Ford 2009 Annual Report Download - page 21

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Ford Motor Company | 2009 Annual Report 19
We have developed a sustainability strategy that outlines future technology pathways for our vehicle production in the
near-, mid- and long-term. Near-term, we have introduced EcoBoost, doubled the number and volume production of our
hybrids and continue to implement fuel-saving technologies such as six-speed transmissions and electric power assist
steering in the product lineup. We also have announced an aggressive electric vehicle strategy that will bring at least four
new electric vehicles to market in the United States within the next three years. Late this year, the Ford Transit Connect
Electric, a small, all-electric commercial van will be introduced to the market, aimed at commercial vehicle owners. Next
year, we will begin production of a zero-emission Ford Focus Electric vehicle at our Michigan Assembly Plant. In 2012, we
will produce, at that same facility, the next-generation hybrid vehicle and plug-in hybrid. Electric vehicle projects also are
underway in Germany and the United Kingdom. We continue to engage in a number of collaborative agreements to
address the many challenges that remain for electrified transportation, including battery development, standardization,
cost, electric infrastructure and connectivity to the national power grid.
Drive Safe. We are expanding our heritage of leading vehicle safety with both advanced crash protection and crash
avoidance technology. We have the most U.S. government five-star rated vehicles and the most "Top Safety Picks" from
the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety of any automaker. We are building on our safety leadership by focusing on three
key areas – addressing driver behavior, enhancing crash protection even more and pioneering the next frontier of safety
with "active" crash-avoidance technologies. For example, we have introduced a new feature called MyKey to help parents
encourage their teenagers to drive more safely and more fuel efficiently, and to increase safety belt usage. MyKey – which
debuted on the 2010 Ford Focus and is quickly becoming standard on many other Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models –
allows owners to program a key that can limit the vehicle's top speed and audio volume. We also began offering a new
advanced crash-avoidance technology, Collision Warning with Brake Support, on certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles in
2009, including the 2010 model-year Ford Taurus. This feature uses radar to detect slowing or stationary vehicles directly
ahead and warns the driver with an authoritative beep and a red warning light projected on the windshield. The next-
generation Ford Explorer, which goes into production in 2010, will debut the auto industry's first-ever production use of
inflatable seat belts, designed to provide additional protection for rear-seat occupants – often children and older
passengers who can be more vulnerable to head, chest and neck injuries. We eventually plan to offer inflatable seat belt
technology on other vehicles globally.
In Europe, we plan to offer a suite of new safety and driver assistance technology on vehicles sold in the region in 2010
and beyond, including our Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Active Park Assist, Torque Vectoring Control,
Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Aid, Low Speed Collision Mitigation System, Traffic Sign
Recognition System, Driver Alert, All-Seat Beltminder and Power Child Locks. Many of these safety features will become
available with the introduction of the next-generation C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Focus and freshened S-MAX and Galaxy.
Drive Smart. We earned our second consecutive invitation to keynote the International Consumer Electronics Show,
placing the Company among the world's leading electronics and technology innovators. At the show, our President and
Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally introduced MyFord Touch and the next-generation of SYNC that will redefine the in-car
experience with a simpler, safer and smarter way to connect drivers with available technology and their digital lives. MyFord
Touch presents a holistic approach to accessing and personalizing vehicle settings and functions using a mix of graphic,
touch, and voice user interfaces. MyFord Touch was recognized with CNET's "Best of CES" and Popular Mechanics'
"Editor's Choice" awards at the show. MyFord and SYNC are both headed to the European market for upcoming products,
including the Focus and C-MAX. Ford also is leading the way in leveraging the growing consumer trend of smartphone
applications ("apps") with an innovative approach to control the applications through SYNC. Our application programming
interface ("API") brings popular apps such as Pandora internet radio, Stitcher "smart" radio and the Twitter client OpenBeak
into the car. These technologies not only provide greater connectivity to vehicle occupants, but importantly also help mitigate
driver distraction risks by using the safer means of voice commands to control functions and programs.