Ford E-News - July 1, 2009

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1 -- The luxury of choice: More walnut appointments for new MKZ executive model

It's all about the luxury of choice. Lincoln customers now can treat themselves to an even more luxurious MKZ with the arrival of the Executive Appearance Package later this summer as Lincoln expands its popular MKZ luxury packages. With genuine walnut appointments on the console and instrument panel accents, the new package reflects the upscale look Lincoln is known for. Other highlights of the package include luxury leather-trimmed seats, unique door trim with stitching and premium floor mats with the Lincoln star. more...

  Mark Schirmer |  mschirme@ford.com  |  313.390.8647

  Ford
to channel Fiesta buzz at ESPN X Games in Los Angeles

The enthusiast community already is abuzz about the new Ford Fiesta Rallycross cars, and the excitement will build with news that three Fiestas will be competing in the world's premier action sports showcase - ESPN's X Games 15. The high-visibility event, in Los Angeles, Calif. beginning July 30, will be the latest showcase for the Rally America Open Class competition cars following their debut this month at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado. The Swedish Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution team will be fielding the Fiesta entries, which are sure to build on the anticipation for Ford's new global small car. more...

  Brent Maurer  |  bmaurer@pcgcampbell.com  |  313.203.7185

  When searching for the ideal vehicle, customers look to Ford

Finding your ideal vehicle is a bit like finding your ideal partner - once that happens you don't want to change. According to AutoPacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA), Ford, the top-ranked mainstream brand, has several vehicles that owners say are perfect just the way they are. Overall, Ford has five IVA category winning vehicles - the all-new Ford F-150, Taurus, Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac and Lincoln Navigator. It's the second year in a row Ford has scored the highest number of winning vehicles. An ideal vehicle meets customers' expectations for the product when they acquire it. Customers who are happy with the vehicle and are least likely to desire change are driving their "ideal" vehicle.

  Robert Parker |  rparker8@ford.com  |  313. 845.0784

  Most Wanted Award is Ford's reward

It's not just desperados who make the Most Wanted list. Two Ford vehicles came out winners in Edmunds' Inside Line 2009 Readers' Most Wanted Awards, with Mustang taking top honors in the "Convertible Under $30,000" category and the F-150 leading the way in the "Hauling Under $30,000" category. Winners in the 15 categories are chosen by Inside Line readers - who also included a few choice comments with their votes. For instance, about the Mustang: "It's blazingly hot, and even the V-6 version sounds nice." As for the F-150: "The new F-150 is really the embodiment of everything a truck should be."

  Alan Hall (Mustang)  |  ahall32@ford.com  |  313.594.3744

  Anne Marie Gattari (F-150) | agattari@ford.com|  313.323.7809

  Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers:  The summer road trip on-ramp

The on-ramp to this summer's vacation is open for traffic. It's Ford's Quick Lane(R) Tire and Auto Centers. With 37 million drivers hitting the road this July 4 holiday season, keeping your car ready is key to an enjoyable road trip. Quick Lane does its part with a no-appointment, while-you-wait service for all makes and model vehicles, a convenient alternative to dealers who may no longer be in business. With 520 locations across the United States, the centers conveniently handle routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, and light repair services such as brake repairs and tire replacements. more...

  Steve Kinkade  |  skinkade@ford.com  |  313.248.1051

  About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 205,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high-resolution photographs.