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News of  August 01, 2001

Practicality meets Fun in TH!NK neighbor

Detroit - The all-new 2002 TH!NK neighbor arrives just in time to address growing consumer trends while helping Ford Motor Company deliver on its commitment to the planet. The zero-emissions, low-speed electric vehicle represents a fun-to-drive, flexible transportation solution for the migration of people to planned-community and resort living, as well as a growing commercial market.

A powerful 72-volt motor delivers ample low-end power for quick takeoffs and maintains the vehicle's speed even while fully loaded in hilly terrain.

The TH!NK neighbor surpasses Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) regulations with class-leading safety features including industry-first three-point safety belts and head restraints for all seating positions, an industry-first LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) seat attachment option, industry-first tires rated up to 70 mph, three mile-per-hour front and rear bumpers, safety belt reminder system, car-type brake and signal lights and mirrors.

An anti-rollaway feature prevents the vehicle from rolling quickly when stopped on hills. The battery can be fully charged in six to eight hours by easily plugging TH!NK neighbor 's residential power cord into any 110/120-volt household outlet. Zero-emissions operation, with a top speed of 25 mph and range of up to 30 miles. Two-passenger and four-passenger models available.

Two lifestyle packages - Family and Sport - with convenience options including a cooler module, weather enclosures, powerpoint and vented moon roof. An in-dash AM/FM/CD stereo, heater/ windshield defogger and a cooler/mister system will be available soon after launch.

Industry-leading total payload of up to 900 pounds in the longer-wheelbase four-passenger model, 550 pounds for the two-passenger model.

In January 2000, Ford Motor Company announced the purchase of TH!NK along with plans to make it the industry's first brand dedicated to environmentally responsible products. In addition, TH!NK is well positioned to help meet Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) requirements that exist in several states.

The new 2002 TH!NK neighbor goes on sale this fall at Ford dealers in the Sun Belt. By spring 2002, the vehicle will be on sale at approximately 50 dealers including Northeastern states. TH!NK dealers will deliver new vehicles directly to their customers, and will pick up and deliver the vehicles for service as necessary. Customers will be introduced to TH!NK products by separate showroom signs and space that incorporate the brand's signature colors.

The TH!NK neighbor is targeted at baby boomers who are spurring development of gated communities, active retirees who move to resort locations and fleet customers. TH!NK neighbor is the most technologically advanced vehicle to enter the relatively new, but fast growing federally recognized low-speed electric vehicle market.

(July 30, 2001)

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