FORD plugs into the 2008 International CES with latest in IN-CAR connectivity technologies

* Ford Motor Company will have its largest presence ever at the annual International CES in Las Vegas, Jan. 6-8.
* Most Ford Motor Company vehicles ever will be at the International CES, showcasing advancements in navigation, satellite services, audio systems and Bluetooth-connectivity.
* Ford’s next-generation navigation system – to be launched on 2009 Lincoln MKS and 2009 Ford Flex – represents the next step forward for in-car connectivity, custom made for customers.

DEARBORN, Mich. – Ford Motor Company will have its largest presence ever at the 2008 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology.

Following the highly successful launch of Ford SYNC at the 2007 International CES—the new technology jointly developed with Microsoft earned the coveted “People’s Voice” award—Ford will return to the annual gathering in Las Vegas on Jan. 6 to showcase key partnerships and further advancements in consumer-oriented, in-vehicle electronics.

“Our goal is to deliver the smart, connected in-car experience that customers today demand,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s group vice president of Global Product Development. “Ford is answering the call with the best technology solutions from companies like Microsoft and SIRIUS, connecting customers with mobile devices, important information they need on the road and bringing the experience to life with the latest in navigation technology and branded audio.”

International CES visitors will have the opportunity to see numerous Ford Motor Company vehicles and technologies developed jointly with key suppliers, including Dolby, Gracenote, Microsoft, SIRIUS, Sony Electronics and THX.

The technologies and advancements showcased on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products at the International CES will become available to customers going forward, and many are part of Ford’s next-generation navigation system, which launches on select model year 2009 vehicles.

“In-car electronics, especially as it relates to information services and entertainment, continues to rapidly change,” added Kuzak. “To keep up with the pace of the consumer electronics industry, we need to work closely with the most capable companies in the business. These technology companies are helping change home entertainment and the movie theater experience, as well as leading innovations in portable electronics and desktop computing. Ford, working with these partners, is beginning to bring these great experiences to the automotive environment, delivering what customers say they want.”

Ford products and partnerships to see at INTERNATIONAL CES 2008
Dolby: A vehicle first featured at the 2007 SEMA show will be back in Las Vegas for CES—the Funkmaster Flex Ford Flex. This one-of-a-kind vehicle will showcase an audio system bundled with the latest Dolby Surround Sound technologies, including Dolby Pro Logic II, which delivers a captivating surround sound experience from any stereo (two-channel) movie, music, TV, or game audio source and the company’s Advanced Surround Fader.
Gracenote: The global leader in embedded technology, enriched content, and data services for digital entertainment solutions, Gracenote is the engine behind the “jukebox” capability of Ford’s next-generation navigation, which features hard-disk storage space for up to 2,400 songs. Gracenote is delivering an industry-first interface to Ford, one that combines both Gracenote’s cover art and voice control offerings as part of a groundbreaking graphical music library navigation experience.

Microsoft: Ford and Microsoft will begin talking about the future of Ford SYNC, the award-winning system currently available in 12 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. SYNC is changing the way consumers use their mobile devices in vehicles and meeting high customer expectations. In early research conducted by Ford, 90 percent of SYNC owners indicated they would recommend SYNC to a friend.

SIRIUS: Beginning next year, Ford and SIRIUS will begin to move beyond music and entertainment. What’s next? SIRIUS Travel Link, a system that connects people to the data they need while in a vehicle. Ford will be the first auto maker to offer this suite of content services, giving customers up-to-the-minute information—exactly what they need, right when they need it. Subscribers get access to current gas prices, local, real-time traffic information, coast-to-coast weather conditions with five-day forecasts, as well as sports scores and movie listings. SIRIUS Travel Link will be standard on Ford’s next-generation navigation system and will be offered with six-months of service on multiple Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in 2008.

Sony Electronics: In early 2007, building on a successful relationship in Europe, Ford signed a long-term agreement with this consumer electronics leader to become the exclusive supplier of Sony-branded audio systems in Ford and Mercury vehicles in North America. The second phase of the agreement will begin in 2008, with the launch of the 2009 Ford Flex. Ford has chosen Sony as the exclusive in-car audio supplier for future Ford and Mercury vehicles around the world. Eventually, Sony’s signature technology will be in all Ford and Mercury vehicles.

THX: Since 2002, the Lincoln brand has successfully offered THX Certified audio systems in its vehicles. The award-winning THX audio systems bring home theater-quality sound to the open road. Building on this successful partnership, THX and Lincoln will showcase the 2009 Lincoln MKS at the International CES, the first automobile to offer a THX II Certified 5.1 surround sound system.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Aston Martin and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

Additional Contact Information

Dolby
Sean Durkin
415-645-5176
sean.durkin@dolby.com

Microsoft
Helen Allrich
425-452-5402
hallrich@webershandwick.com

Sony Electronics
Linda Barger
858-942-2986
Linda.Barger@am.sony.com

Gracenote
Veronica Skelton
415-342-3435
veronica@conceptpr.net

SIRIUS
Patrick Reilly
212-901-6646
preilly@siriusradio.com

THX
Graham McKenna
415-492-3946
gmckenna@thx.com