MUSTANG DECADES: 1964 – 1973 | 1974 – 1982 | 1983 – 1993 |1994 – Present DEARBORN, Mich., April 6, 2009 – Thousands of Mustang enthusiasts from all over the world will converge in Birmingham, Ala. on April 17, 2009 – officially declared “Mustang Day” by the state of Alabama – to celebrate the 45th anniversary of an American icon: the Ford Mustang. Ford and the Mustang Club of America will mark the 45th anniversary of America’s favorite pony car with a four-day celebration at the Barber Motorsports Park. The event is expected to draw more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their beloved steeds, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators. “For four and a half decades, Ford has connected with more than 9 million owners celebrating their individuality, passion and love of the Mustang,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “Mustang created the segment and remains America’s number one muscle car delivering a fast, fun and affordable car that personifies the freedom of the open road.” Adding to the 45th anniversary celebration will be an epic Mustang convoy road-trip from the west that will travel across America’s heartland bringing Mustangs from all over the United States to attend the big event in Birmingham. The convoy – which will begin in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 11 – is expected to grow to 500 cars from all over the country. The final day’s drive is expected to nearly double in size with people from the entire eastern seaboard joining in. “For an enthusiast, driving their Mustang across the country with hundreds of others is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Sam Haymart, president of Mustangs Across America, Inc. “There is nothing quite like the magic and camaraderie that grows from the event. It really captures the American spirit that has made this country great.” Steven McCarley, president of the 11,000-member Mustang Club of America, says the 45th anniversary festivities are expected to draw Mustang fans from all over the world. “We have people coming in from 15 foreign countries, including Australia, Denmark and France,” he said. “And some of them may be bringing their cars with them.” Also in attendance will be nine original owners of the 1964½ Mustang and their historic pony cars. “I can hardly believe my sweet car is 45 years old,” said Laki Malamatenios, one of the original 1964½ owners from Grass Valley, Calif. “I remember when I first bought it, people used to stop me all the time and ask what kind of a ‘Ferrari’ I had, and I used to say, ‘This isn’t a horse, it’s a pony.’” A celebration of events Hundreds of Mustang owners also will be given the opportunity to experience firsthand the excitement of driving their own cars around the racetrack in organized open track run sessions. “Many people are curious to see what it’s like on the other side of the fence,” said McCarley. “The racetrack makes a great background for pictures, so we’ll have photographers capturing the cars as they’re on the track.” McCarley says it promises to be a weekend to remember. “Mustang is the glue that bonds all of us together,” he said. “Whether you’re a casual observer interested in seeing the latest model Mustang or a true fanatic who eats, sleeps and breathes Mustang, this is where you want to be to celebrate the 45th anniversary.” For more information about the Ford Mustang 45th anniversary celebration, visit www.mustangevents.org. Source: Ford
MUSTANG’S 45TH ANNIVERSARY DRIVES THOUSANDS OF ENTHUSIASTS TO ALABAMA
A number of events are planned for the four-day celebration, including Mustang shows and open track events:
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
MUSTANG’S 45TH ANNIVERSARY DRIVES THOUSANDS OF ENTHUSIASTS TO ALABAMA
ORD’S INTERACTIVE LAUNCH CAMPAIGN FOR 2010 ALLOWS MUSCLE CAR FANS TO UNLEASH THEIR ‘INNER MUSTANG’
Ford Motor Company is giving consumers the opportunity to get in touch with their ‘Mustang side’ through “The ‘10 Unleashed” campaign, part of its new 2010 Ford Mustang launch. Through Aug. 15, consumers will have the opportunity of living out their ultimate experience behind the wheel of a 2010 Ford Mustang – whether drifting in Japan like world champion Vaughn Gittin, Jr. or customizing a new Mustang using Ford Racing Performance Parts. “During its 45 years, Mustang has touched people’s lives in so many different ways, and we’ve enjoyed hearing those stories leading up to the introduction of the new 2010 Mustang,” said Allison Revier, Ford Mustang brand manager. “Now, it’s time to look forward and create new stories to fill the next chapter in the history book of America’s favorite muscle car.” Consumers are asked to submit their own Mustang dream experience in 250 words or less via Ford’s “The ‘10 Unleashed” site at www.the2010mustang.com. Written submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and execution of idea. Winning submissions will be selected every few weeks, and winners will be able to turn their Mustang experience into reality. In all, Ford will have 10 once-in-a-lifetime experiences, some created by Ford and some created by consumers. Recently, Ford Racing and Falken Tire Mustang drift racer Vaughn Gittin, Jr. was selected to live out his ultimate experience of traveling to Japan with a new 2010 Ford Mustang and experiencing his sport amongst those that originated it on the streets and tracks all over the country. Video documentaries of all Ford Mustang experiences will be available at www.the2010mustang.com starting today. About the 2010 Ford Mustang
America’s favorite muscle car for 45 years straight, the 2010 Ford Mustang hits the streets with a new exterior design; new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology including SYNC and cutting-edge navigation; and a V-8 with even more horsepower and throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.
Ford X-Road Debuts at AutoRAI in The Netherlands
Ford has introduced a new wagon for the Dutch market this week. The new Ford Focus X-Road made its debut at AutoRAI in Amsterdam as a 300 unit limited edition. Ford's new Focus comes with a 1.8-liter 16v engine, that produces 125 hp. The car can run on both petrol and bio-ethanol. Emissions are low enough to fit the vehicle in energy band B. The vehicle comes with a black bodykit to differentiate it from the Ford Focus Wagon Titanium. Front and rear bumpers are in black, as are the lower portions of the doors and side panels. This black finish is meant to make the vehicle look "sturdy and robust" by giving the car an "off-road look." The car comes with black roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a metallic Moondust Silver paint job. Dual-zone climate control, heated rain-sensing windshield, power windows, cruise control, CD audio system with auxiliary jack, and sport seats are included. For €500 more, customers can purchase the Business Pack, which includes a five-inch color display, navigation system, USB connector, Bluetooth, and voice control. Available from mid-July, the new Ford Focus X-Road will be available in the Netherlands from €25,175, including VAT and BPM. Source: www.worldcarfans.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
New Ford Focus Mule First Spy Photos
Automotive spies have caught the upcoming Ford Focus while it was out cold weather testing in northern Sweden. Two different mules were spotted by the spy cameras, a sedan and a wagon. Strangely the sedan looks like it's riding higher than normal sedans.
At this early stage in its development the car is just a powertrain and chassis mule but it does give a small idea as to the design direction Ford may be going. It is suspected that theIosis Max concept recently unveiled in Geneva is a source of inspiration for some of the upcoming Focus' design cues, particularly in MPV form like the concept.
The third generation Ford Focus is expected to hit the showroom floors in late 2010 based on the car's current 6 year production life cycle. Ford assembles the Focus at different locations around the world and in 2007 the Australian Industry Minister Ian MacFarlane said Australia would begin its manufacture in 2011. Some reports contradict this by claiming it will debut simultaneously in North America, Asia and Europe in 2010.
Past generation models have come in various shapes such as sedan, hatchback, coupe convertible and three-door hatch. The next-generation global car will be be modified as an EV for the American market in order to accommodate batteries. That US version, to be called the Focus RV, should be able to travel about 160km (99 miles) without a recharge. The RV will begin selling in 2011.
Source: World Car Fans
FIESTA MOVEMENT REACHES U.S. SHORES; FORD’S NEW SMALL CAR DEFIES DOWNTURN IN EUROPE AND ASIA
DEARBORN, Mich., March 26, 2009 – The arrival today on U.S. shores of 100 new Ford Fiestas marks an important step in the rollout of the first of Ford Motor Company’s new generation of global small cars. The European-built Fiestas arrived today at seaports in Baltimore and Oxnard, Calif., and will be loaned for six months to 100 young trendsetters chosen from more than 3,300 applicants as part of the “Fiesta Movement.” Those picked to drive the European Fiesta will share their experiences online through social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr and YouTube to build buzz and anticipation for the vehicle’s North American launch early next year. The Fiesta already is a hit in Europe and Asia, where it went on sale last year and earlier this year, respectively. The new Fiesta already is the second-best selling vehicle of any make across Ford's 19 major European markets, and is headed for its best month yet in Europe in March. Early response from buyers in China and other Asia-Pacific markets already is outstripping company expectations. “In the midst of the toughest economy many of us have ever seen, the Fiesta is becoming a legitimate global success story,” said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “The Fiesta Movement is all about introducing a new kind of small car to a new generation of buyers.” The 100 five-door Fiestas coming to the U.S. were built at Ford’s Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe. For many U.S. customers, it will be their first chance to see and read about the small car that is one of three finalists for the World Car of the Year award that will be announced next month at the New York International Auto Show. “We’re really excited to be able to get our U.S. customers behind the wheel and experience this car,” said Sam De La Garza, small car marketing manager. “It’s all part of a plan to build excitement about the new Fiesta with the next generation of Ford customers.” Designed and developed as Ford’s first global car, the Fiesta takes the nameplate’s three-decade heritage to a new level with its eye-catching kinetic design, widely acclaimed driving dynamics and unexpected refinement. Before coming to the U.S., special permission was granted by the EPA and the European-spec vehicles were modified for American drivers. The language in the vehicles’ instrument panel message center was changed from German to English and the speedometers were changed from kilometers to miles per hour. The voice piping from the Bluetooth-enabled vehicle, however, retains its British accent. All the Fiesta Movement vehicles feature keyless entry with push-button start, EasyFuel™ Capless Fuel-Filler System, 16” or 17” wheels, and many other features typically found on larger or premium vehicles. Agents on a mission Ford is aiming the Fiesta Movement at Millennials, the next-generation consumer group born between 1979 and 1985 that will total 70 million new drivers in 2010 – the largest class of any generation. Making up 28 percent of the driving age population, the potential size of the market serves as an opportunity for Ford to connect with a group that hasn’t yet established brand loyalty and is very connected to the use of technology and social networking. For Millennials, social media is a part of everyday life. Statistics show that for those born after 1980, 62 percent of the content they consume comes from someone they know personally. The missions will be designed based on monthly themes that will take them to new places, to meet new people and to experience new things in their Fiesta. Collecting data about how the car performs in the U.S. market is an integral part to the vehicle’s launch. With this program, Ford aims to gather valuable customer input on how they perceive the vehicle prior to the next year’s North American launch. It’s the first opportunity Ford has ever had to get a wealth of feedback so early on prior to launch – unique in content and unfiltered from a multitude of sources. The movement already is catching on, with more than 3,300 agent applications to thewww.fiestamovement.com website and 580,000 views of applicant videos on YouTube. About Fiesta The vehicle is also winning awards, including being named Car of the Year 2009 by the authoritative What Car? magazine in the U.K. and was awarded a prestigious “red dot” award for international product design. In 2010, the Fiesta will be produced at plants in Germany, Spain, Mexico, Thailand and China for sale in markets around the world. The Fiesta for the North American market will be built at Ford’s assembly plant in Cuautitlan, Mexico.FIESTA MOVEMENT REACHES U.S. SHORES; FORD’S NEW SMALL CAR DEFIES DOWNTURN IN EUROPE AND ASIA
Over 140 Ford Fiestas from Ford's Cologne Assembly Plant in Europe, arrived on U.S. shores this week as Ford continues to build awareness for their new small car through the Fiesta Movement.
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Beginning in late spring, the chosen participants, or “Fiesta Movement” agents, will be asked to complete monthly missions in their vehicles, capture their experiences digitally and share them with Ford and others through social networks.
In Europe, the Fiesta name has long been synonymous with outstanding performance, design and value. The new Ford Fiesta takes that three-decade heritage to a new level with eye-catching styling and exemplary driving dynamics for U.S. consumers.
Friday, March 20, 2009
First 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 & Two Mustang GT Concept Cars to be Auctioned
"It's rare for a concept vehicle, especially one as iconic as the Ford Mustang, to be sold to the public," said Craig Jackson, Chairman/CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Giving enthusiasts an opportunity to take home the ultimate keepsake is an admirable way to mark the 45th anniversary of the Mustang, which will be celebrated a few days after our event." All proceeds above MSRP from the sale of the Shelby GT500 will be donated to The Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. The two Mustang concepts will be auctioned to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. "During the last three years, Ford and Barrett-Jackson have raised more than $2 million for charity through the auction of Ford vehicles," noted Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company's president, The Americas. "Ford and Barrett-Jackson will continue this important tradition at this year's Palm Beach auction. The winning bidders for these fantastic Mustangs will be contributing to worthy causes while purchasing automotive history." The first 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 (Lot #665) is the latest in high-performance cars and features a color scheme and equipment personally chosen by Carroll Shelby. Clad in Kona Blue with white stripes, this GT500 has world-class handling, aggressive styling, and extreme levels of horsepower and torque that are unparalleled in its segment. The two Mustang concepts on the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach docket debuted at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and have traveled to more than 50 auto shows around the world. The fresh design foreshadowed a new direction for the 2005 model year that is still relevant in today's Mustangs. The Redline Red Metallic Ford Mustang GT convertible concept (Lot #655) features a distinct "showbar" with a rim of billet-aluminum trim picking up where the instrument panel and console trim leave off. The dazzling red car is pure muscle from its 20-inch wheels and cross-drilled Brembo brakes to the sharp accent line that runs the length of the body and culminates in a "C-scoop" behind the door cutline. The convertible's interior, awash in supple red and charcoal leather, includes perforated surfaces on the seat backs, as well as a billet-aluminum shifter for the 5-speed automatic transmission, 4-point racing-style seatbelts and unique instrument gauges that resemble a fine watch with its face removed. "This car began with a significantly modified Ford Thunderbird rear-wheel-drive architecture," noted Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "The platform was sectioned to achieve the proper proportion and the front-end geometry is all original. This is truly a piece of history that represents the transition to an entirely new Mustang." The Tungsten Silver Ford Mustang GT coupe concept (Lot #655.1) has a glass roof and lush red and charcoal leather interior accented by billet-aluminum hardware. Its upward rake angle makes the car appear to be in motion even while at a standstill. The styling matches its convertible sibling. The functional hood scoops help the supercharged engine breathe as it churns out nearly 400 horsepower.
Ford Motor Company will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Mustang by auctioning the first retail 2010 Ford Shelby GT500 and a pair of Mustang GT concept cars during the 7th Annual Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction on April 9-11, 2009. The three historic Mustangs will be sold for charity and are among 400-plus collector vehicles to be auctioned at No Reserve during the automotive lifestyle event at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. SPEED will provide live, high-definition TV coverage of the auction once again.
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