Ford Motor Company Announces $5.5 Million Dollar Gift Toward Historic Alameda Project in San Antonio

* Ford continues his long and rich history in Texas with $5.5 million dollar gift for San Antonio

* Ford Motor Company plays a major role in revitalizing two San Antonio treasures

* Multimillion dollar gift from Ford puts San Antonio on the forefront of Latino art and culture

SAN ANTONIO, Dec. 9 -- In a historic moment for San Antonio, Ford Motor Company today announced a multimillion dollar gift for The Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture. The $5.5 million dollars is earmarked for the restoration and renovation of the historic Alameda Theater, the opening of the Museo Americano in San Antonio and the education and community programs related to it.

"Texas is Ford Country," said Mark Grueber. Regional Brand Manager, Ford Motor Company. "We are excited about the synergies of this project. As a citizen of Texas for almost 100 years, Ford is honored to play a role in revitalizing two San Antonio treasures, The Alameda Theater and the Museo Americano."

"Ford has a long history promoting arts and culture in Texas," said Sandra Ulsh, president, Ford Motor Company Fund. "We are excited to continue this tradition today through our support of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture."

"This is an important day for the future of San Antonio. Ford's generous support will pave the way for San Antonio to be on the forefront of Latino art and culture while attracting more visitors and national events to our city," said Mayor Phil Hardberger. "It is also an immeasurable gift to San Antonio that will help bring back a historic institution to our community."

"This is a historic day for San Antonio," said Judge Wolff. "The Alameda represents part our rich heritage and I am thrilled to see this project come alive. I applaud Ford's vision and support in being here and giving the citizens of San Antonio this gift, one that will ensure that our legacy continues to shine for many generations to come."

Board Members of the Alameda National Center for Latino Arts and Culture, and local and state dignitaries joined Ford Motor Company and Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of the company, for this formal multimillion dollar gift announcement activities held at the Alameda Theater. The Museo Americano, scheduled to open in 2006, will be dedicated to Latino art, history and culture. Through its partnerships with the Smithsonian Institution and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Alameda will have access to national performances, exhibitions, and education programs fit for San Antonio's national and international audience.

"I cannot think of a better partner for this project than Ford Motor Company," said Henry Munoz, Founding Chairman, The Alameda. "Ford has a long and rich history in Texas. They understand our values as evidenced through their support for the Alameda in our quest to become the paramount National Center for Latino Arts and Culture in the United States."

The first Ford Texas operations began in 1909. Today, Ford Motor Company has nearly 400 dealerships in the state, employing over 25,000 people. Ford actively participates in education, public safety, and community initiatives throughout the state. Its long-lasting and continuous support of the Texas community stems from its philosophy of empowering the communities where Ford's customers, dealers, employees, and suppliers live and do business.

Ford Motor Company Fund is a not-for-profit corporation organized in 1949. Made possible by Ford Motor Company profits, Ford Motor Company Fund supports initiatives and institutions that enhance and improve opportunities for those who live in the communities where Ford Motor Company operates. Ford Motor Company Fund is committed to creating educational opportunities that stimulate creativity and promote cultural diversity. In 2004, Ford Motor Company Fund- supported organizations received nearly $78 million. For more information on programs made possible by Ford Motor Company Fund, visit http://www.ford.com/go/fordfund.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly 325,000 employees and 110 plans 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 Motor Credit Company and Hertz. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/.