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Ford Selects Sprint as Preferred Provider for Hands-Free Bluetooth Communication System

Integrated In-Vehicle Option Enables Safe and Convenient Mobile Phone Use

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Sept. 1 -- Sprint announced today that Ford Motor Company has selected Sprint to be the preferred wireless provider of Bluetooth phones and service for the company's new Mobile-Ease Hands-Free Communication System. Mobile-Ease is a dealer-installed option for select Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles that utilizes Bluetooth technology to wirelessly integrate mobile phones with the vehicle's audio system, providing drivers and passengers the safety and convenience of hands-free calling.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO )

With Mobile-Ease, the vehicle's audio system automatically mutes as calls are placed or received, and advanced voice-recognition technology enables drivers and passengers to dial using simple voice commands. As the caller enters and exits the vehicle, calls are seamlessly transferred between the mobile phone to the vehicle's audio system to keep calls from being interrupted.

"Sprint is pleased to be on board with Ford to offer advanced technology that enhances the total driving experience through safe and reliable communication," said Joe Averkamp, director - Emerging Markets, Sprint. "The enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network offers nationwide coverage and voice clarity, allowing customers the ability to conveniently stay connected to clients, coworkers and family members."

As part of the agreement, Ford customers who choose to have a Mobile-Ease system installed in their new vehicle have access to exclusive offers on Sprint PCS Phones with built-in Bluetooth technology. Additional information on these special offers may be found at Ford's Bluetooth phone Web site: http://bluetooth.letstalk.com/ .

About Sprint

Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26 million customers in over 100 countries. With more than $26 billion in annual revenues in 2003, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/ .

About Ford

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 327,000 employees worldwide, the company's core and affiliated 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.

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