SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 18, 1999 - Ford's nine Puerto Rico dealerships today were recognized by the company for their key role in 1998 in giving Ford a commanding lead in the commonwealth's truck market for the fourth consecutive year. The truck leadership awards were presented to the dealerships' general managers by Michael I. Auld, executive director and general manager of Ford Worldwide Direct Market Operations - who traveled from Detroit, Michigan, to San Juan for the occasion - during a reception hosted by Richard Matheson, Ford Caribbean district manager.

"Ford holds three of the five top selling truck positions in Puerto Rico with Explorer, Ranger and F-Series," said Auld. "Our trucks are the best, but without the outstanding efforts of our dealers we could not have enjoyed the success we've had."

Overall Ford truck sales in 1998 totaled 12,761 units, up 18 percent. This represented 3,700 units more than its nearest competitor, while giving Ford a 26 percent share of the island's total truck market.

"When it comes to building tough trucks, no one builds them like Ford," said Matheson. "Seven out of every ten standard pick-up trucks bought on the island are Ford F-Series and seven out of every ten full-size vans are Ford E-Series." And he added: "The average consumer is discovering what the working person in Puerto Rico has known for years - if you need a dependable, tough, well equipped vehicle at a competitive price ... buy a Ford."

Matheson is confident that Ford's truck customer base in Puerto Rico will increase again in 1999 with improvements in the entire Ford truck line-up. The Ford Windstar minivan and the Ford Explorer sport utility have been the object of special attention. In 1999, Windstar - now with four doors - continues to be the safest minivan in the market, having achieved a U.S. Government-certified 5-star crash rating. So far this year, Windstar is the best selling minivan in Puerto Rico.

Last year in Puerto Rico, the sport utility segment grew 23 percent, making it the fastest growing segment on the island. "After hurricane Georges a lot of people realized they needed more than just a car to handle the varied conditions here in Puerto Rico," said Matheson. For 1999 Ford introduced the Explorer XLS with all the standard equipment of last year's XL, plus running bars, fog lamps, CD and more - while keeping the price unchanged. ....

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