Are you 21? Do you want a chance to get in on the Fiesta Movement and drive a new Ford Fiesta, give feedback and tell others about your experience via social media sites like Facebook and You Tube – all before the car is made available to the mass public?  If so, Ford’s got an opportunity for you.  The auto maker is hoping to spread the word online about the 2010 Fiesta and generate a lot of buzz about Ford’s new small car before the official 2010 North American launch and they intend to do it by giving 100 drivers the chance to drive a new Fiesta and tell others all about their experience via their new “Fiesta Movement” campaign.

So far, they say that over 1,500 applications have been received in the quest to be one of 100 individuals chosen to drive a new Fiesta and tell others about their experience through social media sites.    

The application asks applicants to submit a two to five minute video explaining why they want the opportunity to become part of the Fiesta Movement and upload it to You Tube. Applications will be accepted through March 13, 2009, so you have a little over two weeks to apply.  Applicants must complete the full application by midnight March 13, 2009 and all drivers must be 21 years of age and US citizens.  Ford will even pick up the tab for gas and insurance. 

Ths “Fiesta Movement” campaign is being aimed at Millennials – those born between 1979 and 1995 - an age group expected to be the largest class of drivers of any generation by 2010 that’s over 28% of drivers on the road (or 70 million) and Ford is jumping on the opportunity to get these young guns behind the wheel of a new Ford Fiesta:

“The Millennials are an emerging market force, with 11,000 reaching driving age every day,” De La Garza said. “It’s the most important demographic trend since the Baby Boomers, and it represents one of the greatest opportunities for Ford.”

Beginning in late spring, the chosen drivers will be asked to relate their driving experience in their Fiesta on a monthly basis and capture their experiences digitally, sharing them with Ford and others through social networks.  According to Ford, they quote statistics from a Universal McCann Comparative Study on social media trends that revealed at least 45 percent of online users have started a blog, 57 percent have joined at least one social network and 55 percent have uploaded photos - these are all tasks that selected drivers will be asked to complete to create social media buzz while cruising around town.

Those selected will also be able to provide Ford with what it hopes will be some valuable feedback on the features and performance of the Fiesta prior to the launch. Ford says it’s the first time the auto maker has ever had the opportunity to get such extensive feedback before the actual launch of a vehicle.

I’m not certain whether selected participants get to actually keep the car or not.  According to the website (including the legal disclaimer) there was no specific information, other than Ford will hand you the keys to your own Ford Fiesta for a six month period, and participants would not receive any compensation.  

For complete information, rules and further details, visit FiestaMovement.com.

Let me know if you enter.

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