Ford's Nasser Talks to Press at New York Auto Show
8 April 1998
Remarks by Jac Nasser, President Ford Automotive Operations, To the International Motor Press Association At the New York International Auto Show
NEW YORK, April 8 -- The following remarks were made today by
Jac Nasser, President Ford Automotive Operations, to the International Motor
Press Association (IMPA) at the New York International Auto Show:
When we discussed what I would talk about to the International Motor Press
Association this morning, one suggestion was a 50,000 foot view of the
industry and the economy.
Here we are in the midst of the greatest uninterrupted expansion in
economic history.
Inflation's under control.
Unemployment is low.
I could go into great detail about the money supply world-wide, or the
convergence of long-term and short-term interest rates and what that means ...
But my public affairs staff assures me IMPA members are already expert on
these topics and suggest I talk about a car instead.
LS is a study in classic automotive proportions with an American twist.
The LS has a wheelbase that is long relative to its overall length -- and
that length is less than 5-meters to insure its international size.
The front overhang is short, while a low cowl line provides excellent
driver visibility over the hood.
Interior and exterior design provide a carefully considered expression of
understated, casual American refinement.
I think the design exhibits a new Lincoln look that should appeal to a
customer who wants a complete package of comfort and performance.
The sedan's proportions, along with its wide stance, visually reinforce
the fact that this car is solid and inspiring to drive.
External design cues include the signature Lincoln vertical grille, dual
round headlights and prominent tail lamps.
The fenders and quarter panels are sculpted over and around the wheels to
accentuate the car's aggressive wide stance.
This all-new platform is designed with the technical features of other
successful cars in this global league.
We all know the list:
rear-wheel-drive,
four-wheel independent suspension,
a choice of 4-valve overhead camshaft engines,
all-speed traction and yaw control, anti-lock brakes
The latest passive safety technology includes next generation driver and
passenger air bags; standard front-seat-mounted air bags that offer head and
chest protection during side impacts.
More about that a bit later.
We expect that most LS sales at the outset will be in North America to
drivers who want an animated, Luxury Sport sedan.
However, LS is sized right and equipped right to be at home on European
autobahns or Japanese Kosu Ku'Doorus as well.
Over time, we hope buyers of the established names will start to consider
an American-bred, American built alternative of this size.
But I know, and you know, that we will have to fight our way into this
segment.
The other brands took years to establish themselves here.
And it's an investment we are prepared to make.
So with this car, and subsequent variations, Lincoln is preparing for a
long trip around the world.
After debuting in North America during early 1999, the LS series will
appear in more than 30 markets.
Both right-hand drive and left-hand drive versions are in the final stages
of development and certification.
As the model names LS6 and LS8 suggest, this Lincoln comes equipped with
either a V-6 or V-8 and a five-speed transmission.
The V-6 can be mated with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic
transmission.
The V-8 powered cars have a five-speed automatic transmission.
Both automatics have an optional SelectShift feature that allows the
driver to manually select gears.
Technically-oriented drivers will appreciate LS's almost ideal front-to-
rear weight distribution, its optional 17-inch wheels and tires, and light
weight aircraft grade aluminum suspension pieces.
More luxury oriented drivers should appreciate the spacious interior,
plush carpeting, the split-fold down rear seats, a dual zone automatic climate
control system and premium sound system.
Or -- as I do-- you can learn to love both the luxury and the performance.
The Lincoln LS is another example of the kind of change that has been
sweeping through Ford during the past several years.
You've seen the reborn Mercury Cougar with its unique New Edge design.
Cougar is based on the Mondeo-Contour-Mystique platform and shares 70
percent of its components with those cars.
The Lincoln Navigator is another example of a breakthrough.
It redefines the Lincoln brand and has brought new customers into
showrooms. We're also making other breakthroughs on the environmental front.
The competition doesn't like it, but starting with the 1999 model year,
all of our sport utility vehicles and the Windstar minivan will be low-
emission vehicles -- as clean as our cars.
We have also committed to the National Low Emissions Vehicle program for
all of our cars and light trucks.
Today, another breakthrough.
It's about safety.
Going forward, Ford Motor Company will offer side-impact air
bags in every one of our North American cars and Windstar minivans as they are
revised, updated and newly introduced.
Ford's unique combination side-impact air bags are designed to protect
both the head and chest in a variety of accident conditions.
These combination air bags significantly improve the chance of avoiding
serious injury.
Millions of drivers of Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar and Aston Martin
cars, and Windstar minivans, will have another advanced safety system from
Ford working for them.
Thanks for listening.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company
