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Ford Windstar Sets Unprecedented Safety Mark

11 February 1999

Ford Windstar Sets Unprecedented Safety Mark

    DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 10 -- The 1999 Ford Windstar
has been awarded unprecedented top safety scores in all categories of crash
protection in the government's New Car Assessment Program.
    On Jan. 13, the Windstar minivan received the highest ratings in side-
impact crash testing, making it the first and only vehicle to receive dual
five-star ratings for driver and passenger protection in a frontal crash and
dual five-star ratings for front and rear seat side-impact protection.  The
ratings are awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) based on the results from high-speed crash tests.
    Dr. Ricardo Martinez, NHTSA administrator, announced Ford's achievement
and lauded the company's commitment Jan. 12 at the Automotive News World
Congress industry forum in Detroit.
    "We couldn't be prouder of Windstar's performance, but make no mistake,
these exceptional ratings didn't happen by chance," said Jac Nasser, Ford
president and chief executive officer.  "We are committed to cleaner, safer,
more efficient vehicles.  And our customers can expect more five-star vehicles
in the future."
    Windstar has earned top five-star ratings for driver and passenger in
frontal crashes since its introduction in 1995.  The top rating for side
impact was achieved this year in the vehicle's initial side-impact test.
NHTSA instituted side-impact crash testing last year.
    Frontal and side-impact crashes combined account for 85 percent of
injuries to drivers and passengers and nearly half of all fatalities.
    Ford has consistently performed well in the government's crash test
program.  In the 1998 model year, Ford had three top-rated vehicles for
frontal crash, as many as all other manufacturers combined.  Already this year
Ford has added the Taurus and Mercury Sable to that list and leads the
combined efforts of all other automakers.
    Last year, Ford also was the first automaker to announce plans to
introduce a combination head and chest side air bag throughout its North
American lineup over the next several years.  The Windstar minivan offers
optional side air bags this year.
    All Ford vehicles are designed with the objective of reducing the risk of
injury and the severity of injury in the event of an accident.  Ford engineers
have stressed safety cell technology and crash energy management to help
absorb the forces of a collision and help maintain the passenger compartment
as much as possible.  Vehicle restraint systems, including safety belts and
air bags, have also been designed to provide additional protection to vehicle
occupants.
    Ford uses the most advanced computer technology in the industry to make
sure its vehicles meet or exceed stringent crashworthiness standards.  Top
engineers and biomechanical experts work closely to determine how different
vehicle designs will perform in a collision.  Only models that effectively
absorb impact energy and help ensure the safety of occupants are selected for
further testing and development.
    In addition to being the first automaker to achieve dual five-star ratings
for both frontal and side impact and making its industry-leading side air bag
announcement, Ford was the first automaker to commit to depowering air bags
across its North American lineup and at the 1999 North American International
Auto Show in Detroit became the first automaker to broadly commit to
installing a new generation of advanced restraint systems across its full
vehicle lineup.
    Windstar also is one of the cleanest vehicles on the road.  For the 1999
model year, every Windstar sold nationwide will be a low-emission vehicle
(LEV).  As a LEV, Windstar will emit 70 percent less smog-forming hydrocarbons
than allowed by federal standards.
    In addition to the government's top rating, Windstar also earns the
highest possible rating in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS)
high-speed offset frontal crash tests.