HEAL THE BAY HITS HIGH-WATER MARK WITH FIRST PUBLIC SALE OF 2005 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID

One of California’s first 2005 Ford Escape Hybrids sells at auction for $40,000

Sale supports the work of environmental group Heal the Bay

SANTA MONICA, Calif., (June 17, 2004) – A sport utility vehicle just did something very good for the environment, by helping to raise $40,000 at Heal the Bay’s annual charity auction.

Ford Motor Company donated a 2005 Escape Hybrid SUV to Heal the Bay, the Santa Monica-based environmental group dedicated to improving water quality along California’s coastline.

The Escape Hybrid was the premier auction item at the group’s annual “Bring Back the Beach” dinner June 4, with actor Ken Howard of “White Shadow” fame serving as the auctioneer.

The winning bidders were Klaus and Jami Heidegger of Show Circuit Magazine, long-time supporters of Heal the Bay.

"We both feel strongly about protecting natural resources, and being able to buy an environmentally-friendly automobile while supporting Heal the Bay, a group that works so hard for water quality, is an absolute win-win for us," said Klaus Heidegger. “With three children, we're thrilled to be getting this roomy yet ‘clean’ running SUV, and we salute Ford for its generous contribution to Heal the Bay and for investing its resources to develop this eco-conscious project.”

Ford has long been the underwriter of Heal the Bay’s “Beach Report Card,” an annual survey of water quality at California’s beaches. The Beach Report Card assigns a letter grade (A-F) based on bacterial levels at beaches from Humboldt County to the Mexican border.

“We appreciate Ford’s enthusiastic support of Heal the Bay. Through Bill Ford’s leadership, Ford Motor Company has demonstrated a commitment to the environment that ranges from green building to coastal protection.” said Dr. Mark Gold, executive director of Heal the Bay. “We’re thankful for their support, and salute Ford for developing the first hybrid SUV on the market.”

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the world's cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV. Escape Hybrid has a full hybrid system that enables it to run on its gasoline engine, electric battery power, or both together.

"The Ford Escape Hybrid will resonate with consumers," says Steve Lyons, president, Ford Division. "People are excited about the Ford Escape Hybrid and its truly superior fuel economy and clean air benefits. We're pleased to see that excitement help an outstanding organization like Heal the Bay."

The first Escape Hybrids will be in dealerships later this summer.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is the world's second-largest automaker with approximately 350,000 employees and operations in more than 200 markets on six continents. Its automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Hertz and Quality Care. The company's world headquarters is in Dearborn, Mich. Ford Motor Company observed its 100th anniversary on June 16, 2003. Additional information can be found on the company's Web site at www.ford.com

About Heal the Bay

Heal the Bay, founded in 1985, is dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Southern California coastal waters safe and healthy again for people and marine life. It is one of the largest nonprofit environmental organizations in Los Angeles County, with more than 10,000 members. The organization focuses on education, outreach, research and advocacy through programs like Coastal Cleanup Day and our Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Beach Report Card weekly and annual updates are available at http://www.healthebay.org/