Ford held its 2009 Model-Year Fleet Preview at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, June 16-18. The preview was attended by more than 800 fleet customers and suppliers, including participants from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Ford’s export and growth markets.

Hosted by Kevin Koswick, director, Ford North American Fleet, Leasing, & Remarketing Operations (NAFLRO), the meeting also included presentations by Mark Fields, Ford executive VP and president of the Americas; Sue Cischke, group VP, sustainability, environment, and safety engineering John Ruppert, general manager, commercial and government sales; and Linda Silverstein, NAFLRO general manager, remarketing and rental.

An exciting new element was introduced at the Ford Fleet Preview this year — the Technology and Innovation Center. The area was divided into Green, Safe, Smart, and Quality exhibits. Ford engineering teams, representing advanced research, product development, safety, and manufacturing were onsite to showcase Ford’s latest technologies and talk directly with fleet customers.

Customers were given in-depth perspectives of Ford’s sustainability plan for the future — which includes biofuels, clean diesel, and EcoBoost. Customers were also able to step inside a Taurus as it went through a video crash to see how the occupants were protected.

In the quality area, Fleet Preview attendees had an opportunity to put on helmets and gloves and step into the world of virtual design. They were also able to pick up a gap analysis tool and check the world class tolerance on Ford’s body panels. Attendees enjoyed the chance to explore what was behind Ford’s technology curtain.

In addition to viewing Ford’s 2009-MY vehicle lineup, fleet customers tested the models during a ride-and-drive event at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

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