Q. Why is Ford making this change?

A. Following an extensive study of the way in which Ford administers U.S. benefits and assists beneficiaries, we determined that engaging with an external partner to administer our benefits will improve service to our employees and retirees while lowering administrative costs.

Q. Why ACS?

A. ACS is a global Fortune 500 company with a proven track record of managing large, complex benefit plans with an emphasis on customer service and information technology.

Q. Is ACS owned by Xerox?

A. On Sept. 28, 2009, Xerox Corporation and ACS announced an agreement for Xerox to acquire ACS in a cash and stock transaction. Final approval will not occur until 2010. The sale is not expected to have an impact on our relationship with ACS.

Q. What changes will I notice?

A. Beginning in January 2010, ACS will assume administration from Fidelity for the Defined Contribution Plans.  Examples of these plans include the Savings and Stock Investment Plan (SSIP), Tax Efficient Savings Plan for Hourly Employees (TESPHE) and Ford Retirement Plan (FRP).  Throughout 2010, the transition of health care and pension plan administration will occur. Our commitment to quality customer service will remain the same.  

Q. What impact does the transition have on my Ford savings plan account(s) administered by Fidelity?   

A. Beginning in January, you will use the Ford/ACS Web portal for your Ford savings plan account(s) administration instead of the Fidelity NetBenefits Web site. You will continue to have online and phone access to manage your account (for example, request fund exchanges, loans, withdrawals, account balances, etc.). More information will be provided to you prior to the transition.

Q. Will my investment options change?

A. This announcement does not affect your investment options. Changes to the investment option lineup are made as a result of the regular monitoring process, not as a result of a change in vendors who administer the plans. If changes to the lineup are made, you will be notified.

Q. Who do I contact with my benefits questions?

A. You will continue to contact the National Employee Services Center (NESC). Beginning in January, you will also contact the NESC to access ACS for your Ford savings plan account(s). There will be few changes regarding benefit contacts as most changes will be primarily "behind the scenes" with improved self-service and administrative tools. More information will be provided as the transition to ACS progresses.