LAS VEGAS -

Thanks to a new website launched today, serious Ford fans and dealers can now deck out their living rooms, garages and more, sporting the brands logo and themed items, ranging from bar stools and toolboxes to magnets and wall clocks.

At the new site — www.fansaddit.com — launched in conjunction with the opening of SEMA 2011 in Las Vegas and Ford Racing’s continued celebration of 110 years in existence — visitors can view and buy items that bear the Ford logo, as well as products from the brand which depict the OEM’s history.
 
“Whether it’s a game room, basement or garage, thematic areas that demonstrate passion for a particular music band, sports team or, in this case, brand, have become very popular,” said Regina Watson, product licensing manager at Ford. “The Ford brand has been featured on many products and in many ways for a long time, but this new site takes it up a notch.”

When visiting the site, users will first see a virtual garage which features one of several available themes — including Ford Racing, vintage Mustang, Mustang Boss 302 or F-150 SVT Raptor.

The garage is chock full of Ford gear, touting Ford-branded garage floor tiles and storage cabinets.

Then, when users hover over an item with their computer arrow, a box will pop up to show how much the item costs and also give the user the option to add the item to their shopping cart or view their shopping cart, officials explained.

Users also have the option of viewing a virtual 3D version of the garage, which is viewable from all sides and in different colors. 

“This is much different than the old way of doing things, where a company has a website and basically says, ‘Here is a picture of what we have for sale, take it or leave it,’” said Derek Carlock, manager of Iconic Brand Collection, an official Ford licensee that sells products made by other companies and owns and manages the new site.
 
The company also contends the site brings customization to a "new level."

For example, one part of the site allows users to choose a themed space showcasing products as they would be seen in their environment of intended use, officials noted. 
 
“Based on user interest, the site displays a customized rendering of items that allows users to showcase their enthusiasm and love for their passion while filling their pragmatic needs,” said Carlock. “We fill the room with your passion.”

Site users can also customize their items in two different ways. They can purchase the items already developed for certain brands and vehicles, such as the workstation and full-size locker featuring the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

They can also use visuals from FordImages.com. This site offers for sale more than 8,000 images including commemorative and limited-edition prints, vintage signs and advertisements, the company explained.