Source: Ford Motor Company

The new Ford Focus
Cologne, Germany. January 15, 2009. Ford of Europe is revealing an unprecedented variety of new models, technologies and innovations during 2010, further strengthening its portfolio and delivering affordable, state-of-the art features focused on fuel economy, safety, and driver comfort and convenience.
Just two weeks into 2010 Ford has already revealed a new, global Ford Focus at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, and significantly improved new Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models at the European Motor Show in Brussels.
These new models - and the 2010 Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX previewed at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show - introduce an exciting range of new features and innovations to the Ford range, including advanced powertrains and the latest vehicle and safety technologies.
"Ford has a very busy year in 2010, and the new Focus, S-MAX and Galaxy models we have just revealed are just the start of the story," said Ford of Europe Chairman & CEO, John Fleming. "These new models, along with the C-MAX and Grand C-MAX, bring a wealth of innovative features into the Ford of Europe range, providing our customers with unprecedented levels of performance, sophistication and value."
New Models in Brief
Next Generation Ford Focus Previewed
The next-generation Ford Focus made its worldwide debut at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this week, ahead of its market launch in Europe early in 2011.
Both the elegant four-door sedan and dynamic five-door hatchback body styles are previewed at the show, combining sleek, stylish and sporty appearance with class-leading levels of technology and craftsmanship.
The new Focus has been developed by a global team, led by Ford's small and medium vehicle development centre in Merkenich, Germany, and has been engineered to meet all customer and legislative requirements of the major worldwide markets.
"As the lead vehicle engineering activity responsible for the next generation of global C-cars, Ford's European development team is totally committed to delivering an outstanding family of new products," added Fleming. "The Focus is the most important model for us in Europe and is critical to Ford globally. We haven't accepted any compromises in its development."
The next-generation Focus will bring C-segment customers an exciting array of advanced technologies normally only found in larger, premium segment vehicles. These include safety and driver assistance features like a new low speed collision mitigation system, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, and Active Park Assist, plus the latest cockpit technologies such as the state-of-the-art MyFord driver connection system with a powerful Ford SYNC connectivity and voice-control package.
The driver appeal of the new Ford Focus is magnified by a powertrain range that uses the latest technologies to deliver outstanding fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The line-up will include the 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost turbocharged direct injection petrol engine, and upgraded 1.6- and 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi
common-rail diesel engines.
All-New Ford C-MAX and Grand C-MAX Multi Activity Vehicles
The all-new, two-model Ford C-MAX range made its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, bringing new levels of style and desirability to the compact multi-activity vehicle (MAV) market. The new models will go on sale from the second half of 2010.
For the first time, Ford's compact MAV customers will have the choice of a 5-seat C-MAX or the new 7-seat Grand C-MAX, which features twin sliding doors and an innovative walk-through rear seat design to provide outstanding space and flexibility.
Sharing the same efficient and responsive powertrains featured in the next-generation Focus, the new C-MAX also introduces other new customer-focused technologies which improve practicality and safety for family users. These innovations include a new semi-automatic parallel parking system known as Active Park Assist, plus a Blind Spot Information System, All-seat Beltminder -including belt minder for rear seat passengers, power child locks and a power-operated tailgate.
Fresh New Ford S-MAX and Galaxy
Revealed at the 2010 European Motor Show in Brussels and on sale from late spring 2010, the latest S-MAX and Galaxy models have a fresh new look and some exciting new technologies.
They are the first cars to be available with the all-new, high efficiency 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost petrol engine, and they also offer a significantly improved 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel line-up, with a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant. The advanced Ford PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch transmission is available for the first time on the company's large car range, and is standard with the Ford EcoBoost petrol engine and optional for the Duratorq TDCi diesels. A range of innovative new safety and convenience features debuts with the new
S-MAX and Galaxy, including a Blind Spot Information System, Speed Limiter, LED exterior and interior lighting, power child locks, and an impressive new 265-watt Ford Premium Sound System.
New Engines for Ford Mondeo
Early in 2010, the Ford Mondeo joins the updated S-MAX and Galaxy models in offering a significantly enhanced range of high-efficiency powertrains.
These include the 203 PS (149kW) 2.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with standard Ford PowerShift automatic transmission, and the latest 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine with a new 163 PS (120 kW) variant and optional Ford PowerShift transmission.
New Technologies in Brief
The range and breadth of new features and technologies being introduced in Ford of Europe's new models starting in 2010 is virtually unprecedented in the company's history. "We have never introduced such a tremendous wealth of new technical features and powertrains in a single year", Fleming said. "Our transformation to a more global company under the ONE Ford initiative has enabled us to harness all of the company's worldwide design and product development resources. This has made it possible to advance significantly the level of technology available across Ford of Europe's next generation medium and large cars."
The customer-focused technologies coming to Ford of Europe's new models cover all areas, from efficient new powertrains to innovative features for active safety and driver assistance, from new levels of intuitive driver connectivity to premium in-car entertainment and enhanced comfort.
Powertrain News
Ford EcoBoost
All-new 1.6-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi petrol engine [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX]
All-new 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost SCTi petrol engine [NEW to Ford - available on 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/Mondeo]
Ford Duratorq TDCi Diesels
Improved Ford 1.6- and 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engines [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Kuga, 2010 Mondeo,(2.0-litre TDCi only on 2010 S-MAX/ Galaxy)]
Advanced Ford PowerShift Transmission
Increased availability of the advanced Ford PowerShift six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission system [available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Kuga, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/Mondeo]
New Manual Transmission
A new six-speed manual transmission for small and medium cars [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX]
2010 Ford Focus ECOnetic with Auto-Start-Stop Technology
New Ford Focus ECOnetic offers even better fuel economy and lower emissions -Ford's first Auto-Start-Stop System can be added as an option, taking CO2 down to a class-leading 99g/100km and combined fuel economy of 3.8 litres/100 km. The standard car delivers combined 4.0 litres/100 km and average 104 g CO2/100km.
Active Safety and Driver Assistance
Blind Spot Information System [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy]
Speed Limiter [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy]
Electric power steering with pull-drift compensation and torque steer compensation [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX]
Active Park Assist (semi-automatic parallel parking system) [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX]
Torque Vectoring Control [NEW to Ford- available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX]
All-seat Beltminder [NEW to Ford - on next-generation Focus, Grand C-MAX]
Rear view camera [available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Kuga, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy]
Adaptive Cruise Control [available on next-generation Focus, 2010 S-MAX/ Galaxy/Mondeo]
Lane Departure Warning [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus]
Lane Keeping Aid [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus]
Auto High Beam [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus]
Driver Alert [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus]
Traffic Sign Recognition system [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus]
Low speed collision mitigation system [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus]
Driver Connectivity and In-Car Entertainment
MyFord driver connectivity system [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX]
Ford SYNC connectivity and voice control [NEW to Ford of Europe - available on next-generation Focus]
Ford Premium Sound System [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy]
Ford Mobile Navigation [available on next-generation Focus, Fiesta, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/Mondeo]
Comfort, Convenience, Cost of Ownership
Twin sliding doors, power-operated tailgate and walk-through rear seats [available on Grand C-MAX]
Shift indicator [available on next-generation Focus, Kuga and 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/ Mondeo]
Ford Eco Mode system [available on 2010 Focus ECOnetic, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, 2010 Mondeo ECOnetic]
Door edge protector [NEW to industry - available on next-generation Focus]
Active grille shutters to improve aerodynamic drag [available on next-generation Focus]
Ford EasyFuel [available on next-generation Focus, Kuga, Fiesta, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/Mondeo]
Ford Keyless System and Ford Power Button [available on next-generation Focus,
Fiesta, C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, Kuga, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/Mondeo]
Power Child Locks [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus, C-MAX,
Grand C-MAX, 2010 S-MAX/Galaxy/Mondeo]
LED interior lighting [NEW to Ford - available on next-generation Focus,
C-MAX, Grand C-MAX, 2010 S-MAX]
LED Day Running Lights [NEW to Ford - available on 2010 S-MAX]
Leadership in Affordable Technology
The unprecedented introduction of new features and technologies to the European range during 2010 highlights the positive impact of Ford's global product development strategy.
"With the launch of our new global C-car family, we're demonstrating that Ford is committed to offering customers the very latest technologies and innovations from inside and outside the automotive industry in our next generation models", explained Fleming. "I am convinced that the strength of our worldwide development resources will ensure that Ford is a leader in making

Irvine, California. USA. January 15, 2010:  New American carmaker Fisker Automotive has secured access to an additional $115.3 million in private equity funding to develop plug-in hybrid cars.   
This funding is necessary for Fisker Automotive (www.fiskerautomotive.com) to access a $528.7 million U.S. Department of Energy conditional loan that will, in part, help speed completion of the Fisker Karma, the company's first plug-in hybrid. 
The raise comes at a time when capital is scarce, the auto industry is struggling and the global economy is just beginning to rebound.
Starting at $87,900 the Karma paves the way for development of lower-cost plug-in hybrid technology for a second, family-oriented car code named Project NINA.  Project NINA is expected to be built in Wilmington, Delaware at a former General Motors assembly plant starting in 2012. 
"Raising $115 million in these times speaks volumes about the value of our business model and the vast potential of plug-in hybrids," said Henrik Fisker, CEO.
Investors include A123 Systems, Ace Investments and Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.
Fisker Automotive earlier this week signed a multi-year supply agreement with A123 Systems for the lithium-ion batteries that will power the Karma. 
"Fisker Automotive selected A123 because of the company's ability to meet our performance needs and rapidly scale to our production volume," said Fisker.  "We are committed to developing environmentally friendly cars that don't sacrifice style or performance.  A123's technology will ensure the Karma delivers."
Designed and engineered in the U.S., the four-door Karma proves eco-friendly cars can still have style and power.  The Karma can reach 60mph in six seconds and top 125mph, yet runs cleaner and more efficiently than today's most popular hybrids.

Friedrichshafenm Deutschland. 18 jan 2010. Der kleine Elektroflitzer sorgt für große Schlagzeilen und feiert bald Weltpremiere: Der "Rinspeed UC?" wurde von Frank M. Rinderknecht und seinem Unternehmen Rinspeed konzipiert und soll möglichst schnell durch die Großstädte kurven. Der Schweizer Autoexperte beschäftigt sich seit zehn Jahren mit Nachhaltigkeitsthemen in der Mobilität: "Wir haben viel Erfahrung auf diesem Gebiet gesammelt und uns bereits mit diesem Thema beschäftigt, als noch niemand an alternative Mobilität dachte." Frank M. Rinderknecht sieht sich selbst als neuzeitlicher Pionier auf diesem Gebiet. Deshalb engagiert er sich auch bei einem anderen Pionier, der das Thema "E-Cars" bereits im vergangenen Jahr als Messethema angeschoben hat.
Die Expo für nachhaltige Mobilität "the electric avenue" findet vom 3. bis 6. Juni 2010 zum zweiten Mal in Friedrichshafen statt: "Wir sind als erster Messe-Veranstalter mit diesem Thema auf den Markt gegangen", betont Messechef Klaus Wellmann. Vorsprung durch ein alternatives Messekonzept: Elektrofahrzeuge erzeugen Spannung in der Automobilbranche, stoßen kaum auf Widerstand und die Medien fahren auf das Thema ab. Journalisten stehen unter Strom und wollen praxistaugliche Fahrzeuge testen. Jeder spricht von neuen Antrieben: Ob Hybrid, Plug-In-Hybrid, Brennstoffzelle oder Lithium-Ionen-Akkus. "Wir setzen voll auf Strom und wollen die führende Messe der Elektroantriebe in Europa werden", geben Klaus Wellmann und Frank M. Rinderknecht die Richtung vor. "Nur wer sein Ziel formuliert, kann es auch erreichen". Beide sind überzeugt, dass die Expo "the electric avenue", die zeitgleich mit dem Oldtimerevent KLASSIKWELT BODENSEE von Donnerstag, 3. bis Sonntag, 6. Juni 2010 stattfindet, auch in diesem Jahr neue Maßstäbe setzen wird. 
Der Messestandort Friedrichshafen im Dreiländereck Deutschland, Österreich und Schweiz ist nach Überzeugung von Frank M. Rinderknecht wie geschaffen für ein solches internationales Event: "Mobilität findet grenzübergreifend statt". Zum Messekonzept gehört die Präsentation der neuesten Elektromobile, großzügig angelegte Testparcours sowie Kongresse und Symposien zu aktuellen Themen im Rahmenprogramm. "Dies zusammen bedeutet eine ideale Networking-Plattform für die Branche", unterstreicht Frank M. Rinderknecht. Er selbst ist in der Szene der Elektromobile gut vernetzt. Für ihn geht es an dieser Stelle nicht nur um alternative Antriebe, sondern auch um eine emotionale Botschaft: "Elektroantriebe sorgen für ein neues Fahrvergnügen, der Spaß am Autofahren erfährt neue Dimensionen." 
Diesem Anspruch will die Expo für alternative Antriebe "the electric avenue" auch im Jahr 2010 wieder gerecht werden. Im Jahr 2009 ist die Premiere mit einem überaus erfreulichen Ergebnis zu Ende gegangen: 42.000 Besucher ließen sich vier Tage lang von der neuen Expo für nachhaltige Mobilität und von der KLASSIKWELT BODENSEE begeistern. Testen und ausprobieren - das hatte bei der Expo "the electric avenue" absolute Priorität: Einmal "erfahren", wie ein elektrogetriebener Sportwagen "abgeht" oder ein E-Bike und ein Elektro-Roller beschleunigen - das haben viele Besucher gerne in Anspruch genommen und dabei "Fahrspaß pur" genossen. 

Employees at the Honeoye Falls Fuel Cell site partnered with an energized Team Gear Freeze, comprised of 11 Honeoye Falls Lima Middle School Students, to help them take first place at a robotics competition recently held at the University of Rochester.
Source: GM

Detroit, Michigan. USA. January 6, 2010. Team Gear Freeze was named the Regional Champions in the Greater Finger Lakes Region after competing against 100 teams to achieve their championship status. The students and their mentors, will travel to the FIRST Lego League Robotics International Competition in Atlanta in April 2010.
FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.
The Honeoye Falls employees supported Team Gear Freeze in the competition by grilling them on the operation of their robot model, appropriately named The Pumpinator, during a panel session. When asked what the students planned to do with the water by-product of their fuel cell model, the students articulated a well-engineered plan to redirect the water as windshield fluid.
The Honeoye Falls team was credited for helping to stretch student thinking in preparation for the challenging rounds of competition and questions. Gary Stottler, Mary Neelin, Barb Moore, Pam VeCasey, Brian McMurrough, and Paul Shoytush are GM panel members supporting the team.