Ford is continuing its world-leading use of the Internet to create a new ownership experience for purchasers of its high-end T-Series and Cougar cars.

The pioneering FTE by Ford interactive web site gives customers unprecedented levels of control over all aspects of the ownership of their cars.

An FTE customer can configure and order a car, pay a deposit and arrange finance, track the vehicle's production and delivery schedule and control servicing through the password-accessed web site.

Customers can even watch video pictures of the luxurious, high-performance T-Series vehicles through various stages of the production process.

Developed by international award-winning Web designers, Fluid Interactive, the site is one of the most advanced motor vehicle web sites in the world, designed as a key component in what Ford calls a "total ownership experience".

Ford Brand Manager for Special Vehicles, Stephen Eyears, says FTE is designed for enthusiasts with a deep interest in their cars. "The Internet allows us to cater for the enthusiast by giving them a real involvement in the production and maintenance of their cars.

"T-Series customers are able to choose the production number of their vehicle. As they log on to the web site, they will be given up-dated information about the progress of their car through the production process," Mr Eyears said.

"As well, they can see video of cars at various stages in both the Ford and Tickford Vehicle Engineering plants.

"And at key points in the process, purchasers will be invited by e-mail to visit the Tickford plant and help assemble their car by attaching components to it," Mr Eyears said.

"Everything about FTE has been designed to give enthusiasts the ultimate experience in buying, owning and driving their cars. The web site is integral to that," Mr Eyears said.

The web site gives registered customers the opportunity to build 'profiles' that trigger e-mail or traditional mail reminders, such as:

• Vehicle service due
• Motor vehicle insurance due
• Registration & third party due
• Wedding anniversary
• Spouse's or relative's birthday

The web site provides a 'virtual' FTE owners' club. On-line chat facilities will feature discussions led by Ford and Tickford managers, engineers and technicians. Owners will have opportunities to 'chat' with members of the Ford Tickford Racing team.

The site also carries regularly updated general news, finance and investment information services.

Customers will be able to order FTE merchandise. They can receive information about special events, such as owners' club gatherings or Tickford Vehicle Engineering open days, making the FTE web site an important social gathering point.

"Like the FTE concept as a whole, the FTE web site is about much more than a car, it is about adding to the joy of driving," Mr Eyears said.