• Unique telematics business model leverages Sprint PCS expertise and services
• Partnership offers hands-free integrated in-vehicle solutions
• First mass market Web-connected phone for the car or the pocket

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Company today announced a strategic alliance with Sprint PCS, the leading wireless telecommunications provider in the United States, to deliver voice-activated digital wireless communications and Internet features to vehicles being produced this year.

Sprint PCS' 100 percent digital nationwide wireless network will provide in-vehicle communications and information offerings. The service will enhance Ford's current RESCU™ (Remote Emergency Satellite Cellular Unit) safety and security telematics systems and will be offered on select 2001 Lincoln models with optional Sprint PCS Wireless Web Internet features.

"Our partnership with Sprint PCS will deliver affordable, new-millennium technologies in the vehicle," said Brian Kelley, president-ConsumerConnect and vice president-Ford Motor Company. "We are moving away from the usual automotive supplier relationships to a strategic partnership in this case which will bring consumers the world's best technology at affordable prices."

Andrew Sukawaty, Sprint PCS president said, "Today's announcement underscores U.S. consumers' demand for anytime, anywhere access to voice communications and information. Together, Sprint PCS and Ford are extremely well positioned to deliver a fully integrated suite of voice-activated mobile voice and data services safely and conveniently to customers across the country using our 100-percent digital nationwide PCS network, pioneering Wireless Web service and Ford's industry-leading customer-focused approach to telematics. We're delighted to join forces with Ford to co-develop mobile wireless products and services for our customers."

The new system will include an integrated, portable Motorola StarTac dual-band digital/analog phone designed specifically for Ford's telematics services including Sprint PCS' advanced offerings. Customers will be able to make calls or access the Internet on various personalized services by using their voice.

"Ford's current telematics systems offer the safety and security of being automatically connected in emergency situations," said Mike Ledford, global director of telematics, Ford Motor Company. "Now customers can safely access the information and services they need without fumbling for a phone or using a computer screen. From day one, Ford has pushed for intuitive, voice-activated menus and commands so our customers won't be distracted by flashy screens or unwieldy information."

"The 1990s saw the explosion of the Internet, and the '00s will bring a constant connection to the Internet," said Ledford. "To be a leader in this revolution, Ford plans to offer telematics services to all customers worldwide in the next several years. More importantly, we'll deliver these new technologies to our customers affordably and safely."

Doug Pritt, vice president of business development for Sprint PCS, said; "This strategic relationship should pave the way for Sprint PCS and Ford to redefine how consumers communicate over a wireless device while driving. In addition to safety and convenience, we expect our two companies, leveraging our core strengths, will accelerate the development of new telematics products, services and features."

In-vehicle services will include emergency and roadside assistance and voice-activated phone service, including personalized information such as news and stock quotes all on the Sprint PCS nationwide wireless network. These information services will be linked to a customizable homepage that can be accessed on any Internet-connected personal computer. Customers will even be able to synchronize certain digital address books to the system's homepage to allow voice speed dialing of hundreds of programmable numbers.

"Ford was the first car company to offer in-vehicle telematics when we introduced RESCU™ on the 1996 Lincoln Continental," Ledford said. "We also will be first to bring satellite radio, and will be a leader in bringing affordable Internet services to our customers."

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Co. is the world's largest producer of trucks and the second-largest producer of cars and trucks combined, marketing and selling approximately 7 million vehicles globally through its seven brands last year. Ford Motor Co. employs approximately 345,000 people in plants, offices and laboratories to serve consumers in more than 200 countries and territories. Ford Motor Co. is also one of the largest providers of financial services worldwide through Ford Credit and related businesses. Ford Motor Co. provides consumers and commercial financial services through 2,400 branches in 33 countries.

About Sprint PCS
Sprint PCS operates the largest 100 percent digital, 100 percent PCS nationwide wireless network in the United States, already serving the majority of the nation's metropolitan areas including more than 4,000 cities and communities across the country. Sprint PCS has licensed PCS coverage of nearly 270 million people in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sprint PCS is a wholly owned tracking group of Sprint Corporation trading on the NYSE under the symbol "PCS."

Sprint is a global communications company at the forefront in integrating long distance, local and wireless communications services and one of the world's largest carriers of Internet traffic. Sprint built and operates the United States' only nationwide all-digital, fiber optic network and is a leader in advanced data communications services. Sprint has $20 billion in annual revenues and serves more than 17 million business and residential customers.  - Autoworld.com

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