Exhibit 20

NEWS

Contact:
Della DiPietro
1.313.322.1185
ddipietr@ford.com

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1.313.621.0504
media@ford.com

Go to http://media.ford.com
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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORD NORTH AMERICAN PRODUCTION UPDATE

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept.14, 2001 - Following this week's tragic events, Ford Motor
Company announced reductions in its North American production plans. The company
has experienced parts shortages stemming from freight transportation issues,
particularly in air-freight transport and movement of freight through border
crossings. As we work through this situation, we are focused on assisting the
relief efforts, our employees' peace of mind and maintaining high quality on the
vehicles we produce.

Additionally Ford Motor Company suspended U.S. and Canadian  manufacturing
operations at 11:30 a.m. local time today to allow employees to attend noon
memorial services as part of the Day of Prayer and Remembrance.  Afternoon
shifts at U.S. and Canadian plants will be suspended early so employees can
attend evening vigils.

While it is difficult to predict the full impact on final production, the
company plans to suspend operations at several assembly plants next week. The
company's current production plan for the third quarter calls for
810,000-820,000 vehicles, down 110,000-120,000 vehicles from the prior forecast,
including all units lost this week and expected losses for the rest of the
month. As a result, third quarter results now will fall short of our previous
forecast for earnings of 10 cents per share before one-time items.



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Employees at St. Thomas, Wayne Assembly, Dearborn Assembly, Atlanta Assembly and
Ohio Assembly have been told to report back to work on Sept. 24.   Wixom
employees have been advised that production will be suspended on Monday,
Sept. 17, but may resume as early as Tuesday, Sept. 18.