Ford Unleashes Power of Internet for Employees Around the World

3 February 2000
Ford Unleashes Power of Internet for Employees Around the World
    DETROIT, Feb. 3 -- Ford Motor Company is taking a
step forward to reach its vision of being on the leading edge of technology
and connect more closely with its customers.  In support of this vision, the
company is announcing that eligible employees worldwide will be provided a
computer, printer and Internet usage at home for a nominal fee.
    "This program keeps Ford Motor Company and our worldwide team at the
leading edge of e-business technology and skills," Ford Chief Executive
Officer and President Jac Nasser said.  "We're committed to serving consumers
better by understanding how they think and act.  Having a computer and
Internet access in the home will accelerate the development of these skills,
provide information across our business and offer opportunities to streamline
our processes."
    The program will be launched in the United States in the second quarter
and will be rolled out globally within 12 months.  In the United States, the
fee is set at $5 a month.
    "It is clear that individuals and companies that want to be successful in
the 21st century will need to be leaders in using the Internet and related
technology," Ford Chairman Bill Ford said.  "That's what this program is all
about."
    "E-business is an integral part of our strategy to become the world's
leading consumer company of automotive products and services.  Today's
announcement enhances our ability to reach our vision and further demonstrates
our commitment to this e-business strategy," Nasser added.
    Additional e-business ventures Ford has recently announced include the
formation of auto-xchange with Oracle Corporation and the strategic alliances
with Microsoft CarPoint, TeleTech, Yahoo!, Bolt.com, iVillage.com and UPS
Logistics Group.
    Bill Ford, Jac Nasser and UAW President Stephen P. Yokich handed over the
first computers to Mike Rawson, a health and safety representative of UAW
Local 900 at the Wayne Stamping and Assembly Plant in Wayne, Mich., and Toary
Taylor, a product analyst for the Mustang program in Dearborn, Mich.
    "This program is a tribute to the collective bargaining process and to our
solid relationship with Ford Motor Company," Yokich said.  UAW Vice President
Ron Gettelfinger added: "Helping our members stay on top of new technology has
always been a UAW priority.  That's why we're pleased to help all of our
UAW-Ford members get on line."
    The overall program will be coordinated by PeoplePC, Inc. of San
Francisco.  The computers and printers will be provided by Hewlett-Packard
Company of Palo Alto, Calif.  UUNET, an MCI WorldCom company based in Fairfax,
Va., will provide the Internet service.
    "PeoplePC's mission is to give as many people as possible the opportunity
to reap the rewards of the digital age by making it simple to get connected,"
said Nick Grouf, chairman and CEO of PeoplePC.  "We are thrilled that Ford
Motor Company shares this vision and is committing to making it a reality.
This confirms Ford's position as the role model for forward-thinking
organizations across the globe."
    "Today's announcement showcases how enlightened companies are empowering
their employees by making technology accessible," said Carleton (Carly) S.
Fiorina, president and chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard Company.
"HP is proud to play a role in providing the technologies that will make the
Internet a useful and practical tool for Ford employees."
    "The Internet has transformed the way businesses communicate with their
employees and customers," said Mark Spagnolo, president and chief executive
officer of UUNET.  "This agreement with Ford builds on our commitment to
deliver the highest performance Internet services to businesses around the
world.  We commend Ford for empowering its employees and for its innovation
and leadership in business today."
    Employees will access the Internet through a special portal that will
allow them to customize their options, preferences and shortcuts.  The portal
will offer direct links to many Ford services and information, and it will be
customized for different regions of the world.
    The base computer will have a 500-Mhz Celeron chip, 64 MB of RAM, a 4.3GB
hard disk for storage, a CD-ROM, software, a 15-inch monitor, speakers and a
modem.  The printer will be a color inkjet.  Employees can upgrade to three
more powerful computers at their expense and the monthly fee will cover
incidental personal use.