AACHEN, Germany, June 15, 1999 – Using sophisticated computer simulation technology Ford Motor Company Chairman William Clay Ford, Jr. today used 'virtual' scissors to cut a 'virtual' ribbon and officially open the new $35 million Ford Forschungszentrum - research centre - Aachen, together with German chancelor Gerhard Schroeder.

"This advanced research centre will help realise my vision of Ford Motor Company as a leader in the Clean Revolution," said Mr. Ford.
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Source : Ford

Close to the border with the Netherlands and Belgium, the FFA offers the multi-national staff a rich mixture of cultural heritages and lifestyles. "People are the key to our success - science and technology are just the tools", said Frode Maaseidvaag, FFA director. Some 70 per cent of the FFA's technical employees hold PhDs; the remainder all hold masters degrees from universities throughout Europe.

"Ford's success depends on our ability to listen to our customers, as individuals and as part of the broader society, and anticipate their future wants," he said. "We must seek innovative solutions from around the world, which requires us to work effectively within teams regardless of location and culture, to incorporate our knowledge and technology into Ford products, processes and services. "It is our ingenuity and teamwork that will provide the solutions for tomorrow's world."

Approximately 75 per cent of the FFA's budget is currently spent on projects with a clear link to the environment. From studying the combustion process inside an engine to the fate of exhaust emissions in the atmosphere, the researchers are working to find new ways of reducing the environmental impact of the manufacture, use and disposal of vehicles. One focus of the FFA's work is on atmospheric science, in which Ford is a world leader. But in addition to conducting intensive research in atmospheric modelling and chemistry, the FFA is also involved in research related to small diesel engines, vehicle dynamics, alternative powertrain technologies, telematics and mobility, pedestrian protection, and manufacturing processes.

The FFA is ideally sited to ensure close contact with Ford's Small and Medium Vehicle Centre global product development facilities in Cologne, Germany and Dunton, England, as well as the vehicle testing complex at Lommel in Belgium, and Ford's 45 European manufacturing facilities. It is also perfectly located to foster working relationships with numerous research institutions and universities. It forms an integral part of the global activities of the Ford Research Laboratories. Researchers at FFA work with their colleagues around the world to take the best advantage of technical expertise and laboratory and testing facilities.

In addition, FFA staff work with European partners such as the German Automobile Association (VDA) and EUCAR, the European automotive industry's pre-competitive research organisation. The FFA is also currently conducting collaborative research with more than 40 universities and institutions in 12 European countries.

The Chase Manhattan Bank Corporation, New York, Deutsche Bank AG, Frankfurt, and Deutsche Bank Securities, Inc., New York, have been appointed Lead Arrangers for the $17 billion Revolving Credit Facilities. These worldwide facilities are divided into two branches: a European facility with a $5 billion Multi-Currency Revolving Credit for DaimlerChrysler AG and its subsidiaries, and a US facility with a $12 billion Revolving Credit for the DaimlerChrysler North America Holding Corporation. The syndication with additional participating banks will begin at the end of June. Through its integration, DaimlerChrysler has assured a uniform funding approach to the capital markets. The $17 billion combined credit facilities will replace the existing credit facilities of DaimlerChrysler on both sides of the Atlantic.

DaimlerChrysler is the third largest automobile company in the world with additional activities ranging from aerospace to the service industry. DaimlerChrysler is the result of the merger between Chrysler and Daimler-Benz on November 17, 1998. In 1998, DaimlerChrysler, with 441,500 employees, achieved revenues in the amount of Euro 131.8 billion and an Operating Profit of Euro 8.6 billion.

Premiere Of New, Humorous 'Itty Bitty" Car Ad Sets Mood For Buick Activities During Tournament, June 21-27, 1999
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In February, Buick unveiled its first "Scotland" ad, featuring Buick-sponsored golf pros Ben Crenshaw, Steve Elkington and David Berganio Jr. Using Scotland's famous St. Andrews as a backdrop, the pros are shown driving between golf courses, struggling to fit themselves and their equipment into a car that is too small. They lament that if they had a "real car" - a Buick - they would have room to spare.

David Berganio Jr.

Source : GM-Buick

The new ad, appearing with other Buick ads on cable and network television, will reprise the roles of the pros and their "itty bitty" car. This time the storyline takes them around Scotland on a golf memorabilia hunt. The pros buy antique clubs, trophies and even a set of bagpipes, which they again have a hard time squeezing into that car. During the Buick Classic, Buick is offering several opportunities for golf fans to enjoy family-oriented activities at Westchester. Throughout the tournament, a Buick display tent will exhibit trophies and feature a "comfort station," including two chairs with masseurs. Several Buicks will be on display, as well as a life-size "itty bitty" car with cutouts to allow fans to photograph themselves in the car.

Golf fans and car enthusiasts looking for a little brain exercise will want to participate in the "Measure Up Challenge," also in the Buick tent. Contestants will answer three to five questions about how Buicks compare to the competition. Everyone who braves the challenge will receive a sleeve of golf balls and entry in a sweepstakes to win golf clubs. Families can also participate in the "LeSabre Family Golf Experience" on June 22, Tuesday of the Buick Classic week. Both parents and children can get golf tips from the pros, and parents can check out the 2000 LeSabre and enter a drawing for a Taylor Made prize.

As a special feature at the Family Golf Experience, Buick will be donating hats, T-shirts, golf balls and golf clubs to students who participate in the Inner City Youth Golf - USA program. The program provides about 275 high school students with golf instruction and practice facilities. The Buick Special Exhibits trailer, a multi-faceted, interactive traveling exhibit, will also be on display at the Classic. The exhibit travels to many Buick golf events and dealerships throughout the United States.