---

Ford Brings a New IKON to India

22 November 1999

Ford Brings a New IKON to India

    DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 22 -- As the first multinational
company to design a car specifically for India, Ford Motor Company
is launching the brand new Ford IKON.  Jacques Nasser, president and CEO of
Ford Motor Company, marked the beginning of production today by driving the
first IKON off the assembly line at Ford's new state-of-the-art plant in
Maraimalai Nagar, India.
    "To remain a global leader in the auto industry, you must be a player in
Asia," Nasser said.  "With nearly a billion people, India is one of the key
markets in this region."
    "The IKON was designed, engineered and built with the Indian consumer in
mind and it demonstrates our growing commitment to India," he added.
    Some of IKON's features specifically designed for India include:

    *  Stiffer suspension for India's tough roads
    *  Back seat luxuries, including added roominess and an additional vent
dedicated to the back
    *  Best-in-class headroom for turbans
    *  Large door openings providing easy access for women in saris

    Ford IKON also will be one of the most environmentally-friendly cars in
India.  Along with being 85 percent recyclable, all IKON models will be Euro
II compliant well before the government mandate.
    To enhance customer satisfaction and support the launch of IKON, Ford
India is offering Quality Care at all Ford dealerships -- making India the
second market in the world to provide a 24-hour help line and extended service
hours to its customers.  A new Web site, http://www.india.ford.com , gives
consumers a way to check out the new car, contact Ford, chat with an executive
and book a test drive -- all online.