DEARBORN, MI - Ford Motor Company has announced the following U.S. cities as the first markets that will sell the Focus Electric, Ford's first all-electric passenger car:

• Atlanta.

• Austin, Texas.

• Houston.

• Boston.

• Chicago.

• Denver.

• Detroit.

• Los Angeles.

• San Francisco.

• San Diego.

• New York.

• Orlando, Fla.

• Phoenix.

• Tucson.

• Portland, Ore.

• Raleigh Durham, N.C.

• Richmond, Va.

• Seattle.

• Washington, D.C.

"This is the first step in rolling out the Focus Electric. As the country continues to build up its electric vehicle infrastructure and demand for the Focus Electric grows, Ford will continue to evaluate additional markets and consider making this vehicle available in more cities across the country," said Mark Fields, President of the Americas, Ford Motor Company.

The Focus Electric initial markets were chosen based on several different criteria including existing hybrid purchase trends, utility company collaboration and local government commitment to electrification. As part of the collaboration with dealers, utilities and local governments, Ford will help develop consumer outreach and education programs on electric vehicles as well as share information on charging needs and requirements to ensure the electrical grid can support customers' needs.

Last month, Ford launched a new educational website on electric vehicles (http://www.fordvehicles.com/technology/electric/). The site offers video, text, and diagrams to help consumers understand differences in the technologies of electrified vehicles

Focus Electric, available in late 2011, will be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich. Production will occur on the same line as the gasoline version of the Focus. Using an existing vehicle platform and assembly line will give Ford the ability to vary production based on demand for the Focus Electric.

Instead of a traditional gas engine, the Focus Electric's motor will be powered by a 23 kwh lithium-ion battery. The system utilizes liquid heating and cooling system to maximize battery life and driving range.