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Consumers in World Markets Made Ford the Export Sales Leader 1998

9 April 1999

Consumers in World Markets Made Ford the Export Sales Leader for 1998

    DEARBORN, Mich., April 9 -- Consumer preference for Ford
cars and trucks in markets around the world put Ford at the top of
the 1998 list of exporters of built-up vehicles from the United States and
Canada, according to information provided to Ward's Communications by auto
manufacturers.
    "Ford products deliver high value to consumers in world markets," said
Jacques Nasser, president and chief executive officer of Ford Motor Company.
"Our leadership in shipments of built-up cars and trucks from the U.S. and
Canada is payback from putting consumers first.  And it exemplifies our
strategy of taking advantage of Ford's global production system to offer the
best products for each market.  The result is good both for consumers and for
Ford shareholders."
    In calendar year 1998 Ford shipped 140,150 built-up vehicles from the U.S.
and Canada to consumers worldwide.  In spite of significant industry downturns
last year in several regions, particularly in Asia-Pacific, South America and
Eastern Europe, which affected all vehicle exporters, Ford's share of built-up
car and truck shipments of all makes from the U.S. and Canada, increased by
more than four full percentage points year over year, from 26.7 percent to
30.9 percent.
    Top built-up Ford vehicles exported in 1998 from the U.S. and Canada were
Explorer (26,607 units), Cougar (16,837), Escort (14,777), Windstar (13,822),
Mercury Grand Marquis (12,825), F-Series pick-up (11,876) and Ranger (11,604).
Top markets for Ford products made in the U.S. and Canada were Mexico (54,171
built-up vehicles shipped), Europe (26,088), Middle East-North Africa (21,073)
and Puerto Rico (17,035).
    Ford Worldwide Direct Market Operations (WDMO) is the company's Michigan-
based activity charged with marketing Ford products to consumers in direct
markets around the world, and with providing logistical support services to
exports of Ford vehicles from North American plants and other sources.
    Said Michael I. Auld, Ford WDMO's executive director and general manager:
"Products exported from all Ford sources deliver quality, safety, value and
high satisfaction to consumers worldwide.  The growth in Ford shipments to
Middle East-North Africa and Puerto Rico is especially gratifying.  In both
districts we have invested in infrastructure and other actions to better serve
our customers, and they are rewarding our efforts with increased volume and
share gains."
    High growth rates achieved last year in shipments of Ford vehicles from
the U.S. and Canada to Middle East-North Africa and Puerto Rico consumers have
carried over into the first months of this year.  Exports to the former
district in January-February were up by 16.1 percent compared to the same
period of last year, while those to Puerto Rico have more than doubled.