Lincoln and Mercury Plan World Debuts for Its L.A. Auto Show

13 October 1998
Lincoln and Mercury Plan World Debuts for Its 'Hometown' L.A. Auto Show
    LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13 -- The 1999 Greater Los Angeles Auto
Show, scheduled for January 2-10, already is benefiting from the relocation of
Lincoln Mercury's world headquarters from Detroit to Irvine, Calif. earlier
this year by being adopted as the automaker's premier show in which to debut
new production models and concept cars.
    Mark Hutchins, president of Lincoln Mercury, promises the company will
make its presence immediately known at the 1999 L.A. Auto Show.  "We are
planning major world debuts of two concept vehicles, and several other
unexpected surprises that will hint of the new direction we are taking,"
states Hutchins.  "It's great to be in California, and we will definitely
convey our excitement through the L.A. Auto Show."
    Until now, Ford's presence in California was limited to regional offices
in Anaheim and its Valencia-based Advanced Design Studio, which is
approximately 50 miles north of Irvine.  Ford already is planning to integrate
the design center with Lincoln Mercury in Irvine to broaden its product
development base and for developing unique Lincoln and Mercury products from
global platforms.
    "We intend to absorb all that California offers," adds Hutchins.  "From
our new headquarters, we will do the things needed to plan and market the most
innovative cars and trucks in the world."  To meet that objective, more than
125 families from Lincoln Mercury and its advertising agency opted for the
Southern California climate.
    "Lincoln Mercury is immediately stepping forward to take a strong and
prominent position this year," says Andy Fuzesi, general manager of the L.A.
Auto Show.  "Based on our meetings with company representatives, we share Mr.
Hutchins' excitement for their upcoming long-range plans."
    Lincoln Mercury is the first domestic automaker to locate its world
headquarters outside Michigan, joining numerous import manufacturers who
maintain their U.S. operations in Southern California.  In addition to Lincoln
Mercury, the region is home to Daewoo Motor Company, Daihatsu America,
American Honda Motor Company, Hyundai Motor America, American Isuzu Motors,
Kia Motors America, Mazda North American Operations, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of
America, Nissan Motor Corporation, American Suzuki Motor Corporation and
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.
    Many automakers are finalizing their 1999 and 2000 model year debut plans
for Media Days which are Tuesday, December 29 and Wednesday, December 30,
1998.
    Media Days registration forms can be obtained via PR Newswire's
fax-on-demand at 888-LA-AUTO 9 in the U.S.; 201-946-0142 for international
callers; or on the L.A. Auto Show's web site at http://www.laautoshow.com.