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Ford's Focus247.com Web Site to Launch Customizable Calendar

18 February 2000

Ford's Focus247.com Web Site to Launch Customizable Calendar By Distributing One Million CD-ROMs to Consumers

    DETROIT, Feb. 18 - Ford Motor Company has designed
a non-traditional web site (http://www.focus247.com ) and CD-ROM for the all new Ford
Focus that goes far beyond vehicle information and reflects the fast-paced
'24/7' lifestyle of its target customers.  For Echo Boomers and Gen Xers, the
site's companion enhanced "Lifeware" CD-ROM was specifically developed to
allow users the unique opportunity to customize their own calendar through
hundreds of different combinations and styles.  Through exclusive partnerships
with CBS Sportsline, Tribune Media Services, Tunes.com/Rolling Stone, ZD Net,
TourDates.com and HintMag.com, users can get hourly updates to their favorite
music, fashion and sports news, and keep track of their daily appointments
free-of-charge.
    "This site conveys the brand personality of the Ford Focus by placing the
emphasis on each individual's unique personality," said Julie Roehm, Ford
Focus brand manager.  "Through this special 'Lifeware' CD-ROM, online users
can maintain their active '24/7' lifestyle by getting the information they
want and need instantly."
    One million "Lifeware" CD-ROMs will be distributed free of charge through
a variety of methods including; when a consumer purchases a G-Shock watch; via
direct mail; ordering it through the Focus247.com site and at auto shows and
dealerships.  Providing faster and clearer images, the CD-ROM was developed to
offer users a better virtual experience.  Beyond the CD-ROM, the site features
a special Gear 5 area that allows users to experience the Ford Focus features
in an unusual manner including a 3-D viewer which spins the car around to see
it from different angles as well as the ability to change its colors
instantly.
    "We conducted research about the Echo Boomers and Gen Xers and developed a
site that would cater to this target market while subtly promoting the Ford
Focus," said Robin Austin, partner of Fusion 5, the youth marketing company
that produced the Focus web site.  "That is why we developed this unusual
'Lifeware' CD-ROM, which gives this market a personalized way to keep track of
their lives while conveying the message about the Focus."
    Each content partner provides users with many options for personalizing
their own calendar.  Through Tribune Media Services, users will get Movie
Quest movie listings by ZIP code and markets, Ultimate TV listings, special
features and daily astrology reports.  ZD Net provides daily news updates and
games to download while TourDates.com offers its full database of artists,
venues and tour information for any music group on a daily basis.  With
Tunes.com/Rollingstone, users will get the latest music news information as
well as reviews, features and exclusive video clips.  CBS Sportsline features
the latest sporting news and HintMag.com provides fashion features and news.
This combination of content providers makes the "Lifeware" CD-ROM a complex
and complete world of information.
    "We carefully selected companies that also reflect the type of information
that our target audience would particularly enjoy in key areas including
sports, fashion, music and technology," commented Roehm.  "We are thrilled to
be working with each of these companies and look forward to a long-term
relationship."
    The customizable calendar can also be utilized as a traditional calendar.
Users can plug in important business meetings, dates and friend's birthdays
and a reminder will pop up on the screen.
    The focus247.com site also features a special area for ongoing promotions
with "Dawson's Creek," a special area for viewing the Focus live television
commercials and exclusive photographs of special events.  In addition, there
is an area about the Focus (Gear 5) and upcoming limited edition vehicles with
Sony Xplod and Kona Blast bikes, and information on customizing your car with
a "Tailored For You" kit.  The site also has links to Ford's Buyer Connection,
Owner Connection and Ford.com for detailed product information.
    The first car ever to be named both North American Car of the Year and
European Car of the Year, Focus appeals to a tremendously diverse group of
buyers.  Focus has attracted young people with a quarter of its buyers age 25
and under.  No other vehicle has a higher percentage of buyers under 25.
Setting new standards for small car roominess, comfort, driving dynamics and
stylish appearance, the Focus is priced from $12,280 for the three door ZX3 to
$15,580.  It is available as a coupe, sedan and station wagon.