Lincoln and Earvin Johnson 'DUB' a Magic Mark LT Pickup For Education

* A unique Mark LT luxury pickup named for Magic Johnson and customized by urban franchise DUB will be auctioned for the Magic Johnson Foundation at e-bay.com/magicjohnson.

* Money raised from the auction will be in addition to $1million provided to the Foundation by Lincoln luxury over the past two years.

LOS ANGELES, July 13 -- Automotive luxury brand Lincoln and Earvin "Magic" Johnson today announced a special auction of a fully customized edition of the all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT pickup truck. All proceeds will benefit the Magic Johnson Foundation, which sends more than 200 students to universities and colleges every year.

The auction was announced in conjunction with Lincoln's role as presenting sponsor of the 20th annual "A MidSummer Night's Magic" charity event. Lincoln and Magic Johnson have worked together for two years on this and other projects.

The one-of-a-kind Magic DUB edition Lincoln Mark LT was customized by urban auto industry experts DUB under the personal direction of Magic Johnson. The Magic DUB Mark LT includes special custom features such as 24" rims, suede and leather interiors, lower grille insert, 7" TV monitors for seats, DVD/LCD in dash head unit, 15" Flip down LCD center, window & tail light tints and amplifiers.

"The 2006 Lincoln Mark LT already has that special style and sophistication unique only to the Lincoln brand," says Magic Johnson. "My vision was to add that 'magic touch' to something that was already great, and we've scored big with the Magic DUB edition Lincoln Mark LT."

The Auction will open July 18 and extend through July 25, 2005 at ebay.com/magicjohnson. Along with the truck, a special bedcover autographed by celebrities - sports figures, actors and musicians - will be included in the auction package.

"Our strategy for success at Lincoln is founded on a unique understanding of our customers and how to connect with their specific lifestyles," said Al Giombetti, president of Lincoln Mercury. "Auto customization has grown exponentially and the Magic DUB edition Lincoln Mark LT is a perfect example of how to effectively tap into this trend."

Proceeds will be in addition to the over $1 million Lincoln has already provided to the Magic Johnson Foundation over the last two years. The effort is part of a 40 year-long Ford Motor Company history of supporting economically disadvantaged youth through educational initiatives, scholarships and grants.

About the Mark LT

The Lincoln Mark LT has indisputable truck credentials with outstanding payload and towing capacity and adds an additional level of style and sophistication beyond high-end pickup trucks on the road today. The Mark LT offers four full doors, front captain's chairs and a full rear seat, all providing ample comfort for five adults. The Mark LT delivers with a standard 5.4-liter, 3-valve Triton(TM) V-8 engine that produces 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 foot-pounds of torque at 3,750 rpm.

The Mark LT's exterior features a theme of chrome accents, asserting the vehicle's status and enhancing its appearance. Its dominant signature waterfall grille, wide taillamps and thick-spoked wheels give it an unmistakable family resemblance to today's Lincoln lineup. The Lincoln Mark LT uses contemporary finishes and warm colors to create an environment that is both inviting and stimulating.

About Lincoln and Magic Johnson

Lincoln Mercury and Johnson, an NBA champion and successful entrepreneur, announced a multi-faceted relationship in July 2003 that includes both marketing and community support.

Since then, Lincoln Mercury has provided more than $1 million in sponsorship and other support to the Magic Johnson Foundation.

Established in 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation helps non-profit organizations that are working to meet the health, educational and social needs of those who live in inner-city communities.

Magic Johnson continues to appear in television advertisements and made other marketing appearances on behalf of Lincoln.

About DUB

The DUB franchise is the leading, authoritative voice in the urban automotive lifestyle scene. Their publishing arm was the first in the industry dedicated to covering celebrity-driven vehicles and giving a first- hand look at the expansion of a multi-billion dollar industry which revolves around the vast world of car customization. They are officially recognized as the pioneers of what is known as the DUB market.

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