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First Three Months of U.S. Production for DeTomaso Mangusta    

7 February 2000

First Three Months of U.S. Production for DeTomaso Mangusta Sold Out in Less Than 30 Days    

    CHICAGO, Feb. 7  -- Following its successful debut at the
Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2000 DeTomaso Mangusta continues to
generate excitement.  In less than one month since its U.S. introduction, the
2000 DeTomaso Mangusta exceeded predicted sales expectations, with orders
already accepted for the first three months of scheduled U.S. production of
the Italian-built, Ford-powered sports car.
    (Photo:  NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000106/DETH010-a )
    "Reaction to our car has been terrific," says DeTomaso Automobiles Ltd.
President and CEO Bruce Qvale.  "The response is everything we hoped for and
more.  It validates our belief in the Mangusta, its design, quality, ride and
handling, and our ability as a small-volume manufacturer to be successful in
this market segment."
    "Since the L.A. Auto Show concluded we've been astonishingly busy," says
DeTomaso of Beverly Hills store manager John Madden.  "In the first two weeks
alone we scheduled more than 50 test drives from our Beverly Hills facility
and it doesn't show any signs of letting up.  We're very excited."
    The Mangusta is an all-new, exotically styled, 2+2 front-engine,
rear-drive sports car featuring a unique three-position roof that converts the
car from coupe to targa to roadster.  With a top speed near 160 mph and 0-60
times in the low 5.0-second range, the Mangusta delivers reliable performance
from its 4.6-liter, 32-valve, dohc Ford V8, plus innovation and exclusivity in
a package that evokes the best of Italian style and design.
    Hand-built at the Qvale Modena factory in northern Italy, the Mangusta
offers a unique and sporty alternative, while delivering performance,
handling, and the reliability of a proven powertrain.  Totally equipped
(including a full leather interior and a Nakamichi(R) in-dash 6-CD sound
system as standard), the Mangusta retails for $78,900 U.S.
    Global sales of 400 vehicles are predicted for 2000, increasing to 600
worldwide in 2001, with approximately 60 percent of total production slated
for the North American market.
    The 2000 DeTomaso Mangusta will be displayed at the Chicago Auto Show
beginning February 11, 2000.  For sales information, or to schedule a test
drive, please call 415-776-7785 or visit our web site at http://www.detomaso.com