Ford Motor Company Previews All-New 2005 Escape Hybrid at Lohas 8 Forum

Conference Serves as Influential Platform for Demonstrating Corporate and Social Responsibility Initiatives

BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 21 -- As part of a groundbreaking sponsorship agreement announced today, Ford Motor Company will provide LOHAS 8 Forum attendees a preview of the new 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid, the cleanest, most fuel efficient SUV on the road. The automotive manufacturer is the stakeholder sponsor of the annual, executive-level conference, to be held May 12-14 at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, Calif., and will spotlight a key speaker during the conference along with nationally renown CEOs and other industry pioneers discussing the LOHAS way of life.

The Escape Hybrid is one way Ford is delivering on its promise to help create a better world. Delivering between 35 and 40 miles per gallon in city driving, it is a true no-compromise hybrid SUV that will improve fuel economy while reducing exhaust pollutants. Ford recently invited media and celebrities to drive the Escape Hybrid throughout Manhattan to determine how far it could go on one tank of gas through New York City's treacherous traffic. After 37 non-stop hours of driving, the Escape Hybrid traveled an astonishing 576 miles on 15 gallons of fuel with near zero emissions. "We proved that the Escape Hybrid will perform exceptionally well in the worst traffic imaginable with clean efficiency," said Martin Collins, general marketing manager, Ford Division. "As the most fuel efficient and cleanest SUV, we believe the Escape Hybrid complements the attitudes and values of LOHAS participants."

In preparation for its market introduction at the end of this summer, Ford has selected the LOHAS 8 Forum as the West Coast debut of the new vehicle. The company also will discuss how it is addressing the critical issues facing the transportation industry today. As part of its partnership with The LOHAS 8 Forum, Ford Escape Hybrids will be available for Forum attendees and press representatives to test-drive. Ford staffers will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions about the company's proprietary drive system and other innovations that make the vehicle the most unique American-made new vehicle introduction in recent history.

"Ford's production of a hybrid SUV is historic, as is the shift in consumer buying habits that we in the LOHAS industry marketplace track each year," says Brad Warkins, president of Conscious Media. "Ultimately, companies like Ford can truly make a difference in setting an example of responsible corporate leadership. Through CEO-level dialogue and networking at The LOHAS 8 Forum, we hope to deepen the commitment all of our participating companies to a sustainable future."

The LOHAS 8 Forum, a CEO-level business, culture and media conference, will provide a critical and leading-edge platform for Fortune 500 companies and LOHAS industry executives to capitalize on the emerging $227 billion Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) market. Through the convergence of mainstream business, entertainment and media at this groundbreaking event, attendees will actively participate in the mainstreaming and growth of the LOHAS industry.

In addition to Ford's participation, the LOHAS 8 event will innovatively bring together executives from a diverse array of industries, along with members of the media and Hollywood representatives to discuss what it means to be socially responsible in a mainstream environment and how "corporate citizenship" influences our culture on a day to day basis.

  LOHAS 8 Forum, May 12-14, 2004, Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey, CA.
  For more information, visit www.lohas8.com

  About Conscious Media

Conscious Media is a diversified media company that serves the needs and interests of companies targeting conscious lifestyle consumers. Through its various business units, the company provides unrivaled access to and understanding of this growing marketplace, which numbers more than 68 million adults in the United States. Conscious Media's business units synergistically provide media services that are unparalleled in their ability to reach this demographic with integrity and authenticity. These business units include: Visual Media, Advertising, Internet & Technology, Industry Services and Publishing.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 328,000 employees worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz. Ford Motor Company celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003.