Ford becomes the Presenting Sponsor of the 2017 Woodward Dream Cruise

August 19th, 2017 marks the 23rd Woodward Dream Cruise in Metro Detroit area and this year’s legendary automotive event will have a new presenting sponsor, as Ford effectively replaces Chevrolet. Chevrolet became the presenting sponsor back in 2011, with their logos appearing in the official Dream Cruise logo and in various areas along the lengthy cruise route, but GM announced earlier this year that Chevrolet would not return as the title sponsor for 2017.

At that time, we did not know for sure what company would become thee key sponsor for the 2017 Woodward Dream Cruise, but we know now that Ford has jumped into that position for next month’s event. It is unclear how much Ford spent to become the presenting sponsor, nor do we know yet just how much presence Ford will have along the route, but it is likely that the Motor Company spent big money to become the title sponsor.

“We are elated to have Ford Motor Company’s commitment to the Woodward Dream Cruise, and we look forward to working together on this annual tradition that puts our region in the national and international spotlight,” said Tony Michaels, executive director, Woodward Dream Cruise. “Ford consistently strives to make the Detroit region stronger, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership.”

Mustang Alley’s 19th Year
In addition to being the presenting sponsor for the entire 2017 Woodward Dream Cruise, Ford will still have their massive display along 9-mile road in Ferndale, right along the heart of the route. For the 19th year, one side of 9-mile road where it meets Woodward Ave will play host to Mustang Alley, with hundreds of privately owned pony cars from all generations lining both sides of the streets as well as filling some parking lots along the way. If you are a Mustang fan or just a general fan of American performance cars, Mustang Alley is something that you absolutely have to experience at least once, as the seemingly endless lines of Mustangs is a remarkable sight. Add into the scores of privately owned Mustangs an elaborate Ford Motor Company display and Mustang Alley is most certainly a key stop on the route for any first-time Dream Cruise visitor.

On the other side of Woodward along 9-mile in Ferndale, Ford usually has a collection of other new vehicles, including an impressive display of pickups, followed by a big area with fun for the whole family. There are food vendors, bounce houses, live music and plenty of other merchants on 9-mile opposite Mustang Alley, which serves as a great place to leave your wife and kids, if they are getting tired of looking at cars.

In total, Woodward Dream Cruise officials expect that more than 1.2 million people and more than 40,000 show vehicles will attend the 2017 event, and while this is impossible to prove with hard data – the Ford Mustang very well may be the most common vehicle at the cruise, so if you are a Mustang fan, the Woodward Dream Cruise should be one event you plan to attend this year.

I have lived in the Metro Detroit area for more than 10 years now and the Dream Cruise is still exciting. Every year it gets bigger and better, in terms of the privately owned vehicles and the corporate displays.

“Dream Cruise is all about the sheer joy and freedom of the automobile, and Ford has always celebrated car culture,” said Mark LaNeve, Ford Vice President, U.S. Marketing Sales and Service. “From Fiesta to GT, we’re obsessed with making driving fun and we’re committed to celebrating that passion with enthusiasts of all ages in the birthplace of motoring.”