The company thinks the value for very fast response times on dynamically updated information is very broad, far beyond returning results to impatient retail customers, because it allows users such as business analysts, marketing and advertising staff to ask more questions and then develop and refine models.

FORBES: Big Data Meets Online Travel - 20 Billion Offers, One-Second Response Time

Speaking of which, the MyFord Mobile app's recently been updated to benefit from the company's partnership with PlugShare for real-time charging station location information.

ENGADGET: Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)