Ford Refreshes Detroit Exhibit

NEW YORK, Jan. 7 -- Imagination, a leading design and communications consultancy, today introduced their display work for the Ford Motor Company stand at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Imagination has designed an environment that brings Ford Motor Company vehicles together but highlights the individuality of each brand. As part of a continuing agreement with Ford Motor Company, Imagination has completed its fourth year as the primary designer of the North American display for Ford Motor Company brands-Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Land Rover, Ford Division, Mazda and TH!NK. Covering more than 100,000 square feet of display space, Imagination's design and environmental architecture allows Ford Motor Company visitors to journey to the 60s, to contemporary Japan, and through the rugged terrain of a forest, in an experience that captures the true essence of the Ford Motor Company brands. This year, Imagination has the distinct privilege of creating Ford Motor Company's concept car exhibit for the new Ford GT40 Concept-a thoroughly modern design, which draws inspiration from the legendary racer that swept to victory at Le Mans in 1966. In addition to the Ford GT40 Concept environment, Imagination has created a coordinated and comprehensive auto show experience that positions Mazda as an exciting, global brand, ever mindful of its Japanese heritage. Imagination's work is also apparent in the evolving Land Rover presence. Land Rover's 2002 global auto show installation has grown to accommodate the latest brand offering-the all-new, 2002 Range Rover-and captures the vehicle's spirit of "Tough Luxury." "Imagination has long enjoyed a creative and stimulating relationship with Ford Motor Company," said Mark Hider, CEO, Imagination (USA), Inc. "Our recent new business record in New York has been very positive and we would also like to expand our presence in other regions, particularly the Midwest, and develop our business with regionally based industries and clients. We are thrilled to continue the relationship with Ford Motor Company as one of our core clients, as we expand our presence in the U.S. market."

Visitors to the Ford Motor Company exhibit will discover a unique environment for each of the following brands:

Ford GT40 Concept Imagination has designed an exhibit that reveals a modern interpretation of a racing legend, by reminding visitors of the 1960s, and the era of the original GT40. As it swept to victory in both the 1966 and 1967 Le Mans races, the GT40 came to define the style and glamour of the time. Adopting visual cues of the Ford GT40 Concept, Imagination has created an experience that recaptures this time and mood through the use of architectural detail, color, materials and finishes. Imagination employed this design aesthetic in developing the vehicle's logo, which incorporates the sleek and flowing lines of the vehicle's exterior with the shapes and patterns of the 60s.

Visitors will experience a day at the Grand Prix, in all its 60's glamour with:

-- The sounds of the time, spun by a live DJ on auto show press days -- Hostesses dressed in 60's attire -- Video wall displaying nostalgic footage of the original GT40s winning at Le Mans, -- Live narration highlighting the Ford GT40 Concept story

MAZDA Imagination has designed a Mazda experience that reinforces the Company's Japanese heritage, while positioning it as a stylish and spirited brand, with worldwide appeal. Imagination designers were inspired by the modularity of Japanese architecture, and created an abstract interpretation of Japanese letter forms to evoke the vitality and spontaneity of contemporary Japanese culture. In addition to bringing to life the "Zoom Zoom" spirit of the overall brand, Imagination created an environment to launch the Mazda6 and feature the Mazda RX-8. These featured vehicles are separated into two major sections, each supported by graphic walls containing key brand and product messages. Along with each vehicle display, a series of videos and LED screens bring the brand story to life. Text scrollers, graphic panels and plasma screens are devoted to information-employee and press quotes, original design sketches, product facts, timelines, etc.-which helps to express the universal passion for the Mazda brand.

LAND ROVER Imagination has created a Land Rover environment that captures the spirit of "Tough Luxury," and celebrates the launch of the all-new Range Rover vehicle. Displays and exhibits built around the new model highlight its improved quality and reliability, and reinforce the Range Rover's adventurous spirit. Visitors enter a rugged forest terrain, populated with wooden logs trimmed in stainless steel. As they move through the stand they discover product displays, presented in "clearings." The first clearing showcases the Land Rover product line, including the Land Rover Discovery and Land Rover Freelander, and illustrates the premium value of the entire brand offering. The second clearing features a cutaway of the all-new Range Rover, presented in a glass case and supported by stainless steel poles that provide visitors with dynamic views of the vehicle's interior opulence and engineering features. The third clearing offers a press hospitality lounge, which is suspended in the forest, providing exclusive views of the stand while contributing to the luxury and comfort of the visitor experience.