Countdown Begins To Ford's 100th Anniversary

On June 16, 1903, Henry Ford and 11 investors signed the articles of incorporation to establish the Ford Motor Company.

100 years on, plans are being finalised by the company to celebrate this historic milestone.

"Our centennial offers us a unique opportunity to celebrate our past, but it also challenges us to look ahead and build our future," said Bill Ford, chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "As we observe our 100th anniversary, our goal is to have an even greater impact on people's lives in the next 100 years," he added.

Ford's 100th anniversary programmes will be targeted primarily at company employees and Ford enthusiasts.

The centenary celebrations kicked off this week at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit by looking back on a century of great products – and looking forward with its biggest wave of new product introductions ever. Ford Motor Company and its global brands are introducing more than 15 new products at the 2003 Detroit show.

The product onslaught is unprecedented in the company's history. It is the result of an intensive product-led revitalisation that has mobilised Ford as it enters its second century of innovation.

The major centennial celebration will be centred on Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. On a 152 acre site over the weekend of June 12-16, Ford will host an exposition dedicated to the Ford centenary. THE ROAD IS OURS 100th Anniversary Celebration will feature historic Ford and Ford group vehicles from around the world, as well as present models and concept vehicles from all of Ford's brands. In addition, the event will feature interactive displays, live entertainment and many other great attractions. It is anticipated over 100,000 Ford employees, retirees and Ford enthusiasts will gather for this unique occasion.