola Marymount University, Florida State University, the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and George Washington University, among others.

Affordable, fun and sustainable transportation for U.S. university students
Zipcar provides an affordable and convenient transportation solution for college students living on campus with all-inclusive rates that cover parking, gas, insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance.

While Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of vehicles to its members, final vehicle selections for its fleet are heavily scrutinized. Members weigh in on brand preferences through annual surveys, and Zipcar reviews total cost of ownership for each new model. Leading technology and fuel economy in the Ford Focus and Escape were persuasive factors in selecting Ford for this collaboration.

Car-sharing programs such as Zipcar are increasingly becoming students’ first experiences behind the wheel. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 declined by 19 percent from 1978 to 2008.

According to an independent study commissioned by Zipcar in 2010, almost half of all 18- to 34-year-old drivers are driving less, and nearly two-thirds would drive less if alternative transportation options were available.

The study of licensed drivers revealed that 45 percent of Millennials (ages 18 to 34) said they had consciously made an effort to reduce how much they drive, and 64 percent would drive less if alternative options including public transportation, car sharing or convenient carpooling (ride sharing) were available in their area.

“Millennials appear to have developed a very different view of the automobile. Access and convenience are their top priorities, meaning that Zipcar and its alliances with companies such as Ford can deliver what they want easily, affordably and with the technology and sustainability they truly value,” said Griffith.

Check out the all-new Ford Focus at work in the Zipcar fleet: http://fordvideo.wieck.com/search?q=zipcar


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 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.ford.com/.

About Zipcar
Zipcar is the world's leading car sharing network with more than 605,000 members and more than 9,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car. More information is available at http://www.zipcar.com/.

Photos and b-roll footage are available for media purposes at http://www.zipcar.mediaroom.com/. Zipcar and the Zipcar logo are trademarks of Zipcar, Inc.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, including statements with respect to growing Zipcar’s University member base and the potential future growth of the relationship between Zipcar and Ford Motor Company. Among the factors that could cause Zipcar’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include Zipcar’s ability to profitably attract new members and retain existing customers, adverse economic conditions in general and adverse economic conditions specifically affecting the markets in which Zipcar operates, Zipcar's ability to compete effectively, Zipcar's ability to manage growth and other risks detailed in Zipcar’s publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements reflect Zipcar’s expectations only as of the date of this release and should not be relied upon as reflecting Zipcar’s views, expectations or beliefs at any date subsequent to the date of this release.

Ford wins 1-2 in Australia!

Follow the team on Facebook/FordWRC

Ford Abu Dhabi has pulled off a great victory at Rally Australia, with Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala bringing their Fiesta RS WRC cars home in first and second places to set the World Rally Championship ablaze.

Becs Williams reports...

Global Focus ST

Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development discusses the Global nature of the Focus ST and the collaboration of Team RS and SVT to form the Global Performance Vehicle Team.

Ford Evos Concept - Technology - Full Length Video

The future of personal transportation. . . The Ford Evos is one example.

Mustang Alley 2011

Mustang Alley is a chance for Mustang owners to show off their beautiful vehicles as part of the Woodward Dream Cruise. Check out this year's impressive turn out.

Remembering Dale Ellis - A Commercial Truck Icon

Oct, 2007 NCFTC event

Oct, 2007 NCFTC event

April 24th, 2008 NCFTC event

April 14th, 2011 NCFTC event

April 14th, 2011 NCFTC event

April 14th, 2011 NCFTC event

We want to acknowledge and remember fondly Dale Ellis, who to many of us was a commercial truck icon. We knew him from Grumman-Olson and it seemed that he was there for so long until the company closed and he went to Supreme. Working full time into his eighties was inspiring. He just seemed to love what he did and he seemed to love everyone he came in contact with. He attended every event and was a great supporter of the Nor Cal Ford Truck Club and each one of us at our dealerships.

Dale showed us the value of being a nice guy, the value of persistence, and the personal example of loving life and being an active participant. There is so much we probably didn't know about Dale and the bio below from the Fresno Bee may help, but what we did know of Dale was more than enough.

Thank you Dale for being YOU!


Here's a short bio from the Fresno Bee:

"Dale passed away peacefully under hospice care on Friday, August 26, 2011, in Fresno, Ca. Dale Eugene Ellis was born at home in Meadow Grove, Ne. to Ernest F. and Thelma (Carroll) Ellis, on February 17, 1932.

He received his Elementary and High School education at the Meadow Grove Public Schools for 11 years, completing his 12th year in Haviland, Kansas and started college in Sterling, Kansas. Enlisting in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War,taking his training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, and he finished his training as a hospital corpsman with top honors. He was honorably discharged from Paris Island SC in 1953.

Dale attended Junior College in Nebraska, a short time before enrolling at the University of Minnesota College of Mortuary Science, in which he graduated again with top honors as a Mortician and Funeral Director. Dale held a certification with the Minnesota Board of Health for Over 50 years. Dale was a former president of the Minnesota State Jaycees.

He relocated to Fresno, California in 1975 and became a sales representative for Steiger Tractor company, for the West Coast, where he was top sales representative for several years. He married Jamie "Pips" Pipes on March 15, 1980, and they made their home in Fresno, California. They enjoyed travel and cruises around the world. Dale loved his dogs and currently best friend, Maile.

Dale was an avid golfer, wherever he traveled he had his clubs with him, "oh my, what a problem." He enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips throughout the Midwest and West Coast. He was the master chef for the family get-togethers. Just mention Fresno City College Rams football program, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, or Fresno State Bulldogs and you could see how much he loved sports.

He worked as a Territory Sales Manager for Grumman/Olson Truck Bodies and Supreme Truck bodies until his health failed. He loved sales and was most content when running wide open and never looking back. Dale was preceded in death by his parents; and grandparents. He will be greatly missed by friends and family. He is survived by his wife, Jamie "Pips" of Fresno, California; siblings, Howard Ellis and his wife Sue of Bakersfield, Ca., Charlette Wyatt and her husband Dick of Erie, Co., Phyllis Johansen and her husband Darrell of Overland Park, Ks., Doug Ellis and his wife Beth of Meadow Grove, Ne.; and numerous nieces and nephews that he enjoyed.

Visitation will be at New Hope Community Church, 4620 East Nees Ave., Clovis, Ca. on Wednesday, September 7, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow. Interment will be a private family service at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Fresno, Ca. 93711; Veterans Medical Center, 2615 E. Clinton, Fresno, Ca. 93703; SPCA, 103 S. Hughes, Fresno, Ca, 93706; or charity of choice.

As published in the Fresno Bee on September 4, 2011"

WRC - Ford's new Rally HQ

Follow the Team on Facebook/Ford WRC

Ford has a new HQ in the Service Park - it's a state-of-the-art building designed to give the team the best-possible base during a WRC event.

With complete facilities for the engineers and coordinators, working areas for staff and a huge area to entertain media and guests, the building is the talk of the sport.

We've been taking a look...