WASHINGTON, DC, JULY 27, 2000 - Ford Motor Company will increase the fuel economy of its Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) fleet in the United States by 25 percent by the 2005 calendar year.

The commitment covers the company's entire SUV line-up, including the vehicles of Land Rover, Ford's most recent automotive acquisition. Other products in the SUV line-up include: Ford Explorer, Expedition and Excursion, Mercury Mountaineer, Lincoln Navigator, and the newly introduced Ford Escape.

"We are taking this very significant action with some of our most popular products because it is the right thing to do for our customers and for our stockholders," said Jac Nasser, president and chief executive officer. "It is the next logical step in our 'Cleaner, Safer, Sooner' campaign, which we began with the announcement two-and-a-half years ago that all Ford Motor Company Sport Utility Vehicles would be low emission vehicles."

"SUV customers are asking for more fuel efficient vehicles. Our strategy is to maintain and enhance the function of their SUVs while making substantial fuel economy improvements," Nasser said. "This is customer-driven environmental responsibility. We aren't asking our customers to compromise safety, performance or functionality."

"This initiative also responds to a growing societal objective, strengthens Ford Motor Company's environmental leadership role, and supports our corporate citizenship policies," he added.

Nasser announced the fuel economy commitment during a speech today at the National Press Club.