Ford Fusion & Other Flagship Models' Ad Spend to Increase 15% for 2005

Ford Division President Steve Lyons recently announced at the 2005 Detroit North American International Auto Show that the company is planning to increase advertising spending by around 15%. A move it hopes will further promote its flagship Ford-brand vehicles, including the new mid-size Ford Fusion sedan that will be available to the public later this year.

Auto industry insiders report that Ford's 2004 ad spending reached a record high. Mr. Lyons stated that "We are increasing our advertising budget very substantially this year ... adding $50 million to $100 million. The increase will amount to a year-on-year rise 'in the 15% range'."

Ford is reported to have spent more than $150 million in 2004 fourth-quarter advertising, mainly to market the Ford Five Hundred car, Freestyle wagon and its other new or recently redesigned cars and trucks.