All-New Hands-Free Technology
A new feature from Ford – the power liftgate – available on the all-new Ford Escape offers a hands-free alternative to opening the trunk. The all-new power liftgate opens with a simple kicking gesture under the rear bumper. There is no more need for fumbling for a key or setting packages down to open the trunk.
The new Escape will be the first SUV to use this gesture-based technology. “The hands-free power liftgate is yet another innovative Ford technology that makes customers’ lives easier,” said Jason Sprawka, Escape brand manager. “New Escape owners will be able to load their vehicle without ever having to set packages or gear down.”
The hands-free liftgate uses two sensors in the rear bumper to detect a person’s shin and kicking motion. The system safeguards against accidental opening by being programmed to open with leg motions – not when an animal runs under the car or when the vehicle hits a bump on the road.
The liftgate height can be programmed or adjusted manually to meet specific customer needs.
Reservations Open for 2012 Focus Electric
This week drivers that want to go completely gasoline-free will be able to configure the all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric online at Ford.com and place their orders with a Certified Electric Vehicle dealer.
“Today is an historic day, as Ford opens up the order banks for the company’s first full production, all-electric passenger vehicle – the Focus Electric,” said Chad D’Arcy, Focus Electric Marketing Manager, Ford Motor Company.
Drivers interested in learning more about the 2012 Focus Electric will be able to see detailed product specs and virtually build and price one at a dedicated online website: http://www.ford.com/electric/focuselectric/2012/. The online site also provides potential customers to the ability to find the location of their nearest Ford Certified EV dealer so they can place their order.
A limited number of Focus Electrics will first be available in California and New York/New Jersey regions. Availability of the Focus Electric will expand next year to the remaining 15 launch markets as production ramps up.
Ford Fans Can Show Their Love on New Website
A new website from Ford will allow fans and enthusiasts to show just how passionate they are for the Blue Oval. A http://www.fansaddit.com/, site visitors can view and buy hundreds of items that bear the Ford logo along with Ford products. The items range from small magnets and wall clocks to lockers, toolboxes, and professional-grade workbenches.
“Whether it’s a game room, basement or garage, thematic areas that demonstrate passion for a particular music brand, sports team or, in this case, brand, have become very popular,” said Regina Watson, Product Licensing manager, Ford. “The Ford brand has been featured on many products and in many ways for a long time, but this new site takes it up a notch.”
At fansaddit.com/ford, users first will see a virtual garage featuring one of several available themes, including Ford Racing, vintage Mustang, or F-150 SVT Raptor.
The virtual garage is loaded with products that reflect the theme, the Ford-branded garage floor tiles and wall clocks to full-size storage cabinets, workstations, locks, tool chests, and other unique items like a gas pump cooler.
“This is much different than the old way of doing things, where a company has a website and basically says, ‘Here is a picture of what we have for sale, take it or leave it,” said Derek Carlock, manager, Iconic Brand Collection.