Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust 1999-B Upgraded By Fitch

    NEW YORK--Feb. 23, 2001--Fitch upgrades Ford Credit Auto Owner Trust 1999-B's class B asset-backed notes to `AA' from `A', class C asset-backed certificates to `A+' from `BBB+' and class D asset-backed certificates to `BBB+' from `BB+'.
    The rating upgrades are a result of increased available credit enhancement in excess of expected remaining losses. The collateral continues to perform within Fitch's base case expectations and, under the credit enhancement structure, the bonds can now withstand stress scenarios consistent with the upgraded ratings and still make full and timely payments of principal and interest. As before, the ratings reflect the quality of Ford Motor Credit Co.'s retail auto loan originations, the sound financial and legal structure of the transaction and servicing provided by Ford Motor Credit Co.