Ford Fiesta Knows Hip-Hop, Celebrity Customizer Funkmaster Flex Tricks Out Ford's Newest Small Car

DEARBORN, Mich., April 29 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ford Fiesta has been earning its street credibility since last year's Fiesta Movement, but now Ford's newest car is getting its Hip-Hop seal of approval by none other than Celebrity Customizer Funkmaster Flex. The Fiesta will appear in an episode of Flex's new TV show, 'Funk Flex Full Throttle' which premiers this Sunday, May 2, at 2 p.m. EDT on MTV2.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100429/NY95888)

The Fiesta will play a starring role in one of the show's episodes as Funkmaster Flex puts his creative spin on the vehicle that has a strong following prior to its launch. As part of the partnership, one viewer will win the chance to take home the keys to the Fiesta customized by Flex as part of the Funk Flex Full Throttle Giveaway. The customization is set to include features such as a custom body kit, wheels, tires, lowering kit, a Funkmaster Flex signature two-tone paint job and a custom interior.

"Ford has had a partnership with Funkmaster Flex that dates back to 2005 which allows us to become a part of Flex's world and connect with today's young urban consumers in a way that is most relevant to them," said Crystal Worthem, manager, Multicultural Marketing.  "Being able to incorporate the Fiesta into a show that will allow us to continue to highlight the customization potential of this vehicle by someone who is an authority when it comes to vehicle customization is exciting for us."

'Funk Flex Full Throttle' is a high-adrenaline tour of music and car culture--the ultimate ride for fans who love to live in the fast lane. During each 30-minute episode, Funkmaster Flex will interview some of the hottest Hip-Hop artists with his signature raucous, familiar style. Flex will also give the artists and viewers a look at his latest car customization projects. Whether Flex is on location during Spring Break, checking out the latest products at the Ford booth during the New York Auto Show or just hanging out in his shop, 'Funk Flex Full Throttle' will be there to take viewers inside the Hip-Hop and car customization lifestyle.  Entertainers set to make an appearance on the show include Juelz Santana, Fabolous, Mike Epps, Diddy, Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj, Jadakiss and Ludacris.

"The Fiesta is definitely a vehicle that has major customization potential but also can stand on its own without having to do anything to it all," said Funkmaster Flex. "Whoever wins this vehicle is going to be hitting the streets in a mean vehicle that has some serious technology on the inside. Ford really got it poppin' with this vehicle and showed how you can take a small vehicle and push it to the next level."

For more information on 'Funk Flex Full Throttle or for the chance to enter the giveaway, please visit www.fordurban.com by July 2, 2010.

2011 Ford Fiesta: A hit before leaving the gate

Thanks to the success of the Fiesta Movement social media initiative – which has generated more than 6.2 million YouTube views, more than 750,000 Flickr views and nearly 4 million Twitter impressions – more than 125,000 people have already expressed an interest in the 2011 Ford Fiesta.  

Going on sale this summer, the all-new Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, sharp reflexes, and a global track record that will redefine U.S. small car customers' expectations. Featuring class-leading technologies and a projected best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, Fiesta brings efficiency and convenience together in one package.  

It's also designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable. In fact, Fiesta is delivers best-in-class convenience and connectivity with the segment-exclusive SYNC® voice-activated communications system, as well as an expressive color palette and available graphics.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Funkmaster Flex

A New York City native, Funkmaster Flex is synonymous with hip hop. For over a decade, he has reigned as America's # 1 Hip Hop DJ personality, reaching more than two million listeners a week through his popular radio show. His production talents and artist relationships have earned him five gold records for major-label mix albums. Funkmaster Flex has successfully connected his hip hop celebrity status to the auto industry to become a guru of car customization culture. Through his high-profile custom-car club, Team Baurtwell, Flex has customized cars for attention-drawing personalities in film, music and professional sports. His eight-city Custom Car and Bike Show keeps him constantly connected with the latest trends and styles happening in the automotive industry.

Go to www.media.ford.com for news releases, related materials and high-resolution photos and video

SOURCE Ford Motor Company