Ford commercials give center stage to Ford owners

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As far as American automakers go, Ford seems to be our country’s darling at the moment. No surprise really - the company has, after all, effectively distanced itself from government bailouts. It’s also making smart decisions by producing better cars like the Fusion and bringing European favorites, such as the Transit Van and upcoming Fiesta, our way. To highlight their latest and greatest products – as well as some established successes – Ford has produced 15-second commercial spots during which real drivers talk about their favorite parts of their Ford vehicle. Jonathan loves the SYNC system; Paul’s hands don’t smell like gasoline thanks to his Ford’s capless fuel filler.

Depicting real people -- real, young people, that is -- enjoying their cars makes a statement very different than what we’ve seen from General Motors. It’s a tactic that the company hopes will speak to Ford owners and in-market shoppers alike.

“We didn’t want to get bogged down in one message,” says Mark Schirmer of Ford Communications. ‘It was just about letting people talk about their car. It’s straightforward and honest.”

The quickie ads, already on YouTube, will air on television before and after main commercial segments starting Monday.

-- Alison Lakin

Alison Lakin is a staff writer at DriverSide.com.