• New, limited-edition vehicles developed with hip hop guru Funkmaster Flex and hot rodder Chip Foose will join the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR – the most powerful Mustang to ever – at the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
• 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR roars to life in spring 2008.
• 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition hits the streets in fall 2007.
• 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition to launch in fall 2007.
• Ford’s customization business continues to grow: up 50 percent in 2006.

DEARBORN, Mich., March 30, 2007 – Ford unveiled three new limited-edition models today – the Shelby GT500KR, the F-150 Foose Edition and the Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition – all of which will be make their public debut at the 2007 New York International Auto Show. The trio of vehicles, including the most powerful pickup and most powerful Mustang ever from Ford, demonstrates how the company is leveraging key partnerships to create exciting new products.

“Marrying great Ford products like Mustang, F-150 and Expedition to strong partners like Shelby, Foose and Flex creates vehicles that are irresistible to customers who want to make the boldest statement they can,” said Cisco Codina, group Vice President of North America Marketing, Sales and Service. “We are seeing more demand for special wheels and accessories and, of course, from-the-factory packages like the new Eddie Bauer Taurus X and Harley F-150s.”

Ford research indicates that 62 percent of full-size pickup truck buyers purchase accessories for their vehicles, and 73 percent buy parts through their dealer. Truck buyers spend an average of $1700 in accessories. Roughly 30 percent of crossover utility vehicle buyers purchase accessories, and they are more likely to make accessory purchases at the dealership.

Ford’s overall customization business grew 50 percent in 2006 and could potentially double its business again in the next two years, driven by factory-customized products and a hard focus on wheels, appearance packages and electronics such as DVD players and navigation systems.

“This is really a fashion industry,” says Peter MacGillivray, vice president, Marketing and Communications for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). “Consumers want to put their personal stamps on everything they buy – from personalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear – and everybody knows that ‘you are what you drive.’”

2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR:

Launching next spring, the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500KR model features a 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts engine output to an estimated 540 horsepower.

Produced in a limited edition of 1,000 units, the Shelby GT500KR coupe comes with a custom carbon composite hood with scoops and stainless steel twist-down hood pins, a lower front air dam with chrome-trimmed functional brake ducts and large 14-inch Brembo front brakes. The suspension has been modified with an emphasis on race-inspired handling. ....

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