DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 26, 2001 – When it comes to silver anniversaries, people often think about weddings. But for Ford, a silver anniversary inspires thoughts of something else: trucks.

Ford F-Series is celebrating its 25th anniversary as America's best-selling truck, and its 20th anniversary as America's best-selling vehicle – car or truck.

Although the final 2001 sales results will not be released until Jan. 3, the gap between Ford F-Series and the next best-selling vehicle is equivalent to three months of sales.

"This is an unprecedented milestone," said Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president. "F- Series is the foundation of the Ford franchise. Celebrating its silver anniversary of sales leadership is a testament to our Built Ford Tough truck heritage."

Through November, Ford dealers delivered 827,319 F-Series trucks to U.S. customers, an increase of 1.6 percent compared with the same period a year ago. Last year, Ford F-Series set an all-time calendar-year truck sales record of 876,716.

During the past 25 years, F-Series has received numerous product enhancements. In 1987, F-Series became the first truck with rear-wheel antilock brakes, and in 1994, driver's-side air bags were added. In 1996, Ford introduced a completely redesigned F- 150 and F-250, and added a Super Cab option featuring a third door – a first in full-size pickup history. Four years later, in 2000, the F-150 SuperCrew was added to the F- Series lineup – another industry first – featuring four full-size doors and a full rear passenger compartment, further addressing customer needs.