Press release distributed in partnership with ...  

Ford Edge Brings the Latest Music to Fans Via Innovative Video Podcast

Building on an unprecedented digital launch, Ford Edge is partnering with Rock River Music to launch a series of downloadable, full-length, major label music video podcasts. Music has been incorporated into the Edge launch and will continue with artists such as Cat Power, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Wolfmother and Gomez.

Dearborn, MI. (Billboard Publicity Wire) February 2, 2007 -- Ford Edge launches the industry's first free music video podcasts from Cat Power, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Wolfmother and Gomez. Music fans can download this first-of-its-kind series each month at http://www.fordvehicles.com/edgevideocast. Beginning Jan. 31, customers will be able to go to the Ford Edge Web site, iTunes and other music sites to receive a series of free music videos from Ford.

"It's the first time consumers will be able to download videos for free. A television ad is only 30 seconds, but the video will be 15 minutes," says Dave Sanabria, SUV marketing communications manager for Ford. "It's more time to engage our audience and show them the all-new Edge."

Once somebody clicks on the series it will be delivered through RSS (real simple service) feed. Each month they will receive an automatic update of the series. All monthly episodes will be available for the full year.

"We are using the music to attract the demographic and bring them to the brand," says Jon Melrod, vice president of Rock River Music who is collaborating with Ford on the program. "There will be imagery that evokes what the Edge is about and links so the subscriber can view the product."

In the next couple of years, video podcasts will explode just the way audio podcasts did, says Sanabria and Ford wants to be at the forefront of the industry.

"We expect more customers to look at the Edge, but what we are really trying to do is create a community of users that is interested in the Edge and the music," says Sanabria.

About the Edge Vodcast Artists and Songs

Wolfmother - "Woman"
With their aggressive, melodic songwriting and vintage classic rock sound, Australian band Wolfmother has drawn comparisons to legendary groups like Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. The Grammy-nominated, top 10 single "Woman" comes from Wolfmother's self-titled debut album in stores now.

Cat Power - "Lived In Bars"
Indie rock chanteuse Chan Marshall, who records under the name Cat Power, delivered one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2006. Recorded in Memphis, The Greatest features an all-star cast of Southern soul musicians. The latest single, "Lived In Bars," is a prime example of Marshall's unique songwriting gift and her hauntingly beautiful vocals.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Gold Lion"
The lead single off of this year's Grammy-nominated record Show Your Bones ("Best Alternative Album") is a more polished version of the garage/art rock sound that first ignited the attention of fans and critics upon the group's debut in 2003. "Gold Lion" still packs a powerful punch, but the sinuous melody remains long after the crunch of guitars fades.

Gomez - "How We Operate"
Mercury Prize-winning UK band Gomez is quietly building a reputation as one of the finest songwriting groups in rock. The band features a stunning triple threat: three of the group's five members trade lead vocal duties depending on the song. The title track to the album How We Operate is an ageless slice of Britpop that rewards repeated spins.

About the Edge
Bold American design distinguishes the 2007 Ford Edge in the red-hot crossover utility vehicle market - along with a dynamic driving character and innovative features. Equipped with an all-new 265-horsepower V-6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission, Edge will deliver performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. Ford Edge has impressive fuel economy of 25 mpg on the highway.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 300,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

###