Ford and Vodafone Launch New European Telematics Partnership

    NEW YORK, Feb. 23 Ford of Europe and Vodafone Group Plc
today announce a new strategic partnership to provide in-car telematic
services in Europe.
    D2 Vodafone in Germany and Vodafone UK, two subsidiaries of Vodafone Group
Plc, have signed agreements to join forces with Ford of Europe to bring
advanced voice-driven telematic safety, security and information services to
customers across Europe.
    This new service will be launched in the German market from next month,
where, through the D2 Vodafone network, it will be offered as an option on
Ford Focus.  The service will be next launched in the UK using Vodafone, with
other European markets following.
    "Telematics gives us a whole new opportunity to satisfy customers," said
David Thursfield, President and CEO, Ford of Europe, "and with Vodafone as our
European partner, we are committed to leading the industry in bringing the
benefits of this exciting new technology to our customers."
    "We are delighted that the Focus is the first European Ford to be
available with telematic technology," he added, "but we anticipate that within
five years nearly all new Ford vehicles will be fitted with some type of
telematics system.  Together with Vodafone's comprehensive network coverage in
Europe, this will make advanced affordable mobile information and safety
technology accessible to all our customers."
    The system, using network services and technical capabilities provided by
Vodafone Group and its networks across the continent, will include integrated
GSM cellular and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, via an in-built
telematics unit.  Initially featuring emergency and roadside assistance,
traffic information, dynamic re-routing as well as an operator and voice
controlled service, the telematics system will later be extended to offer
drivers personalised information including news, stock quotes, weather, and
messaging.
    The main telematic functions are accessed via four buttons integrated into
the front panel of the stereo system in the Ford Focus.  The SOS button
connects the driver with the emergency services, who will also be
automatically alerted if the airbag is deployed.  The integrated Global
Positioning System (GPS) identifies the vehicle's location to the emergency
services.  Button two provides a direct link to the Ford Telematics Operator
services, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing personal
information concerning route information, tips to avoid traffic congestion or
location of services such as petrol stations, hotels or local attractions.
    Other functions include automatic retrieval of local traffic information
and an interactive voice interface enabling the driver or passenger to make
phone calls and access personalised information.  Using voice recognition and
text to speech technology, the system recognises spoken phone numbers as well
as the names of previously entered contacts.
    The telematics communications and information services will be linked to a
customisable homepage that can be accessed via the Internet, enabling drivers
to personalise the information and contacts they wish to access in-car.
    "Telematics is an integral part of our strategy, delivering information
and assistance to our customers wherever they are, even in-car," commented
Vodafone Group's Thomas Geitner, Chief Executive, Group Products and Services
designate.  "We are very excited about our partnership with Ford Europe, which
is the first international telematics system to give tangible benefits to
drivers.  The technology lead that we have, along with our capability to
provide mobile access throughout Europe, gives us a head start for the early
introduction of this kind of service to help make travelling both safer and
more pleasurable for our customers."