DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 2, 2001 - Ford Motor Company will provide its own tire warranty on 2001 and subsequent Ford, Lincoln and Mercury car and light truck models in North America. These models will be covered for repairs on or after Jan. 1, 2001.

With the addition of tires, all vehicle components are now covered by Ford's bumper-to-bumper warranty. This move breaks with a century of tradition -- where historically only the tire manufacturer provided the tire warranty.

"A consumer-focused company listens to its customers, and they're telling us they want us to take strong steps to ensure tire safety," said Jacques Nasser, president and CEO, Ford Motor Company. "We now stand behind every component on our vehicles. Administering our own tire warranty will also play a role in our 'early warning system,' providing early access to data on tire performance."

The warranty will provide for replacement of tires for defects in material or workmanship at no charge during the vehicle bumper-to bumper coverage period (Ford and Mercury coverage is 3 years/36,000 miles, Lincoln is 4 years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first).