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July 10, 2003
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This Week:

• The New BMW 6 Series Coupe

• Continued growth for Porsche in North America

• Land Rover Launches Comprehensive Marketing Campaign

• Toyota Will Hold Line On Pricing Of Second-Generation Prius, Offer Early-Buyer Program For "Prius Pioneers"

• Ford F-150 Continues Tradition Of Value Throughout 2004 Lineup Of America's Best-Seller

• Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars Consolidates Leading Position in Premium Segment during First Half of 2003

• New Beetle Cabriolet with best safety results in ADAC roll-over test

• BMW Group Successful In The First Half of 2003

• First-half 2003: Renault consolidates position as Europe's leading brand on the strength of new models and targets increased market share

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Ford F-150 Continues Tradition Of Value Throughout 2004 Lineup Of America's Best-Seller

Photo: Ford
 

All-new 2004 F-150 models feature a wide range of functional improvements and class-leading features and are priced only $245-$635 above comparable 2003 models. An automatic transmission and V-8 engine are standard on all-new 2004 F-150 models. F-150 Heritage XL and Heritage XLT models feature carryover styling and pricing starting at $19,125, plus destination and delivery charges of $795. F-150 Heritage offers unique content including a manual transmission and V-6 engine. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the entire 2004 F-150 lineup will range from $19,125 to $35,570, plus destination and delivery charges of $795. Returning customers can purchase a new 2004 F-150 with a minimal increase in their monthly payments. DEARBORN, Mich. - The best-selling vehicle in America for 21 years running, Ford F-Series continues to build on its strong tradition of toughness and value with pricing for the 2004 F-150 lineup starting at $19,125 - the same price as the 2003 model.

The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) for the entire 2004 F-150 lineup will range from $19,125 to $35,570, plus destination and delivery charges of $795. The comparable price range for today's 2003 F-150 lineup ranges from $19,125 to $34,135.

The F-150 lineup for 2004 features the all-new F-150 and the F-150 Heritage. The all-new 2004 F-150 provides numerous class-exclusive features while delivering best in class trailer towing, payload capacity, low-end torque and cargo box volume. F-150 Heritage XL and Heritage XLT feature 2003 model carryover styling and offer unique content, including a manual transmission and V-6 engine with carryover pricing starting at $19,125.

Returning F-150 customers can purchase an all-new 2004 F-150 with a minimal increase in their monthly payments. For example, a customer who purchased an F-150 SuperCab XLT three years ago with a 60 month APR (annual percentage rate) would find the all-new 2004 SuperCab XLT approximately $20 more a month.

"The majority of F-150 customers buy their vehicles on a 60-month APR plan," said Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. "When our customers get to the dealership and compare the level of standard equipment on the new 2004 lineup with the price, they are going to be blown away by what fits into their monthly budget."

In addition to the F-150 Heritage XL and Heritage XLT, the all-new 2004 F-150 will be offered in five series: XL, STX, XLT, FX4 and Lariat, giving customers even more value and feature choices. Every all-new 2004 F-150 comes equipped with a powerful V-8 engine and automatic transmission. These vehicles will be priced from $21,215 to $35,570. Comparably equipped 2003 models range from $20,970 to $34,935.

The volume model of the 2004 F-150 lineup, an XLT SuperCab 4x2 Styleside with a 6½-foot box, 4.6-liter V-8 engine and automatic transmission, will carry a base MSRP of $27,020, plus destination and delivery charges of $795.

The 2004 F-150 lineup provides customers with a wide variety of body and trim configurations. The F-150 lineup includes:

Heritage (XL and XLT) - Featuring 2003 F-150 styling, F-150 Heritage gives customers content options not available on the new 2004 F-150. F-150 Heritage XL and Heritage XLT offer unique content including a manual transmission and V-6 engine. XL - Providing workhorse capability to get the job done, XL is available in Regular Cab and SuperCab models with a choice of vinyl or cloth interior. The Regular Cab configuration is equipped with Ford's new, class-exclusive rear access doors, which open up a more spacious stowage area behind the 40/20/40 front seat. The XL boasts a bold, forthright grille design, tailgate-assist and larger standard 17-inch wheels.

STX - Delivering a fun and youthful image in addition to work truck capability, a 4.6-liter Triton™ V-8 engine powers STX. Available in Regular Cab and SuperCab body styles, STX features body-colored bumpers and 17-inch sport cast aluminum wheels. STX is equipped with a standard 6 ½-foot Styleside or an optional Flareside box, and SuperCab offers a stylish 5 ½-foot box option. An audiophile sound system with 6-disc CD changer is an available option.

XLT - Versatility is a key XLT attribute. The series is ideal for a wide array of uses - ranging from heavy hauling to weekend recreation. XLT is available in all cab configurations (Regular Cab, SuperCab and SuperCrew) and, depending on cab choice, all three box lengths with a Styleside or Flareside (6½-foot box only) configuration. XLT features an optional Silver lower two-tone paint finish, unique grille treatment and standard 17-inch cast aluminum wheels. Premium cloth is featured on the standard 40/20/40 front seat or optional dual captain's chairs, and chrome instrument panel accents add interior distinction. Standard second-row power windows and an overhead rail storage system are segment-first, class-exclusive features.

FX4 - Combining off-road capability with a bold and distinctive individual statement, FX4 is available in all cab configurations. Customers have a choice of box configurations: 6 ½-foot Styleside, 6 ½-foot Flareside or the new 5 ½-foot Styleside, depending on cab choice. Standard FX4 equipment includes: a 5.4-liter 3-valve Triton™ V-8 engine, electronic shift-on-the-fly 4x4, off-road tuned shocks, skid plates and a limited slip axle. New optional 18-inch machined cast aluminum wheels, body color bumpers, a distinctive grille and an available Dark Shadow Gray lower two-tone exterior paint complete the package. The interior features "warm steel" accents. Optional captain's chairs can be specified in either sport cloth or leather, and come with a segment-first, flow-through center console with floor shifter.

Lariat - Lariat brings together the ultimate in capability, toughness, craftsmanship and comfort, featuring a unique exterior appearance with top-of-the-line interior features. An available Arizona Beige lower two-tone paint treatment, chrome bumpers and a unique grille, along with 18-inch bright aluminum wheels accentuate the exterior. Lariat offers a standard leather-trimmed 40/20/40 front seat or optional premium heated dual power leather-trimmed captain's chairs with the flow-through console and floor shifter. Lariat features a unique instrument cluster with cream-colored gauges ringed in chrome to complement the chrome-ringed air registers, chrome door handles, and wood-grain instrument panel accents. Other Lariat interior features include: leather-wrapped steering wheel with built-in audio and climate controls, an in-dash message center, electronic automatic temperature control and power-adjustable memory seats and pedals.

The all-new 2004 F-150 lineup delivers Built Ford Tough capability at every turn. With best-in-class trailer towing, payload capacity, and cargo box volume, the all-new 2004 F-150 addresses customer needs with numerous class-exclusive features and product advancements, including:

• An all-new 5.4-liter 3-valve Triton™ V-8 engine with 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque with best-in-class low-end torque

• Vastly improved driving dynamics due to a twice-as-strong, fully-boxed frame, class-exclusive outboard rear shocks, and rack-and-pinion power steering

• Best-in-class interior quietness and volume for a more comfortable ride

• Four doors on each of three cab configurations

• Distinctive interiors and styling cues across each series

• Second-row power windows on SuperCab models

• Overhead rail storage system and tailgate assist feature

• Ford's Personal Safety System with dual-stage air bags and advanced occupant sensing technology

Available in dealerships this fall, the all-new 2004 F-150 models will be built at Ford Motor Company's Kansas City (Mo.) Assembly Plant and Norfolk (Va.) Assembly Plant. The Heritage models will be produced at the Ontario Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada.

(July 10, 2003)