Founded in 1903, Ford Motor Company is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, just outside of Detroit. Like Chrysler and General Motors, the company suffered greatly through the American economic recession, reporting a record loss in 2008, but turned a profit the following year, its first in 4 years at the time. Ford is led by executive chairman Bill Ford, Jr., the great-grandson of founder Henry Ford. Also at the helm is President and CEO Alan Mulally, who worked as an engineer and later became executive vice president and CEO for major aerospace company Boeing prior to his appointment to Ford in 2006. The company produces mainly two brands: Ford for automobiles and commercial vehicles, and Lincoln for luxury vehicles. With a profitable year in 2013, Ford Motor Company is looking to continue its string of success into 2014. [1]
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| Ford Motor Company headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan [5] |
Ford Motor Company sports a lineup of recognizable vehicles for consumers worldwide. First in line is the compact Ford Focus, which is currently the best-selling vehicle nameplate in the world. The Focus is an incredibly environmentally-focused car, featuring the company's most fuel-efficient automatic transmission and interior cloth materials made from 25% recycled content. In addition, innovations like a sealed front-end and engine undershield maximize the aerodynamic properties of the Focus, reducing drag as much as possible to increase fuel economy. The Ford Fiesta sedan offers the best-in-class highway fuel economy and includes seven standard airbags, one of which is a previously-unheard-of driver's knee airbag. One of the more famous vehicles in Ford's lineup is the Mustang convertible, which is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 engine that provides 420 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. With available features like a panoramic glass roof and an app that tracks performance metrics like brake performance and g-forces, the Mustang is a dream for sports car lovers. Finally, another famous vehicle in the Ford family is its F-150 truck. The latest edition hauls up to 3,120 pounds of cargo, more than any vehicle in its class, and has a trailing towing capacity of up to 11,300 pounds. Additional features like a stowable bed extender and cable lock make this truck stand out for those who tackle heavy-duty jobs. With these vehicles and other options like the Taurus and Fusion cars and Explorer and Escape SUVs, Ford will continue to appeal to customers with many different needs. [2][3]
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| 2014 Ford Focus [6] |
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| 2014 Ford Fiesta [7] |
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| 2014 Ford F-150 [8] |
Part of what makes Ford's lineup so appealing is its continued emphasis on technology and environmental friendliness. Their family of turbocharged, direct injected petrol engines known as EcoBoost engines are designed to offer greater fuel efficiency and less greenhouse emissions than other hybrid options. To support its Focus Electric, Fusion Energi, and C-MAX Energi vehicles, all of which are fueled at least partially by electrical power, the company has plans to install electric vehicle charge stations at over 50 of its workplaces in 2014. This adds to the 1,700 charging stations Ford already has at its dealerships and facilities across the country. Finally, most Ford vehicles offer SYNC and MyFord Touch connectivity, which allow features like hands-free calling and audible text message reading. Such features limit the amount of time viewed away from the road while appealing to the younger, technology-savvy generation of customers. Ford's ability to embrace technology and support higher environmental protection standards are a couple key reasons for their continued success. [3][4]
With a strong lineup, growing innovation, and a strong vision from their corporate leadership, Ford Motor Company is slated to continue its strong momentum into 2014 and beyond.
Sources:
[1] "Ford Motor Company." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2014. Web.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company>.
[2] "Vehicles." Ford Motor Company Products and. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://corporate.ford.com/vehicles>.
[3] "Ford Vehicles." Ford Vehicles. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.ford.com/vehicles/>.
[4] "Ford EcoBoost Engine." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Mar. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2014. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_EcoBoost_engine>.
[5] <http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/01/05/business/650_ford_2.jpg>
[6] <http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2013/10/29/19/00/2014_ford_focus-pic-2453061454641040872.jpeg>
[7] <http://media.caranddriver.com/images/12q4/487262/2014-ford-fiesta-st-photo-488886-s-1280x782.jpg>
[8] <http://image.motortrend.com/f/wot/ford-september-sales-f-series-fusion-post-gains-over-last-year-411781/59404933/2014-ford-f150-front-three-quarters.jpg>
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