June 25 Ford e-News

DEARBORN, Mich., June 25 -- A simpler time when driving was harder

The air conditioner is a windshield that folds down. There are three foot pedals, none of which are the gas. Instead, the accelerator is the lever on the side of the steering column where the turning signal would be - if there were a turning signal. Braking is a precarious art that involves finding the middle or neutral position between low and high gear so the right-hand brake pedal can be depressed without stalling the car. Oh, and the ignition is a crank that requires plenty of elbow grease. The Ford Model T - a triumph of simplicity in form and function in its day - is actually quite a challenge to drive for today's motorists. As Ford celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Model T this year, hundreds of enthusiasts are taking their vintage Model T's on the road and remembering a simpler time when driving was harder.

Ford and Toby Keith keep on truckin'

Relationships between consumer products and celebrity spokespeople tend to come and go in today's fast-paced marketing world. A few are authentic and effective enough to stand the test of time. The partnership between country music star Toby Keith and Ford Trucks began in 2002 and has flourished through numerous albums, concert tours and music videos. As Keith kicks off his new tour -- "Biggest and Baddest" -- in Birmingham, Ala., this week, Ford is the presenting sponsor. And the collaboration doesn't stop there. The show opens with a theatrical video produced by Ford that features Keith and F-Series trucks. The integration continues throughout the concert, with Ford Trucks -- and/or parts of them -- appearing on stage with Keith. Last year, a Super Duty grille formed the front of a drum riser throughout the entire show. The plan for this year is top secret, but it will be impossible to miss the new 2009 Ford F-150 during Keith's show.

A Hollywood beginning for the Lincoln MKS

A traditional commercial just isn't enough to convey the essence of the new Lincoln MKS, a luxury flagship sedan debuting this summer. Taking a significant leap from the traditional 30- and 60-second broadcast advertising model, Lincoln this week launched a three-minute movie featuring the all-new 2009 Lincoln MKS. Shot on location in Hollywood Hills, MadCrazyLove is a three-minute commercial, with accompanying 30- and 15-second spots, that introduces the newest member of the Lincoln family - the 2009 Lincoln MKS - against the backdrop of a fun, romantic story. Sultry, soft sounds from the legendary Marvin Gaye, a dark, dusky evening, the smooth ride and distinct styling of the MKS set the mood for a story with as many twists and turns as Mulholland Drive. The new spot made its television debut Tuesday during the Black Entertainment Television Awards pre-show.

Students, grab your wrenches

The sight of 50 Ford Focuses parked in front of Ford's World Headquarters, each with the same undiagnosed problem, would normally be a cause for concern. This week, it merely meant the stage was set for a special competition among high schools students. More than 8,000 auto tech students vied for a spot in this year's finals. Fifty two-person teams representing high school automotive technology programs from across the country raced against the clock and each other to diagnose and repair identically "bugged" 2008 Ford Focuses. The winning duo earned the title of Best Student Auto Tech Team in the nation, plus scholarships and the opportunity to work for a week as honorary pit crew members for the renowned Roush Fenway Racing Team.

Cast your vote, raise money for diabetes research

Ford Customer Service Division put the challenge out to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) kids to come up with the design that will appear on the Motorcraft/Quick Lane/Custom Accessories Shelby Mustang Funny Car, driven by Bob Tasca III, at the NHRA U.S. Nationals later this summer. The designs are in and the voting is underway. Visit www.jdrf.org/ford now through July 31 to vote for your favorite design by making a monetary donation to JDRF. The top five donation-earning designs will then be narrowed down to one, which will be featured on Tasca's Shelby Mustang Funny Car during the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Aug. 29 - Sept. 1.