FORD MOTOR COMPANY BRINGS ‘CHANGING THE WORLD THROUGH INNOVATION’ TOUR TO MIRAMAR AIR SHOW

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, San Diego, Calif., Oct. 17, 2003 – Ford Motor Company wraps up its nationwide "Changing the World Through Innovation" tour at the 48th annual Miramar Air Show from Oct. 17-19.

Ford’s 10,000-square-foot exhibit, designed to educate and entertain aviation enthusiasts and others interested in innovation, will enable visitors to:

Experience through Microsoft Flight Simulator’s interactive 3-D simulator what it felt like to fly the Wright brothers’ 1903 Flyer – the plane that made history at Kitty Hawk, N.C., a century ago. Enjoy interactive 2-D simulated flights of the revolutionary Ford Tri-Motor as well as interactive activities for children. On display will be a vintage Tri-Motor, one of only 18 still in existence and six still flying. Learn more about Ford Motor Company’s crucial role in the development of the commercial aviation industry and how that same spirit of innovation continues at Ford today. View current Ford and Lincoln Mercury products, including the new Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition that honors the historic first flight of the Wright brothers. Miramar Air Show

This year the award-winning Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show salutes "Kitty Hawk to Miramar: 100 Years of Flight." The show features exciting daily air show performances, including the best military and civilian pilots in the world such as the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels and premier female aerobatics air show pilot Patty Wagstaff. More than 100 static displays will include active duty aircraft, historic warbirds, ultralights, helicopters and more. Included will be a vintage Tri-Motor. Ford Tri-Motors were among the earliest mass-produced, fully reliable commercial aircraft. For more information about the free three-day event, go to www.miramarairshow.com.

Ford Motor Company’s history in aviation

Ford Motor Company, which has a rich heritage in aviation, also celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. As one of the premier innovators of his generation, Henry Ford helped put the nation on wings through his efforts to develop aircraft to serve the public, and then build confidence in their safety, reliability and necessity. Ford laid the foundation for the world’s modern system of commercial aviation, including the first modern airport with concrete runway, radio navigation and popularization of all-metal aircraft with the Ford Tri-Motor. A full timeline of Ford’s contributions to aviation and photos are available at Ford’s media site, http://media.ford.com.

"Henry Ford was a true visionary. Although he did not invent the first automobile or aircraft, he was responsible for bringing both to the masses," said Jan Valentic, vice president, Global Marketing, Ford Motor Company. "We’re celebrating that spirit of innovation with our Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition. This is an SUV of comfort, refinement and elegance, but one that offers affordable luxury with a flair for traveling in style and a desire for an effortless ride like the wind – all aspects that are in the heart of every pilot and give Aviator its name."

EAA’s Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company

In recognition of their shared centennials, Ford Motor Company is proud to present EAA’s Countdown to Kitty Hawk, a celebration of the Wright brothers’ first powered flight — an innovation that forever changed our world. Led by EAA, presented by Ford Motor Company and supported by Microsoft Flight Simulator, Eclipse Aviation and Northrop Grumman Corp., this yearlong series of inspirational events honors the innovation and determination it takes to make world-changing dreams a reality. It features an interactive touring pavilion and the most-accurate 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction that will exclusively re-enact the Wright brothers’ first flight near Kitty Hawk on Dec. 17, 2003 — exactly 100 years later. For more information, go to www.countdowntokittyhawk.org

Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition honors flight achievements

Ford Motor Company is celebrating its own century of leadership in aviation and automotive mobility by introducing an SUV that brings together the best of these two worlds. The new Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition serves as the official vehicle of Countdown to Kitty Hawk. The six-passenger mid-size luxury sport utility will be available in limited volume this year only.

Discovery Channel partnership

As another part of its celebration of flight, Ford Motor Company has partnered with Discovery Channel to commemorate the spirit of human endeavor and innovation. This fall, Ford and Discovery Channel School is donating to each middle and junior high school across the United States a "Science of Flight – Spirit of Innovation" multimedia kit recounting the stories of the Wright brothers and Henry Ford. Ford and Discovery Channel also produced a documentary airing in September and October that celebrates the miracle and impact of flight achieved by the Wrights, and explores Ford Motor Company’s crucial role in aviation and the ingenuity of Henry Ford as he brought affordable ground and air transportation to the masses.

All of this will culminate in a special telecast from the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk on Dec. 17, 2003, during which the world will witness the efforts to rebuild the Wrights’ flying machine come to life 100 years to the minute of when man first took to the air.