Ford And Kellogg's Cereal Join In Fusion Promotion

Ford expects to deliver more than 600,000 Fusions in August, through a new promotion with Kellogg's cereal. Kellogg's will include Hot Wheels Ford {{{Fusion}}} model cars in more than 600,000 boxes of Froot Loops, Apple Jacks, Frosted Flakes and Cocoa Krispies. These Hot Wheels cars feature three distinct paint schemes: black, white, or blue. In addition, a single red Hot Wheels Fusion will be made. Whoever finds it will win a new Ford Fusion for their driveway.

"We're very excited to support this Kellogg's promotion," says Robert Parker, Ford Car marketing manager. "This is a great opportunity to continue Fusion's momentum, and keep Fusion front and center in our target customers' shopping lists - and breakfast tables."

Kellogg's cereal boxes will start arriving in Target stores nationwide on Sunday, July 30, with Fusion prominently featured on the front and back of each box. The promotion will be showcased in store displays, further increasing visibility for Fusion.

For Kellogg's, this promotion offers added appeal for their customers. Americans spend $7.1 billion on cereal every year, and 94 percent of all households buying some kind of cereal. As a result, store shelves are crowded with choices, and cereal marketers are continually looking for ways to attract attention.

"We expect this program to be very successful, and appreciate Ford's support," says Mark Rose, Kellogg Customer Marketing associate director. "Hot Wheels cars are always popular, both with kids and collectors. Pairing the giveaway with the chance to win a new Fusion creates a very compelling program for our customers."

For Ford, the Kellogg's promotion is an extension of an intensive program to further raise awareness for the new Fusion nameplate.

"Fusion has quickly established its name and reputation in the midsize segment. From January, we have sold almost 85,000 Fusions, at our competitors' expense," says Parker. "We will continue that success through promotions such as Kellogg's Fusion giveaway, through Fusion NASCAR racing, and through affiliations with Kelly Clarkson's `Addicted' concert tour and the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure."

These initiatives also leverage constant improvement for the hot-selling Fusion. For 2007, Fusion will be available with the added security and improved handling of all-wheel drive. Other enhancements for 2007 include standard front-seat side air bags and side curtains, a standard auxiliary audio jack for MP3-players, and available DVD-based navigation system and SIRIUS satellite radio.

"Fusion is already a hit, but we're just getting started," says Parker. "We will continue introducing new features and new marketing initiatives to keep Fusion in consumers' minds, and to keep increasing Fusion sales."