Spend it Wisely JWT - Ford Increases Ad Budget

DETROIT January 9, 2005; Reuters reported that Ford Motor Co. plans to increase its advertising spending by about 15 percent this year to promote its flagship Ford-brand vehicles, including the new mid-size Fusion sedan that will be in dealerships in the fall.

Ford Division President Steve Lyons told reporters on Sunday at the North American International Auto Show that Ford brand ad spending rose to a record high last year, although he declined to reveal the size of the budget.

"We are increasing our advertising budget very substantially this year ... adding $50 million to $100 million," Lyons said. The increase will amount to a year-on-year rise "in the 15 percent range," he said.

Ford, the second-largest U.S. automaker, spent more than $150 million in fourth-quarter advertising to promote its large Five Hundred sedan, Freestyle wagon and other new or redesigned vehicles.