N.a.i.a.s.

[YLO BRD]

Is anyone planning on attending the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Hall starting January 15th. I'm not sure if we'll be there this year, theres nothing thats drawing my attention to it yet. Last year we met Kevin (tbird eh) and Steve Legel there, we were all lucky we made it in one piece with the big snow storm that day.

[goldent]

JoAnne
Last year it looked like Ford treated the bird like a orphan child and put it on the side. The only reason to go this year would see how they will celebrate the fiftieth. Other that that channel 4 will cover the show good enough for me! However, lunch downtown with fellow bird friends is always fun! not to mention greektown

[Dave123]

I believe FORD is only introducing these 2 new vehicles; Fuision & Sport Trac

[Joe Varey]

Ford announced at the show :pinkie:


2005 MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE JOINS THE "NEXT GENERATION OF FORD" STABLE THIS SPRING



2005 V-6 Mustang Convertible affordably priced at $27,995.
Mustang GT Convertible with the 300 HP 4.6L 3-valve overhead camshaft aluminum engine and five-speed manual transmission is priced at $36,795.
OAKVILLE, Ont. January 5, 2005 - Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited announced today that the hot-selling 2005 Ford Mustang line-up will add two new models later this spring. The all-new Mustang V-6 and GT convertibles were introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show and will have their first Canadian showing at the Montreal Auto Show on January 14, 2005.

Remaining true to their heritage of being fast, fun and affordable, the well equipped Mustang V-6 convertible has a manufacturers suggested retail price (MSRP) of $27,995 and the high-performance 300 HP Mustang GT convertible's MSRP is $36,795.

"The 2005 Mustang convertible has nearly double the torsional stiffness of the already rigid coupe underbody to make it the most solid and quiet Mustang convertible ever built, while reducing added weight and cost," said Peter Jansen, Ford of Canada, Mustang brand manager.

The 2005 Mustang coupe was introduced on November 16 and in the first month; sales are over four times greater than 2004 Mustang sales in August to the end of December last year. The Mustang was the best-selling Canadian sports car in 2004.

"The introduction of the Mustang convertible models provides added strength to the Mustang line-up and gives new excitement to the already strong "Next Generation of Ford" products, added Jansen.

The 2005 Ford Mustang Convertible will be manufactured at the AutoAlliance International assembly facility in Flat Rock Michigan. The AutoAlliance facility is a joint venture between Ford and Mazda. The Mustang Convertible will be arriving in Ford and Ford/Lincoln Canadian dealerships in spring 2005.

Ford of Canada's operations include a national headquarters, six regional offices, five vehicle assembly and engine manufacturing plants, two parts distribution centres, and affiliates including Ford Credit, Jaguar, Volvo, Land Rover and Hertz. Ford employs more than 15,000 people, while an additional 21,000 are employed in 500 Ford and Ford-Lincoln dealerships across Canada. In 2003, revenues for Canadian operations were $20.8 billion, making Ford of Canada one of the country's largest privately held companies. Since 1990, Ford has invested nearly $10 billion in its Canadian operations.

[YLO BRD]

Dennis,
I was so dissapointed last year, I expected to see at least a few birds instead all they had was one PCR. It was a big letdown but, I don't expect them to do anything for the 50th, they probably will have the Cashmere on display this time. Lets keep an eye on the weather and make our plans accordingly. If its anything like today, I'm staying home!

Dave,
Thanks for the pictures, I really should check out what else Ford has to offer since my Explorer can't last forever.

Joe,
No doubt they will have the Mustang Convertable there, probably promently displayed. The Mustang is the big seller this year, and they will give it all the press. We saw one a few months ago when the plant manager of Auto Alliance brought it to our Mustang meeting, its a beautiful car. My Nephew has a black/black on order so, hopefully he'll give his favorite Aunt a ride.

Joanne

[Joe Varey]

Found this on Fords Drealer Marketing site - Intresting worth a look.


FORD OF CANADA DEALERS TO SELL 50TH ANNIVERSARY THUNDERBIRD



Ford of Canada dealers will sell the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Ford Thunderbird starting in spring 2005.
The Ford Thunderbird went on sale October 22, 1954 - starting a legend that would grow with each generation of Thunderbird cars.
OAKVILLE, Ont. November 22, 2004 - The Ford Thunderbird, a North American icon, celebrated its golden anniversary on October 22, 2004. In celebration of the milestone, Ford unveiled a special, 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model at the Wixom Assembly Plant on November 5, 2004. Production will be limited to 1,500 units throughout North America and begins in January 2005.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price of a 2005 Ford Thunderbird is $56,775, complete with hardtop and all-speed traction control. The 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Thunderbird in its exclusive Cashmere colour, will be priced at $59,275 MSRP when it goes on sale in the spring of 2005.

"We know the 50th Anniversary Limited Edition model will become a prized vehicle for Canadian Thunderbird collectors," said Peter Jansen, Thunderbird brand manager, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. "We expect them to be in very limited supply here."

The commemorative 50th Anniversary Thunderbird features a gorgeous Cashmere tri-coat metallic paint with matching removable hardtop and Medium Light Stone cloth convertible top and soft boot, and 16-spoke, 17-inch wheels with an accented hub ring to match the Cashmere paint.

New coordinated interior packages include full leather Cashmere seats, and lower instrument panel trim, floor console and door armrests. An understated Soft Gold-tinted 50th Anniversary badge graces the instrument panel and 50th Anniversary insignias are embossed on the seatbacks. Each vehicle will feature a numbered commemorative plaque mounted inside the glove box.

The 50th Anniversary Thunderbird builds on the car's rich heritage -- that began with the classic, two-seater 1955 model -- and a variety of subsequent models that have become popular with collectors. Thunderbird has starred at the races, in the movies and the latest models have recaptured some of the magic of the original and are destined for a prominent place in Thunderbird and automotive history.

Previous special-edition Thunderbirds have proven highly desirable. In 2002, Ford offered 200 special-edition Thunderbirds for sale through the exclusive Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. Those 200 cars sold out in two hours and 15 minutes and are considered highly prized collector's items

[YLO BRD]

We went to the auto show this morning in another snow storm, just like last year. It was well worth it though, what beautiful cars they had on display. Much to my delight and surprise, there were 2 2005 anniversary birds on the floor, one gold and the second a Cashmere. I was shocked when I checked the glove box and found it to be #1 of 1500! They had small brochures that featured the bird along with other Ford products.
While there, my eye also caught on the Crossfire, it was painted a very beautiful soft yellow, and sure did look very....close to Inspiration Yellow on my car. All in all, it was a great show and worth going to if your in the area.

[TBird02]

Joanne - I really wanted to go, but things did not work out this year. Will probably go to the Grand Rapids show, but it just isn't the same. Were the crowds still big, dispite the weather?

[YLO BRD]

Chris,
Actually the crowds wern't to bad probably due to the snow. We were able to get close to and sit in anything we wanted without a problem. There were a few bus loads of kids there, I sure don't remember my school having a field trip to the auto show! I'm not sure if you saw the Charity Preview Friday night on tv but, someday I'd love to do that. Its just a bit pricy at $400 a head but, it all goes to many different charitys around the city.

[Steve Legel]

I attened NAIAS on Thursady night. Joanne is correct that the 0001 50th anniversary edition was there and a bronze 05. I lack her enthusiasm though for the show in general and Ford in particular. The 50th Tbird had ink marks on the seat, the upholstery and carpet was dirty. Sad.
The cars at the show were well worn by Thursday. One Dodge pickup had a broken windshield and a Chevy had a tear in the carpet in the back seat. Most knobs and shifters seemed missing. Ah the public!
Ford's Mustang, GT 40 and Chrome Cobra concept drew crowds, but the 500 was not available to sit in. I'm glad I did the Innovation drive in Miaimi to drive the Freestar, 500 and Mustang. At the Lincoln display, the new Lincoln XT appears to be another Blackwood bungle. Luxury appointments like the Navigator, but still a pick up. I was impressed with the new Navigator touch control rear hatch door mechanism. That big sucker is heavy to lift or pull closed. The new mechainsm requires only slight effort to get it started and then it does the rest. I did look at the Jags, Maybach, Rolls, Lamborgini's Maserattii's and Aston Martins...still like my Ranger pick up.
Steve

[goldent]

Hey Joanne
My Admin went ot the black tie affair, I must be paying her too much. But she said it was over sold ans too crowded. She did get to sit in any car she wanted too and had her picture taken in most! She said there was no food to be found and she would not do it again.

[2K2BIRD]

Watched NBC's coverage of the show today on TV. Saw the 50th Anniversary bird on the screen for about 2 seconds as they were panning over to the new Mustang convertible. The coral bird got more air time in the Bond movie.