Ford of Europe Welcomes Early European Commission Decision on Automobile Craiova Privatisation

COLOGNE/ BUCHAREST, February 27, 2008 – Ford of Europe welcomes today's announcement by the European Commission that it has closed its investigation into the privatisation process of Automobile Craiova in Romania, thus clearing the way for Ford's purchase of the vehicle manufacturing facility.

The purchase of the plant will be finalised following the ratification of the special law for the privatisation of Automobile Craiova which is before the Romanian Parliament. The special law is expected to be ratified on March 4, 2008.

"I am pleased that the European Commission has concluded its investigation in such a short period of time," said Ford of Europe President and CEO, John Fleming. "We worked with the Romanian authorities around the clock to provide all the necessary information to help the Commission come to its decision.

"Nothing has changed in our exciting plans for the Craiova plant", said Fleming. "Our goal is now to assume full ownership of the plant as quickly as possible and turn it into a world-class manufacturing complex."

Source: Ford Motor Company