2006 FORD HARLEY F-150

2005 As we've seen before, automotive marketing often sees strange bedfellows seeking to leverage each other's brand values - from Tonka and Ford through Razor scooters and Chrysler, a marketing edge can sometimes make all the difference in the tough world of automobile manufacturing. Ford will use the Detroit (North American International Auto Show aka NAIAS) auto show next week to launch another "king of the road" by joining with another motoring giant with a view to giving performance enthusiasts a new definition of custom cool - the 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150.

The limited-edition vehicle draws inspiration from more than a century of tradition at Ford and Harley-Davidson to give customers an F-150 with more attitude than any other truck on the road.

"This truck builds on the legacy of toughness that's been the hallmark of the Ford brand," said Ford President Steve Lyons. "Now, we're giving customers more of everything they love with the boldest Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 ever - with all-wheel-drive capability, 22-inch polished aluminum wheels and an interior that will take your breath away."

The 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab is the seventh model to emerge from the alliance that was first forged in 1999. The successful collaboration between these two icons of the open road has produced four F-150 models, as well as Super Duty F-250 and F-350 offerings. This is the first Harley-Davidson edition vehicle built on the new Ford F-150 platform.

"No one understands their customers better than Ford and Harley-Davidson," said Joanne Bischmann, vice president - marketing, Harley-Davidson. "We're proud to share the spirit of Harley-Davidson authenticity in a unique interpretation of America's favorite truck, the Ford F-Series."

HOT-ROD INSPIRED CUSTOM LOOKS

For 2006, the Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 SuperCab visually communicates power, dressed in all black, oozing chrome and sporting distinctive Harley-Davidson visual cues. The Black Monotone exterior is accented with a hot-rod inspired custom scalloped red stripe outlined in electric blue running along the beltline, punctuated with the "Harley-Davidson" script. The custom stripe adds to the overall performance feel of the vehicle, creating a sense of motion and speed.

The custom appearance begins with the bold front-end design, featuring a unique chrome billet grille and blacked-out headlamps. Based on a SuperCab configuration with a 6-1/2-foot Styleside box, the new 2006 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 cuts a menacing profile. Beefy 22-in. polished forged aluminum rims - a first for any F-150 - sport a split 5-spoke design, exposed lug nuts and the distinctive Bar & Shield logo on the center cap. The massive wheels give this ride undeniable attitude.

Between the wheel wells, chrome-accented side tubes help create an integrated appearance and enhance the truck's powerful stance. The side tubes and the unique lower front valence, or chin spoiler, help create a lowered look. Heavyweight genuine zinc die-cast badges on the fenders celebrate the Ford Harley-Davidson alliance. Dark tinted smoked-out tail lamps, a blacked-out bumper and the "Harley-Davidson F-150" badge distinguish the rear. Chrome tie-down hooks and a slash-cut chrome exhaust tip add even more street-rod appeal.

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