DEARBORN -- During Monday's employee "Drive one"  Auto Show Product Preview at World Headquarters, President of the Americas Mark Fields recalled how a police cruiser recently followed him home.  Wondering if he had exceeded the speed limit in his new 2010 Ford Taurus SHO, Fields' suspicions grew when the cruiser stopped near his driveway.

"These two policemen come out, very serious looking, walking up my driveway," said Fields with a straight face.  "And they said, 'Is that the new Taurus?'"

At that point, Fields broke into a smile and employees roared with laughter.    

That type of attention-getting design is something Ford aims to instill in all of its vehicles, including the freshened 2011 Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge, as well as the 2011 North American Ford Fiesta.  Neither of the vehicles has been revealed publicly, but all three were displayed on stage at World Headquarters auditorium for employees at Monday's event.  Group Vice President of Global Product Development Derrick Kuzak also shared a picture of a sporty, next-generation Ford Focus to be built at the Michigan Assembly Plant next year as part of a global compact-car program.  

"We've talked a lot about the rational elements of our (product) plan – meeting customers' needs for fuel economy, safety and quality.  But really what the product plan is all about is tugging at the emotional cords of customers," explained Kuzak.  "Emotional elements of the product plan start with design – the ultimate initial differentiator that brings customers to our showrooms."

Chief Program Engineer Elaine Bannon unveiled the 2011 Lincoln MKX and Ford Edge crossovers, saying her team has taken two standout products and made them even better. 

"These will be homeruns when we launch them next year," predicted Bannon. 

Chris Brewer presented an overview of the all-new 2011 Super Duty that was revealed last month at the State Fair of Texas.  The Super Duty chief engineer said the most important change to the truck among many enhancements is the new Ford-designed, Ford-engineered and Ford-built 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V-8 turbocharged diesel engine. 

"It's not just better than the outgoing product, it's better than where competition is today and it's better than where we expect competition to be next year," Brewer said.

Brewer also noted that the new Super Duty will be best in class in towing, payload, horsepower and torque and fuel economy when it hits the market next spring.    

Fields introduced the next series of "Drive one" television commercials, featuring actual customers speaking positively about what they love about their cars and trucks.  The spots begin airing Oct. 12.  On Oct. 8, employees will receive an e-mail with a link to some of the commercials.  Fields urged employees to forward the link to others to help generate early interest.    

At the conclusion of the preview, employees were invited on stage to look at the new MKX, Edge and Fiesta. 

That's where Fiesta Program Management Supervisor Brad Hewitt was busy answering employee questions about the new subcompact car.  He says the first pre-production builds will occur later this fall.   

"We've got sheet metal builds going on right now.  The attribute performance on the vehicle is amazing," said Hewitt.  I can't wait to see a successful launch on it."

Outside the auditorium, a large display was set up to explain Lincoln's new design DNA and how it draws from the brand's storied past.  Several vehicles are included in the display, from a 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet to a 2010 Lincoln MKT. 

Overall, attendees were enthusiastic about the company's upcoming new products and appreciated the sneak preview.

"There are a lot of new products coming out that are exciting.  I just love the looks of Ford vehicles," said Marty Farmer, chassis engineer.  

"Products are everything, and we've got some fantastic products coming out that really motivate me.  I am very excited to see how we do in the future," added Julie Predd, program manager, C/D Car.   

The employee Auto Show Product Preview runs through Oct. 21 at World Headquarters.  To attend a session, visit https://www.fcs.ford.com/registration/2009/D1%2D2009/ and reserve a seat.