---

Ford Credit Expands Focus on North American Growth

26 March 1999

Ford Credit Expands Focus on North American Growth

    DEARBORN, Mich., March 25 -- Ford Credit is focusing on
growth opportunities in North America with the appointment of A.J. Wagner to
vice president, major accounts.
    In this new position, Wagner will be responsible for the management of
growth opportunities in North America among the industry consolidators.  He
will supervise the activities of National Account Managers who serve as
central contact points for Ford Credit's relationship with major national
accounts, such as Republic Industries, Sonic Automotive Group, Lithia
Automotive Group and Asbury Automotive Group, just to name a few.
    Wagner also will manage Ford Credit's role in supporting Ford Investment
Enterprise Corp. in its expansion of the Auto Collection locations.  He also
will direct the activities of the Marketing Research Department.
    "In order to respond to changing business conditions in the marketplace,
we need to continually seek long-term growth opportunities, especially in
mature markets such as North America," said Wagner.  "By aligning our major
national accounts under one reporting activity, we can improve our service to
them, strengthen our relationship and increase our focus on growing our North
American business."
    A.J. brings a wealth of knowledge to this position, including significant
sales and marketing experience from his prior assignment as Regional Sales
Manager of Ford Division's Chicago Region.  Prior to his assignments with
Ford, A.J. spent 22 years with Ford Credit in a number of key management
positions covering field sales/credit, marketing and other planning positions.
    Ford Credit is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company
and is the world's largest automotive finance company.  Ford Credit provides
vehicle financing in 36 countries to more than eight million customers and
more than 11,000 automotive dealers.