Ford shoots and scores at 2007 CIAA Tournament with Steve Harvey and R&B artist Mario

Ford is enlisting the Steve Harvey Morning Show and Grammy-nominated R&B singer Mario to turn up the volume at the 2007 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament as exclusive automotive sponsor of the Ford Fan Experience and Ford Finals Night.

As part of Ford’s support of the CIAA, the company will continue to play an instrumental role in improving the academic outlook for CIAA students by awarding over $100,000 in scholarships and providing them a chance to win a hot new 2007 Ford Edge crossover.

“Education is a great liberator,” said Crystal Greene, coordinator Ford Sponsorships and Alliances. “Ford is providing these scholarships and continuing its 7 years of CIAA tournament support because they aid in shaping the lives of young people. They receive a quality education and Ford provides them with excellent transportation to take these new skills to new places.”

Ford’s activities will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center on Mar. 1-3 at the free CIAA Ford Fan Experience. Ford will have on display some of its hottest products including the all-new Edge crossover, all-wheel drive Fusion sedan and two of hip hop DJ Funkmaster Flex’s custom concepts - a Fusion and Expedition. Ford will treat fans to various interactive games and activities including opportunities to receive www.fordurban.com T-shirts and other prizes. Ford’s Genuine Parts and Service Group will be on hand providing fans with free demonstrations on how to maintain your vehicle and give fans a chance to win free oil changes and other special offers.

The Ford Fan Experience will also feature a special live taping of the Steve Harvey Morning Show presented by Colgate Total Whitening on Mar. 2 from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. where Steve’s co-host Carla Ferrell will be discussing Ford’s latest sweepstakes to win a 2007 Ford Edge online at www.steveharvey.com.

On Mar. 3 at 6:00 p.m. Grammy-nominated artist Mario will be performing at the Fan Experience followed by an autograph session from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ford display.

Finally, during the halftime show of Ford Finals Night at Bobcat Arena on Mar. 3, Ford will give away an all-new 2007 Ford Edge crossover to one lucky fan. The fifteen contestants for the Ford Edge Fantastic Giveaway were selected from a random drawing held during the regular basketball season. They received an all-expense-paid trip for two to the 2007 CIAA tournament along with $200 spending money. During Ford Finals night, each of these fifteen contestants, along with three additional contestants selected during tournament week, will get a chance to win a 2007 Ford Edge. Each contestant will randomly pull one key from a bowl of fifteen keys to see which has the winning key that will start the Edge.