I think that is because Ford was paying for product placement. I don't think the first amendment applies when you sign a contract with someone promising to adve

I think that is because Ford was paying for product placement. I don't think the first amendment applies when you sign a contract with someone promising to advertise their product in exchange for money. I would go as far as to argue that advertisements in general aren't considered protected speech on either end. Otherwise cigarette companies could still market to children.