More Crunchy(ish) News from Ford

Ford has a new contest going on. The program challenges Facebook users to ‘take charge’ and submit ways they minimize their impact on the environment. Users will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite submissions and give the top winners an experience similar to the one I had at the Ford Green Driving event in January. Trust me. It's awesome.

Winners will be chosen from four categories and be invited to Dearborn – along with a guest – to tour Ford’s operations, drive a car on the test track, and chat with vehicle engineers. 

How do you participate? Visit the ‘Take Charge’ tab on the Ford Electric Vehicles Facebook Page and submit their best ideas. You can learn more at http://www.fordevtakecharge.com/.

NAIAS and Ford Green Day Two

During the second half of my trip to Detroit I got the opportunity to learn more about Ford's overall vision for sustainability. I toured the Rouge River F-150 plant, tested out some new vehicles and heard Ford's plans to make fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles affordable and accessible for all. It was great to hear from the people in the front offices that issues like global urbanization, total life-cycle conservation, conflict minerals and corporate social responsibility both in the U.S. and abroad were at the top of their list of concerns.

NAIAS and Ford Green Day One

I’ve had a great first 24 hours in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show and Ford Green Driving Technology Event. I’ve been unexpectedly moved and impressed by many of the car companies' commitment to sustainability and fuel economy. Is it all just lip-service following a trend in green living? Who knows? But I’ve felt a sincerity from many of the company representatives (And believe me, I’m as skeptical and cynical as they come.)

On Sunday night I had dinner at the Detroit Institute of Art in the Diego Rivera Gallery. Those beautiful murals represent an unlikely partnership between American industrial businessman Henry Ford and Mexican communist artist Diego Rivera. (Take note partisan politicians – amazing things happen when opposites work together.) Also at the dinner was Edsel Ford II, great-grandson of Henry Ford. He came across as not just another PR wonk or executive spouting the company line.

Edsel Ford II speaking at the Ford Green Event Sunday

This morning I got the opportunity to attend the Ford press conference where they unveiled a new line of fuel efficient gas, hybrid and electric vehicles. I haven’t had time to study all the facts and stats behind their new lines, but Ed Begley, Jr. spoke in favor of the new Ford line, and if it’s good enough for Ed, it’s probably good enough for me.

Remember guys, I'm just sharing my impressions and experiences at this event as an average person who's trying to be greener. I'm no expert, but I'm going to share the information I learn with you.

*Fun Fact: There are two pair of recycled blue jeans in the roof lining of the new Ford Focus*

More to come!

*I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time.  My opinions posted here are my own.*

Ford Green Driving Technology Event

I am incredibly excited to announce that I will head to Detroit tomorrow to participate in the Ford World Headquarters Tour, Green Driving Technology Event and North American International Auto Show. I can not wait to get up there and learn more about how Ford is using green materials, sustainability strategies and biotechnology to make more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles.

I am especially looking forward to representing the typical American mom. I am not a techy or a car person. I'm into green living and environmental causes, but I don't know that much about the science or technology behind them. This trip will allow me to tell Ford what real moms are looking for in green vehicles.

Here are some things I look for in a vehicle:

• Room enough to haul baby and baby stuff, but not so much room I feel like I'm driving a boat.
• Safety, safety, safety. I wanna see air bags popping out of every nook and cranny.
• Green improvements that save me money on gas and maintenance.
• Space in the front passenger seat for me and a toddler to take a nursing break while out and about. (Haha. Obviously this one is a joke. Kinda.)

I'll also have the opportunity to participate in a Q & A with some of the designers and engineers at Ford. Let me know what questions you'd like me to ask.

P.S. I'm an awful flyer. Wish me luck! (Or really wish the person in the seat next to me luck.)

*I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time.  My opinions posted here are my own.*