---

Ford, Lincoln & Mercury to Provide Tire Warranty on Cars, Light Trucks

3 January 2001

Ford, Lincoln & Mercury to Provide Tire Warranty on Cars, Light Trucks

    DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 2 Ford Motor Company will
provide its own tire warranty on 2001 and subsequent Ford, Lincoln and Mercury
car and light truck models in North America.  These models will be covered for
repairs on or after Jan. 1, 2001.
    With the addition of tires, all vehicle components are now covered by
Ford's bumper-to-bumper warranty.  This move breaks with a century of
tradition -- where historically only the tire manufacturer provided the tire
warranty.
    "A consumer-focused company listens to its customers, and they're telling
us they want us to take strong steps to ensure tire safety," said Jacques
Nasser, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company.  "We now stand behind every
component on our vehicles.  Administering our own tire warranty will also play
a role in our 'early warning system,' providing early access to data on tire
performance."
    The warranty will provide for replacement of tires for defects in material
or workmanship at no charge during the vehicle bumper-to bumper coverage
period (Ford and Mercury coverage is 3 years/36,000 miles, Lincoln is 4
years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first).
    Vehicle owners will remain eligible for additional tire manufacturer
coverage to the extent that such coverage extends beyond the bumper-to-bumper
period.
    Customers will be able to obtain warranty tire service, as well as routine
maintenance, through 6,000 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers in the United
States and its territories, Canada and Mexico.  Tire service will continue to
be available at all independent and franchised service centers authorized by
the tire manufacturer.
    "We have an extensive, well-trained network of dealers ready to meet the
tire needs of our customers," said Martin Inglis, vice president, Ford North
America.   "The majority of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury dealers are now full
service tire retailers.  Not only do they stock tires -- they are trained and
equipped to service them.  Administering tire warranty is an additional step
in offering a comprehensive sales and service experience at our dealerships."