SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: April 1, 2004 (Date of earliest event reported) FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 1-6368 38-1612444 (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) One American Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48126 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code 313-322-3000 Item 5. Other Events. - ---------------------- The Ford Motor Company ("Ford") news release dated April 1, 2004, filed as Exhibit 99 to this report, is incorporated by reference herein. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EXHIBITS -------- Designation Description Method of Filing - ----------- ----------- ---------------- Exhibit 99 Ford Motor Company News Release dated April 1, 2004 Filed with this Report -2- SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on the date indicated. FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY ------------------------- (Registrant) Date: April 1, 2004 By: /s/ S. W. Murphy ------------------- S. W. Murphy Assistant Secretary EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- Designation Description - ----------- ----------- Exhibit 99 Ford Motor Company News Release dated April 1, 2004 -3-