WARRENVILLE, Ill. (February 20, 2002) - Teaching young men and women how the right vehicle can support a successful agricultural operation is the mission of International Truck and Engine Corporation and its sponsorship of the Future Farmers of America (FFA).

Recognizing that tomorrow's leading engineers and agriculturists are today's FFA members, International, manufacturer of the Power Stroke® Diesel engine for Ford Motor Company, supports the FFA in three areas: a college scholarship program, the National FFA Convention and a joint sponsorship of the National Leadership Conference for State Officers. The company's involvement with these programs offers career path opportunities to aspiring agribusiness leaders and engineers, and teaches the bottom line value of diesel power over gasoline in commercial operations.

"This sponsorship supports our relationship with Ford and helps us reach out to future business leaders. Through the FFA, we are able to communicate the power, fuel economy and overall life-cycle value diesel engines like the Power Stroke Diesel provide," said Bob Brandt, Ford national account manager, engine group sales and marketing, International Truck and Engine Corporation. "Our common goals for excellence make the sponsorship a natural fit. We have been tremendously impressed with the quality of individuals in the FFA, as well as the organization as a whole."

International offers five engineering scholarships worth $1,000 to college students who attend a four-year school in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana or Michigan. By assisting college students with their tuition, International is supporting future engineers who will be exploring the job market in the next couple of years in engineering and manufacturing. In addition, International hosts a booth at the National FFA Convention career fair each fall, attended by over 50,000 students. The booth offers students access to learn about career opportunities within International and find out what engineering and business talent industry is looking for.

The company further supports the cornerstones of the FFA mission - premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education - as joint sponsor of the annual National Leadership Conference for State Officers, where FFA members from six regions meet to discuss the issues facing agriculturists.

International has been manufacturing the Power Stroke Diesel for Ford since 1994, and 98.9 percent of them are still on the road. The Power Stroke Diesel provides the power and performance agribusiness owners need, while meeting the clean air standards society demands.