UNITED STATES 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: January 25, 2005 (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 Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 140.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Item 8.01 Other Events. - ------------------------ The Ford Motor Company ("Ford") news release dated January 25, 2005, concerning 2005 financial milestones, filed as Exhibit 99 to this report, is incorporated by reference herein. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. - ---------------------------------------------- EXHIBITS -------- Designation Description Method of Filing - ----------- ----------- ---------------- Exhibit 99 Ford Motor Company News Release dated January 25, 2005 Filed with this Report 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 hereunto duly authorized. FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY ------------------------- (Registrant) Date: January 31, 2005 By: /s/ C. M. MacGillivray ------------------- C. M. MacGillivray Assistant Secretary -2- EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- Designation Description - ----------- ----------- Exhibit 99 Ford Motor Company News Release dated January 25, 2005 -3-