---

Ford Gets 'Northern Exposure' as St. Louis Plant Celebrates One Million Eddie Bauer Vehicles

29 June 1999

Ford Gets 'Northern Exposure' as St. Louis Plant Celebrates One Million Eddie Bauer Vehicles

    ST. LOUIS, June 29 -- Amid the scenic woods and mountains of
the Pacific Northwest, Ford and Eddie Bauer employees today
celebrated the production of one million vehicles featuring the active-wear
outfitter's name at Ford's St. Louis Assembly Plant.
    "We couldn't bring the Ford plant to Seattle to commemorate this special
occasion," said Don Perinchief, vice president of licensing and new business
for Seattle-based Eddie Bauer.  "So we brought a little bit of Seattle to St.
Louis."
    The interior of the St. Louis plant, which builds the Ford Explorer and is
the source for and Explorers with the upscale Eddie Bauer edition trim level,
was turned into an elaborate Pacific Northwest set with trees, large rocks and
a projected image of Washington state's Olympic Mountains.
    Employees enjoyed Seattle coffee and biscotti as representatives from
Ford, Eddie Bauer and the United Auto Workers expressed pride in their 17-year
relationship.
    Together, the two brands have helped each other sell one million Ford
trucks, minivans and SUVs featuring the Eddie Bauer name to people who enjoy
active and adventurous lifestyles.  Vehicles produced with the Eddie Bauer
name have included the Ford Bronco II, Bronco, Aerostar minivan and F-Series.
Ford currently produces Explorer and Expedition SUVs with the Eddie Bauer
name.
    "Our 2,300 employees work hard to build a product that lives up to Ford's
commitment to quality and Eddie Bauer's commitment to providing rugged outdoor
gear," said St. Louis Assembly Plant Manager Kevin Rahrig.  "Our goal here is
to build the best SUVs on the road."
    Open since 1948, the St. Louis Assembly Plant has built more than 7.4
million vehicles.  Those vehicles have included the Mercury Grand Marquis,
Ford Crown Victoria and Ford Aerostar minivan, in addition to the Explorer.
    In 1998, the plant produced 221,398 Ford Explorers, of which 48,680
featured the Eddie Bauer edition trim level.  In 1999, Ford expects to sell
145,000 Explorers and Expeditions with the Eddie Bauer edition trim level.