PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 16, 1999 - The 2001 Ford Explorer Sport Trac - the newest member of Ford's best-selling Explorer family - represents an important revolutionary step in the fast-growing sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment by creating significantly more room for cargo than the traditional SUV without compromising the interior package SUV customers want.

Explorer Sport Trac combines the benefits of the four-door Explorer with the added utility of a 4-foot-long cargo area made of durable sheet molding composite - a first in the segment - for "one-vehicle-does-it-all" versatility. The cargo area features, which include an optional device that extends the length of the cargo area and an optional lockable hard tonneau cover, allow it to be converted easily to accommodate a wide variety of cargo.

In dealer showrooms early next year, Explorer Sport Trac is expected to be the first vehicle of its kind offered for retail sale.

"Explorer Sport Trac is great for the active customer," says Jim O'Connor, Ford Motor Company vice president and president, Ford Division. "This rugged vehicle is certain to appeal to outdoor sports enthusiasts, do-it-yourselfers and adventure seekers.

"There's a demand for a vehicle like this, and we intend to lead the industry by responding to the market needs with more and more of what customers want sooner - and certainly before anyone else."

Ford was the first manufacturer to experiment with such a vehicle when, in January 1996, it introduced the Adrenalin concept vehicle at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Adrenalin was a design exercise intended to gauge consumer reaction to a versatile and rugged, off-road, four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Adrenalin featured a unique mix of toughness, refinement and comfort in a vehicle that was comfortable at work and play. Positive public response to Adrenalin led directly to Explorer Sport Trac's development.

Rugged Versatility - Outside and In
Based on the Explorer platform, Explorer Sport Trac's rugged, athletic styling takes on a look all its own.

From the C-pillar forward, Explorer Sport Trac is a five-passenger SUV. But, behind the rear passenger compartment, Explorer Sport Trac breaks the mold, featuring one of the industry's first one-piece, all composite cargo areas. Made of durable sheet molding composite (SMC), it has molded-in texture, a mar-resistant low-gloss coating, and is virtually maintenance-free, requiring no liner. The easy-to-care-for cargo area handles clean or dirty cargo.

An optional two-piece foldable and lockable hard tonneau cover provides protection for items contained in the cargo area. It comes with a removable divider, also made of SMC, that increases storage flexibility for the cargo area. The tonneau cover can be removed easily, allowing customers to convert the cargo area from covered and locked to a uncovered and open for carrying large bulky, items.

Cargo area utility is further enhanced by 10 cargo tie downs - six located along the top rails and four on the inner panels - and a 12-volt cargo area power point.

An optional cargo keeper also extends the utility of the cargo area. This U-shaped tubular device hinges on the interior sides of the cargo area and rests on the cargo floor. When flipped out over Explorer Sport Trac's tailgate, it extends the cargo area length from more than 4 feet to almost 6 feet to accommodate several 4- by 8-foot sheets of plywood or other materials. In its stowed position, the cargo keeper creates a contained, 25- by 45-inch storage area, which is ideal for holding grocery bags or other small items in place. ....

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