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                                                                       EXHIBIT 8




                        [SHEARMAN & STERLING LETTERHEAD]

                                                                  April 10, 2001


Ford Motor Credit Company
One American Road
Dearborn, MI 48126

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         In connection with the issuance by Ford Motor Credit Company, a
Delaware corporation, of $2,500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its 6 7/8%
Global Landmark Securities due February 1, 2006, $1,000,000,000 aggregate
principal amount of its 7 3/8% Global Landmark Securities due February 1, 2011,
and $1,500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Floating Rate Global
Landmark Securities due April 17, 2003, we hereby consent to the use of our name
and confirm to you our tax advice as set forth under the heading "United States
Taxation of Non-United States Persons - Income and Withholding Tax" in the
Prospectus Supplement dated April 10, 2001 relating to Registration Statement
no. 333-50090, to which registration statement this consent is an exhibit.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   /s/ SHEARMAN & STERLING
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