Ford Builds its 300 Millionth Vehicle

DEARBORN, Mich. November 2003: A Ford pony car has galloped into automotive history again, becoming the 300 millionth vehicle produced by Ford Motor Company. Just as the company is wrapping up its centennial year and anticipating the 40th anniversary of its iconic car, Chairman and CEO Bill Ford drove a crimson red 2004 40th Anniversary Mustang GT off the production line in a ceremony to officially mark Ford's 300 millionth vehicle.

"When the company built its 1 millionth car, my great-grandfather, Henry Ford, said a million of anything is a great many,” said Bill Ford. "He would be very proud that his company produced 300 million vehicles."

To celebrate, Ford Motor Company is bringing back its popular $5-day Mustang incentive program.

“Our centennial and the $5-day lease tapped into an incredible reserve of goodwill for Ford and a deep well of Mustang excitement,” said Steve Lyons, president of Ford Division. "Now we have three milestones coming together: the closing days of Ford's centennial, our 300 millionth vehicle and Mustang's 40th anniversary, so it seemed fitting to bring the $5-day back one more time."

With $2,823 due at signing, approved customers can lease a 2003 Mustang V-6 Coupe for just $5 a day – that's just $150 a month for 48 months.* Mustang V-6 convertibles, GT coupes and convertibles and the Mustang Mach 1 also are available for varying amounts. Eligible customers who purchase their vehicle may opt for cash incentives of $3,000 or zero-percent financing for up to 60 months on all 2004 Mustangs (excluding SVT Cobra)**.

The 40th Anniversary Special Edition package is available on Mustang and Mustang GT coupes. A total of 5,700 affordable anniversary editions will be built, featuring crimson red paint and special striping, wheels and interior enhancements.

There are two other special editions planned for 2004, the final year of the current body style:

The 390-horsepower Cobra, with its supercharged 4.6-liter V-8, is the most powerful regular-production Mustang ever made. One thousand SVT Mustang Cobra coupes and convertibles will be featured in 2004 with the MystiChrome appearance package, which includes color-shifting exterior paint. From topaz green to cobalt blue to royal purple and finally, to deep onyx black, the Cobra's color changes with an onlooker's viewing angle. This color-shifting theme is carried over to the interior, with matching MystiChrome leather-trimmed seat inserts and steering wheel.

The original 1969 Mach 1 was one of the most collectable Mustangs ever. It was named "the quickest four-person production car" by Car Life magazine. For 2004, the Mustang Mach 1 will come complete with a 305-horsepower V-8 engine and the signature ram-air "shaker" hood scoop for which the original 1969 model was known. The 2004 model will add 17-inch, five-spoke Heritage wheels, "comfort weave" black leather-trimmed seating surfaces and the galloping pony logo inspired by the 1969-73 Mustang's Mach 1 wheel design. Two new colors exclusive to the Mach 1 will be offered: Competition Orange and Screaming Yellow. Production will begin in late 2004, and volume will be limited to fewer than 5,000 models. "In the 20th century, Ford Motor Company put the world on wheels with the Model T and the moving assembly line," Bill Ford said. "In the 21st century, we are building on that heritage with exciting new products and innovative technology that will lead us into our next 100 years. "We'll introduce 40 new products worldwide next year, including an all-new Mustang. In the next five years, we'll introduce more than 200 new products around the world."

*Ford Motor Company's $5 Day lease program is for 48 months at $150 per month. After $3,000 cash back, $2,823 is due at signing for the Mustang V-6 Coupe. This includes security deposit and acquisition fee, but excludes taxes, title and license fees. Other fees may apply. Mileage on the Centennial Lease program is limited to 12,000 miles annually or an excess mileage charge may apply. These programs expire on Jan. 2, 2004. See your local dealer for more details.

**Not all buyers will qualify for Ford Credit APR financing for 60 months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed with 10 percent down. For cash back or financing, take new retail delivery from dealer stock by Jan. 2, 2004. Dealers will have qualification details.