When the Ford Motor Company announced the recall of 8.7 million cars and trucks last week, it was reacting to intense pressure from consumers--some of whom used the Internet to air complaints. A World Wide Web page called the Association of Flaming Ford Owners displayed a picture of a burned-out Ford truck, which was said to have ignited due to a faulty ignition switch.

The Web page contains complete recall information, news stories and instructions for joining the association. It's more than a gag site, since there also information here on various class-action suits that have been filed against Ford.

Ford is acting in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the United States and with Transport Canada in recalling vehicles built between 1988 and 1993. An ignition-switch problem has reportedly caused about 820 car fires. Owners of affected cars will be notified by mail and can have switches replaced at no charge.

For the official word from the automaker, visit Ford World Wide Connection.