Ford CEO to Keynote NY Auto Show

Special Coverage

New York Int’l Auto Show

NEW YORK – Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally kicks off the 2007 New York International Auto Show here with a keynote address to the International Motor Press Assn. on April 4.

During the first of two press-preview days, Mulally also will present the world debut of a closely guarded secret vehicle, as well as three special-edition Ford-brand vehicles.

The special-edition Fords include the Shelby Mustang GT 500KR, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the ’68 Shelby KR (king of the road).

The Funkmaster Flex Expedition is a new SUV designed to appeal to urban consumers. Also bowing for the first time will be the F-150 “Chip Foose edition,” created by the superstar hot rod designer and host of the “Overhaulin’” TV show.

Bob Lutz , General Motors Corp. Vice Chairman-Global Product Development, will premiere a new concept vehicle and the world debuts of six additional GM vehicles at the show.

Other world debuts include the Infiniti G Coupe and EX concept car; Hyundai Genesis sports sedan; Lexus LX 570 fullsize SUV; Honda S2000 club racer; Mercedes CL 550, ML 550, plus the CLK AMG Black Series; and an all-new Jeep SUV.

Ernst Lieb, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, says the auto maker now takes 40% of the AMG production. Mercedes is seeking to elevate the performance level of AMG models with the Black Series that starts with the CLK.

The 106th annual New York show opens to the public on April 6 and runs until April 15. It is expected to draw more than 1 million visitors. There will be more than 1,000 cars and trucks filling an 846,000-sq.-ft. (78,593-sq.-m) area of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.