Ford Extends Successful Association With UEFA Champions League

* Ford extends its long association with UEFA Champions League until 2009
* Ford to provide nearly 800 vehicles for official use by Champions League personnel in 2006
* New Ford S-MAX will feature prominently on match perimeter boards during this season

COLOGNE / NYON, February 20 2006 : Building on 14 years of success, Ford and UEFA today announced the extension of Ford’s sponsorship with the UEFA Champions League for the 2006/2009 contract period.

The UEFA Champions League is Europe ’s biggest and most prestigious club football tournament. The existing contract will expire at the end of the UEFA Champions League season 2005/2006. Ford has been a partner of the UEFA Champions League since the inception of the tournament in 1992.

As the official vehicle supplier, the company will continue to provide a fleet of nearly 800 vehicles across the season to enable the swift and safe travel of match officials and VIP guests.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Ford will celebrate its’ continued association with UEFA Champions League on its stand. The company will also unveil the new Ford S-MAX, which will be the focal point of the official vehicle fleet for UEFA Champions League. The S-MAX will also feature on Ford’s new standout perimeter boards for the remainder of the 2005/2006 season.

John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe, said: "With the renewal of our contract as one of the sponsors of the UEFA Champions League, we cement our position as the premium motoring brand in European club football. All the UEFA Champions League seasons have been exciting tournaments with outstanding matches between Europe ’s top clubs. The TV audiences reflect the excitement and drama of European football and have been outstanding. We expect the audiences to outstrip previous records in the future.

"But we also believe the UEFA Champions League has benefited from its association with one of Europe ’s top automotive brands through Ford’s Destination Football campaign, dedicated to bringing fans and the game closer together. Our vehicles help transport players, officials, and fans to the heart of the action, while our special events, such as consumer promotions at Ford dealerships, bring the action right into the heart of the community.

“These events are designed to give real fans a chance to taste a little of the spirit of football, and maybe even get transported all the way to this year’s UEFA Champions League Final in Paris.”

Lars-Christer Olsson, CEO of UEFA, said; "We are extremely pleased that such an international and global brand as Ford has chosen to extend its agreement with UEFA and with the UEFA Champions League. Ford has been a partner of ours since the inception of the competition back in 1992, and this re-signing from 2006-09 just goes to prove what a strong relationship we have.

“The UEFA Champions League continues to go from strength to strength and we are sure that, together with Ford, we can extend the benefits from our close relationship, as well as of course providing the vehicles that will help transport officials and special guests at matches all across Europe .”

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Jim Cain

Product Launch and Auto Shows

Ford Motor Company

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