From Detroit to Denver: Ford Visits the Mile High City As Part of National Centennial Celebration

In the spirit of their founder who "put the world on wheels," Ford Motor Company executives this spring will visit 100 North American cities, including Denver, as part of Ford's 100th anniversary celebration. In the early part of the last century, Henry Ford enjoyed touring the great American landscape regularly with friends, including fellow historical figures Thomas Edison and John Burroughs.

During this 100-city Ford Centennial tour, as the company nears its 100th birthday on June 16, the executives will participate in community events, classic car shows and will visit Ford dealerships, among other local events and activities.

As part of these once-in-a-century celebrations in Denver, Ford Motor Company vice president, Kathleen Ligocki, will be at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver from noon to 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 9. At 1:00 p.m., she is scheduled to accept proclamations on behalf of Ford Motor Company from the city of Denver and the state of Colorado in recognition of Ford's 100th year as an American icon. Ligocki will also be available for media interviews.

In addition, hundreds of classic cars are expected at the "Watch the Fords Go By" classic car show from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 9, at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Join "Miles" the mascot and members of the Denver Broncos cheerleading team as Ford celebrates its 100th birthday with Denver fans. Also on hand will be the #21 Motorcraft Ford Taurus NASCAR racer as driven by Ricky Rudd.

Ford and Denver Trivia

* Did you know that there was a Ford Model T assembly plant in Denver in the early part of this century? It opened in June 1914 and built about 150 cars a day. The plant served as a distribution point for the Midwest and to meet the tremendous demand for Model Ts in the west. It was located at 900 South Broadway, south of the state capitol building, but closed in 1932 due to the Great Depression.

* Did you know that in 1923 Kansas City Ford dealer George Badders drove a Model T from Kansas City to Denver, beating the fastest mail train between the two cities? Mr. Badders made the distance of 687 miles in 19 hours, 50 minutes, beating the train by five minutes!

During their nationwide tour, executives also will meet with Ford employees and retirees, Ford dealerships and suppliers, schools, classic car clubs and local media to reflect on the impact the company has had on the world in its first 100 years. That impact includes revolutionizing transportation, starting with the affordable Model A's and Model T's, and redefining industrial processes with the moving assembly line.

With just $28,000, Henry Ford and eleven associates founded the Ford Motor Company on June 16, 1903. The 100-city road show is a prelude to Ford's gala hometown celebration in Dearborn, Michigan, where Henry Ford was born in 1863. The "Road is Ours" Centennial Celebration June 12-16 is expected to draw thousands to the historic grounds of World Headquarters.

Ford Motor Company Today

Ford Motor Company is the world's second-largest automaker with approximately 350,000 employees and operations in more than 200 markets on six continents. Its automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Hertz and Quality Care. The company's world headquarters is in Dearborn, Mich. Ford Motor Company will officially observe its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003. Additional information can be found on the company's Web site at www.ford.com .

PRNewswire -- May 1