Ford of Canada plays Cupid by offering six tips to keep the love alive this Valentine's Day

OAKVILLE, ON, Feb. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - What if your car could help keep the spark alive in your relationship? Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited wants to remind Canadian drivers of some unique vehicle features and technologies that can put the brakes on common car-travel arguments and help make this Valentine's Day the most romantic ever.

In-car arguments can take many forms, including disagreements over speed, parking prowess, temperature control and navigation. In fact, according to a recent study out of Great Britain and published in The New York Times, nearly 70 per cent of drivers admitted to being involved in an argument in a car at least once a month; 18 per cent confessed they had in-car fights at least once a week.

No matter where you're headed with your sweetheart this February 14^th, Ford of Canada recommends the six easy tips below to ensure you both arrive as in love with each other as when you departed.

Show me the way to your heart:

• The number one argument-inducer on the road? One-third (33 per cent) of respondents said navigation was the most common point of contention; 85 per cent revealed the argument started when the driver refused to stop for directions.
• Ford has a smart solution - don't get lost. The new MyFord Touch has an updated navigation system that's easy to use, simply enter your destination and Ford will do the rest. Or if you procrastinated and haven't planned the details for your date, simply say "I'm hungry" and MyFord Touch will list nearby restaurants. Choose one from the list on the screen and the system will automatically plot your route.
• New 3D landmarks and junction views which deliver photorealistic intersection images, and state of the art voice recognition, can even help you to find a romantic spot to park.

Don't get hot and bothered:

• Often the most heated conversations involve temperature control and compromise is no fun if one person usually ends up unhappy...and cold.
• Nearly all new Ford vehicles feature dual zone climate control, so it's easy for both you and your soul mate to stay comfortable. Select Ford models even offer individually controlled heated and cooled seats.

Drive your partner wild:

• No one knows how to push your buttons like your significant other, and no one is more likely to engage in backseat driving by pointing out your driving missteps than your loved one.
• Luckily Ford's new vehicles have advanced technologies that correct bad habits, assist in stressful situations and impress your significant other with your improved driving skills.  Features include:
• Curve Control, designed to help drivers maintain control of their vehicle when entering a turn. The system senses when a driver is taking a curve too quickly and rapidly reduces engine torque, ensuring the driver safely completes the turn.
• Adaptive Cruise Control, which helps to minimize tailgating by monitoring the vehicle in front and automatically adjusting the speed of your vehicle accordingly, keeping a safe distance.
• Active Park Assist, to hands-free parallel-park your vehicle. Rather than circling the block to avoid parallel parking, impress your date by simply pulling up to the spot, taking your hands off the steering wheel and letting the vehicle do the work. It's magic.

Invest in your relationship...not the gas pump:

• According to a recent survey of married or cohabitating couples by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 27 per cent of respondents say disagreements over finances are most likely to erupt into an argument, ahead of arguments over children, chores, work, and friends. With money already such a thorny subject, why add fuel to the fire?
• Ford Ecoboost engines feature fuel-saving technology, such as turbochargers, direct-injection and variable valve timing to deliver up to a 20 per cent gain in fuel economy. So, why not spoil your sweetheart with the money you save?

Make a true connection:

• Ford's voice-activated SYNC technology lets you easily connect any mobile device to your vehicle, so pre-prepare a romantic music playlist on your MP3 player featuring your better half's favourite songs. Barry White, anyone?
• Should uncomfortable moments of silence arise, you can also keep your date occupied in the passenger seat thanks to constant connectivity from Ford's Wi-Fi hotspot. Shakespeare's sonnets should do the trick.

Tame your wandering eye:

• When you have the person you love beside you, you may find it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.
• Ford's Lane Keeping Assist can help. With the use of a small camera behind the windshield, the system detects when a vehicle drifts too close to lane markings, delivering an alerting vibration in the steering wheel. The lane-keeping aid then steers the vehicle to the centre of the lane...and safely back onto the road to love.

For news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video, visit www.media.ford.com. Follow at www.facebook.com/ford, www.twitter.com/FordCanada  or www.youtube.com/fordvideo1.

SOURCE: Ford of Canada

Josh Norton, NATIONAL Public Relations
[email protected]
416-586-1903

Erin Voth, NATIONAL Public Relations
[email protected]
416-848-1385