Donnelly Providing Exterior Mirrors with Added Features for Expedition, Navigator

HOLLAND, Mich., March 25 When Ford Motor Company introduces the all-new 2003 Ford Expedition and the new 2003 luxury Lincoln Navigator in early summer, the company will put a strong emphasis on enhanced safety features. For example, top-of-the-line exterior mirrors with the largest mirror glass available in its class will be provided by Donnelly Corporation , the world's leading supplier of automotive mirrors. The new outside mirrors are more than 30 percent larger than the current model, giving drivers a larger field-of-view of what's behind them.

Several other safety features are standard on both high-end sport utility vehicles including Donnelly's exclusive Illuminator(TM), which creates a lighted approach to the vehicle when activated by the key fob, and heated glass for defrosting and defogging. The mirrors for all Navigators and high- end Expeditions also have memory recall, which allows the mirror to remember preferred settings, reverse tilt, which angles the glass down when in reverse as a parking and reversing aid, and turn-signal indicator lights to alert other drivers of intended lane changes and turning. A powerfold mechanism, standard on the Navigator, makes it easier to get through tight spots or near ATM machines.

``Donnelly leads the industry in its ability to add value to products by incorporating safety features into exterior mirrors,'' said Dwane Baumgardner, chairman and chief executive officer. ``This agreement with Ford exemplifies our ability to meet our customers' high standards by leveraging our expertise in automotive electronics with our leadership in automotive mirrors and competency in body-matched painted housings.''

In addition to exterior mirrors, Donnelly is supplying Expedition and Navigator liftgate windows and moveable quarter windows with Donnelly's DirectBond(TM) technology, which creates a smooth, aerodynamic look by making all weather stripping or mounting hardware invisible from outside the vehicle. Donnelly is also providing rear door fixed vent windows and fixed quarter windows for some models.

Donnelly is a technology-driven, customer-focused automotive supplier that has been based in Holland, Michigan, since 1905. Through its various product lines, Donnelly serves every major automotive manufacturer in the world. The company has more than 6,000 employees in 14 countries worldwide. Donnelly has been named by the Society of Automotive Engineers as a model company in lean manufacturing practices and has been recognized by Automotive Industries magazine as one of the ``Best of the Best'' suppliers of lighting systems, electronic systems and interior systems. In addition, Donnelly is nationally recognized as a leader in the application of participative management principles and systems. More information on Donnelly is available at the company's site on the World Wide Web, at www.donnelly.com .