Press Release
Ford Announces 250 Millionth Vehicle
10/09/96
Ford Celebrates 250 Million Vehicles DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 7 -- "I will build a motorcar for the great multitude," Henry Ford said nearly one hundred years ago. "It will be constructed of the best materials, by the best men and women to be hired." His dream started in 1903 in a small shop in Detroit and led to a global company that produces cars and trucks for the world. Ford Motor Company celebrates Henry Ford's dream on October 8, with the production of its 250-millionth vehicle in a worldwide commemoration. "Since the first Ford -- the Model A -- was built on June 16, 1903, Ford factories have produced an average of more than eight cars or trucks a minute," said Ford Chairman Alex Trotman. "Just to give you an idea of the number of vehicles produced throughout our history, picture Ford Motor Company products, bumper-to-bumper, circling the world 30 times." Today, Ford has 185 manufacturing facilities in 30 countries, and will share this milestone with its 347,000 employees and innumerable customers across the globe. In 36 countries on six continents from New Zealand to the United States, the milestone celebration features public events, governmental honors and observations by Ford employees and dealers. The best-selling models over the years include: Henry Ford's beloved "Tin Lizzy" -- the famous Model T -- with more than 15 million built between 1908 and 1927; Ford Escort with more than 18 million built; and the F-Series pickup, which has reached the 25 million mark. Through June 1996, the top-10 Ford nameplates known the world over are: 1. F-Series 25,225,458 units 6. Mustang 7,153,999 units 2. Escort 18,051,873 units 7. Fairlane 6,260,977 units 3. Model T 15,458,781 units 8. Econoline 5,908,124 units 4. Galaxie 12,085,968 units 9. Model A 4,320,446 units 5. Fiesta 9,259,268 units 10. Thunderbird 4,214,300 units Ford F-Series now surpasses the Volkswagen Beetle. In addition to the Ford nameplates, Lincoln has sold nearly 5 million cars since its founding by Henry Leland in 1920. Since 1980, more than 1.6 million Lincoln Town Cars have been sold in North America. More than 18 million Mercury models have been sold with the Mercury Cougar topping 2.5 million and Mercury Sable approaching 1.2 million. By country, some of Ford s worldwide events to celebrate this milestone include: United States: Ford will mark the day with events for employees and the general public. In the Detroit area, a rally of the top-10 selling Ford vehicles will tour the city, on a "Sentimental Journey" stopping at various Detroit locations and Ford facilities, including Ford World Headquarters and the historic "Fairlane," the Dearborn home of Henry Ford. Local officials and VIPs will participate. In Texas, an F-250 pickup will lead a parade through the State Fair of Texas, which is the first auto show of the 1997 model year. England: Dagenham Body and Assembly Plant will hold an open house and donate a Ford Fiesta to charity; at the Halewood and Southhampton Assembly Plants, an Escort and Transit will be specially delivered to VIP customers. Germany: marks the 20th-anniversary production of the Fiesta at Cologne Assembly; Wulfrath Chassis Plant marks production of the 1.5 millionth power steering assembly with an in-plant celebration. Belgium: Genk Assembly Plant employees will highlight the event by planting 250 trees, marking the growth of Ford Motor Company; that facility will also donate a new Mondeo to charity. Austria: celebrates the milestone as part of its Ka/Mondeo launch program and has already highlighted this celebration at the Ennstal Classic old car rally held Sept. 29. Mexico: a one-minute TV capsule "Ford Today" will be broadcast on the prime time evening news of the three largest stations; also, an open house is being held for all Mexico City/Cuautitlan plant employees and families to introduce the 1997 models. Brazil: car displays featured at Sao Bernardo Assembly Plant, Ipiranga Stamping Plant and Taubate Engine Plant; donation of the one-millionth Brazilian Escort will be made to the Fund for Solidarity of the Sao Paulo State Government (social care entity headed by First Lady); and the "Doctor At Home" program will be introduced in which eight donated Escorts will be used to ferry doctors to patients. At the Brazilian Autoshow there will be a special car display featuring a Brazilian-flag-colored Fiesta. Taiwan: takes a high-tech approach by posting real-time the production of a commemorative Liata on the Internet for viewing. New Zealand: the nationally-famous All Black Rugby Team will attend an open house and celebration at the Vehicle Assemblers of New Zealand (VANZ) Plant and meet with employees and guests. Australia: notes the milestone with the production of the 200,000th airbag-fitted Falcon at Broadmeadows Assembly Plant. The Falcon has long been one of the most-loved cars in Australia and this commemorative version will be placed on display at the October 10 Sydney Auto Show. South Africa: Ford will be featured in a special report on the "Drive Time" automotive television program, one of the top-10 national shows in that market. The South African Motor Corp. (SAMCOR) joint venture plant produces the Ford Laser, Meteor, Escort, Courier, Spectron van and Telstar. The milestone will also be commemorated in Canada, Denmark, Spain, France, Finland, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Greece, Portugal, Japan, Thailand, India, China, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia and other nations.