FTE, Ford's new brand and dealership concept, is offering a unique experience in vehicle ownership with a new program that allows buyers to have a hand in building their exclusive T-Series performance sedan.

FTE is a premium brand designed to meet the needs of serious motoring enthusiasts - so serious that they want to play a part in the assembly of their vehicle.

All new T-Series owners will be offered the chance to get hands-on experience on the shop floor, with an invitation to visit the Tickford factory while their T-Series is being manufactured.

The "Build Your Own T-Series" program will include:

• an in-depth guided tour of the Tickford factory premises
• a viewing of his/her own vehicle
• the chance to assist the shop floor technician in the assembly of selected areas of their T-Series
• a photograph and certificate commemorating their participation
• a limited edition model of the T-Series itself
• special ID plate on the vehicle bearing the sequence number

"The customers FTE is catering to are very excited about being able to take part in the production process," said Stephen Eyears of Ford Special Vehicle Operations.

"We wanted to find a way to get them involved at this level, and because the T-Series is designed and built locally, we can."

T-Series vehicles will go through two production phases - first at the Ford factory in Campbellfield, then at the nearby Tickford Vehicle Engineering plant.

Customers will be able to visit the TVE factory where they will be assigned a guide, and will be able to speak with technicians and engineers as they are taken through the premises.

David Flint, Managing Director of Tickford, is looking forward to introducing FTE drivers to his operation.

"These are exclusive cars built from the ground up right here in Australia, and we think our customers will jump at the chance to see the process, and take part themselves."

The Build Your Own T-Series program will be available from the launch of the vehicles on 1 October 1999.