MOORESVILLE, NC (February 3, 2004) - International Truck and Engine Corporation, designer and manufacturer of the popular Power Stroke® Diesel engine for Ford Motor Company, announces it's sponsorship of driver Terry Cook and ppc Racing for the 2004 Power Stroke® Diesel NASCAR® Craftsman® Truck Series race team. The sponsorship is the spotlight of a motor sports marketing initiative that leverages the overlap of pickup truck owners and NASCAR fans to increase diesel engine sales. The Power Stroke diesel race truck will be seen by fans and potential diesel engine pickup truck buyers this summer live at the tracks and on national television.

“We are a customer-focused company. Continuing our sponsorship of Terry Cook under the Power Stroke diesel nameplate helps us extend our brand building and customer loyalty campaigns by aligning with another powerhouse brand, NASCAR,” said Bob Carso, director of communications and strategy, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation. “Power Stroke® Diesel Racing is in sync with the Power Stroke diesel ownership experience. The sponsorship enables International and Ford to market and promote this product to our target audience, as well as introduce diesel to potential customers.”

The Power Stroke diesel race team sponsorship is a key part of the International motor sports marketing programs that includes International and Ford Racing’s sponsorship of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Indianapolis each summer.

Since 1999, the manufacturers have teamed up to honor loyal customers and fans with a race of their own, the annual Power Stroke® Diesel 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park, across town from the Indianapolis engine plant where the popular diesel engine is built.

“We've enjoyed tremendous success with Terry Cook as our spokesman and driver over the past 3 years and we're very excited to have him represent Power Stroke diesel again this year both on and off the track. He's a tremendous driver and he really connects with both Power Stroke diesel owners and Ford dealers across the country,” said Carso.

The move to ppc Racing is a new venture for Power Stroke diesel, and a new venture for ppc Racing as well. The 2004 race season will mark the first time ppc Racing will compete in the NASCAR® Craftsman® Truck Series. ppc Racing and their new sponsor are confident the relationship will create highlights in 2004.

Known for their success in the NASCAR Busch Series, ppc Racing will now brand their mark in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS). “We are excited to be partnering with Power Stroke Diesel in the NCTS,” said Keith Barnwell, general manager of ppc Racing. “The series is new for us, but winning in NASCAR is not. Winning is something we hope to do a lot of this year.”

“We are thrilled to sponsor the No. 10 F-150 Ford backed by ppc Racing,” said Carso, “We are excited to be with a caliber team like ppc Racing. We believe that with ppc Racing and Terry behind the wheel, we will compete for the NCTS Championship year in and year out. ppc Racing's commitment to Ford and to engineering excellence on the race track aligns with the International philosophy - we are all out there to win.”

Cook will pilot the No.10 Power Stroke Diesel Ford F-150 this year on the road to capturing his first NCTS Title. This represents the fourth season that Cook will carry the torch for Power Stroke Diesel on in the NCTS.

“I am extremely excited about the possibilities with ppc Racing this year. I do not think Power Stroke® Diesel could have gone with a better team,” stated Cook. “I believe this will be a winning combination.”

International designs and manufactures the 6.0-liter, V-8 Power Stroke diesel engine exclusively for Ford Motor Company for use in Ford® F-Series Super Duty pickup trucks, Econoline vans and Excursion sport utility vehicles.

Due in part to the ever-growing popularity of this engine in Ford pickups, more than two million Power Stroke diesel engines have been produced since its introduction in 1994. Nearly two out of three buyers of Ford F-Series Super Duty pickups choose the Power Stroke diesel over a standard gas engine, making it the most popular engine in its class.

The rising cost of gasoline, combined with diesel’s superior fuel economy achieving up to 30 percent better fuel economy than gas engines - makes diesel an attractive option, and not just for businesses. A rising number of recreational enthusiasts are turning to diesel engines for their weekend towing needs, including pulling boats and horse trailers, as well as for their everyday vehicles. And because International is committed to cleaner air solutions for today’s environment, environmentally conscious motorists are also choosing diesel power in growing numbers.

The photo depicts the new race truck with, from left to right, Bob Carso, Director, Communications and Market Strategy for the Engine Group of International Truck and Engine Corporation; Terry Cook, driver, the No. 10 Power Stroke® Diesel Ford F-150 race truck, and Matt Smela, communications support manager, Engine Group, International Truck and Engine Corporation.