Sunday, July 31, 2005

"It was just that the song was over the top. It just wasn't Ford." JON HARMON, Ford spokesman

Business Insider

Ford: Eminem lyrics too shady

The Detroit News

Hazel Notable quote "If they have any left, it's their fault. I told one guy, 'Just put some ketchup and salt and pepper on it and eat the (S.O.B.)'." DARRYL HAZEL, Ford Division president, explaining that Ford Motor Co.'s Family Plan discounts should have helped dealers sell out 2005 Explorers. Rudd Comment on this story Send this story to a friend Get Home Delivery

Ford Motor Co. marketers were thrilled two months ago after being approached by representatives of Detroit superstar Eminem. For his next music video, the rapper wanted a hot vehicle not yet on the market, Ford says. The automaker offered its upcoming Ford Fusion midsize sedan and Eminem's people agreed. Boom! Instant street cred for a key new vehicle. But Ford marketers cringed when they saw the title of Eminem's new single: "Ass Like That." And when they read the lyrics -- essentially middle school locker humor that rhymes -- the fledgling alliance with Slim Shady crumbled. "It wasn't any problem with Eminem," said Ford spokesman Jon Harmon. "It was just that the song was over the top. It just wasn't Ford." An Emimen spokesman said he wasn't aware of any dealings with Ford.

NASCAR star shows some chivalry during Ford visit

An administrative assistant at the Ford product development center in Dearborn was recently pressed into action as a car valet. After parking a Corvette that Ford engineers were driving for comparison purposes, she was told the low-slung two-seater was in the wrong spot and had to be moved again. Because her skirt made for awkward entries and exits, she asked for a volunteer from a small delegation of visitors who had gathered near the front door.

One of them responded graciously, parked the 'Vette and returned the keys a few moments later.

His name: Ricky Rudd. The NASCAR star was visiting Ford for a test drive.

Finding jobs in Michigan's tough economy can be a thankless task

With Michigan's gloomy job outlook, being a state economic development pro can be about as tenuous as being a Red Wings assistant after a coaching change. To wit: Jeff Kaczmarek, senior vice president of business services for the Michigan Economic Development Corp., is blowing town for a new post in Kansas City. Don Jakeway, who was recently replaced as head of the MEDC, has been holding down the fort in Lansing instead of accompanying Gov. Jennifer Granholm on her job-hunting trip to Japan. Jakeway's latest task: organizing the Forbes CEO Conference for Mackinac Island. Speaking, it seemed, for all Michigan economic developers, Kaczmarek told the Kansas City Star: "I have a lot of experience and a tough hide."

Contributing: Eric Mayne, Daniel Howes and Mark Truby