TOYS REPLACE REAL CARS ROLLING OFF THE LINE FOR ONE DAY OF THE YEAR EVERY CHRISTMAS

December 20, 2016 by Ford

◾Each year toys, games, and books are sent down the line at a different Ford plant

◾Employees dedicate one day to prepare and wrap Christmas gifts for children

◾This year it is Ford's Craiova plant in Romania, with collections also made in Germany, Spain and U.K

◾UK employees made blankets for the annual Crisis at Christmas programme for the homeless in London

BRENTWOOD, Essex, Dec. 20, 2016 – Once a year toy cars destined for Christmas stockings replace full sized cars on the assembly line at one of Ford's European manufacturing plants. They are among the gifts that are collected and wrapped by employees before being sent to hospitals, orphanages and other good causes in Europe.

'Watching the toys come down the line is an amazing sight and the employees really get into the spirit of things by dressing up as Santa's helpers. It's important that we as a company give back to the wider community and this is a great way to make that happen,' said Linda Cash, vice president, Manufacturing, Ford of Europe.

Each year a different European plant plays secret Santa, with Ford's facility in Craiova, Romania, where B-MAX and 1.0-litre EcoBoost engines are built, taking on the role this year. Employees at other Ford plants in the UK, Spain and Germany also support charities at Christmas. This year, employees in the UK, at the Dagenham engine plant, have made or donated blankets for the annual Crisis at Christmas programme which assists homeless charities in London.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn, Michigan. With about 203,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company's core business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

---

Trending News

• Kia sweeps AM Awards with Manufacturer of the Year title and double win for the EV3
• A century of power and influence: the Rolls-Royce Phantom at 100
• Nissan appoints new Vice President to lead U.S and Canada Finance division
• Mazda Vehicles Named as IIHS and CR Recommended New and Used Vehicles for Teens
• Brandon Palaniuk joins Team Toyota in 2025

---

Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 53,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and approximately 68,000 people when joint ventures and unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 24 manufacturing facilities (16 wholly owned or consolidated joint venture facilities and 8 unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.