Ford Joins World's Toughest Endurance Event as Title Sponsor Of Ironman Triathlon

* Ford will be the title sponsor for Ford Ironman North America series of triathlon events for three years.

* This year's Ford Ironman Triathlon races include five U.S. qualifying events and the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Kailua- Kona, Hawaii.

* Ford SUVs will serve as pace and chase vehicles during each event. Fans will be able to participate in a virtual Ford Ironman Challenge involving Ford SUVs by visiting the Ford Experience Tour onsite.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 19 -- As thousands of athletes around the world prepare for the ultimate endurance competition, Ford SUVs are gearing up to demonstrate their toughness, strength and perseverance by joining one of the fastest growing sports today. Beginning this spring, Ford will be the title sponsor of Ford Ironman Triathlon events taking place in the United States, including five qualifying events and the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship.

"Like Ford, the Ironman brand epitomizes capability and a drive for excellence," said Martin Collins, general marketing manager, Ford Division. "This alliance is a perfect fit, since triathletes around the world already rely on our SUVs to help them train and travel to triathlon events. It's a great way for us to express that like these outstanding athletes, Ford SUVs are built to do more."

Ford is raising the stakes for the Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in order to continue to attract the best athletes from around the world. The professional prize purse for the 2005 Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii will be increased by $100,000 to total $580,000.

"I am pleased to welcome Ford to the Ironman family," said Ben Fertic, president of World Triathlon Corporation, owners of Ironman. "We believe Ford is an ideal partner due to the similar ideals of both companies, such as strength, leadership, success and the pursuit of excellence. We are excited for the journey ahead."

Ford will be title sponsor of the following 2005 Ford Ironman Triathlon events:

  * May 22 - Ford Florida Half Ironman Triathlon
    (Walt Disney Resort, Florida)

  * June 26 - Ford Ironman USA Coeur d'Alene Triathlon
    (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)

  * July 24 - Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid Triathlon
    (Lake Placid, New York)

  * Sept. 11 - Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon  (Madison, Wisconsin)

  * Oct. 15 - Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship
    (Kailua Kona, Hawaii)

  * Nov. 5 - Ford Ironman Florida Triathlon  (Panama City, Florida)

Ford SUVs will serve as pace and chase vehicles for each event, as well as providing additional vehicle support for race staff and participants. They also will be integrated into high traffic turnaround locations. Ironman officials and the production crew will utilize Ford SUVs to help execute the events.

Fans Invited to Take the Virtual Ford Ironman Challenge

Athletes and spectators attending the Ford Ironman events will have an opportunity to check out Ford's SUV lineup and other products, as well as meet with product specialists, by visiting the Ford Experience Tour housed in the Ironman Village at each of the events. Beginning with the Ford Ironman USA Coeur D'Alene, the display will include a special Ford Ironman Challenge that will give participants a chance to test their own skills and interact with Ford SUVs by competing in a virtual biking, swim and running challenge.

Triathlon fans that are unable to attend events in person are invited to visit ironmanlive.com to get the latest racing news and event results.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly 325,000 employees and 110 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company and Hertz. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit http://www.fordvehicles.com/ .

About Ironman

The Ironman Triathlon is the world's most challenging endurance event, attracting more than 50,000 athletes from around the world each year. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike and a 26.2-mile run completed in succession within a 17-hour allotted timeframe. Throughout its nearly 27-year history, the Ironman Triathlon has transformed from an event into a lifestyle and sports brand that includes licensed products and television production. The Ironman Triathlon has global reach with more than 28 events worldwide, varying from half to Ironman distance events. This year's Ford Ironman Triathlon World Championship will air on NBC on November 12 at 4:30 p.m. EST. For more information on Ironman, log onto http://www.ironmanlive.com/ .