Ford Enlists Music Icon Patti LaBelle in Fight Against Breast Cancer

* As Ford marks the tenth year of support for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the automaker announced it would be teaming with entertainer Patti LaBelle as the singer lends her talents to Ford's 2004 breast cancer awareness initiatives.

* Working with fashion powerhouse Lilly Pulitzer(R), Ford raised more than $1 million in the fight against breast cancer last year alone, bringing its decade-long total to more than $80 million. In 2004, Ford once again will join forces with Lilly Pulitzer for new designs and initiatives to complement the support of Patti LaBelle and generate more support for the cause.

* Ford's "Go the Extra Mile" summer fitness program will showcase the strength and fighting spirit of breast cancer supporters/survivors from all over the country, giving one winner an opportunity to compete in a prominent national marathon.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 5 -- As breast cancer often stimulates the most basic of emotions -- the fighting spirit -- Ford Motor Company, a major supporter in the fight against breast cancer, today announced a new ally in its efforts to increase breast-cancer awareness. Two-time Grammy-Award winner and music icon Patti LaBelle, a native of the fighting city of Philadelphia, has joined Ford in the fight against breast cancer.

LaBelle, who lost a sister to breast cancer and whose life has been touched by the disease after losing other family members to cancer, will be instrumental in furthering Ford's breast cancer awareness efforts by speaking/appearing in Ford breast cancer awareness communications and championing Ford's "Go the Extra Mile" summer fitness program.

"Patti knows firsthand the heartbreak this disease can bring to a family," said Connie Fontaine, Ford Division associations marketing manager. "That's why it means so much to be partnering with her for our 2004 initiatives. She'll bring enormous notoriety and her own personal experience to this campaign, and help underscore Ford's ongoing commitment to the cause."

"Go the Extra Mile"

A new addition to Ford's breast cancer awareness efforts is a contest seeking people who are willing to "Go the Extra Mile" with Ford to bring awareness to the cause. Ford's "Go the Extra Mile" summer fitness program will give one lucky person the opportunity to prepare for the challenge of a lifetime -- participation in a prominent national marathon. Under LaBelle's supervision, and with additional support from a personal trainer, the contest will give one winner the opportunity to symbolize the strength and fighting spirit of breast cancer supporters/survivors from all over the country.

Contest entrants are encouraged to share their compelling stories (in 250 words or less) of how they or their friends or family overcame breast cancer or other enormous obstacles within their personal day-to-day lives.

Beginning on Wed., May 5, interested individuals can register to win online at www.fordvehicles.com/thecause. Registration ends on Sun., May 23, 2004 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. One winner will be selected on or before May 28, 2004.

2004 Lilly Pulizter(R) Bandanna

In announcing its relationship with LaBelle, Ford also unveiled its brand new 2004 breast cancer awareness bandana designed by Lilly Pulitzer, a fashion company known for whimsical prints and colors that communicate hope and happiness, and an organization committed to the fight against breast cancer. Last year, Lilly Pulitzer, designed for Ford an inspirational breast cancer awareness bandana for distribution at Komen Race for the Cure(R) events nationwide. In the fall, Ford and Lilly Pulitzer debuted a limited-edition silk scarf which generated proceeds for the Komen Foundation and quickly became one of the season's most coveted fashion accessories. Scarf sales in 2003 topped the $1 million level, helping bring Ford's decade-long contribution in the fight against breast cancer to more than $80 million.

Ford will distribute its new paisley Lilly Pulitzer bandana to participants at all Races again this year beginning Mother's Day weekend. More than 500,000 bandannas will be given away throughout the year. This fall, Ford will debut a new 2004 Lilly Pulitzer designed limited-edition silk scarf, to be sold again with proceeds benefiting Komen. Starting next week, breast cancer supporters can log onto www.fordvehicles.com/thecause to sign up to receive e-mail updates about scarf availability and other important breast health issues.

Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series/ The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Ford's support of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in its mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. Since 1995, Ford has been a national series sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series, the Foundation's signature awareness and fundraising event. The Komen Race Series began in Dallas in 1983 as a local Race drawing 800 participants and has grown into a series of more than 100 Races with 1.5 million participants expected this year.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Goodman Brinker in memory of her sister, Susan Goodman Komen, who died from the disease at age 36. More than 20 years later, the Komen Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer and is the world's largest private funder of breast cancer research and community outreach programs.

Ford Division, its dealers and employee groups have contributed more than $80 million toward breast cancer awareness, education and research. For more information about the Komen Foundation, visit www.komen.org or call the Foundation's National, Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline at 1.800 I'M AWARE(R) (1.800.462.9273).

Lilly Pulitzer(R)

Lilly Pulitzer offers apparel for ladies, children, and men, as well as ladies' shoes, jewelry and a complete home collection. The children's clothes are a pint-size version of the ladies' line, reflecting the same color palette and prints in charming styles appropriate for infants, toddlers and girls size 4-14. There are currently 75 retailers in Lilly-loving communities across the country, which are recognized as Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores and product is also sold in major department stores and upscale specialty shops and clubs nationwide. In keeping with our commitment to "Life. Lilly. And the pursuit of happiness.(TM)," Lilly Pulitzer is a proud longtime supporter of The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. For more information on Lilly Pulitzer products, retailers and brand initiatives, visit www.lillypulitzer.com.

Patti LaBelle

Patti LaBelle is a legendary singer, songwriter, actress, author, entrepreneur and humanitarian, who has been blazing trails in the entertainment business for over four decades. Patti has recorded nearly 50 albums as a soloist and as a member of the Bluebelles and later LaBelle, garnering honors which include two Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, Seven NAACP Image Awards, three Emmy nominations, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and three Honorary Doctorate Degrees. She stars in a new television series, "Living It Up With Patti LaBelle", on the TV One Network, is the author of four books, including three NY Times bestsellers and recently launched a women's clothing line available through HSN and HSN.com. Patti continues to draw sold-out crowds and on May 4 she released Timeless Journey, her first studio album in over four years, on Def Soul Classics.

Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 327,000 employees worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003. For more information regarding Ford's breast cancer awareness initiatives, visit www.fordvehicles.com/thecause.

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