Starstruck

Ford Motor Co.'s new '04 minivans — the Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey — represent an evolution of its legendary Windstar nameplate.

And they will continue to evolve, executives suggest.

With shipments beginning Sept. 19, Ford is promising late availability for a factory-installed DVD-based entertainment system. Due in November, its debut is delayed by Ford's dissatisfaction with the work of original supplier, Johnson Controls Inc.

Delphi Corp. now has the contract, says Max Kapadia, chief nameplate engineer for both vehicles.

Between now and then, however, an Audiovox system will be available as a dealer option, says Philip Smoker, Lincoln-Mercury marketing manager.

Moving to the rear of the vehicle, Ford promises a power liftgate in April. And in the works for Monterey is an exclusive brand-name audio system, says a Lincoln-Mercury official.

Looking further down the road, a navigation system and a moonroof are under consideration. Both features, one executive confesses, fell victim to complexity.

The parts content of Freestar and Monterey differ from Windstar by 70%. That's about 1,000 new parts, Kapadia says, noting Monterey features approximately 100 parts that are different from Freestar.

Approximately 800 processes were changed to accommodate assembly of the new vans. Ford would like to see Freestar sales exceed 140,000.