Ford Signs American Idol(R) Winner Taylor Hicks To Star in National Advertising
* American Idol(R) winner Taylor Hicks will perform the song
"Possibilities" in a new commercial to promote Ford's "Drive on Us"
year-end sales event.
* "Drive on Us" includes zero percent financing on nearly all 2006 models,
plus customers pay $0 for gas, E-85 or diesel through the end of the year.
* Ford has been a proud sponsor of American Idol since 2002.
DEARBORN, Mich., June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Fresh on the heels
of his American Idol(R) victory, Taylor Hicks will launch a new ad for
Ford's model year-end sales event. In the television ad, which debuts on
June 15, Hicks sings and dances to a new song, "Possibilities."
"Taylor Hicks is living the American dream and we're excited to be a
part of his journey to stardom," said John Felice, Ford brand general
marketing manager. "It's a bold move to audition for American Idol and it
takes talent, hard work and confidence to win. That's why Taylor is such a
great fit for Ford."
"Possibilities has a great vibe, and it's a blast to dance to," said
Hicks. "I'm thrilled to be given a chance to perform it as part of the Ford
family."
The commercial was created by JWT Detroit and directed by Michael
Humboldt of Plum Productions. Print executions featuring Hicks will debut
nationally in USA Today and major newsweeklies. The 60- and 30-second
television and radio spots will begin airing locally and nationally on June
15.
Ford's "Drive on Us" promotion runs through July 31, and is available
in most major markets. The details are as follows:
* "Drive on Us" includes zero percent financing on nearly all 2006 Ford
models, plus customers pay $0 for gas, E-85 or diesel fuel through the
end of the year.
* As part of every sale, Ford will offer customers a pre-paid MasterCard
debit card that can be used to purchase up to $1,000 of gas, E-85 or
diesel -- enough to drive 6,000 miles ($1,100 on select trucks and
SUVs).
* Alternatively, customers can choose bonus cash of $1,000 which can be
taken in cash or applied to the purchase agreement.
* Customer cash of $1,000 - $4,000 is available on several models in lieu
of zero percent financing.
* Ford's most fuel-efficient cars, its technologically advanced Escape
Hybrid and its most capable trucks and SUVs are included.
* The Ford GT and the Ford Mustang GT are not included in the "Drive on
Us" promotion.
During the Idol finale, Hicks and fellow finalist Katharine McPhee both
received new Mustang convertibles. Ford has been a proud sponsor of
American Idol since its debut season in June of 2002.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based
in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets
across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and 108 plants
worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include
Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo.
Its automotive- related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For
more information regarding Ford's products, please visit
http://www.fordvehicles.com .
About American Idol:
American Idol was created by Simon Fuller of 19TV and developed by
FremantleMedia. Executive producers are Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe for
19TV and Cecile Frot-Coutaz and Ken Warwick for FremantleMedia North
America. 19 also manages such leading musical artists as Annie Lennox, Will
Young and Fantasia Barrino. FremantleMedia North America is one of
America's foremost producers of reality-based entertainment programming for
television, and has produced the Idol format in more than 20 countries
worldwide.
Contact: Lydia Cisaruk Colleen Robar
313.337.8299 313.331.8544
lcisaruk@ford.comcrobar@robarpr.com
