Ford Searches For Outstanding Individuals Within the Community; Set to Award 2010 Taurus

- Ford recently announced the launch of the "Taurus Top Ten" - a competition designed to shine a spotlight on individuals that are not only on top in their respective fields, but who also make a difference in the communities around them - Potential candidates are encouraged to submit an essay or video to www.fordurban.com/topten stating why they should be considered among Taurus' Top Ten no later than November 15, 2009 - One Grand Prize Winner will take home a 2010 Ford Taurus Limited, receive a $10,000 donation to a charitable organization of their choice and win a trip for two to a high-profile professional basketball experience

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 19 -- Ford is shining a spotlight on outstanding individuals within the community as part of the new "Taurus Top Ten" competition. The Grand Prize win is an all-new 2010 Ford Taurus, a $10,000 donation to a charitable organization of the winner's choice and a trip for two to a high-profile professional basketball experience in Dallas, TX. The competition runs until November 15.

"Taurus Top Ten" is an online contest open to the public that invites influencers who are in the fields of philanthropy, business, entertainment and sports to enter for the chance to be named Ford's 2010 Top Performer in America. In addition to their role as it relates to their profession, each candidate must also work to make a positive impact in the world around them. Once entries have been received, the field of candidates will be narrowed down to the top ten with each finalist campaigning for the top spot. The "Taurus Top Ten" Grand Prize champion will be determined by the community at large and the winner will be announced during a high-profile professional basketball experience.

"Just as the 2010 Taurus has ten class-exclusive features that make it a top-performing vehicle in the market, Ford is looking for ten outstanding individuals who are top performers in their field and are making a positive impact on the world around them," said Crystal Worthem, multicultural marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. "We want to celebrate those individuals that are performing well in their respective careers but who also find the time to coach a kid's basketball team on the weekend or mentor a group of young men."

As part of the buzz efforts tied to the program, Steve Harvey will highlight one entry per week, for five weeks on The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Each week, Steve Harvey and the morning show team will select one potential winner who will be awarded $500.

Entries for the program are being accepted now until November 15 with online consumer voting taking place December 1 through January 15, 2010. In addition to the Grand Prize, nine finalists will win a trip for two to the "Taurus Top Ten" culmination event and a $2,500 donation to the charity/organization of their choice.

For more information on the program or to enter, please visit www.fordurban.com/topten.

The 2010 Ford Taurus, starting at $25,995, the same price as the 2009 model, has been elevated considerably from even its iconic forerunners with its expressive design to class-leading technology which includes Ford exclusives such as MyKey(TM), SYNCŪ, Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion(TM) and Blind Spot Information System (BLISŪ).

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 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.

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