Ford Appoints Karen Francis President of ConsumerConnect

    DEARBORN, Mich., March 9 Karen C. Francis today was
elected by the Ford Motor Company Board of Directors as a vice
president and president of ConsumerConnect.
    ConsumerConnect is an enterprise established to develop and implement
leading-edge e-commerce strategies for Ford.  Her appointment is effective
April 2.
    In her new role, Francis will be responsible for managing Ford's
e-commerce ventures and activities including e-supplier relationships,
consumer e-business activities, telematics and customer relationship centers.
    Francis will report to Brian Kelley, who today was named vice president,
Global Consumer Services.
    "We're excited to have Karen lead our e-business team to the next level,"
said Kelley.  "Her extensive automotive background combined with her Internet
experience make her a great fit for Ford Motor Company."
    Francis comes to Ford from Internet Capital Group (ICG), where she was
managing director and chief marketing officer.  Ford has a strategic
relationship with ICG, a technology holding company focused on driving
efficiencies through its business-to-business Internet initiatives.  ICG has
interests in more than 70 business-to-business e-commerce companies.
    "I am thrilled to be a part of the great management team at Ford," Francis
said.  "Having seen a wide range of companies' efforts in utilizing technology
to improve their businesses, I've admired Ford's determination and direction
and would definitely place them among the leaders."
    Francis has held several executive positions at General Motors Corp.,
Procter & Gamble Co., and Bain & Company.
    Francis, 38, has a bachelor's degree in economics from Dartmouth College
and a master of business administration from Harvard University.  Francis also
is a Trustee of Dartmouth College.