DEARBORN, August 11, 2006 - As part of plans to accelerate its turnaround, Ford will emphasize the introduction of new products as core to going "further and faster" throughout its business.
"We'll have more to say on the specifics of what we're accelerating in September. But I can confirm that our plans include more new products, features and technologies throughout our lineup," said Mark Fields, executive vice president and president, The Americas. "We have nine new Ford and Lincoln Mercury products going on sale in the next six months alone, and we are rebuilding our business for the future with an emphasis on new products."
Among the new products are the Ford Shelby GT - on sale in January - and Lincoln MKS flagship sedan, which will arrive in showrooms in 2008.
Ford Shelby GT
The 4.6-liter, 325-horsepower Ford Shelby GT will occupy a niche between the Mustang GT and the Ford Shelby GT500 both in performance and appearance. It is a retail version of the Ford Shelby GT-H Mustang developed for Hertz that was the surprise hit of the 2006 New York International Auto Show.
"We know the combination of Mustang and Shelby is magic, and we proved it again when we revealed the Ford Shelby GT-H. The car received such rave reviews that our dealers and customers asked for a version of their own," Fields explained. "We listened, and we're delivering."
The Ford Shelby GT will be on sale in January. Ford will reveal full product details this Sunday (August 13, 2006) on its "Bold Moves: The Future of Ford" web-based documentary www.fordboldmoves.com.
Lincoln MKS
The Lincoln MKS full-size flagship sedan will be based on the concept vehicle first shown at the North American International Auto Show in January.
The Lincoln MKS will be based on the concept car shown at the 2006 North American Auto Show. For information on current Lincolns, go to Lincoln.com.
"The Lincoln MKS will take Lincoln craftsmanship and comfort beyond anything we've built before," Fields said. "Its design communicates power, motion and speed, and it will be packed with more technology and features than any Lincoln before it."
One new technology on the Lincoln flagship comes straight from Ford racing and the Ford GT: a capless fuel filler. It eliminates the inconvenience of forgetting to put the gas cap back on after refueling and is better for the environment because no gas fumes escape.
"Capless fuel filling will make its way throughout our lineup going forward, and it's the result of listening to customers," Fields said. "We know even small innovations deliver big customer benefits."
The Lincoln MKS will be the next major step in establishing Lincoln as America's luxury brand. Lincoln is building momentum - with retail sales up 8 percent for the first half of 2006. The new Lincoln MKS flagship is designed to continue to introduce a new face of Lincoln to the American public, building on the hallmarks of design, a business class experience and a smooth, confident ride.
New Products for New Customers and a Changing Marketplace
With the fast-changing marketplace and the rise in demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles, Ford has kicked off its new-model year with a lineup of new cars, crossovers, hybrids, SUVs and trucks that puts the company in its best position ever to attract new customers.
"Ford never has been in a better position than this model year to compete for customers in an environment of rising gas prices and higher demand for more power, more performance and more features," said Fields. "We're also leading the way with bold American designs and innovations in our new vehicles hitting the market this summer and fall."
Key new products include:
- Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, which are expected to shake up this fast-growing market when they go on sale in November.
- Ford She
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