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AUS: Ford's Party of the Century
Australia celebrated Ford Motor Company's 100th birthday yesterday with thousands of car fans converging on the Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong, Victoria for a family fun day.
Thousands of fans passed through the Ford Discovery Centre during the day to take part in one of the first celebrations to mark the global centenary.
Four of the biggest names in Ford racing history, Dick Johnson, Allan Moffat, Craig Lowndes and Marcos Ambrose signed autographs all day for delighted fans.
Guests enjoyed a display of Ford cars over the century from the 31st Ford vehicle ever produced, a 1903 Model A Ford, through to Ford Australia's first new vehicle of the second century - the Ford Territory.
The road was closed to traffic outside the Discovery Centre to make way for Ford car clubs who proudly showed off their collections; road safety displays; street theatre; and a Geelong Football Club handball competition.
The excited crowd threw streamers and cheered on Ford Australia President Geoff Polites and motorsport and football personalities as the centenary cake was cut.
"It was a proud moment to be standing amongst thousands of Ford fans all here to celebrate our 100th birthday," said Geoff.
Turning 100 is an exciting time for the company, both on a global scale and here in Australia. In Australia Ford has contributed to a long history of innovation – the world's first coupe utility in 1934 and the introduction of the long wheelbase concept in 1967.
"You just have to look at all the vehicles on display to understand how huge Ford's impact has been.
"The fact that what we do excites so many people has contributed to Ford celebrating its 100th birthday this week."
Ford centennial celebrations will continue this week with similar events taking place for employees at both Broadmeadows and Geelong plants.
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