DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Bon appetit!

Monday, Oct. 24 is National Food Day, a celebration that unites communities all over America around healthy, affordable and sustainable food options and education. As part of this effort, Ford is sharing a series of lunch menus that showcase several of the sustainable materials - from soy beans to wheat straw - the company employs to displace petroleum usage in its cars and trucks. Click here for menus.

Dan Pierce | dpierc41@ford.com | 313.594.0949

New SYNC software update gives more drivers safer texting alternatives

Ford is giving more SYNC® users the ability to have text messages read aloud to them while driving through the latest free SYNC software update. G1 V3.2.2 includes the emerging MAP Bluetooth® standard, which outlines a set of features and procedures used to exchange email, SMS and MMS between SYNC and a smartphone. Since SYNC launched in 2007, Ford has offered several updates, and owners are taking advantage; nearly 14,000 software downloads occur monthly. more...

Alan Hall | ahall32@ford.com | 313.594.3744

Ford to demonstrate smart electrification technology that adapts with green cities

Ford will demonstrate its research into how cloud-based technology can make vehicles smarter at the 18th World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems next week. Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford will be a featured speaker. He'll talk about the future of transportation and how innovations such as smart electrification can help solve emerging transportation issues around the world. more...

Dan Pierce | dpierc41@ford.com | 313.594.0949

Seven auto manufacturers collaborate on one charging station

Recognizing the importance of a single approach for DC fast charging, Audi, BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen have agreed on the combined charging system as an international standardized approach to charge electric vehicles in Europe and the U.S. The system integrates all charging scenarios into one vehicle inlet/charging connector and uses identical ways for the vehicle to communicate with the charging station. more...

Dan Pierce | dpierc41@ford.com | 313.594.0949

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), 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 www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company