Ford Motor Co. Sets Luxury Headquarters in California
25 February 2000
Ford Motor Co. Sets Luxury Headquarters in California; Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin Will Relocate to Join Lincoln
IRVINE, Calif.--Feb. 24, 2000--Ford Motor Co. today announced the establishment of a North American headquarters for its Premier Automotive Group in Irvine.The new facility, to be completed in 2001, will house the North American headquarters for Aston Martin, Jaguar and Volvo and the global headquarters for Lincoln Mercury.
The company said the establishment of the Premier Automotive Group (PAG) in California would increase the consumer focus for each of its luxury brands. Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin will maintain a significant presence in New Jersey, and all brands will retain regional sales offices, providing PAG with a strong consumer focus nationwide.
The PAG headquarters will be part of an expanded Ford Motor Co. campus at the Irvine Spectrum. The 300,000-square-foot facility will include a product development wing and a conference center on the ground floor, can house about 800 people and will include a vehicle display area, fitness center and cafeteria.
The campus will house headquarters operations for Jaguar Cars North America, Volvo Cars of North America, Aston Martin Lagonda of North America, Lincoln Mercury and Mazda North American Operations.
"As we look to develop our luxury automotive business in North America, we can leverage the strength and synergies of our premium brands by co-locating Jaguar, Aston Martin, Volvo and Lincoln," said Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, group vice president, Ford Motor Co. and president, Premier Automotive Group.
"As the Lincoln Mercury experience has demonstrated, California is an energetic, consumer-focused culture that will serve as an ideal location to plan the growth of these premium brands. The new headquarters will provide the Premier Automotive Group with a strong bicoastal understanding of luxury consumers."
Volvo announced that it will relocate its executive management, sales, marketing, communications and corporate service functions, currently in Rockleigh, N.J. Volvo expects about 150 jobs will be relocated.
Jaguar announced it also will relocate its executive management and strategic functions, including dealer development, marketing, communications and direct support, from its current headquarters in Mahwah, N.J. Between 50 and 75 positions will be relocated. Lincoln and Mercury's headquarters will relocate to the new building from a temporary facility in Irvine.
"Ford Motor Co. is a powerhouse of luxury brands. Establishing the PAG North American headquarters not only lets us grow these premium brands, but in turn, it sets a new standard for providing the care, service and meaningful relationship every customer deserves," said Reitzle.
"We're very excited to welcome the Premier Automotive Group to Irvine. Our city has become a destination location for some of the world's leading companies, and the prestigious edition of Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin is a resounding endorsement for the city," said Irvine Mayor Christina Shea.
Also today, Ford Motor Co.'s Premier Automotive Group unveiled an artist's rendering of the new facility. LPA Inc., based in Irvine, is the design architect, and Koll Construction LP, based in Newport Beach, Calif., is the construction manager. William McDonough + Partners, based in Charlottesville, Va., are the environmental design consultants.
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