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Ford Motor Company announces agreement to sell Jaguar Land Rover to Tata Motors

March 26th, 2008 | email this | digg it | trackback | comment RSS feed
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FORD MOTOR COMPANY ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO SELL JAGUAR LAND ROVER TO TATA MOTORS

DEARBORN, Mich., March 26, 2008 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Jaguar Land Rover operations to Tata Motors.

The transaction is the culmination of Ford’s decision last August to explore strategic options for the Jaguar Land Rover business, as the company accelerates its focus on its core Ford brand and “One Ford” global transformation.

The sale is expected to close by the end of the next quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

The total amount to be paid in cash by Tata Motors for Jaguar Land Rover upon closing will be approximately US $2.3 billion. At closing, Ford will then contribute up to approximately US $600 million to the Jaguar Land Rover pension plans.

“Jaguar and Land Rover are terrific brands,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. “We are confident that they are leaving our fold with the products, plan and team to continue to thrive under Tata’s stewardship. Now, it is time for Ford to concentrate on integrating the Ford brand globally, as we implement our plan to create a strong Ford Motor Company that delivers profitable growth for all.”

“This is a good agreement. It provides the Jaguar Land Rover management team and employees with the assurances needed to maintain their focus on delivering the best results for the business,” said Lewis Booth, executive vice president, Ford Motor Company, who has responsibility for Ford of Europe, Volvo and Jaguar Land Rover. “I am confident that, under its new owner, Jaguar Land Rover will continue to build upon the significant improvements and product successes it has achieved in recent years.”

As part of the transaction, Ford will continue to supply Jaguar Land Rover for differing periods with powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components, in addition to a variety of technologies, such as environmental and platform technologies. Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, including research and development, plus information technology, accounting and other services.

In addition, Ford Motor Credit Company will provide financing for Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers during a transitional period, which can vary by market, of up to 12 months.

The parties believe these arrangements will support Jaguar Land Rover’s current product plans, while providing Jaguar Land Rover freedom to develop its own stand-alone capabilities in the future that will best serve its premium manufacturer requirements.

The parties do not anticipate any significant changes to Jaguar Land Rover employees’ terms of employment on completion.

Speaking about today’s agreement, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, commented: “We are very pleased at the prospect of Jaguar and Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business. We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavor to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact. We aim to support their growth, while holding true to our principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business.”

Jaguar Land Rover’s employees, trade unions and the UK Government have been kept informed of developments as the sale process progressed and have indicated their support for the agreement.

Speaking on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover, Geoff Polites, chief executive officer, said: “Jaguar Land Rover’s management team is very pleased that Ford and Tata Motors have come to an agreement today. Our team has been consulted extensively on the deal content and feels confident that it provides for the business needs of both our brands going forward.

“We have also had the opportunity to meet senior executives from Tata Motors and the Tata group,” Polites continued. “They have expressed confidence in the team that has delivered significant improvements in Jaguar Land Rover’s business performance. We feel confident that we can forge a strong working relationship with our new parent company, and we look forward to a bright and successful future for Jaguar Land Rover.”

Ford and Shelby to build 2009 Shelby GT500KR Mustangs to meet worldwide demand

March 24th, 2008 | email this | digg it | trackback | comment RSS feed
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FORD AND SHELBY TO BUILD 2009 SHELBY GT500KR MUSTANGS TO MEET WORLDWIDE DEMAND

DEARBORN, Mich., March 20, 2008 - To compliment the 1,000 2008 40th anniversary Edition Shelby GT500KR “King of the Road” Mustangs, Ford and Shelby Automobiles announce that an additional 746 units will be built for the 2009 model year to help meet worldwide demand of the supercar. Of that total, 571 units will be available for U.S. customers thus equaling the 1,571-unit production run of the original Shelby GT500KR. The remainder of the units will be for countries that did not receive 2008 models.

“The response to this car has been overwhelming, so I’m glad we can share it with more Mustang enthusiasts,” said Carroll Shelby. “This car is really special to me and demonstrates that when Shelby Automobiles gets together with Ford SVT and Ford Racing, we can deliver a Mustang that will compete with the best in the world.”

Like the 40th anniversary limited edition, the 2009 Shelby GT500KR will feature a 540-hp 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack, 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, short-throw shifter, and unique suspension tuning. Exterior design draws inspiration from the classic Shelby KR Mustangs and features unique carbon composite hood, wheels, and unique striping.

The unique 40th anniversary badging will only be featured on the 2008 special edition.

The Shelby GT500KR or “King of the Road” Mustang is the fourth limited-edition Mustang that Shelby Automobiles and Ford have brought to market since resuming their collaboration in 2001. It builds on the performance and success of the 500-horsepower Shelby GT500 – the most powerful production Mustang ever.

“If you drive a Shelby Mustang, you are part of something special: a 40-year history of legendary racing and street cars,” says Robert Parker, Ford Division Car marketing manager. “That’s what is driving interest in the GT500KR among enthusiasts around the world.”

Delivering the “King of the Road”

The 2008 Shelby GT500KR began production on Carroll Shelby’s 85th birthday on Jan. 11 earlier this year. As production ramps up to launch, enthusiasts can expect to see the first GT500KRs arrive in dealers this spring.

Each Shelby GT500KR begins life as a GT500, built at AutoAlliance International Inc., in Flat Rock, Mich. From there, the cars are shipped to the Shelby Automobile facility in Las Vegas, where a Ford Racing Performance Pack, exhaust system and short-throw shifter are installed. The GT500KR also is fitted with unique body, chassis and interior components. Every GT500KR will be hand customized and delivered to each customer in an enclosed transporter, just like the legendary Ford GT.

The strong demand for the new Shelby GT500KR was recently demonstrated at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Az. where a one-of-a-kind version built with a glass-roof was auctioned off for charity. The GT500KR sold with a winning bid of $550,000, which went toward helping the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Ford Motor Company to auction “Knight Rider” Ford Shelby Mustangs at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach

March 18th, 2008 | email this | digg it | trackback | comment RSS feed
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FORD MOTOR COMPANY TO AUCTION “KNIGHT RIDER” FORD SHELBY MUSTANGS AT BARRETT-JACKSON PALM BEACH

All Proceeds to Benefit to Ford’s “Salute to Education” Program

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., March 14, 2008 - Ford Motor Company will auction a piece of TV history when it sells two of the actual KITT Ford Shelby Mustangs used in NBC’s “Knight Rider” pilot at the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event on March 29, 2008, in West Palm Beach, Fla. The cars, which will be sold to benefit Salute to Education, appeared as Ford Shelby GT500KRs that had been transformed into a “Knight Industries 3000″ (KITT) for the show. SPEED will broadcast the sale of the KITT Mustangs live during its auction coverage in the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

“The Barrett-Jackson Automotive lifestyle event in Palm Beach always attracts many celebrities, and this year someone will take home two genuine TV stars,” said Steve Davis, president of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. “This is a once in a lifetime chance to own a pair of celebrity cars with extraordinary star power, while also supporting a worthy charity. Imagine going to the office or dropping your kid off at school in KITT. Ford and Barrett-Jackson are offering a chance to live the ‘Knight Rider’ experience every day.”

Ford partnered with NBC to create a new KITT supercar, inspired by the new Shelby GT500KR, to star in the “Knight Rider” TV series which premiered on NBC on February 17, 2008. “Super KITT” and “Attack Mode KITT” will be sold as a pair (Lot #665 and #665.1) with all proceeds to benefit Salute to Education.

Ford Motor Company, participating Ford and Lincoln Mercury dealers and Ford Motor Credit fund Salute to Education. Through programs such as Salute to Education, more than $7 million has been given to high school students over the last 16 years to jumpstart their education with scholarships for college.

“Super KITT” was built using a black Mustang GT with 4.6 Liter V8 that was upfitted with a Ford Racing Whipple Super-charger to make 500 horsepower. Additional performance elements include 6-piston Brembo Brakes, FRC500 Suspension Pak, High Flow Ford Racing X-Pipe and Ford Racing mufflers with stainless tips. The exterior sports a GT500KR fiberglass hood with a KITT heartbeat light, GT500 front and rear bumper covers, matte black LeMans stripes, matte finish rocker panels, GT500KR rear spoilers and 20″ forged aluminum wheels.

“Attack Mode KITT” began as a black Mustang GT with 4.6 Liter V8, auto transmission, custom front valance/grille based on the GT500KR, carbon graphite chin spoiler, custom rear bumper cover, custom side faux air scoops, custom side skirt/rocker panel, two-tiered rear spoiler, custom rear window insert, custom turn signal trim, custom headlight trim brow and 20″ forged black aluminum wheels. Performance features include Brembo Brakes, a FRC Suspension Pak and Ford Racing mufflers with stainless tips.

“We’re pleased to offer these cars, which have already become cultural icons, at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Palm Beach,” added Robert Parker, car marketing manager for Ford Motor Company. “‘Knight Rider’ gave the public an opportunity to see some of the capabilities of the new 540 horsepower Ford Shelby GT500KR, though the standard production model does not include all the ‘enhancements’ made to KITT. The new owner of these cars will have a piece of Hollywood and also help thousands of students realize their dream for a college or university education.”

The two KITT cars were created to look like the new Ford Shelby GT500KR pony cars created by Ford Motor Company and Shelby Automomobiles. The 5.4 Liter 540-horsepower Ford Shelby GT500KR is the most powerful factory-built Mustang ever produced. Approximately 1,000 total 2008 coupes will be built at Shelby’s facility in Las Vegas and arrive in dealerships this summer.

With all proceeds benefiting Salute to Education, the two KITT cars will join a long list of cars in Palm Beach that will be auctioned for charity including several from the hit HBO series “The Sopranos.” On March 26, Barrett-Jackson will host their annual Opening Night Gala to raise money for The Darrell Gwynn Foundation and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. During the 2007 Palm Beach event, Barrett-Jackson raised over $500,000 for various charities.
About Barrett-Jackson

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the “World’s Greatest Collector Car Events™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Visit www.barrett-jackson.com for more information.


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