(November 26, 2013) DEARBORN, Mich. — Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford on Nov. 25 unveiled the company’s new float for America’s Thanksgiving Parade to hundreds of Ford Motor Company employees gathered outside Ford World Headquarters. The 100-foot-long float celebrates Henry Ford’s vision to open the roadways and make a difference in communities worldwide.

The float includes a giant likeness of Henry Ford sitting in front of a birthday cake that marks the 150th anniversary of his birth. Also featured are a giant globe and a Ford Focus, the world’s best-selling vehicle nameplate, in recognition of the company’s global reach.

Six giant screens on the float show the contributions that Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford Volunteer Corps members make around the world.

One of the country’s largest and longest-running parades, America’s Thanksgiving Parade will take place this Thursday in downtown Detroit.



“The parade is a great Detroit Thanksgiving Day family tradition, as well as an opportunity to celebrate our communities and encourage our neighbors to get involved,” said Bill Ford. “This new float is an exciting way to recognize both the legacy of our company’s founder and our investment in communities through funding of creative programs and the work of our Ford Volunteer Corps.”

Elena Ford, vice president for Ford global dealer and consumer experience and great-great-granddaughter of Henry Ford, will ride on the float in the Thanksgiving Day parade. Forty members of the Ford Volunteers Corp will walk alongside the float.

“Henry Ford and his legacy helped shape our region — and the world,” said Tony Michaels, president and CEO, The Parade Company, which puts on the Thanksgiving Day parade. “We appreciate what Ford Motor Company continues to provide for our community.”

As official parade vehicle, more than 40 Ford cars and trucks will take part in the festivities, including F-Series, Mustang and other Ford vehicles that will carry celebrities and pull floats.

The nearly three-mile-long parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at Woodward Avenue and Kirby Street near the DIA. The parade will be featured locally on WDIV-TV and WJR-AM, and the first hour will be aired in 140 markets across the country.