PRESS RELEASE
Ford Announces 5 Star Safety Rating for Windstar at L.A. Auto Show
1998 Ford Windstar is a Five Star
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 2 -- Ford Windstar, the only minivan with a
five-star government safety rating on both driver and passenger sides, gets a
fresh look, a new "Limited" model and introduces the Family Entry System for
the 1998 model year.
All Windstar models are equipped with more than 40 standard safety
features including four-wheel antilock brakes, dual air bags, knee bolsters, a
front crumple zone, side impact intrusion beams and a sliding door child
safety lock. Optional all-speed traction control is available on GL, LX and
Limited models.
"There is no feature more important to families than safety," said J.C.
Collins, Windstar brand manager. "We are proud of the safety reputation
Windstar has established, and we think our customers will appreciate the
product enhancements for 1998."
The Windstar can be seen Jan. 4-12 at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show at
the Los Angeles Convention Center.
For Safety's Sake: Eyes on the Road -- And on the Kids
New on the 1998 Windstar is an industry first, the panoramic convex mirror
or "conversation" mirror. The mirror folds down from the optional overhead
console, giving front-seat occupants a wide-angle view of second- and third-
row passengers. The mirror allows mom and dad to keep tabs on the youngsters
without turning around or adjusting the rearview mirror.
The panoramic convex mirror further enhances Windstar's command-of-the-
road driving characteristics by contributing to more confident, controlled and
safer commuting.
Windstar's interior was designed to be exceptionally quiet and to provide
a cabin environment in which front and rear passengers can converse without
having to raise their voices. The interior was mapped into 6-inch squares,
each with its own sound monitor, and tested in city and highway traffic.
After noise sources were identified, designers made corrections to lower sound
transmission. The result is a minivan that's quiet, and one in which normal
conversation levels can be enjoyed.
The Most Powerful Minivan
With its 3.8-liter V-6 engine, the most powerful engine available in a
minivan, Windstar produces 200 horsepower. The 3.8-liter V-6 is standard in
the LX and Limited series and optional in the GL. When equipped with the
trailer towing package, Windstar has a gross combined weight rating of 8,500
pounds and a maximum loaded trailer weight of 3,500 pounds. The Limited and
3.0L series are offered for the first time in 1998.
"Knowing that you have the advantage of 200 horsepower means knowing that
you have power on demand when you need to merge into traffic," Collins said.
"That's another important part of the confidence and feeling of security
Windstar inspires with command-of-the-road ride and handling characteristics."
A 150-h.p. 3.0-liter V-6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission is
standard on the base 3.0L and GL models. Both engines have 100,000-mile tune-
up intervals under normal driving conditions with routine fluid and filter
changes.
Family Entry System
The Family Entry System (FES) consists of a tip-slide driver's seat and an
extended driver's door to allow easy access to the rear of the cabin from the
driver's side. FES provides plenty of extra room to load cargo, kids or
adults into Windstar's second row. The system provides 13 inches of room at
step-in level and nearly two feet at hip level. A passenger can open the
door, flip the driver's seat forward and easily enter or load packages,
luggage and other cargo.
"Our customers tell us their Windstar is their primary family vehicle, and
it's also their 'stuff hauler.' They want to be able to load it up with
everything from groceries and golf bags to the Girl Scout troop or the soccer
team," Collins said. "They can do all that with the 1998 Windstar and
confidently pull their bass boat or pop-up family camper at the same time."
Extended six inches for 1998, the door was engineered to allow plenty of
clearance to open in parking lots or standard garages. By comparison, most
midsize coupes have doors that are wider than Windstar's.
The extended door is standard on all 1998 Windstars. The tip-slide seat
is standard on the LX and Limited and optional on the GL and the 3.0L models.
It's also included in preferred equipment packages on 3.0L and GL models.
More than 95 percent of 1998 Windstars are expected to be equipped with the
tip-slide seat.
New Styling
Windstar's contemporary look is enhanced with updated styling in the front
and additional trim upgrades. Its front has a hood with a sleek new power
dome, grille, complex-reflector headlamps, bumper fascia and air dam with
integrated fog lamp openings. New moldings, wheel covers and optional
aluminum wheels accent the side.
The 1998 Windstar features a number of interior improvements, including
the addition of second- and third-row head restraints for greater comfort and
safety. Other upgrades include new overhead consoles in GL, LX and Limited
models, new seat fabrics and sew styles and adjustable shoulder belts for
second-row passengers.
Family Value
Windstar's safety, increased versatility and great new styling add up to
value. The 1998 lineup includes the new entry-level 3.0L, the GL, LX and the
Limited, a new upscale series with a long list of standard features.
Manufacturers' suggested retail prices (including destination and delivery
charges of $580) begin at $19,665 for the 3.0L model.
"We have a strong lineup of Windstars to suit the needs of minivan
buyers," Collins said. "Whichever model buyers choose, they get the same
level of safety and security that are everyone's top priority."
The addition of the Family Entry System and the 3.0L model enhance the
position of the Windstar as a strong value competitor in the minivan market.
Windstar offers customers the No. 1 front crash test rating, the No. 1
horsepower rating, a long wheelbase and great styling -- all at an affordable
price," Collins said.
Demographics of Minivan Buyers
The purchase of a minivan is often triggered by a change in life stage,
such as the arrival of children. Families, including both young and mature
parents, account for nearly 70 percent of all minivan purchases.
Young parents, often first-time minivan buyers, consider a minivan the
smart, practical purchase for their needs. Many parents with school-age
children think of a minivan as a near-necessity for transporting the kids to
their activities. Customers appreciate the utility and versatility a minivan
offers, and many now are purchasing their second Minivans.
"Minivans are great for loading up the family on trips or just getting to
the store," Collins said. "With Windstar, they get all the command-of-the-
road feel of a sport utility vehicle along with the added cargo space a family
needs."
Safety, cargo capacity and convenience are cited among the top reasons for
purchasing a minivan. Safety is a key purchase consideration for women, who
influence the decision in 80 percent of new vehicle purchases. Women are the
primary drivers of minivans 50 percent of the time. Additionally, four out of
five women who drive minivans have children.
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for free downloading through Wieck Photo DataBase -- 214-392-0888 and NewsCom
-- 305-448-1236.
CONTACT: Jim Bright, 313-446-7730, or Dan Bedore, 313-446-7770, both of Ford