UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report: April 8, 2005 ------------- (Date of earliest event reported) FORD MOTOR COMPANY ------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware -------- (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) 1-3950 38-0549190 ------ ---------- (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification No.) One American Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48126 ------------------------------------- ----- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code 313-322-3000 ------------ Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: [ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) [ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 140.14a-12) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) [ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) -2- Item 8.01. Other Events. ------------------------ Our news release dated April 8, 2005 concerning first-quarter and full-year earnings guidance, filed as Exhibit 99 to this report, is incorporated by reference herein. The exhibit discusses our earnings guidance on a per share basis that excludes special items. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles to this measure is earnings per share on a basis that includes special items. We believe the earnings per share measure excluding special items is useful to investors because it excludes elements that we do not consider indicative of earnings from our on-going operating activities and, accordingly, provides investors with a more relevant measure of the results of our operations. Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits. --------------------------------------------- EXHIBITS -------- Designation Description Method of Filing ----------- ----------- ---------------- Exhibit 99 Press release dated April 8, 2005 Filed with this Report SIGNATURE --------- Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. FORD MOTOR COMPANY ----------------------------------- (Registrant) Date: April 8, 2005 By: /s/ Kathryn S. Lamping ---------------------- Kathryn S. Lamping Assistant Secretary -3- EXHIBIT INDEX ------------- Designation Description ----------- ----------- Exhibit 99 Press release dated April 8, 2005