Spirit of Innovation Soars With New Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk, 1903 Wright Flyer Reproduction

Ford Motor Company forms educational, documentary partnership with Discovery

* Ford Motor Company's history is inseparably linked to the history of flight. * Ford celebrates the spirit of innovation with new Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition. * Discovery Channel partnership will explore the stories of the Wright brothers and the crucial role in aviation and ingenuity of Henry Ford as he brought affordable ground and air transportation to the masses.

WASHINGTON, March 18 -- The story of humankind's history in transportation is one of passion and ingenuity -- with this year marking the centennial of two transportation milestones: the founding of Ford Motor Company and the Wright brothers' first flight.

Ford is celebrating its own century of leadership in aviation and automotive mobility by introducing an SUV that brings together the best of these two worlds. The new Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition captures the comfort and refinement rivaling that of the ultimate in flying machines.

Demonstrating the combined stride in aviation and automotive advancement over the last century, the Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition and the world's only authentic 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction were unveiled together today at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., as part of EAA's Countdown to Kitty Hawk presented by Ford Motor Company -- the yearlong centennial celebration of the Wright brothers' first powered flight.

Ford Motor Company's history is inseparably linked to the history of flight, as it was Henry Ford's vision and determination that was responsible for bringing automotive travel and commercial flight to the masses. "This same spirit has inspired the Lincoln Aviator Kitty Hawk Edition," said Jan Valentic, vice president, Global Marketing, Ford Motor Company. "This is an SUV with a best-in-class 320 horsepower and the comfort, refinement and elegance that offer an effortless ride like the wind -- all of which are also the desires of every pilot and inspire the Aviator name. And Henry would be particularly proud, because this sophisticated 'flying machine' reflects the values of Lincoln's heritage as a creator of automotive legends."

As one of the premier innovators of his generation, Henry Ford helped put the nation on wings through his efforts to develop aircraft to serve the public, then building public confidence in their safety, reliability and necessity. Ford laid the foundation for the world's modern system of commercial aviation, including the world's first modern airport, concrete runway and popularization of all-metal aircraft with the Ford Tri-Motor. For his pioneering efforts, Ford was enshrined in the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1984 and recognized as one of the nation's aviation pioneers by the U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission on Dec. 17, 2002. A full timeline of Ford's contributions to aviation is available at Ford's media site, http://media.ford.com/ .

"Preserved correspondences between Henry Ford and the Wrights mark the kindred spirit of innovation that these transportation pioneers shared," Valentic said. "There is a lesson to be learned from their stories because they're about dreams giving way to passions and achievements, which in turn changed the course of history for human mobility. This year -- the centennial of the first flight and Ford's founding -- is the year to regain our passions, and the stories of air and ground travel will teach us how."

Ford Motor Company's unique connection to the history of flight makes it a natural for the presenting sponsorship for the Countdown to Kitty Hawk program. This yearlong series of inspirational events features an interactive touring pavilion and the world's most-accurate 1903 Wright Flyer reproduction that will re-enact the Wright brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003 -- exactly 100 years later. More information about Countdown to Kitty Hawk can be found at www.countdowntokittyhawk.org .

Also today, Ford Motor Company and Discovery Channel announced a partnership to commemorate the spirit of human endeavor and innovation as part of the celebration of flight.

Discovery Channel School and Ford will custom-publish a multimedia kit recounting the stories of the Wright brothers and Henry Ford for middle and junior high schools across the United States. The free, standards-based curriculum materials will include a classroom poster, two videos, 16-page teacher resource guide and take-home magazine. Teachers and students will see concepts in action and learn how innovations impact society and the world.

Ford and Discovery Channel also will create three specials in 2003, including two documentaries. These specials will celebrate the miracle and impact of flight achieved by the Wrights, as well as explore Ford's crucial role in aviation and the ingenuity of Henry Ford as he brought affordable ground and air transportation to the masses.

All of this will culminate in a special live telecast at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, N.C., on Dec. 17, 2003. During the telecast, the world will see the efforts to rebuild the Wrights' flying machine come to life on the 100th anniversary of the exact day -- and time -- when humans first took to the air.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Go to http://media.ford.com for news releases and high- resolution photographs.