FDM Group Regulatory News (FDM)

31 Aug 2006 13:54

Ford Motor Co31 August 2006 FORD TO EXPLORE STRATEGIC OPTIONS FORASTON MARTIN DEARBORN, Mich., August 31,2006 - Ford Motor Company(NYSE: F) announced today it has begun the process of exploring strategicoptions for Aston Martin, with particular emphasis on a potential sale ofall or a portion of the unit. "As part of our ongoing strategic review, we have determined that AstonMartin may be an attractive opportunity to raise capital and generatevalue," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Ford. "Aston MartinLagonda has flourished under Ford ownership, which is why we believe it isprudent to consider a sale of all or part of this prized brand. Since AstonMartin's dealer network, product architecture and size are distinctlydifferent from other Ford brands, it is the most logical and capital-smartdivestiture choice. The objective of any sale would be to position AstonMartin within a structure and resource base sufficient to allow it to reachits full potential, while enabling Ford to efficiently raise capital forits other brands." Mr. Ford added, "Regarding our other Premier Automotive Group brands,we've made no decisions, as our review of strategic alternatives continues.However, we continue to be encouraged by Jaguar's progress and by thestrength and consumer appeal of the Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo productlineups." The company said there can be no assurance that the decision to explorestrategic options for Aston Martin will result in any transaction, whichwould be subject to Board approval. Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based inDearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 marketsacross six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brandsinclude Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury andVolvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange