EQUATOR CONCEPT JOINS NEW FOCUS AND EXPLORER AT 2005 TOKYO MOTOR SHOW

TOKYO, October 5, 2005 - Ford Motor Company announced today that a world premier concept - the Ford Equator - will join the all-new Focus and Explorer at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show.

The new Focus was launched in Japan in early September and the updated and more-efficient Explorer will be introduced in Japan in the fourth quarter of 2005. And while those vehicles showcase what is available to consumers today, other vehicles hint at the future. Key concepts scheduled to appear at the 2005 Tokyo show include the Ford Equator, which will be making its world debut, and the Ford Focus Vignale, a two-door convertible concept featuring a retractable hard top. The Focus Vignale concept is one of many Focus models scheduled to be on display at the show - a collection of vehicles that show the breadth of the entire Focus family of vehicles available around the world.

In all, the featured Ford vehicles at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show include:

EQUATOR SHOW VEHICLE

Developed and built in the region, Equator is an evolutionary advancement to the combination of performance, design and sports capabilities that characterize all Ford SUVs. The concept's premium exterior and interior designs present a fresh and exciting look at what is one of the most popular and enduring SUV profiles. Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 Duratech engine complimented by a computer-controlled intelligent 4WD system, Equator delivers high performance regardless of whether it's on road or off. Large enough to comfortably carry passengers and cargo alike, Equator is the right size for many market in the region - it offer an ideal balance of premium comfort, maneuverability for in-city driving and overall efficiency.

SOURCE: Ford