Ford Fiesta, Key Talent of New Post-Reality Entertainment Property, 'If I Can Dream,' Take Off On Cross-Country Road Trip

Dearborn, Mich., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --

• Ford Fiesta and the "If I Can Dream" aspiring artists are trekking across the country to promote the show, a new genre of programming that will stream live 24/7 on www.ificandream.com and will be broadcast weekly on Hulu
• Ford's relationship with "If I Can Dream" builds on the groundbreaking Fiesta Movement that launched Fiesta's online presence in the social media space
• The 2011 Ford Fiesta goes on sale this summer, and offers fuel economy, class-exclusive technologies and personalization, all in a small car package

The Ford Fiesta already is proving that it's got the makings of a star, but now Ford's new small car is serving as a vehicle to stardom for a few aspiring young artists. Three Fiestas are hitting the road with five young people in tow to promote Simon Fuller's new reality show "If I Can Dream," which follows the artists as they move to the Hollywood Hills looking for their big break.

The five artists include a musician, an actor, two actresses and a model, who will be mentored by the best in Hollywood while trying to make their dreams come true. All the while, their lives will be captured and streamed online in real-time, 24/7 on www.ificandream.com. It also will be available for TV viewers exclusively on Hulu, a Web site offering popular TV shows and movies from commercial networks.

"This is the perfect way for people across the country to connect with the Fiesta and the 'If I Can Dream' artists," said Connie Fontaine, Ford Brand Content and Alliances manager. "Not only will they get to see the Fiesta up close, but they'll get to meet the artists on the first part of this exciting journey."

Fiesta serves as the "sixth bedroom" of the show – it's the artists' primary way of transportation, and it is outfitted with three cameras so they can talk about their experiences through livestreaming.

The "If I Can Dream" tour is visiting New York, Feb. 10-12; Boston, Feb. 14-15; Chicago, Feb. 16-17; Atlanta, Feb. 18; New Orleans, Feb. 19; Dallas, Feb. 21-22; Phoenix, Feb. 23; San Francisco, Feb. 24; and Los Angeles, Feb. 25.

Fiesta's involvement with "If I Can Dream" builds on the success of the Fiesta Movement, a social media initiative that generated more than 6 million YouTube views, nearly 740,000 Flickr views and more than 3.7 million Twitter impressions. The Fiesta Movement and test drive program have resulted in more than 100,000 handraisers.

Fiesta has it all – and more

Going on sale this summer, the all-new Ford Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers' expectations. With 15 class-exclusive technologies and a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package.

It's also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is expected to deliver best-in-class convenience and connectivity with the segment-exclusive SYNC^® voice-activated communications system, as well as an expressive color palette and available graphics.

Already more than 6,000 consumers have made reservations for the Ford Fiesta – half of them from non-Ford customers – and more than 100,000 handraisers are showing an interest in the new fuel-efficient car. Customers can begin placing their order for the new Fiesta today through their local Ford dealer.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE:  F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company