Ford Enters Microsegmentation With 3 Custom Vehicles

The Ford Motor Co. will be unveiling three new limited edition vehicles which are produced to slot into smaller cars. The custom vehicles are said to belong to what is called "microsegmentation."

The cars are the new versions of the Mustang and the Shelby GT-500KR. These cars boast scorching hot performance. As a fact, the new versions are given more horsepower than base model GT-500, which can produce 500 horsepower. The 2008 version of the car is scheduled to arrive in showrooms in time for the 40th anniversary of the first "King of the Road" edition Shelby, one of the most adored muscle cars ever built.

The new Mustang is a joint venture between the racing legend Carroll Shelby and Ford's Special Vehicle Team. Hermann Salenbauch, the new head of SVT, will be the one to unveil the cars. Salenbauch replaces the father of the modern Mustang, Hau Thai-Tang, who was recently tapped to spearhead Ford’s product development operations in South America.

The Ford Mustang will be followed by the new custom 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition. The pickup will be the most powerful F-150 ever manufactured by the automaker. The customization of the pickup is penned by Chip Foose. The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition is equipped with a 5.8-liter V-8 that delivers 450 horsepower. It also features street rod styling courtesy of the host of The Learning Channel's "Overhaulin.”

Ford also will flaunt a special limited edition version of another vehicle designed by the urban legend Funkmaster Flex. All three are scheduled to make their official debuts at the New York auto show next week. The automaker is sending the vehicles to the battle arena with high hopes that they will have a positive impact on the ailing company. Ford also intends to unveil other limited edition versions of the Mustang and the F-series in 2008 lineup.

According to the automaker, more and more drivers are looking for something beyond the basic trim lines every automaker offers. "It's all about breaking down customer wants and delivering vehicles that feed them," said Ben Poore, Ford's truck marketing manager. "There's a great market there. Why not go after it?" Poore added, “Of course, too many choices can be confusing. That is why co-branding is so important.”

"These partnerships really help make the choice easier," Poore noted, adding they are big hits with auto enthusiasts who boost Ford's image with their word-of-mouth marketing. "This is the kind of buzz in the marketplace that keeps companies healthy."

George Peterson, the president of AutoPacific Inc., said that vehicles like these can go a long way toward countering the negative news coming out of Dearborn, but only if they are done right. "Ford needs a continuing string of events and good news to keep people on Ford's side," he said. "But it has to be more than just paint and tape." He said Ford has a proud history of offering limited edition vehicles that deliver what they promise, adding that such vehicles also help keep nameplates fresh.”

"We are absolutely going to do what it takes to keep our product fresh and keep it relevant in the market," Poore continued, adding that there will be more limited edition vehicles in the future. The powerful upcoming cars from the automaker are designed to boost upgraded DC sports cold air intake and other performance parts.