#FordGreen NAIAS Recap

I had a great time in Detroit, albeit missing the first dinner and introductions due to infernal air travel delays. It truly was a whirlwind adventure– I spent nearly 12 hours in airports for a two day trip, ugh– and I learned so much about the way Ford is rethinking not only automobile design but also global manufacturing and production.

I've never been an American car girl but there are several Fords I would definitely consider, having seen them in action. I am very anxious to see the 7 seat C-Max hit the road, it has some amazing features including a hands-free tailgate. Gimmicky, yes, but admit it- it's smart! Ford is also unveiling an app that will allow electric vehicle owners to schedule their recharging via mobile, even calculating the optimal hours for cheaper power. It also has a double GPS so you can map your way to your vehicle, which sounds silly but would definitely make mall or stadium parking a little less stressful.

I was a bit snap-happy, since there was so much to see, so I made a Whrrl in lieu of posting a hundred photos for you to scroll through.

More check-ins at North American International Auto Show

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Here's the video that was used in the Ford presentation, featuring Ed Begley, Jr. discussing the greening of Ford. And butterflies:





Sadly, our test drives were snowed out so I can't tell you much about the handling of the new Fords. I did like the interiors of the Flex and the F150, which were crazy spacious.

I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.

Driving Green with Ford at NAIAS

Because I am one of the luckiest girls in the world– and a member of Clever Girls Collective– I am headed to Detroit next week for a whirlwind two day adventure. I'll be one of a hundred green, tech and lifestyle bloggers from all over the world (ten countries in all) participating in an exclusive Ford World Headquarters Tour, including a special Green Driving Technology Event, and media-only preview of the North American International Auto Show. Exciting, no?

I am excited to learn about Ford's sustainability initiatives and, of course, to test drive some of their new models. I am also anxious to hear Stewart Brand, author of counterculture classic The Whole Earth Catalog and, more recently, Whole Earth Discipline), speak about the importance of environmentalism meshing with technology. It's refreshing to hear about companies taking a forward-looking approach as they consider their impact on the planet as well as their bottom line.

Look for the #FordGreen hashtag on Twitter to keep up with our progress next week.

I was invited to participate in this program by Clever Girls Collective, Inc. in partnership with Ford and Ogilvy PR. Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at the 2-day Driving Green Technology event, I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.