DETROIT, Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford presents its entire showroom for the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), offering guests a good look at everything from the all-new 2013 Fusion midsize sedan to its F-Series trucks
• To help celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Henry Ford's birth, the company founder (played by a series of actors bearing an uncanny resemblance to Henry Ford) will walk guests around the exhibit, providing an audio tour that weaves the story of his life with a look at the modern Ford vehicle lineup and technological innovations such as EcoBoost^® engines
• Ford will feature its commercial vehicle story at this year's auto show, including the Transit family of vehicles, with a display of people who protect, serve and help those in need

All-new Fusions, Fiestas, Escapes and Transit vans share the stage with muscular Mustangs, tough F-Series trucks and the rest of the freshest vehicle lineup available on the Ford stand at this year's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).

More than 65 vehicles will grace the Ford exhibit this year, including a Ford-based fire-rescue truck, a Gleaners mobile food pantry Transit Connect and Ford Police Interceptors.

"The theme of this year's Ford stand is 'People Serving People,'" said Elena Ford, director of Global Marketing, Sales and Service Operations. "The everyday heroes who use these commercial vehicles will be a part of the exhibit to share their experiences with guests."

Throughout the approximately 60,000-square-foot exhibit, Ford will showcase power-revving and fuel-efficient EcoBoost^® engine technology, a Focus ST road rally driving simulator, a Mustang Nation display, and ever-durable Ford trucks along with several other demonstrations. The stand boasts the freshest new vehicle lineup of any automaker, featuring EcoBoost engine technology available on nine different nameplates.

Henry Ford as your guide
To help celebrate 150 years of the man who put the world on wheels, Henry Ford – actually, an actor playing him – will guide guests around this year's Ford stand.

Ford will start the tour near an original 1903 Model A, taking visitors through his life history while showing them Ford's current lineup of vehicles. The full Ford showroom will be on display, as well as commercial vehicles including the all-new global Transit family.

Ford is the largest manufacturer in the global commercial vehicle segments where it competes, and North America's best-selling commercial truck brand for 28 years. Ford is building on this leadership with introductions of the all-new Ford Transit and Ford Transit Connect vans.

Transit full-size cargo van and wagon are expected to deliver best-in-class fuel economy – averaging 25 percent better than today's E-Series – and the segment's lowest operating costs. Customers can choose from three roof heights, three body lengths, two wheelbases, and standard 3.7-liter V6, 3.5-liter EcoBoost or new 3.2-liter Power Stroke^® five-cylinder diesel engines.

The all-new Ford Transit Connect compact van is available in two wheelbase lengths and in XL and XLT trim series. Transit Connects deliver a 1,600-pound payload, 130 cubic feet of cargo space, and have an available 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Transit Connect is expected to achieve at least 30 mpg on the highway with its 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine.

Beyond its vehicle fleet and displays of technological innovations, Ford will offer NAIAS guests several experiential opportunities.

Boostical
Visitors will have the chance to produce an instant musical collage featuring the words "Eco" and "Boost" backed by sound effects. This fun sound mash-up will be shareable on social media networks instantly.

Taurus talent search
Guests interested in becoming a Taurus product specialist will be able to audition by recording a video. Participants will be given a short script to share via social media. Those with the highest number of "likes" will win the title of Best in Show.

Blue Oval card
For the second year, the display will feature Ford's Blue Oval card, offering visitors a more focused, personalized experience they can share with their family and friends. Visitors can register online to receive a Blue Oval card, which they can then use to access relevant content throughout their time on the Ford stand.

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 172,000 employees and 65 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 and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company