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Press Release: Ford Credit Canada Limited Aug 20, 2001

Press Release: Ford Credit Canada Limited 			Aug 20,
2001
Confirms at R-1 (low)

Kam Hon, David Schroeder / (416) 593-5577 ext.243, ext.232 / e-mail:
khon@dbrs.com

Rating		Trend		Rating Action		Debt Rated
R-1 (low)	Stable		Confirmed		Commercial Paper

The commercial paper rating of Ford Credit Canada Ltd., based on the
guarantor, Ford Motor Credit Company ("FMCC") is confirmed at R-1 (low)
with a Stable trend. The action is in line with the accompanying rating
action on Ford Motor Company ("Ford" or "the Company"). Ford owns 100%
of FMCC, provides support through a profit maintenance agreement and
produces the products that are by far the major source of FMCC's
financing activities. With additional consideration for the strategic
importance of the financing arm to Ford, DBRS believes that the credit
strength of FMCC should be consistent with the credit strength of Ford.
The confirmation reflects the Company's above average liquidity and
still favourable balance sheet despite weakened profitability.
Ford's market share and profitability in its core North American market
have been declining. Growing competition, particularly in the highly
profitable light trucks and SUV, the "Firestone tire recalls," and, more
recently, production and quality issues have weighed on earnings despite
a still favourable North American automobile market. Profitability is
expected to remain under pressure in the near term. Although heavy cash
usage recently on acquisitions, share repurchases and dividends has
weakened the balance sheet, the balance sheet remains favourable and
liquidity remains above average. The Company continues to have ample
liquidity to fund its operating needs including the "Firestone tire
replacement program' announced on May 23, 2001. At the end of June 30,
2001, the Automotive Group still has $6.8 billion in net cash including
VEBA. Furthermore, Ford's modest debt maturities schedule, averaging
28.5 years, further increases its financial flexibility. 
DBRS is a Toronto-based, full-service credit rating agency established
in 1976. Privately owned and operated without affiliation to any
organization, DBRS is respected for its independent, third-party
evaluations of corporate and government issues, spanning North America,
Europe and Asia. DBRS's extensive coverage of securitizations and
structured finance transactions solidifies our standing as a leading
provider of comprehensive, in-depth credit analysis.
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