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Lincoln Brings Game Changing Surprises to Super Bowl XXXIX

* The all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT pricing begins at $39,995 including many luxury features as standard. Limited options are designed to simplify the buying process. * Lincoln creates first Super Bowl ad in more than a decade. The 30- second spot will air during the first half of the game followed by a print advertising campaign. * Lincoln launches Mark LT with an integrated marketing campaign including a "Jet to Jacksonville" sweepstakes kicking off December 1.

DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 3 -- The all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT, with its elegance, comfort and uncompromised truck capability, takes Lincoln luxury back to the Super Bowl and to a new segment, the luxury truck market. Mark LT arrives in dealer showrooms this coming spring with a base price of $39,995 and begins its marketing launch during Super Bowl XXXIX weekend.

The Mark LT is out to make an impression among a broader target audience with an integrated pre-launch marketing campaign. Indicative of a truck that is bound to turn a few heads and get people talking, the Mark LT is being launched with a surprising and entertaining advertisement during Super Bowl XXXIX. The ad, which is the first Lincoln Mercury Super Bowl ad in more than a decade, will play up the unexpected nature of the vehicle that is enticing, desirable and hard-to-resist ... even for those who typically resist temptation.

"The Mark LT has continued to surprise the truck market since its unveiling early this year," said Darryl Hazel, president of Lincoln Mercury. "We've combined true luxury and capability in a pickup, and now with a starting price under $40,000, Lincoln is creating both a new segment and tremendous value with the Mark LT. Customers will take notice when this game changer makes its appearance at the Super Bowl."

The ad will be seen as a 30-second spot during the first half of the game and will be supported by print buys in places such as the pre-and post- Super Bowl editions of USA Today and Sports Illustrated. The TV spot also will have a digital extension on http://lincoln.com/ beginning on Super Bowl Sunday.

Lincoln will extend its marketing campaign for the new Mark LT as the exclusive, automotive sponsor of the Sports Illustrated Super Swimsuit Party, which takes place in Jacksonville, Florida on February 5, 2005. As part of this sponsorship, there will be two Lincoln Mark LT vehicles on display along the red carpet leading up to the party.

In addition, there will be a digital component of the integrated marketing campaign for the new Mark LT -- a sweepstakes on http://lincoln.com/ for the chance to win a trip to Jacksonville. The Lincoln Mark LT "Jet to Jacksonville" Getaway will run from December 1, 2004 to January 9, 2005. The grand prize is a trip for two to Jacksonville, Florida, which must be taken between February 3, 2005 and February 7, 2005, including round-trip coach air transportation, 5-day/4-night hotel accommodations, ground transportation, and two tickets to the Sports Illustrated Super Swimsuit Party and the Sports Illustrated Tailgate and Post Game Party.

The Lincoln Mark LT is a key part of Lincoln's plan to broaden the showroom and build momentum and profitable growth by introducing 11 new Lincoln Mercury products in six segments over four years. On sale in early 2005, the new Mark LT is one of five new Lincolns that will be introduced in that time.

The Lincoln Mark LT has indisputable truck credentials with a maximum payload capacity of 1,620 lbs., a maximum towing capacity of 8,900 lbs. and is available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. It also offers an additional level of style and sophistication beyond high-end pickup trucks on the road today that only Lincoln can deliver.

The Mark LT 4x2 model starts at $39,995 and the 4x4 model is priced at $43,495, including both destination and delivery. The Lincoln Mark LT will be built at the all-new Dearborn Truck Plant and is due to arrive in dealer showrooms in early 2005.

Standard Luxury Features

* 5.4 liter, 3-valve Triton V-8 engine that produces 360 ft.-lb. of torque and 300 hp at 5,000 rpm

* 18-inch, 7-spoke aluminum wheels, 4x2 all-season tires and 4x4 all- terrain tires

* Seating for five with four full doors, front captain's chairs and a full rear seat

* Chrome accented lower bodyside cladding, door handle straps and side rearview mirror caps

* Heated premium leather first row seats with floor shifter and flow- through center console

* A dominant grill with a new solid center that features a prominently anchored Lincoln star

  *  Real Ebony wood, leather and warm steel trimmed interior
  *  Audiophile sound system with 6-disc in-dash CD
  *  5.5-foot fully functional box

  Key Options and Packages

18-inch, 8-spoke chrome wheels ($695); Power Moonroof ($995); Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System ($1,295); Class III/IV Trailer Tow Package ($350); Limited Slip Rear Axle ($300); Pickup Bed Extender ($195); Rear Power-Sliding Window ($245); Adjustable Pedals ($120); Reverse Sensing System ($245); Running Boards ($250); Chrome Box Rail Bars ($250); Skid Plates ($160 - 4x4 only)

About Lincoln

Lincoln is a brand of the Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., which 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.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041203/LAFRU6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

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