Nick Smither, Ford group vice president and chief information officer, has been presented with a 2011 Heroes of Breast Cancer Leadership Award from the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Karmanos’ Heroes of Breast Cancer Awards recognize those who have demonstrated leadership in raising awareness through education, research and the promotion of early detection of breast cancer. As corporate champion of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Smither has galvanized thousands from the Ford community, and through his example, drives others to help end breast cancer forever. Click here for the full release.

Ford's Vista Roof

Ford’s Vista Roof option has been selling well recently, and the automaker says this is, in part, to the little shot of Vitamin D it gives to drivers’ everyday commutes. The split glass roof also has UV protection comparable to SPF-50 sunscreen, which should satisfy even the fairest-skinned buyers. So far this year, the Vista Roof option is checked on 48 percent of 2011 Ford Explorer sales, 56 percent of 2011 Ford Edge sales and 32 percent of all 2011 Ford Flex sales.

The numbers are staggering when you consider that the Vista Roof is a standalone option in most cases, and an expensive one at that. It costs $1,595 to let the sun shine in on the Edge and Explorer, and $1,495 on the Flex. The available all-glass roof on the Mustang is the most expensive at $1,995.

The Vista Roof is certainly a great way to work on your tan before you ever hit the beach, but it ain’t exactly your dad’s Vista Cruiser. Follow the jump for Ford’s official press blast.

This MyColor video shows you how to choose any of 125 custom colors for the instrument panel.

Second-generation mood-lighting

This short video shows how the second-generation mood-lighting feature works, including how to choose hues and intensity levels.

Easy Fuel capless

The Easy Fuel capless fuel filler eliminates the gas tank screw cap for more simple fuel fill-ups.

HD  RADIO

Learn about the latest audio revolution now available for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. Includes information on iTunes® tagging and how multicasting works to provide higher quality sound reception – free, with no subscription costs ever.

Rear View Camera

SIRIUS® Satellite Radio*

This video describes SIRIUS Satellite Radio, including a feature that lets you know when a song you chose is playing on any of the more than 130 SIRIUS channels

Voice-Activated Navigation System

This Navigation System with SIRIUS Travel Link™ provides voice-guided turn-by-turn directions as well as real-time traffic, gas prices and more.*

The redesigned Explorer will debut on Ford’s Facebook page later this month, and if the company can get 30,000 followers before the debut, it will give away an Explorer to one of the Facebook fans.

Ford is known for its innovative social media efforts including loaning 100 Ford Fiestas to social media users to blog, tweet and post about the car online.

Visit a Houston Ford Dealership for a low price quote.

The partial result of Ford’s $500 million investment in India, the Figo is larger than much of its competition, Ford says. With such practical elements as increased passenger and cargo capacity, as well as more flashy tech features that include Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, the Figo aims to become more than just basic personal transportation in a market where even that concept is a relatively new one. According to Ford, the automaker is seen as a premium automaker in India, commanding a small percentage of market share.

“When potential customers look at Figo, we want them to walk away surprised by what they see,” said Nigel Wark, executive director of marketing, sales, and service for Ford India. “For years, we’ve been seen as offering only premium-priced products in India, and that has kept us as a small player operating in only 20 percent of the market. With Figo, customers will see a premium product offered to the mainstream market at an affordable price. ”

Ford’s ideal target Figo customer base is comprised of young professionals who are starting their careers and a family. The Figo, Ford says, offers enough room to take five people out for dinner while also providing a status symbol with which the owner can flaunt success – all for a price that is lower than expected.

Produced in Ford India’s Chennai plant, the Figo will hit showrooms in India in three weeks.

Source: Ford