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1999 Ford Windstar Debuts With First-Ever Features

14 May 1998

1999 Ford Windstar Debuts With First-Ever Features

    CINCINNATI, May 14 -- Ford Motor Company Chairman
Alex Trotman pulled the wraps off the redesigned 1999 Windstar at the
company's annual shareholders' meeting here today introducing the minivan's
segment-leading features and new levels of safety and environmental
responsibility.
    The Windstar was redesigned to include an all-new exterior and interior
appearance, add a driver's side sliding door and maintain the structural
integrity to achieve the highest possible federal government front crash-test
rating -- five stars for the driver and front-seat passenger.
    Trotman reiterated the company's pledge to make the Windstar and all its
sport utility vehicles achieve Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) status nationwide.
The 1999 Windstar, says Trotman, will not only meet LEV standards, but is
engineered to achieve Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) according to
California's strict standards.
    "Not only is it a minivan safety and environmental leader, the 1999
Windstar sets a new benchmark in family transportation with first-ever
features that set it apart from a crowded, competitive field," said Trotman.

    Dual Power Sliding Doors - First
    In addition to the available fourth door, the 1999 Windstar will be the
first minivan on the market to offer optional key fob operated, dual-power
sliding doors allowing either side to be opened and closed at the touch of a
button.  Double click on the key fob and the power sliding doors on either or
both sides of the redesigned 1999 Ford Windstar smoothly glide open.  A tap of
the buttons on the overhead console closes the doors when everyone is safely
buckled in.

    Reverse Sensing System - First and Only
    Backing out of a congested parking lot or parallel parking is easier, too.
The 1999 Windstar's available Reverse Sensing System warns the driver of
certain objects in the vehicle's path by emitting a series of beeps inside the
cabin while backing up.

    Head and Chest Side Air Bags - First and Only
    The 1999 Windstar is the first minivan with available head and chest side-
impact air bags.  The air bags are mounted in the bolsters of the front seats
and are designed to enhance protection of the head and chest of front-seat
occupants in side impacts.

    LEV and ULEV - Only
    The 1999 Windstar is the cleanest gasoline-powered minivan available.
Every 1999 Windstar will be a cleaner-running, gas-powered, low-emission
vehicle (LEV).
    With engine management computer calibration and additional emission
controls, the 1999 Windstar's 3.8-liter V6 engine is engineered to achieve
Ultra Low Emission Vehicle status in California, meaning it produces
65 percent less hydrocarbon emissions than required for the average vehicle in
its class.

    First Place Power
    All the emissions improvements come without sacrificing power.  Windstar's
3.8-liter V6, currently the most powerful engine available in a minivan, still
produces 200-hp.

    Personal Audio System - First For Windstar
    The 1999 Windstar is available with a Personal Audio System allowing
front-seat passengers to listen to one media, such as radio or cassette, while
rear-seat passengers can listen to a separate media, such as a CD, through
headphones.

    Second Row Seat Indexing - First and Only
    The 1999 Windstar's second-row bench can be positioned to best suit the
use of individual families. The bench may be positioned on the right or left
side of the vehicle, placing the aisle to the third row on either side
depending on owner preference.

    Standard Equipment
    Windstar's long list of standard equipment includes automatic
transmission, power door locks, power windows and 40 standard safety features
including antilock brakes. The 1999 Windstar goes on sale nationwide this
fall.

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company