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 (Date of earliest event reported) September 30, 2000. FORD CREDIT AUTO LOAN MASTER TRUST, SERIES 1996-1, 1996-2 AND 1997-1 Delaware 0-21686 38-2973806 - -------- -------------------------------- ---------- State or (Commission File Number) IRS Employer other juris- I.D. Number diction of incorporation (FORD CREDIT AUTO RECEIVABLES CORPORATION - ORIGINATOR) ------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 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 Monthly Servicing Report relating to the Ford Credit Auto Loan Master Trust, Series 1996-1, 1996-2 and 1997-1 for the Collection Period ended September 30, 2000, provided to The Chase Manhattan Bank, formerly Chemical Bank, as trustee, is attached hereto as Exhibit 19 and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND EXHIBITS EXHIBITS DESIGNATION DESCRIPTION METHOD OF FILING - ----------- ----------- ---------------- Exhibit 19 Ford Credit Auto Loan Filed with Master Trust, Series 1996-1, this Report. 1996-2 and 1997-1 Servicing Report for the Collection Period ended September 30, 2000. 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 Credit Auto Loan Master Trust, Series 1996-1, 1996-2 and 1997-1 (Registrant) Date: October 13, 2000 By: /s/R. P. Conrad --------------------- R. P. Conrad Assistant Secretary of Ford Credit Auto Receivables Corporation, originator of Trust EXHIBIT INDEX Designation Description - ----------- ------------------------------------- Exhibit 19 Ford Credit Auto Loan Master Trust Series 1996-1, 1996-2 and 1997-1 Servicing Report for the Collection Period ended September 30, 2000.