Ford Focus Electric Named Green Car of the Year Finalist

LONDONDERRY, N.H. (10/31/2011)(readMedia)-- Ford is pushing to become a leader in the electric car world and its efforts have been recognized by Green Car Journal, which recently announced that the upcoming Ford Focus Electric is a finalist for its 2012 Green Car of the Year award. Due to reach Ford dealerships in New York and California later this year and 17 other select markets next spring, the Focus Electric's nomination also means the model is automatically named one of Green Car Journal's Top 5 Green Cars for 2012.

Green Car Journal will announce the winner of its Green Car of the Year award at the Los Angeles Auto Show on November 17 after a panel of jurors, including Jay Leno and automotive icon Carroll Shelby, weigh in on the matter. The 2012 Ford Focus Electric is the only nominee from an American automaker in a field that includes the Honda Civic Natural Gas, Mitsubishi i, Toyota Prius v and Volkswagen Passat TDI. The all-electric compact car was already honored by Green Car Journal last January with the Green Car Vision Award for 2011, which was given to the vehicle that best envisioned the future of transportation.

"Electric cars are going to be a common sight on our roads before long and Ford is taking the steps to get ahead of the curve," said Jim McGovern, general manager of Ford of Londonderry, a Southern New Hampshire Ford dealer. "The fact that the Ford Focus Electric has already become a darling of the green car community before it's even been released shows that they are on the right track."

Based on the popular Ford Focus hatchback, the Focus Electric combines a large 23-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a powerful electric motor to drive the front wheels. With a full charge, the car is capable of traveling roughly 100 miles without using a drop of gasoline, which is more than enough to cover the average commute. Ford has even partnered with solar-panel manufacturer SunPower to offer a 2.5-kilowatt home solar-energy system that can power up to 1,000 miles of driving per month by generating electricity that is completely emission-free.

While the Granite State won't be among the first markets to receive the new electrified ride, the rest of the fuel-efficient Focus family has already debuted at New Hampshire Ford dealers with a redesign for the 2012 model year. Featuring a more aerodynamic exterior, active grille shutters and a new 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine, the gas-powered Focus is capable of returning up to 40 mpg on the highway with the SFE package on its SE sedan model.

Inside the 2012 Ford Focus, the innovative SYNC with MyFord Touch system is available to keep drivers and passengers entertained and connected through their smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled cellphones. The technology allows for voice control of the navigation system, stereo and phone calls while opening up access to apps like Pandora internet radio. Another available technology in the Focus is Active Park Assist, which allows the car to parallel park itself.

"New Hampshire drivers love the Focus because it's fun to drive, packed full with features and saves them cash at the gas pump," McGovern noted. "Ford has loaded the Focus with technology that was previously unseen in the compact market, giving the car a premium feel without a premium price."

About Ford of Londonderry:

Ford of Londonderry is the premier New Hampshire Ford dealer, serving those in nearby Derry, Concord, Nashua and Manchester. Ford of Londonderry has the extensive new and used Ford inventory New Hampshire drivers desire, with amazing prices and specials on all the latest models. You can preview their wide selection of Fords at www.fordoflondonderry.com, call them at 888-871-1155, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FordofLondonderry, or visit their Ford dealership at 33 Nashua Road in Londonderry, N.H.