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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

News Watch Issue 4, Thursday 19th July 2001

Staff, Monday July 23, 2001.

Page 1 of 1

FORD LEGEND ALL TRUCK
Ford's legendary F-Series trucks are being launched in Australia on Monday, July 23 following a preview by journalists of the range over the past week. Last sold by Ford in Australia in 1992, the F250 and F350 are back – bigger, tougher and stronger than ever before. "These vehicles have legendary status in Australia," says Commercial Vehicle Marketing Manager, Kevin Lillie. "The new F-Series 'super duty' will build on that legend. These are definitely big trucks with everything that makes a truck great in terms of strength, performance and safety, but they also have class-leading comfort and style." The range is factory built right-hand-drive in Brazil available in both 4x4 and 4x2 with chassis cab and pick-up body styles as well as a choice of cab styles, engine options and manual or automatic transmission. Thirty journalists enjoyed a preview of the range, arriving by helicopter at picturesque Narbethong outside Melbourne where they put the F Series to the test in a variety of conditions from river crossings to muddy mountain tracks. The range goes on sale at Ford dealerships from the first week of August.

CRAIG LOWNDES GOES BACK TO SCHOOL
Ford V8 Supercar driver Craig Lowndes has started work with apprentices from Ford and Geelong's Gordon Institue of TAFE on a project dear to his heart – his first car, a Mark 1 Ford Cortina. As part of a special training project, apprentices at the college and at Ford will work with their motorsport hero to restore the car to original condition. With Craig's help, the apprentices will strip and re-condition the body and gearbox while the engine will be re-worked by Craig's father, Frank Lowndes. Restoration is expected to take up to two months and upon completion the car will take pride of place at Geelong's Ford Discovery Centre. Craig also hopes to use it occasionally for special events such as the Geelong Speed Trials. Craig is looking forward to working with the group. "Some of these apprentices just might end up working on our race team one day," he quipped. "This way I can make sure they know how to get my panels straight again between races!"

NATURAL PROGRESSION
Ford Australia's commitment to the environment received a vote of confidence this week with the company's Geelong operations receiving an Environment Protection Authority Accredited Licence. The licence recognises the company as an above average performer on environmental issues, with only 20 such licences issued in Victoria to date. As a result, the EPA is allowing Ford greater freedom in setting its own environmental targets and developing its own environmental plans. To qualify for an EPA accredited licence, an organisation must build a strong track record of sound environmental management over a number of years. The company must also share details of its environmental performance with both the EPA and the wider community. The company holds regular quarterly meetings with the EPA and the local community to discuss environmental issues and has posted an environmental improvement plan on its website. Recent initiatives at Ford's Geelong site include a water recycling program that is saving 200,000 litres of water a year, while B-Triple trucks save around 162,000 litres of diesel fuel annually when transporting components between Ford plants in Geelong and Broadmeadows.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Ford fans can shop till they drop without even leaving the comfort of their own homes with the launch of the company's new on-line shop. The Ford On-Line Shop provides a range of Ford brand and Ford racing merchandise from clothing, hats and caps, baby's bibs, cloth patches, supporter flags, bottle openers and holders, key rings, computer mouse mats, leather satchels, watches, pens, golf balls, CD cases, model cars and much more. Customers can pay by credit card and arrange delivery via the on-line service. Ford's Group Manager E-Business, David Katic, said it's another step forward in the company's e-business strategy. "This enables us to take Ford branded merchandise to a wider audience and particularly to meet the enormous demand for Ford racing merchandise." To visit the shop go to www.ford.com.au and click on the Ford On-Line Shop.

FORD OFFERS HOPE FOR YOUTH AT RISK
Ford is working with local communities and Youth at Risk Australia Inc to address a major social issue – how to secure the futures of young people at risk because of unemployment, drugs and alcohol, poverty and homelessness. Through a unique program called "Interviewing Your Future", Ford is working with local councils and community groups to identify young people at risk and to help them find jobs or return to education. Ford helped to set up the program three years ago in the communities in which it operates in Melbourne's northern suburbs and the city of Geelong. During that period, over 200 young people have completed the program in these communities with involvement from around 140 Ford volunteer employees. Ford's Corporate Citizenship Manager, Gail Rodgers, explained the program participants, aged between 16 and 25, complete five days of seminars and workshops designed to boost their confidence and to teach leading-edge skills for job search and ongoing employment. Next they are linked with Ford mentors who stay in weekly contact over the next two months to provide guidance on work and other issues. The latest group of 40 graduates finished the program in Geelong this week and further courses are planned there and in Broadmeadows in the coming year. "It's a huge commitment for the company and our employees but one we think is really worthwhile," Gail Rodgers said. "The benefit is mutual – the program is life-changing for the participants but also for our employees. Our people have to deal with very confronting issues that, in turn, offer incredible personal growth opportunities."

For further information contact:
Ford Australia Communications
Phone: 03 9359 8491

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