Ford of Europe Announce Launch of Global Beach Automotive Dealer Web Services

LONDON--July 28, 2003--Ford of Europe announced today that it is launching an all-new, standardised Dealer Web Service to provide a consistent user-experience and brand representation across Europe through a seamless online e-channel from manufacturer to dealer.

Ford of Europe has selected the fully adaptive managed services provider, Global Beach Automotive, to ensure fast, efficient and effective delivery of this first truly integrated e-channel to Ford of Europe and its dealer partners.

Global Beach Automotive has been deploying Dealer Web Services for premier automotive manufacturers on a pan-European basis since 1996. Ford chose Global Beach as their partner for a three-year term, because they offered the market understanding, development expertise and proven ability to deliver Dealer Web Services (DWS) that are cost effective and can be rapidly deployed across Europe.

DWS is a fully adaptive managed service running on Global Beach's proven KeycastTM technology platform. It provides a unique link to dealers from Ford of Europe websites. Under its European Dealer Web Services agreement, Global Beach Automotive will provide website content management, lead distribution, inventory management services and metrics to Ford dealers across Europe.

Kevin Welsh, e-business Manager, Dealer Services, Ford of Europe, said: "The DWS solution will allow us to drive customer interest direct to the dealers online and provide enhanced levels of business control and measurability. Dealers will be able to quickly and effectively manage their total online presence using a level of functionality that we believe is way ahead of currently available dealer services."

Paul de Rooij, Interactive Consumer Marketing Director, Ford of Europe commented: "This integrated solution will enable us to deliver a consistent brand message at our customer touch points as well as leveraging a combined web presence for Ford and our dealer partners on a scale that was not possible before. Deployment has started in the UK and will rollout rapidly across Europe".

David Cox, Operations Director of Global Beach Automotive Services, added: "This is a truly exciting challenge working with Ford and their dealer network to map business operations and processes with smart technology to deploy a pan-European Dealer Web Service that gives them the edge in an increasingly tough automotive market."

Clive Jackson, CEO of Global Beach Group, observed: "We have a long and established relationship with Ford Motor Company and its premier brands.

Being industry and brand agnostic, our Keycast Technology Platform enables us to deliver a smart, affordable, on demand solution. This allows Ford Motor Company and their dealers to provide a range of services that meets both their business requirements and customers' needs."

Notes to Editors:

About Ford Europe

Ford of Europe, operating in 42 individual markets within Europe, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, the world's second-largest automotive manufacturer. It has approximately 68,000 employees and sold a total of 1.5 million vehicles during 2002. Through the first six months of 2003, it achieved a 9% European vehicle market share. Ford of Europe has major manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Spain, Russia and Turkey.

Ford, which celebrates its centenary in 2003, entered the markets of Europe soon after its incorporation in the United States, exporting cars to Britain as early as 1903. In response to growing demand for its products, Ford opened its first overseas sales branch in France in 1907. The first Ford regional company and assembly plant outside North America were established in Britain in 1911. For more information, please visit www.ford.com

About Global Beach

The Global Beach Group is a leading independent professional software developer and adaptive managed services provider. It was founded in 1993 and is a Top Fifty Sunday Times TechTrack company. Its consulting and professional services division is ranked fourth amongst Campaign's full service new media companies.

Global Beach Automotive Services has developed specialist knowledge of the automotive sector by working with leading automotive companies such as Jaguar Cars, Jaguar Racing and Ford of Europe.

The Global Beach Group has offices in London, Los Angeles and Geneva. Other clients include Prudential Group, Hewlett-Packard and the Pearson Group. For further information about Global Beach please visit www.globalbeach.com