Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Brands' 2000 Model Year U.S. Prices
20 July 1999
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury Brands' 2000 Model Year U.S. Prices Flat For Third Consecutive Year
DEARBORN, Mich., July 19 -- For the third consecutive year,
Ford Motor Company is holding the line on its average vehicle prices
for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products in the United States while providing
added value to customers, environmental and safety leadership and a simpler
product line-up, as well as offering several all-new vehicles. The average
suggested retail price of the 2000-model Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles
will be flat compared with present prices for comparably equipped models.
Although prices have changed on specific vehicles (both up and down),
average prices on 2000 models are essentially the same as 1997, '98 and '99
models. Ford has been able to hold average prices because of continued
quality and productivity improvements.
Ford's 2000 model year introductory prices signal that the company intends
to compete aggressively by continuing to emphasize what customers value most
-- the right product with the right equipment at the right price.
"We've stated that our goal is to become the premier consumer company
offering automotive products and services, and our 2000 model year pricing
strategy reflects that corporate goal," Jacques Nasser, Ford Motor Company
president and chief executive officer stated. "Our 2000 model year price
strategy was developed with a focus on the customer, including an emphasis on
product simplification and value."
Vehicles now are at their most affordable levels in nearly two decades,
according to the Auto Affordability Index compiled by Detroit-based Comerica
Bank.
"Not since the second quarter of 1980 have cars been this affordable,"
said David Littman, Comerica chief economist.
For the 2000 model year, key equipment has been made standard on many
Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicle lines, simplifying the vehicle ordering
experience and adding significant customer value. For example, a customer
purchasing a 2000 ZX2 will get the following as standard equipment: rear
window defroster, cassette player, 15-inch aluminum wheels and tires, rear
decklid spoiler, and power mirrors. These items previously would have cost
$1,015 if ordered as options. But for the 2000 model, they are now offered as
standard equipment and the base suggested retail price for the ZX2 is up just
$100. In addition to the ZX2, the Escort sedan remains in the 2000-model
lineup.
The redesigned Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable feature major improvements in
safety and function, and increased product differentiation between the brands.
New standard equipment on Taurus and Sable includes: Securilock Anti-Theft
System, 16-inch wheels and tires, and Ford's new Advanced Restraint System
that includes Smart Air Bags and seat belt pre-tensioners. The 2000 Sable
also features Remote Keyless Entry as standard equipment. Base suggested
retail prices for the 2000 Taurus range from $18,245 to $21,445. Base
suggested retail prices for Sable range from $19,395 to $22,895.
The 2000 Taurus and Sable are designed to achieve the U.S. government's
five-star frontal crash-test rating for both driver and front-seat passenger.
The 2000 model builds on the five-star rating of the current-model Taurus,
which is the only mid-size sedan priced below $20,000 in 1999 to achieve the
U.S. government's highest frontal crash-test rating for both driver and front-
seat passenger.
The all-new Ford Focus is designed to raise the standard of what a small
car should be with new levels of roominess, comfort, driving dynamics and
safety. Combined with a bold new exterior design and an all-new chassis, the
Focus is designed to give customers much more car while still providing
affordability and value.
A full line-up of Focus models (ZX3 coupe, LX, SE and ZTS sedans and SE
wagon) will be offered with base suggested retail prices ranging from $12,280
for the ZX3 to $15,795 for the SE wagon.
Truck buyers visiting Ford, Lincoln and Mercury showrooms in the 2000
model year will find a wide range of equipment that has been made standard.
For example, on Econoline, Expedition and F-Super Duty lines:
* Additional equipment made standard on Expedition includes: adjustable
brake and accelerator pedals (activated by an illuminated panel-mounted switch
which operates a small 12-volt motor on the pedals, the adjustment offers up
to 3 inches of linear travel) and stowable 3rd row seat.
* Additional equipment made standard on Econoline includes: air
conditioning, 4-wheel ABS and the Light and Convenience group (cargo van) and
Remote Keyless Entry and Power Mirrors (RV van).
* Additional equipment made standard on F-Super Duty includes: 4-wheel
ABS (Lariat models), HD Battery and Tow Hooks (all models), Spare Tire/Carrier
(all pickups) and Floor Mats (XLT only).
There's good news for prospective premium vehicle buyers in the 2000 model
year as well.
Shoppers considering a 2000 Lincoln Navigator will find an enhanced
exterior appearance and interior package featuring the addition of 17-inch
wheels and tires, 2nd and 3rd row seats with fold flat feature, concealed
radio antenna (in passenger-side rear quarter glass), exterior mirrors with
integrated lighted directional signals, and homelink system which operates
up to three remote transmittors. Base suggested retail prices for the
Navigator range from $42,750 to $46,500.
The all-new Lincoln LS luxury sports sedan, the most advanced Lincoln ever
built, is designed with the technical features required in the global luxury
arena -- rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, a choice of 4-
valve overhead camshaft V6 or V8 engines and two new five-speed (manual and
automatic) transmissions, all-speed traction control, antilock brakes and
available Advance Trac system to help maintain vehicle stability while
turning. Lincoln LS also provides the passenger with the comfort of fine
leather and wood interiors and the latest safety features, including standard
front seat side-airbags and dual front-mounted airbags. The 2000 Lincoln
LS with a V-8 has a starting suggested retail price of $35,225. The LS with a
V-6 and automatic transmission starts at $31,450 MSRP; and the LS V-6 with a
five-speed manual and standard sport package starts at $32,250 MSRP. These
prices are unchanged from prices announced in February.
Lincoln owners purchasing new vehicles in the 2000 model year will be
offered a complimentary first scheduled maintenance on all vehicles, including
oil and filter change and tire rotation, and multi-point safety and fluid
inspection.
Suggested retail prices announced today for 2000 model vehicles are
effective immediately. Public introduction for most 2000 models is scheduled
for Sept. 30, 1999. Dealers are taking orders now for delivery to customers
upon
receipt of the vehicles from the factory.
