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Ford, California's Sales Leader, Unveils New Products

21 October 1999

Ford, California's Sales Leader, Unveils New Products At California International Auto Show

    ANAHEIM, Calif., Oct. 20 -- Ford Division, California's
automotive sales leader for sixteen consecutive years, today unveiled to
Californians its newest products targeted to expand the Division's leadership
in this trend-setting state.
    The 1999 California International Auto Show provided the venue to
introduce two significant new Ford cars: the redesigned 2000 Taurus and the
all-new 2000 Focus, and three new trend-setting Ford trucks: the limited
edition 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150 pickup, the 2001 F-150 SuperCrew pickup,
and the 2001 Explorer Sport.
    "In 1999, Ford Division dominates California sales charts with more
nameplates and volume among top ten cars (Taurus, Mustang, Escort) and top ten
trucks (F-Series, Explorer, Ranger, Expedition) than any other manufacturer,"
stated Drew Atkinson, Ford California Region sales manager.  "Each of the new
products we are unveiling today in Anaheim is precisely targeted at
Californians' varied lifestyles.  Our dealers are excited, initial consumer
response is tremendous, and we are looking forward to continued growth in
2000."
    The 2000 Taurus offers a dramatically redesigned exterior and interior,
with significantly improved headroom, trunk room, industry-leading safety
features and comfort enhancements including ride and sound level improvements
and optional adjustable pedals to accommodate short or tall drivers.
    The 2000 Focus brings the European "1999 Car of the Year" to America, now
available in California dealerships.  It marks a new era for small cars from
Ford, with groundbreaking features, spaciousness and comfort for its segment.
And, shown for the first time, two Focus "Tailored for You" optional kits were
presented today -- the "Mobil Pro" kit that offers features to make the
commute to work more productive; and the "Have Spot Will Travel" kit that
provides innovative features to accommodate traveling pets such as Dillon, the
border collie that pulled the cover off of "his" Focus on stage.
    The 2000 Harley-Davidson F-150 pickup truck was unveiled alongside a 2000
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle, both in black with orange accents
demonstrating the design tie between these two American icons.  This imposing
truck, to be produced as a limited edition, will undoubtedly cause a stir on
California's roads.
    The 2001 F-150 SuperCrew pickup truck introduces new convenience and
comfort to the burgeoning crew cab truck market, and is expected to set the
standard for its segment.
    The 2001 Explorer Sport represents an expansion of the Explorer family
with the creation of this 2-door model as a separate series.  J.C. Collins,
Ford SUV brand manager, also presented the "No Boundaries -- Ford Outfitters"
campaign under which the Sport and all Ford SUVs will be marketed.  "No
Boundaries -- Ford Outfitters builds on a brand image we already have --
outstanding capability, expertise and experience," stated Collins.