William Clay Ford, Jr. Elected Chairman of Detroit Economic Club

DETROIT, May 23, 2005 -- William Clay Ford, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Ford Motor Company, today was elected Chairman of the Detroit Economic Club. The election took place at the Detroit Economic Club's Annual Membership Meeting at The Masonic in Detroit. Immediately following the election, former Chairman and CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Carly Fiorina spoke to the Club's members and guests.

Mr. Ford's two-year term as Chairman will commence July 1, 2005 and conclude June 30, 2007.

"I am honored to serve as chairman of one of the nation's leading business forums," Mr. Ford said. "As chairman, I'll work to ensure the Detroit Economic Club continues to provide thought-provoking dialogue and activities for its members and the public."

Mr. Ford will succeed outgoing Chairman, Dr. Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, who will complete his term as Chairman of the Detroit Economic Club on June 30, 2005.

The DEC was established in 1934, and is recognized worldwide for its contribution to the discussion and promotion of economic, political and social issues. The club has over 2,000 members and is recognized as one of the premier speaking forums in the United States.

For more information about the DEC, log on to http://www.econclub.org/ , contact the DEC at (313) 963-8547 or toll-free 1-866-4-ECON-CLUB or e-mail info@econclub.org .