Ford Launches Facebook-Based Mileage Challenge for Free Gas

[Waqas 48]

Ford is launching a Facebook-based contest to tout its F-150 Ecoboost’s ability to get 22 miles per gallon.

Using the new trucks, eight drivers representing eight different cities will compete to get the best mileage.

The drivers have varied backgrounds, and one has 40,000 Twitter followers. The MPG will be monitored by a Ford Crew Chief system installed in each truck. Consumers can follow the action on Ford’s Facebook Page.

The winning driver will get a year’s supply of Shell Nitrogen Enriched Gasoline. Two Shell gas stations in the winner’s city will offer free regular-grade gasoline for two hours, 22 minutes on September 2, a reminder of the 22 MPG that the F-150 Ecoboost achieves. Ford plans to offer EcoBoost engines in 90% of its North American nameplates in 2013.

The competing drivers are from these cities:

• Louisville, Kentucky
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Houston, Texas
• San Diego, California
• Orlando, Florida
• Denver, Colorado
• Kansas City, Missouri
• Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

The challenge is the latest social media outreach for Ford, which most notably introduced its 2011 Explorer on Facebook last year.

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