FORD EXPLORER ‘GO. DO. ADVENTURES’ CAMPAIGN TAKES THE CONVERSATION ON THE ROAD, CONTINUES THE MOMENTUM

• Ford is amplifying the conversation about the new Ford Explorer by kicking off “Go. Do. Adventures,” a program that asks consumers to suggest how they would use an Explorer to create their own unique adventure
• Consumers can submit their ideas in the form of essays, photos and videos through several websites, such as www.ford.com/explorer and Facebook. Ford will select the most unique responses to be brought to life with the all-new Explorer
• The latest chapter in the launch of the reinvented Ford Explorer builds on the success of the vehicle and campaign. Each part of the campaign has integrated online media, ranging from the live Facebook reveal to the ongoing dialogue on Facebook, as well as the resulting traditional print and TV ads

CHICAGO, Feb. 9, 2011 – If you had a Ford Explorer for a week, what would you do and where would you go? This question lays the groundwork for thenew “Go. Do. Adventures” program that invites consumers to suggest how they would use an Explorer to create their own unique adventure.

“We want people to get out there and experience their environment with friends and family in a fresh new way, and the new Explorer is the best vehicle to do it in,” said Jim Farley, Ford group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. “Ford has reinvented the Explorer, and with this new campaign we’re inviting consumers to be just as inventive by coming up with their ultimate adventure.”

Consumers can submit stories in the form of essays, photos and videos through several websites, such as www.ford.com/explorer and Facebook. The responses will showcase both key product features and unique American locations and attractions. Those people whose ideas are selected will then be able to live out their dream adventure, courtesy of the all-new Explorer. All of the action will be captured and documented through the Explorer Facebook page.

“This provides a platform for a larger audience to experience Explorer. We started the conversation by revealing Explorer on Facebook and are continuing to advance that dialogue online,” said Eric Peterson, Explorer communications manager. “We have actively answered our fans’ questions, but now we have an opportunity to create advocates and show how Explorer can enable you to do the things you always dreamed of.”

Additionally, through collaboration with Outside Media and its network of unique assets and experts, Ford will select the most compelling stories to film, and produce short films to be distributed online and through traditional media. Ultimately, the content will be developed into a one-hour TV special.

Building on success The current marketing campaign for the reinvented 2011 Explorer, Go. Do., is an example of how a consumer-oriented approach can influence advertising creative and generate online discussion. It began with the Ford Explorer Facebook engagement that showed the all-new SUV’s live Facebook reveal on July 26.

The Go. Do. campaign continued evolving through Facebook as Ford engaged fans and prospective Explorer customers in one-on-one conversations using texts, videos and images. This led to significant Facebook growth – more than 138,000 fans and growing – and increased anticipation for the new Explorer. Explorer fans also can get real-time answers from Ford experts as well as view video responses from engineers and celebrities such as Bret Michaels and Snoop Dogg.

The unfiltered feedback influenced more traditional aspects of the campaign, including TV and print advertising. The result is an unscripted, organic look at American families and the American road trip, with a mini-documentary feel to TV spots.

To see more of the creative work and how the reinvented Ford Explorer is changing the way consumers think about SUVs, log on to www.ford.com/explorer or www.facebook.com/fordexplorer.

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