RPO83

In the spirit of the company founder who put the world on wheels, Ford Motor Company executives are going to Louisville and 99 other North American cities this spring as part of Ford’s 100th anniversary celebration. Henry Ford was one of the first to tour the great American landscape regularly with friends, including fellow historical figures Thomas Edison and John Burroughs.

The Louisville stop of the 100-city Ford Centennial Tour will kick-off on Wednesday, May 14. As one of Louisville's oldest and largest employers, Ford is coming to town to celebrate this remarkable milestone. This year also marks 90 years of Ford production in Louisville.

Matt DeMars, Ford's executive director of pick-up and commercial truck platforms, will kick-off a two-day celebration at the Louisville Zoo. Louisville is one of 15 cities that will host a mobile centennial experience with classic and current product displays, including a Model T replica and a new 2004 Ford F-150 pickup truck. This free exhibit will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15. The exhibit will be situated at the front entrance of the zoo.

"These road trips are fitting way to mark the 100th year of Ford, and they give us a chance to get out of our Dearborn, Michigan, headquarters to spread our enthusiasm about the Centennial with people around the country," said DeMars.

Industrial and mechanical engineering students from the University of Louisville will also participate in a special afternoon presentation on May 14 by DeMars on the development and engineering of the all-new 2004 Ford F-150, the world's best-selling vehicle. There will also be several special events for Ford's Louisville retirees throughout the day.

Each stop on the 100 city tour has a customized agenda with executives meeting with Ford employees, retirees, dealers and suppliers, schools and local media to reflect on the impact the company has had on the world in its first 100 years. That impact includes revolutionizing transportation, starting with the affordable Model A's and Model T's, and redefining industrial processes with the moving assembly line

The 100-city road show is a prelude to Ford's gala hometown celebration in Dearborn. The Road is Ours Centennial Celebration from June 12-16 is expected to draw thousands to the grounds of World Headquarters.

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*Retired.