Ford Motor Company Gusts Into Windy City to Reaffirm Its Commitment to National Parks

CHICAGO, Feb. 21 -- Ford Motor Company will solidify its commitment once again to America's National Parks as the automaker marks the fourth anniversary of its involvement in the International Adventure Travel & Outdoor Show (IATOS). A Proud Partner of the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service, Ford has been instrumental in providing innovative transportation and environmental solutions that enable visitors to enjoy National Parks without compromising their beauty for more than three years.

"America's national parks are integral to the outdoor adventure landscape," said Jan Valentic, vice president, Global Marketing, Ford Motor Company. "Since IATOS is the largest exhibition of the world's most exciting adventure destinations, it's the perfect place to communicate Ford's commitment to using its resources to create a more sustainable world."

Since 2000, Ford has worked closely with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service to help preserve America's 388 National Parks and enhance the visitor experience. In 2002, Ford sponsored the first all-female expedition on Mt. Everest. Marjorie Cross and Alison Levine, two women from the climb, are helping Ford lead the effort in supporting our National Parks, and they will serve as official ambassadors at IATOS to spread Ford's message.

"Ford's commitment to America's National Parks not only helps to protect the environment, but enhances the park experience for visitors and even for adventurers like us," said Marjorie Cross. "Alison and I are thrilled to be Ford spokespersons as we truly realize and appreciate the beauty of our National Parks. They serve as training grounds that are not just close to home, but our hearts as well."

Within its display at IATOS, Ford has designed a "park within a park," complete with trees, shrubs and rocks. The booth also will feature plasma screens showing Ford National Parks programming, which has been featured on ESPN2 over the past year. With more than 87 million visitors traveling to America's national parks throughout the year, travelers are seeking ways to better enjoy their National Parks while preserving their beauty. A few of the programs that Ford spearheads include the restoration of the historic red buses from Glacier National Park, donation of zero-emission vehicles, transportation pilot projects that sponsor transportation studies at several parks, as well as the placement of transportation scholars and interpreters in specific parks.

The International Adventure Travel and Outdoor Sports Show is the largest exhibition of the world's most exciting adventure destinations as well as gear and equipment from leading adventure manufacturers. Exhibitors include destination outfitters, tour outfitters, tour operators, tourism councils, manufacturers and service providers from more than 78 countries. The three-day exhibition features than 20 different activities and sports.

Since 1949, Ford Motor Company Fund has been committed to improving the quality of those who live and work in the communities where Ford does business. As William Clay Ford, Jr. has stated, "A good company delivers excellent products and services. A great company delivers excellent products and services and strives to make the world a better place."