(March 5, 2011) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford kicked off its popular Drive One 4 UR School program Friday and enters 2011 with more than $5 million in funds donated to high schools nationwide since the program's inception in 2007. The program is Ford's most successful test-drive initiative ever executed.

Since the start of the program, more than 255,000 test-drives at more than 1,500 events in 49 states have been hosted by Ford and its dealers around the country.

The program gives participants the chance to experience Ford's new fuel-efficient lineup of vehicles, as well as leading safety and technology features.

Ford offers 12 vehicles that lead their sales segments in fuel economy, including four vehicles with EPA certified 40 mpg or higher fuel economy ratings – a claim no other full-line automaker can match.

"With oil nearing $100 per barrel and gasoline prices continuing to rise, consumers' consideration for fuel economy once again is taking top billing," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, U.S. Marketing, Sales and Service. "We have a great opportunity to showcase our fuel-efficient lineup at this year's Drive One 4 UR School events, while at the same time helping schools raise money for valuable programs and activities that might otherwise be eliminated."

Ford developed the Drive One 4 UR School program to connect dealers with local community efforts in raising up to $6,000 for high schools in a single day test-drive event. As schools continue to cut back on funding for facility improvements and extra-curricular activities, the program remains a strong fund-raising source to help schools fund valuable programs.

“This has got to be the best program on the planet," said Frank Bonuchi, general manager, Auffenberg Ford in O'Fallon, Illinois. "I have been in dealership management for over 30 years and I have never seen a program that successfully promotes all the great things going on at Ford and the dealership, while also giving our communities around the country a much needed helping hand."

"With all the cutbacks in school programs, Ford is to be congratulated for this," said Ed Avansino, a test drive participant at a 2010 event conducted at Carson High School in Carson, City, Nevada.

The 2011 Drive One 4 UR School program kicks off its spring tour in March and runs through June. The program starts up again in the fall, with events taking place from August through November.