Drive greener and challenge friends to help the earth with Ford’s electric vehicle smartphone app

Ford Motor Company is combining its new Focus Electric, social networking and hypermiling trends with its new MyFord mobile app that makes it easier than ever to drive green.

Ford will demonstrate the first-ever beta versions of the new technology at the 2012
International CES, taking place Januaryuary 10-13 in Las Vegas.

Focus Electric drivers will be able to share, learn and teach smart driving by participating in forums on the MyFord mobile website - with features such as leaderboards, unique achievements and social networking - when the car becomes available through dealers in the first half of 2012. In the process, users will be able to seamlessly upload driving achievements and statistics to popular social platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

“The MyFord mobile app and the Focus Electric work together to coach drivers to be more efficient and maximise the benefits of the electric vehicle experience,” said Kelly Zechel, MyFord Mobile product manager. “We wanted to help drivers get more miles out of every charge and have some fun along the way,” he added.

In addition to the fun of not having to stop at gas stations, MyFord mobile adds gaming and social sharing components to the driving experience. Just as in video games, drivers of the Focus Electric can earn achievements based on how far they drive and how much CO2 they save by not using gas. The leaderboards help MyFord mobile users track their driving results against other Focus Electric drivers.
Drivers will also earn achievements for engaging in the online MyFord mobile community forum. The first time drivers share their experiences, help another driver answer a question or provide a helpful tip to others, they will earn an achievement, with more to come after 20 and 100 postings.

There are even 'surprise achievements' embedded in the app based on the owner’s activities, much like 'easter eggs' that can give gamers extra bonuses in video games. Collectively, the achievements help Focus Electric drivers 'keep score' with their peers via competitive rankings.

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