Ford, superstar team up to launch Shaq SUV

USA Today

Soon fans of Shaquille O'Neal can buy the tricked-out Ford Shaq SST Expedition — the first time an athlete's name will appear on an automaker's vehicle.

Only 500 of the Expeditions will be sold at selected Ford dealers. But the firm that brought Shaq and Ford together says it's in talks with other automakers and celebrities.

O'Neal teamed with AutoOz, a custom car manufacturer, to design features of the Shaq SST because "I like trucks," the Los Angeles Lakers center says.

The Shaq SST — priced from $50,000 to $55,000 — won't be plastered with his name: It's on customized labels on the seat back, the console and tailgate.

The car comes with custom exhaust, smoke windows, massive 22-inch custom wheels and rims, a 580-watt sound system with a 10-changer CD player, DVD and a TV. A navigational system is optional. The color options: black and silver.

Each of the 500 will be sequentially numbered. O'Neal, who wears jersey No. 34, gets vehicle No. 34.

AutoOz CEO Tony Loiacono, a former auto and sports marketing executive, hooked Shaq up with Ford.

"We wanted the right individual," Loiacono said. "He's got a very clean image."

The Shaq SST expands Ford's "No Boundaries" marketing campaign, said Doug Walczak, Expedition brand manager.

Walczak says Ford won't be involved in marketing or advertising the Shaq SST.

"It's not a Ford production vehicle, but it is sold as new at Ford dealers and comes with a factory-backed warranty."

Loiacono says the Shaq SST will be available in October, first in the Los Angeles area and then possibly in the Southeast.