Two laser headlights on the vehicle's front end illuminate the road by means of infrared light that is invisible to the human eye. The infrared video camera above the windshield records the image, which it then transmits to an LCD screen located directly in the driver's field of vision.

Detroit, MI –March 30, 2000 - The 1999 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible has received the award for "Best Engineered Car of the 1990's and Best Engineered Car of the 20^th Century" from The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International).

"It's a tremendous honor for the Chevrolet Corvette to be cited by the Society of Automotive Engineers as the Best Engineered Car of the 20^th Century", stated David C. Hill, Corvette Chief Engineer.

The 1999 Corvette was selected as the "Best Engineered Car of the 20^th Century" for having the highest marks for successfully introducing a new engineering system, longevity in the marketplace and achieving better performance than its contemporaries by virtue of the excellence of its engineering.

Winners were chosen for each decade of the 20^th Century by thousands of readers of the Society of Automotive Engineers - Automotive Engineering International magazine. There was a winner for each decade with exception of last decade and the century overall, in which the 1999 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible tied with the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500.

"This award is very special as the Corvette has been recognized by our engineering peers who are true professionals in this industry," stated Hill.

CHICAGO, April 7, 2000 - Is your work schedule so tight that your vehicle is often your office? Is it a miracle that your 3-year-old makes it to Grandma's birthday party without wearing her juice? Need a solution? Maytag Corporation and Ford Motor Company teamed up to create the ultimate in a "personalized for your lifestyle" concept vehicle, named Windstar Solutions.

"By marrying our expertise, Ford and Maytag recognized that together we could provide consumers personal, creative solutions for everyday living," said Lisa Buckley, Maytag Appliances vice president and general manager. "The result is the newest concept vehicle - the Windstar Solutions."

Windstar Solutions is debuting at the National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show April 7 through April 9 in Chicago. The National Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Trade Show is the world's largest kitchen and bath event.

Maytag and Ford Motor Company co-designed Windstar Solutions to extend the convenience of home to the vehicle. The appearance and placement of appliances and entertainment options furnish consumers with the best in flexible and smart transportation. The list includes:

Refrigerator: Maytag's exclusive ClimateZone™; technology food drawer is featured in the cargo compartment. Consumers will be able to set the proper temperature for certain foods especially meat, fruit and vegetables. There is also a refrigerated compartment in the rear passenger area. These built-in units provide convenient storage of perishable items purchased at the grocery store, allowing for customers to continue their errands without stopping at home.

Microwave: Placed in the left rear, it's perfect to heat up a baby bottle, hot chocolate, tea, soup and even popcorn.

Cooler: Located behind the driver and front passenger seats, the cooler stores easily accessible items such as bottled water, sodas and juice boxes. It is also removable for use at a park or a football game.

Hot/cold cup holders: Located between the passenger and driver, the hot/cold cup holders keep your milk cold and your coffee hot.

Trash compactor: Windstar Solutions has a trash compactor located between the front seats and a trash bin in the vehicle cargo area. The mechanical compactor can crush everything from apple cores to aluminum cans. Both trash units have a washable liner, which can be removed for easy cleaning.

Wet/dry utility vacuum: The Hoover wet/dry utility vacuum is placed in the side panel adjacent to the second-row passenger seating. Hoover, a Maytag division, provides this dual-purpose appliance, which eliminates cracker crumbs, beach sand and spilled juice.

Washer/dryer: Spills on clothing are common, especially with children in the vehicle. A miniature Maytag combination washer/dryer is built into the rear cargo area of Windstar Solutions. A shirt or party dress could be washed and dried in 15 minutes.

Tray tables: Tray tables fold down from the seat backs of the front captain's chairs, providing children and adults a great place to eat a snack, complete a crossword puzzle, read or do homework.

Windstar Solutions seats six, a must for the family taking the kids and their stuff to practice or the empty-nest couple heading out with friends.

What's Next?

"We know that busy lives have led to the merging of many schedules in today's families," said Jim Schroer, Ford vice president for global marketing. "The next step, of course, is for consumers to tell us whether this concept will meet their needs."

Detroit – April 6, 2000 - Cadillac will offer customers two ways to stay connected in the '01 model year with the world's first production Web-enabled infotainment radio and all-new services from OnStar.

The infotainment radio, called the Bose audio system with infotainment, offers myriad on- and off-line capabilities through the integration of a computer, navigation system, CD-ROM and radio functions. It will be the first application of an OEM-installed PC in a car and will be an option on the 2001 Seville and DeVille.

In addition, OnStar in 2001 will offer a number of new services, including personal calling and Virtual Advisor, which gives consumers hands-free access to personalized Internet data.

The e-car is coming, and Ford Motor Company is bringing it to you sooner than you might think.

Ford Motor Company vehicle and rental brands - Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Jaguar, Mazda, Volvo and Hertz - offer some of the most advanced smart electronics and telematics technologies available, with promise for much more in the future.

Smart Electronics and Telematics Defined

Computers and advanced electronics have been in cars for several decades, but the microprocessors that communicate with and control various functions operate wholly within the vehicle and are not considered smart electronics or telematics applications.

Smart electronics and telematics functions send and receive information outside the vehicle, and deliver feedback to the driver and/or vehicle.

Smart electronics include adaptive cruise control, radar-based reverse sensing aids and interactive vehicle dynamics. Telematics examples include navigation systems, voice-activated cell phones, and electronic messaging.

In the near future, Ford will bring intelligent vehicles that will connect customers to the Internet for all of the conveniences of the home or office. Voice-activated internet connectivity will offer a host of "infotainment" features, and other innovations.

Intelligent vehicles will also deliver new levels of safety, security and navigation. Building on in-car navigation, these vehicles will deliver up-to-the-second driving information (called floating vehicle data), and will even help keep you from being stuck in traffic jams. For theft deterrence, authorities will be able to trace smart cars anywhere, anytime through imbedded computer chips.

Technologies Today

Here is a glossary of emerging electronics and telematics technologies available or soon-to-be released on Ford Motor Company products:

Adaptive (or Smart) Cruise Control: Adaptive cruise control (ACC) improves on traditional cruise control by allowing a vehicle to automatically follow another vehicle at a set distance. With ACC, the driver sets the system when his or her vehicle is at the desired interval from the lead vehicle. ACC maintains that spacing up to a maximum vehicle speed, also set by the driver.

[Available on 2000 Jaguar XKR European models]

Electronic Messaging (Cell Broadcast in Europe): Electronic Messaging provides traffic information and other warnings to the driver through an interface in the vehicle. Encoded traffic information is continually transmitted to the vehicle's FM radio (via satellite in the future). A dynamic warning information system being piloted in some regions could include warnings such as a train crossing, icy bridge, high wind, deer crossing or falling rocks. The system can transmit current information (vs. blanket warnings) about specific hazardous conditions and, in the future, convenience information (e.g., parking, food, gas and lodging).

[Available on 2000 Jaguar S-Type in Europe]

Intelligent Transportation Systems Databus (IDB): Like a computer databus, the IDB is an electronic passageway which transmits driver/vehicle inputs to electronics or telematics system controllers. The controllers execute the command and feedback results (graphically or audibly to the driver/electronically to vehicle systems) through the IDB. Ford is working with the Automotive Multimedia Interface Consortium to develop a standard IDB to allow plug-and-play capabilities for device makers.

[All vehicles with microprocessors use databuses and they will begin using IDBS once the AMIC standard is finalized.]

Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD): IVD minimizes loss of vehicle control due to loss of traction when a vehicle, for example, is taking a turn too quickly or when encountering an icy patch. The system compares the driver's intended direction (from the steering wheel angle) to the actual vehicle path, which is inferred from accelerometers and wheel-speed sensors. If the actual path is different from that intended (e.g., when the vehicle is understeering or oversteering or on slippery roads), the IVD controller applies braking at selected wheel(s) and reduces engine torque if required to help correct the situation.

[Available on 2000 Lincoln LS and 2000 European Ford Focus]

Low Tire Pressure Warning: A low tire pressure warning system alerts the driver if the air pressure in a tire becomes too low relative to the other tires. Typically, a light on the instrument panel will illuminate to warn of the low-pressure condition.

[Available on Lincoln RESCU and Jaguar Assist emergency response systems]

Navigation System: In-vehicle navigation provides directions to a programmed destination using on-board Global Positioning System (GPS) location information. Step-by-step route-guidance instructions are delivered by voice, graphic icons such as arrows, a scrolling video map or a combination. To begin, the driver inputs a desired destination. The computer accesses a database (stored on a CD-ROM or off-board computer) and plans the best route. Future systems will be able to incorporate up-to-the-second traffic information centrally gathered from large numbers of vehicles for ‘dynamic navigation' and more efficient route planning.

Global Positioning System (GPS): GPS is made up of an antenna on-board digital receiver which gather exact longitudinal and latitudinal vehicle location information from a ring of 24 US Department of Defense navigation satellites.

[Optional on 2000 Navigator and 2000 Jaguar S-TYPE; Hertz NeverLost™ system to be equipped on all North American rental vehicles by the end of 2000; and NavMate™ system marketed by Visteon]

Rear Seat Entertainment System: A mobile electronic entertainment system that allows rear seat passengers to play video games or watch their favorite movies. A retractable liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor offers easy viewing for back-seat passengers.

[Beginning April 1999, Visteon/Nintendo system optional on Mercury Villager and Ford Windstar models. Optional on all North American Ford Motor Company minivans, conventional vans and sport utility vehicles by the end of 1999.]

Reverse Aid: Reverse Aid is a short-range obstacle-detection warning system to aid in reversing and parking maneuvers. As the vehicle approaches other vehicles or large obstacles, ultrasonic range sensors detect the object and engage a beeping warning sound. Ford was the first automaker to offer this system in 1998.

[Reverse aid available on 2000 Windstar, Taurus, Explorer and Mountaineer models]

Satellite Radio: Satellite radio offers 100 channels of CD-quality radio broadcasts (including extensive commercial-free programming) to vehicles via satellite. Satellite radio customers will receive coast-to-coast, interruption-free broadcasts—even in urban areas where terrestrial towers will provide relayed signals. Ford will be the first automaker in the world to offer this service in partnership with Sirius Satellite Radio.

[Factory satellite radio receivers will be offered in North America as soon as First Quarter 2001]

Vehicle Emergency-Messaging System (VEMS): This system allows the driver to push a button in an emergency to contact a service center through an imbedded cell phone. Vehicle location is determined by a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. VEMS systems can be manually activated for roadside assistance, or automatically for police or medical emergency in extreme situations such as air-bag deployments. Lincoln's Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit (RESCU) and Jaguar Assist are VEMS examples.

[Lincoln RESCU first became available on 1996 Lincoln Continental. Optional on 2000 Continental, LS; Jaguar Assist system available on 2000 S-Type]

Voice Activation: Allow occupants to use voice commands to control a variety of vehicle systems and features. Voice activation works with such features as cellular telephone, audio system, navigation, climate control and other electronically controlled systems. Voice-activation systems can minimize the time the driver's hands are off the wheel and eyes are off the road.

[Optional on 2000 Jaguar S-Type (controls climate control, cell phone and audio system)]

NEXT WAVE OF TECHNOLOGIES

Ford is charging forward with a host of new technologies that will continue to make automobiles safer, more productive and more fun.

Automotive Multimedia Interface Consortium (AMIC): Ford was a driving force behind AMIC's formation in 1998 to develop a standardized Intelligent Transportation Systems Databus (IDB). Like a home audio receiver, this standardized IDB will ‘talk' to any device that are AMIC compliant.

Back-up Aid/Parking Aid: Building on current reverse aids, future back-up aid systems will use radar sensors to detect large objects (moving or stationary) up to 20 feet behind a vehicle. Upon detection, the system sounds a series of beeps proportional to vehicle speed and distance from objects.

Bluetooth: An emerging radio chip technology which will allow digital devices to communicate with each other via wireless handheld devices. A bluetooth-equipped personal digital assistant would be able to remotely "talk" to and synchronize home and office computers with your car.

Driver Alertness Monitoring: Driver alertness monitoring would be designed to detect when the driver's ability has become impaired, whether from inattention or drowsiness. A simple system may merely sound an alarm. More complex systems could warn drivers of impending collisions or that the vehicle is straying from the roadway.

Electronic Toll Collection: In the future, roadway and bridge tolls could be paid automatically without slowing down. A transponder mounted in the vehicle could communicate by radio signals to antennas mounted on the roadside or overhead to make the toll transaction. Oil companies are also exploring this technology as way of offering automatic transactions at the gas pump.

Floating Vehicle Data: Future intelligent applications will compile driving condition data (location, speed, etc…) from numerous telematics-equipped vehicles to develop up-to-the-second traffic information. Traffic information will be transmitted back to drivers and advanced navigation systems for efficient route planning.

Frontal Collision Warning: A Frontal Collision Warning system would warn drivers when it detects objects in the path of the vehicle. Some systems would apply braking to help avoid a collision. The vehicle would be fitted with a forward-looking sensor (such as radar or laser), building on technologies used in current Adaptive Cruise Control systems. A camera might also be used for additional input. The combined information would provide a picture of the road ahead, and may be used to support other functions such as vision enhancement.

Head-up Display: The Head-up Display (HUD) system would allow the driver to view pertinent vehicle information without looking away from the road. Gauge and indicator images are projected on the windshield in front of the driver. HUDs can include basic information (turn signal indicators, high beam indicator and a warning to check gauges) and could also be used to display web-based telematics information.

Lane-change Aid: This system would alert the driver if another vehicle is in the blind spot when changing lanes. Blind spots are the obscured areas immediately to the left-hand sides of vehicles, behind the driver's peripheral view. Detectors mounted on each side of the vehicle near the taillights or side mirrors would "look" into the next lane to see if a vehicle is there. An indicator, typically located on the side-view mirror, would signal whether a vehicle is in the blind spot when the driver activates the turn signal.

Navigation System (Off-Board): Future navigation systems could use advanced telematics features to retrieve up-to-the-second direction and traffic information from off-board computer systems. This will replace current systems which rely on information from on-board CD-ROMs. These advanced systems could also incorporate up-to-the-second traffic information for more efficient route planning.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): Handheld (or palm) devices that serve as electronic address books, e-mail message centers and organizers. Advanced PDAs can be linked to PCs to synchronize data on multiple systems. In the future, these devices could incorporate wireless internet access and bluetooth technologies for remote synchronization with your car's telematics features.

Remote Control Convenience Features: This system would allow vehicle owners to control certain vehicle functions by calling an automated service. The vehicle owner could call an automated voice response system, enter a personal identification number (PIN) and select a desired function from the menu. A pager signal would then be sent to a receiver in the vehicle which executes the requested command. Functions could include opening or closing windows or sunroof, unlocking doors, and disabling the engine (in case of theft). Paging technology would also allow text messages sent from a telephone or computer to be displayed in the vehicle.

Vision Enhancement System (All-Weather/Night Vision):

All-Weather/Night Vision would provide the driver information about objects in the path of the vehicle that could not normally be seen at night or in adverse conditions. It would be especially helpful for identifying pedestrians and animals crossing in front of the vehicle. Some development systems can display information about the roadway, such as the proximity of upcoming vehicles and changes in the road. Systems can use radar or infrared lights/receiver on the front of the vehicle. Data would be fed into a computer which continually processes the information and creates an image displayed in front of the driver.

Arlington, VA – April 4, 2000 - With more than 1 billion cars expected to be on the road by 2020, a top Toyota engineer says advanced technologies are needed for the automobile to remain an effective means of transportation.

Hiroyuki Watanabe, managing director and a member of the board for Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), told the Society of Automotive Engineers' 2000 Future Car Congress that the concern is not only in developing new technologies, but also improving technologies that already exist.

"I believe that the opinion that the end of the internal combustion engine era will come, and that it will be replaced by the fuel cell era, and that hybrids will be used as an interim measure, is not correct," said Watanabe, who is responsible for hybrid and fuel cell development for TMC. "Rather, I believe that there will be a time when various engines and power sources will exist simultaneously."

Watanabe believes that in order for an environmentally-friendly vehicle to have a genuine impact on the automotive world and society, it needs to be accepted by consumers. In order for this to happen, the vehicle must be user-friendly, use a fuel that is readily available and be sold at an affordable price. He stated that consumers should not have to put up with reduced performance in return for environmentally-friendly automobiles. "It is our firm belief that the hybrid vehicle offers many benefits to consumers and will become the turning point in environmentally conscious technology for the future," continued Watanabe.

According to Watanabe, one vehicle that meets these criteria is the Toyota Prius hybrid, a roomy, five-passenger family sedan that will go on sale in the U.S. this summer. The Prius is the world's first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle powered by both a conventional four-cylinder engine and a clean, quiet electric motor. The Japan-market Prius has sold more than 34,000 units since December 1997. In contrast, the number of pure-electric vehicles sold worldwide since their introduction has reached just under 30,000 units, but has taken 30 years to achieve.

Watanabe sees potential in another type of hybrid, the Fuel Cell Hybrid Vehicle. He expects that in the future, there will be new energy storage technology and new drive system technology that will foster a variety of new hybrids. An important challenge to future hybrid advancements is worldwide commonality and compatibility of fuel choice. "It will require the teamwork of manufacturers, government and industry to determine a standard for both fuel and infrastructure," Watanabe said.

Watanabe stated that excessive emissions of CO2 is a global problem that must be addressed by all industries. Watanabe believes that Toyota understands the importance of developing new technologies, but at the same time recognizes the need to work within an existing infrastructure that does not readily support the use of alternative fuels.

"At Toyota, we firmly believe that there is more than one answer to the issue of personal transport systems for the 21^st century," said Watanabe. "Toyota is committed to making a true impact on a global scale to eco-projects, and to contributing to the sustainability of the automotive world."

Southfield, Mich. - March 31, 2000 - General Motors announced today it will be the first manufacturer to offer an optional four-wheel steering system on a full-size truck product. Delphi Automotive's innovative QUADRASTEER™ four-wheel steering system will debut on a future GM full-size truck in the 2002 model year.

"Four-wheel steering is one of the many innovative technologies and features within GM's full-size truck portfolio intended to provide customers with real benefits while reinforcing brand equity," said Gary White, vehicle line executive for GM's full-size trucks. "Although four wheel steering has been available in car applications, this is the first application in trucks.

This option will provide customers unprecedented maneuverability in a full-size truck." QUADRASTEER is an electronic rear-wheel steering system that supplements the conventional front-wheel steering system. It allows for greater maneuverability while driving or trailering at low speeds while improving stability, handling and control at higher speeds. The system also enhances vehicle stability at highway speeds as it helps the driver compensate for wind turbulence encountered when the vehicle is passed by a large truck In addition, this technology gives added control to drivers that trailer. During low-speed towing maneuvers, such as backing into a boat launch or parking a camper, QUADRASTEER greatly improves the trailer response to steering input.

In GM and Delphi testing on full-size pickups and SUVs, QUADRASTEER reduces the minimum turning circle diameter by an average of 20 percent. In fact, one GM full-size truck's turning diameter was reduced from 46.2 feet (14.08 meters) to 37.4 feet (11.40 meters), making it comparable to a Saturn Coupe's turning diameter at 37.1 feet (11.31 meters).

The system operates in three ways. At lower speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels. At moderate speeds, the rear wheels remain straight. At higher speeds, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels.

In real world terms, this innovative technology provides full-size truck drivers the agility of a smaller truck or passenger car, allowing the driver to turn tightly at low speeds.

Other innovative technologies and features already available only on GM full-size truck products include a three piece modular frame, driver message center, dynamic rear brake proportioning, Autotrac active 4x4 transfer case, Tow/Haul mode, Oil Life Monitoring System, 5-link rear suspension (SUV), self-leveling rear shocks (SUV), Autoride suspension system (SUV), 2WD traction control (SUV) and a light weight aluminum SUV rear liftgate.

LOS ANGELES, March 31, 2000 - Addressing the rapidly-growing compact performance market, the Ford "TOONER" Focus concept car was unveiled at the Third Annual SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) International Auto Salon in Pomona, California today.

Based on the production model "Sony" Focus, which features a high-fidelity Sony system, the "TOONER" Focus was modified with performance and appearance items from 25 top aftermarket manufacturers and tuners. The "TOONER" Focus highlights the latest California car trend, the compact performance market, and embodies today's "hot rod" movement that is built around highly modified compact economy cars.

"Ford has become an integral player in the compact performance market and we demonstrated this at last year's event with the unveiling of the Ford ZX2 S/R which has become a successful niche vehicle, and again with today's world premiere of the 'TOONER' Focus," said Mike Gearhart, Ford SVC Race Program manager. "We have shown that we can be responsive to the market and to consumer preferences - they demanded a car they could personalize and we have provided just that."

"Consumers and enthusiasts will have an opportunity to see what they can do to their Focuses," said Gearhart. "The beauty of the Focus is that it provides the perfect platform - it is adaptable to different interests for those who like enhanced performance and those who just like to personalize their cars."

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