Latest News From Ford

• "Easy Fuel" concept launched to avoid expensive refueling mistakes
• Focus Touring pack now available to order
• Bill Ford acknowledges long service Transit Dealers

Ford engineers have developed an intelligent refuelling system to prevent petrol accidentally being put into the tank of a diesel-engineered car.

Over 150,000 people a year put the wrong fuel into their vehicle and the figure is rising rapidly as diesel sales increase. Misfuelling is not only inconvenient but potentially expensive too. Due to the fine tolerances of today's fuel systems, the wrong fuel can lead to major fuel pump and high-pressure injection-system damage, along with engine component failure. Damage may not be covered by insurance because many policies exclude misfuelling.

Fords "Easy Fuel" system consists of a sealed filler pipe insert and a fuel nozzle locator that guides the nozzle to the tank opening. The insert contains an automatic diameter detector that only allows the larger diesel fuel nozzles to be inserted into the filler pipe and locks out the thinner petrol nozzles.

Ford plans to introduce the "Easy Fuel" system into its product range within two years.

Ford Focus Estate Touring Pack

Focus estate customers will soon be able to specify additional sporting features by purchasing a new touring pack. The pack includes new sports-inspired front, rear, and side valances as well as a stylish rear spoiler.

The pack also adds interior sports styling features such as an aluminium gear knob, hand brake lever, scuff plates and sports mats.

The new pack will be available to order this autumn on Focus estate models with the 2.0-litre Stage IV diesel engine, from Zetec Climate upwards for approximately £1,000.

Transit Dealers Thanked

Ford Transit celebrates it's 40th birthday this year and many technicians who maintained the original model continue to work for Ford dealers today. Britain's longest-serving Ford commercial vehicle dealership staff have received a personal letter from Ford Motor Company's worldwide Chairman and CEO, William Clay Ford Jr, recognising their contribution to the amazing success of Transit in Britain.

The 240-strong UK Ford Transit Specialist Dealer network has 956 staff working within it, 29 of whom have worked for those dealerships for 40 years or more. Combined, their experience represents 5,441 years of selling Transit and 6,454 years experience servicing it.

Gary Whittam, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: "Our Ford dealers are the backbone of our operation. Their long-term dedication is an essential ingredient of our market leadership in Britain. We are proud of Ford Transit and proud of our dealers."