California Trade & Commerce Agency Applauds Move of Ford Luxury Divisions

25 February 2000

California Trade & Commerce Agency Applauds Move of Ford Luxury Divisions to California; Jaguar, Volvo and Aston Martin Join Lincoln Mercury Division in the Golden State

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Feb. 24, 2000--Secretary of Trade and Commerce Lon S. Hatamiya and Governor Davis welcomed Ford Motor Company's Premier Automotive Group's North American headquarters to Orange County, a decision that promises big dividends for both California and Ford for years to come.
    The auto giant's announcement, held at the site of a new facility expansion scheduled to be completed in 2001, will bring somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 new jobs to the region. This announcement is the culmination of both Governor Davis and the agency's efforts to lure more of the auto company's divisions to California.
    "This announcement shows how the dedicated efforts of the Davis Administration can bring a significant positive impact on the state's economic health," said Secretary Hatamiya. "We are delighted that Ford recognized the incredible attributes that our state has to offer in making its decision. Southern California is emerging as 'the' place to be for automobile companies."
    The state's efforts were aided the Destination Irvine group, which has worked to bring similar business opportunities to that region. "This is a huge success for Irvine in one of our target industries, and means a great deal for our program here in Irvine," said Paul Hiller, managing director of the organization.
    Jeff Lebow, Orange County Project manager for Southern California Edison, agreed. "We're very proud to work with the state, the city and our other partners in bringing Ford to this fertile area for growth in the new economy," he said.
    The 300,000 square-foot facility, called Irvine Spectrum, will eventually house about 800 employees and serve as the headquarters for Ford's Lincoln Mercury, Mazda, and Premier Automotive Group divisions. Ford officials praised California's merits as a business destination, echoing the sentiments of some who have called the state, "The New Detroit."
    "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," said Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, vice president of Premier Automotive Group.