The 2011 Ford Explorer

'Your Ideas' to Ford -- thumbs up or down?

When Ford launched the Your Ideas section on theFordStory.com in April of 2010, we suspected that quite a few of you had an idea for a future feature or technology that you would like to share with Ford. Boy, were we right – more than 2,800 ideas have been posted since then!

This section is about more than just posting an idea, though. It allows you to develop the idea with comments from others. Visitors can participate in a community-based setting online where they can review and rate the idea with a thumbs-up or -down.

The most popular category to date is Performance/Driving Dynamics, with Comfort/Convenience running a close second.

Ironman Community of Athletes

Ford recently expanded its role with Ironman through the creation of the Ford Training Team, a new online community for athletes at www.fordtrainingteam.com. It’s a place where people training for Ironman or any type of endurance sport can share stories, photos and videos.

“Many endurance athletes like to join clubs where they can compare notes and compete with other athletes,” said Peters. “This Web site provides a forum for them to do just that. It also offers tips on conditioning, nutrition and videos from the pros, like Ironman athlete Chris Lieto.”

Ford is teaming up with other Ironman supporters to offer rewards to participating athletes, such as heart rate monitors and wet suits.

Ford enters sixth year as title sponsor of Ironman

Ford is in its sixth year as title sponsor of Ironman events, a series of seven Ironman qualifying events in the U.S., and the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The series also consists of five additional Ironman 70.3 races (formerly known as the Half-Ironman) in the U.S. and the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Fla., of which Ford is the presenting sponsor. Each full-distance Ironman race consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run competition.

Ford's New "Curve Control" Technology


The 2011 Ford Explorer will be the first vehicle to feature Ford's new curve control enhancement to electronic stability control and we get a first hand demonstration

Quick. Is it a Ninja or something else?



Ford Explorer Program Manager, Julie Levine describes how the all new Explorer is being put to the test in a series of different on and off-road tests designed to drive quality and fuel economy improvements. You'll have to look closely at the above video because the Explorer is disguised using Ninja garb.

Letting the Fiesta Unwrap Itself

So far, nearly everything about the 2011 Ford Fiesta introduction in North America has been unique. Now Ford is also changing part of the dealer experience, letting the Fiesta unwrap itself. When 2011 Ford Fiesta owners pick up their new car, they’ll learn about it in a whole new way through the use of an interactive USB.

The experience has three key elements. It kicks off with a short video featuring Fiesta Movement agents that is viewed on a kiosk located on the showroom floor. Following the video, consumers can have their picture taken with their new ride, which is then uploaded to the Fiesta Community site.

Next, owner can plug the preloaded USB into the Fiesta. This lets the car unwrap itself, guiding the owner through the cool features in their new car with nineteen minutes of infotainment-type audio. Topics range from push button start to the sound-deadening windshield glass.

Once they get home, customers can plug the USB into their home computer to download a Fiesta Community app, which is a place they can continue to engage with Ford, their dealer and other Fiesta enthusiasts.

Features of the Fiesta Community app include:
  • Fiestapedia: Serves as an online wiki, where owners can get tips from other owners and contribute their own ideas, with more than fifteen categories to choose from.
  • Photoshop: Users can retrieve their photo taken when they received their car, and Photoshop in a background, with more than fifty to choose from. After the photo is completed, it can easily be shared through social media channels like Facebook.
  • Online Community: Connects owners through collaboration with Fiesta Faction, an existing enthusiast club.
  • Dealer Store: Ties owners in with their dealer, so they can check out their Facebook page or website, and keep up-to-date with events.
  • Podcasts: Offers a dozen podcasts with greater detail about the features on Fiesta, such as safety and SYNC.
  • Fiesta News: Provides updated news on the world of Fiesta
  • Ford Connections: Makes it easy to connect with Ford, through www.fordvehicles.com, www.syncmyride.com and www.flmowner.com.
The Fiesta Movement has taught Ford that consumers want to continue the dialogue with the Company and other Fiesta owners.

Follow the Fiesta

How Many Laps Will It Go? Guess right and you could win a 2011 Mustang!


Pick the correct number of complete laps and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a 2011 Mustang V-6. Entrants also must register to receive the Fast News email newsletter from Ford Racing (at no charge) to be eligible to win.

Read about the details here.



[get a beta version 2011 Ford Fiesta]