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Ford and Harley-Davidson Announce Five-Year Alliance

3 March 1999

The Power Partnership: Ford and Harley-Davidson Announce Five-Year Alliance; Ford to Sponsor Motorcycle Race Team

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., March 3 -- Harley-Davidson
and Ford Motor Company join forces in a new strategic alliance that
brings together two of America's most powerful brands.  The alliance paves the
way for a series of technical and marketing ventures, the first of which is
Ford's sponsorship of the Harley-Davidson Superbike racing program.
    The formal alliance, announced Wednesday at Daytona Beach, Florida's
annual Bike Week, will include Ford and Harley-Davidson centennial promotions
in 2003, the 100th anniversary for both of the American companies.
    "This alliance brings together two of the most well-known and admired
brands in the world.  Ford's involvement with our Superbike team is just the
first step in our joint technical and marketing activities.  The opportunities
for synergy are intriguing," said Jeff L. Bleustein, Chairman and CEO,
Harley-Davidson.
    "Racing is in the DNA of  both Ford and Harley-Davidson.  So, we are
pleased to launch our alliance by sponsoring the factory team in the Superbike
series.  Our alliance with Harley-Davidson brings together two great American
brands, loved by driving and riding enthusiasts around the world," said Jim
O'Connor, president of Ford Division and Ford Motor Co. vice president.
    "Sponsoring Harley-Davidson's Superbike team is a logical step for us
given our strong commitment to other race series around the world, such as
NASCAR, Formula One and CART," continued O'Connor.  "For the future, we are
working on a number of great projects that'll benefit both companies and
emphasize the strong links between Harley-Davidson owners and pickup truck
buyers."
    The Ford oval logo will appear on Harley-Davidson's factory-sponsored VR
1000 racing motorcycles in the Daytona 200, the season opener of the MBNA
Superbike Tour, starting March 6.  The 13-race AMA Superbike series runs March
through October of 1999.
    The Harley-Davidson road racing program received a big boost this year
with the announcement that former AMA and World Superbike champion, Scott
Russell, had signed a two-year contract with Team Harley-Davidson.  He will
join Pascal Picotte to form a formidable team racing VR 1000 Superbikes in the
U.S.-based series.
    "The five-year alliance allows Ford and Harley-Davidson to establish a
close working relationship that will yield many great projects for our
customers.  This is a very exciting opportunity for Ford and the alliance will
help us reach into the world of Harley-Davidson and their loyal consumers,"
said Jim O'Connor.
    "The customer bases for our companies are very complementary.  Loyalty to
the brand and pride of ownership is common to both brands, but the real
benefits come when we help each other in technical and marketing programs,"
said Jeff Bleustein.
    Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight motorcycles and offers
a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and general
merchandise.  Buell Motorcycle Company produces sport and sport-touring
motorcycles.  Eaglemark Financial Services, Inc. provides wholesale and retail
financing, insurance and credit card programs to Harley-Davidson dealers and
customers and similar programs for other leisure products manufacturers.
    Ford Motor Company is the world's second largest automaker with
manufacturing and distribution operations in over 200 countries around the
world.  Its automotive brands are Ford, Mercury, Lincoln, Jaguar, Mazda and
Aston Martin.  Its automotive related products and services include Hertz,
Visteon, Quality Care and Ford Credit.