Because the safety technologies are extremely advanced on the Fusion, and are a special grouping of such advancement, they have formed the basis for the R&D of future personal mobility solutions from Ford, including autonomous assist driving capabilities.The capabilities of the Fusion stem from new sensors, such as cameras and radar, combined with existing technologies like electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) and data from the anti-lock braking and stability control systems.

Among the available safety equipment on the Fusion is the Lane Keeping System (you can watch a video about it here), Driver Alert System, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®), active park assist, cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, collision warning and a rear view camera. This all equates to driver assistance never before available on a midsize sedan in America.

Bet that got your attention, too!

With regard to the R&D, sensing systems similar to what will be installed on the Fusion are the foundational hardware that will help further progress active safety technology. “The new Fusion is a showcase of how we will use sensors and vehicle data to enhance the driver’s own capabilities when behind the wheel,” said Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer and Vice President of Ford Research and Innovation. And watch for driver-assist technologies to eventually even help manage issues like traffic congestion and CO2 reduction.

Unifi’s REPREVE® brand of recycled fibers are used in all three vehicles; REPREVE is made from a hybrid blend of post-industrial and post-consumer waste. Each Focus Electric seating interior contains the equivalent of about 22 recycled plastic bottles made of PET – polyethylene terephthalate, the technical name of the plastic of which the bottles are made – while Fusion hybrids feature nearly 42.

Unifi and Ford are also setting up plastic bottle collection points within Ford facilities in Michigan and California. The bottles could be part of the more than 2 million plastic bottles that will be recycled into REPREVE for fabrics in the Fusion and Focus Electric in their first model years.

Here’s where you come in: When you buy one of these three Ford vehicles, you can automatically give back to eco-charities. The REPREVE Gives Back program has four environmental nonprofits from which you can designate: Keep America Beautiful, Conservation Alliance, American Rivers and Rocky Mountain Institute.

Both are American icons. Both were founded by visionaries – Henry Ford and Richard King. And both companies are leaders in innovation, conservation and preservation. With all that in common, collaboration between Ford and King Ranch seems rather fitting.

The King Ranch models of Ford vehicles feature the same uncompromising quality demanded by both American icons, along with the bold ruggedness and old-West heritage of the birthplace of American ranching. Be sure to visit ford.com to learn more about the 2012 Ford F-Series trucks and Expedition King Ranch Editions.

Back in 1853, Richard King, a former steamboat pilot, purchased a 15,500-acre Mexican land grant that would become the King Ranch. Located in Texas along the Santa Gertrudis Creek in an area others saw as a wasteland, King saw an opportunity for the cattle operation he had dreamed of for years. Known for its “Running W” brand, King Ranch had grown to 146,000 acres by the end of the Civil War in 1865.

Richard King went on to revolutionize ranching, implementing land management and breeding programs, while investing in railroads, packing houses, ice plants, and harbor improvements to bring his product to market. King Ranch even developed Santa Gertrudis cattle, named for the Santa Gertrudis Creek, the first-ever American-bred cattle.

Today, King Ranch spans over 825,000 acres, with properties in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and South Carolina. Yep, everything about King Ranch is big! In addition to its involvement in ranching, King Ranch’s citrus operations make it the largest citrus grower in the country. And King Ranch is the largest producer of turf grass in the United States, providing sod for thousands of lawns, athletic facilities, sports stadiums and golf courses.

And then there is the world-famous King Ranch Saddle Shop. The King Ranch Saddle Shop is a living, uninterrupted outgrowth of the original 1860s saddle shop created by Richard King when he was unable to find saddles and other tack that fit his cowboys’ demanding needs. King Ranch models look good and feel authentic because they are – just like the ranch that inspired their creation.

Ford King Ranch Edition F-Series trucks and Expedition wear the same “Running W” brand as the leather goods manufactured there, and share the same understated luxury and commitment to quality. After all, “The quality of the leather and craftsmanship along with what Ford stands for – that’s who King Ranch is,” says current King Ranch Chief Executive Officer, Robert Underwood. And all King Ranch Edition trucks and Expedition models proudly wear the “Running W” King Ranch logo on their floor mats, center caps and front fenders too.

The eight-passenger King Ranch Expedition and Expedition EL offer the flexibility of a power liftgate and a third-row power-folding seat, perfect for hauling around friends, family or a few ranch hands and their gear. And thanks to the standard rear view camera and rain-sensing-wiper, King Ranch Expedition drivers have a clear view of what lies behind and the open range ahead.

The King Ranch F-150 gets its giddyup and go from either the standard 5.0-liter V-8 or an available 365-horsepower EcoBoost® engine that offers up to 11,300 lbs. of best-in-class towing*. Riding herd over big loads is a snap, with trailer sway control which uses motion sensors to activate braking and reduce torque.

Built to work, King Ranch Super Duty® trucks, with available 6.7-liter Power Stroke® engines rated at 400-horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque are as hardworking as they are good looking. Lighted step bars illuminate for easy access,while PowerScope trailer tow mirrors and available factory installed 5th wheel/gooseneck prep kit readies this workhorse to tow up to 24,500 lbs.

The Go Further theme can also be explored through the new Fusion engineering and technology, and also with its design, one that feels athletic, but looks elegant. “It visually communicates that Fusion is going to drive as exceptionally as it looks,” noted Chris, who, with his team of designers, created a vehicle that represents an advancement in midsize family sedans.

The Fusion will be the first sedan to offer gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. That means a pair of EcoBoost™ four-cylinder engines, while the hybrid will have an all-new 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine. The Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid, aiming to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car in the world, is anticipated to deliver more than 100 MPGe, a mile per gallon equivalency metric for electrified vehicles.

Sometimes all it takes is a new perspective to see what’s right in front of you. As Alan Mullaly, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company said “Go Further is what Henry Ford meant when he promised that Ford would “open the highways to all mankind.”

Go further is about giving people the power of choice in the 2013 Ford Fusion with the widest-ever portfolio of fuel-efficient powertrains offered in the Fusion, including EcoBoost®, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines; automatic and manual transmission offerings; and auto start stop technology.

It’s also about turning a MyFord Touch® software upgrade for customers into a an opportunity to recycle for a charity.

It’s about a commitment to go above and beyond every day to solve real problems for real people. Making a difference in people’s lives. Like taking on the challenge of helping schools raise $1 million for education through 300-plus events across the U.S. in a single month with Drive One 4 UR School.

And, perhaps most importantly, it’s about a can do, will do, must do spirit.

And now Ford has done it again! The all-new 2012 Ford Focus Electric will yet again put the Blue Oval in the NASCAR history books like those aforementioned examples, when it becomes the first all-electric pace car to lead the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at the Richmond 400, at Richmond International Raceway on April 28, 2012.

Did you know that about 35 percent of new-car intenders are motorsports fans and 78 percent of them support NASCAR, according to Ford research? Or that Ford race fans are 67 percent more likely to consider Ford products than general market consumers? Now, what are the stats on Ford NASCAR fans and onion-blossom consumption?

Focus Electric is rated America’s most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle that offers an EPA-estimated 110 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) city, 99 MPGe highway and 105 MPGe combined. It operates entirely on battery-generated power.

Watch the Ford Focus Electric pace the Richmond 400 April 28, 2012.

This one-of-a-kind vehicle features custom silver edition painted body and graphics, a Roush 5.0L Supercharged Engine featuring the Ford Racing “Aluminator” long block with a 625 hp engine and 540 ft-lbs of torque, Roush tuned suspension, custom SVT GT500 track pack wheels, Roush custom body components and a customized Roush interior.

The live auction will take place during the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, to be held Wednesday, May 16 at Ford Field. Interested bidders may contact Renee Hayes at SAE (724-772-8508) prior to the event, or may also attend the event to participate in the live auction. Arrangements will be made for interested parties to participate by phone during the live auction if they are unable to attend the celebration dinner.

The Foundation also will honor Edsel B. Ford II with the Industry Leadership Award in addition to recognizing young men and women for leadership growth in the industry.

“Roush is proud to join Ford and SAE in the effort to help the United States continue to improve our country’s skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education,” said Jack Roush, NASCAR team owner; legendary builder of performance and specialty vehicles; and former college math and physics professor. “SAE’s programs are proven winners in helping young people get excited and pursue careers in these high-skills areas. We’re pleased to be part of their winner’s circle.”

For the past quarter century, the SAE Foundation has combated the pressing issue of STEM education through its curriculum development and activities geared toward students from elementary to collegiate levels.

“We know how to make math and engineering cool again in the eyes of young students,” said Matt Miller, director of the SAE Foundation and pre-professional programs. “To date more than four million students have been touched by the K-12 and collegiate programs in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces and territories.”

“When we can combine the Ford brand with great partners like Roush and the SAE Foundation it’s a win-win,” said Paul Mascarenas, Chief Technical Officer of Ford Motor Company and Chairman of the SAE Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Leadership Committee. “SAE Foundation programs like A World In Motion (AWIM) help encourage and engage young people in science and engineering, making an investment in the future of our industry.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to partner with two great brands like Roush and Ford to benefit our ongoing STEM programming efforts,” stated Miller. “The limited edition Roush Mustang is sure to be a big draw, given the American heritage of this muscle car, married with the performance and aesthetic modifications from Roush. It should be an exciting evening, and the winner will not only drive away with a cool car; the winner will help drive our efforts even further.”

The team left the New York International Auto Show on April 11th and stopped several times in each state to recharge the battery of its 2012 Ford Focus Electric, which recently earned a 110 mile-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe) rating from the EPA for city driving. They have established the record for the fastest coast-to-coast drive in an electric car, creating a target for others to beat as battery technology improves and charging options expand.

“With gas prices expected to reach nearly $5 per gallon this summer, the Great American Road Trip is poised for a Great American Renaissance,” said David Zinczenko, editor-in-chief of Men’s Health. “We created the Electric Car Challenge to demonstrate a more eco-friendly approach to the road trip that will have a positive effect on you, your wallet, and the environment.”

Here’s what Men’s Health had to say about the trip, prior to leaving New York:

Though it will use public and commercial charging stations, the team will crowd-source most of the trip, inviting readers and supporters to help make the record possible by offering their 240v, 40-amp outlets, such as those typically installed for clothes dryers. To fulfill the mission of reinventing the American road trip, the drivers will fill the charging periods with exciting, life-changing experiences that you can’t enjoy when racing down the highway—they’ll be engaged adventures, exercise and fitness challenges, culinary pursuits, environmental missions, and more.

According to Eric Adams, a team member and senior editor at the magazine, one of the hardest parts of planning the challenge was simply convincing Ford to loan Men’s Health the car for this unorthodox test. “The Focus Electric is designed for urban commuting, so we’re asking the car to do something it wasn’t intended to do,” said Adams, who will be the first journalist to drive the Focus Electric. “We commend Ford for their willingness to put their faith in our planning skills and efficient driving.”

In addition to Adams, the team consists—at varying points during the drive—of X-Games gold medalist Tanner Foust, co-host of Top Gear USA; IndyCar and American Le Mans racer Martin Plowman; and former Navy SEAL commander Coleman Ruiz, executive director of Carry the Load, a foundation that supports the families of U.S. soldiers who’ve been killed in combat. The team will raise money for the foundation throughout the drive. Also on board for several days each, to provide different perspectives on the road-trip experience: Men’s Health Girl Next Door columnist Naomi Piercey, Miss Indiana 2009 Nicole Pollard; and Carry the Load spokesmodel Katie Cwynar.

The team’s route—extending to Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, and Los Angeles, and all points in between—will maximize driving efficiency. While this is a “speed record,” no speed limits will be broken, since high speed taxes the battery. The car will mostly be off-highway in order to extend its range and offer better experiences for the team. For safety and practicality reasons, the drivers will have a Ford F-150 EcoBoost support vehicle, which will permit teams to proceed ahead of the Focus to help ensure all the drivers receive full night’s sleep daily. The trip will be analyzed and rendered carbon-neutral using ignition’s iSES™ sustainability program, via offset donations provided by Carbonfund.org.

Ultimately, the team’s true goal was simply to have fun. “We want to see what kind of great experiences we can stitch together while our car is charging,” Adams notes. “It’s not a fair challenge, of course—the infrastructure for fast, easy charging doesn’t exist yet. But that’s why we’re doing it. If the infrastructure was there, what fun would that be?”

Among its most talented inventors, Ford made special mention of Ming Kuang, who has helped Ford since 2000 to expand its portfolio of hybrid patents from just 10 patents when he began to 461 today.

“The work on the Fusion Hybrid is all about a commitment I made a long time ago to have a positive effect on our environment,” said Kuang. “It’s about helping make the world my children live in – and the world my children’s children will live in – a better place.”

Kuang was behind nearly 10 percent of the 461 hybrid patents, Ford said, and 25 of his 40 hybrid patents have gone from mere draft form to actual production of key components of Ford’s powersplit architecture system. This system is used on the Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid that Ford said should exceed 100 MPGe

The company’s prolific run of patents represents a 50-fold increase, Ford said, and signals a solid commitment to growing its intellectual property despite the economic downturn.

“Ford continued to invest to develop new products like our new Fusion hybrids during the depths of the economic downturn,” said Chuck Gray, Ford chief engineer of Global Core Engineering Hybrid and Electric Vehicles. “We succeeded in transforming our lineup with leading fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the many Ford inventors who are helping make our Fusion Hybrid America’s most fuel-efficient sedan.”

“We saw great enthusiasm from fans, with tons of creative, unique names coming in,” said Brian McClary, Ford social and emerging media specialist. “The contest was twofold – it let us engage with fans by letting them have a say, and it helped build awareness for the package.”

Facebook fans were asked to suggest a name on the Facebook page and reach out to their friends in the social media world to help propel their choice into the top five. A gallery on the page let visitors see all the choices that could be voted on. After the five most-voted names were selected, Ford chose the name that best shows off the personality of the package. Each finalist was run through trademark, copyright and brand approvals.

And right about now you’re probably salivating to hear what this new package is named. A shoutout to Jeremy Marler of Charlotte, North Carolina, who submitted the winning name, Mayhem Mustang Package. It will be used on all Mustang sales, marketing and communications materials specific to this package. And what did Jeremy win? A three-year lease on a 2012 Mustang equipped with the Mayhem Mustang Package!

The Mayhem Mustang Package takes advantage of the Mustang’s 305-horsepower all-aluminum Ti-VCT V6 engine’s lightweight and high-revving nature. Borrowing from the Mustang GT, there are numerous suspension, braking and body stiffening upgrades to deliver unparalleled handling performance. That road-holding is helped by a near-equal front/rear weight distribution, providing exceptional transient response along with the car’s slimmed-down curb weight of less than 3,500 pounds.

The package includes 3.31 rear axle ratio for quicker off-the-line acceleration, Mustang GT coupe front and rear stabilizer bars, Mustang GT front struts and rear shocks/springs, Shelby GT500 rear lower control arm, unique 19-inch wheels, Pirelli performance tires for improved grip, Mustang GT front and rear brake calipers with Performance Friction pads, strut tower brace for increased body rigidity, unique electronic stability control calibration with sport mode for performance driving and special badging.