FordDirect Launches DealerDirect Internet Service for Lincoln Mercury Dealers

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 3, 2002; FordDirect announces its plans for a national rollout of DealerDirect for Lincoln Mercury dealers. Designed to create a comprehensive web presence for Lincoln Mercury Dealers, DealerDirect has recently held launch meetings in California, Florida, Texas and Arizona. The rollout will be completed next year.

DealerDirect for Lincoln Mercury is a collaboration between FordDirect, Lincoln Mercury Division and Lincoln Mercury dealers to provide the brands an extended online presence to capture consumers' attention earlier in the shopping experience and direct them to their local Lincoln Mercury dealer.

"We wanted to extend the same benefits to Lincoln Mercury dealers that Ford dealers already enjoy through FordDirect. Ford dealers are on track to sell more than 120,000 vehicles through FordDirect Internet referrals this year," said David Kain, COO, FordDirect. "We're excited to now be able to offer Lincoln Mercury dealers the opportunity to reach this growing market of online shoppers."

Currently more than 70 percent of consumers shopping for a vehicle research the purchase online, before they ever step into a dealership. DealerDirect for Lincoln Mercury reaches these consumers with a Lincoln Mercury message earlier in the shopping experience through our affiliations with popular Internet portals and third party providers. DealerDirect for Lincoln Mercury benefits Lincoln Mercury Division and dealers by raising consumers' awareness of Lincoln Mercury products and by delivering quality sales leads to dealers when consumers choose to request a quote from their local Lincoln Mercury dealer.

"Lincoln Mercury Division is proud to offer our dealers a chance to increase their sales and build customer relationships by meeting consumers where they choose to shop," said Trea Reedy, Internet programs manager, Lincoln Mercury Division. "Working with FordDirect and taking advantage of their online expertise is a key component of our marketing strategy for next year."

FordDirect.com is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and its Ford franchised dealers to provide information and online vehicle sales services directly to consumers. It is the only dealer-manufacturer partnership in the industry. FordDirect allows consumers to choose, customize, locate and finance new and pre-owned vehicles using fast, secure and easy-to-use Internet technology. Launched in August 2000, FordDirect has more than 2,700 member dealers located in all 50 states. FordDirect.com is headquartered in Dearborn, Mich.