Special Update from Jim Buczkowski, Director, Electrical Engineering Systems

Thursday January 8 Las Vegas 6:30 a.m. PST

It's still dark out but I've noticed how fast that changes here in Las Vegas.

Our team has been preparing all week for the big event this afternoon when Alan Mulally, Derrick Kuzak, Doug VanDagens and I will address a crowd that could be more than 2000 at the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Our executives arrived yesterday evening and have already been swarmed by the large contingent of media here at the show.

CES officially opens this morning at 10 a.m. PST, but as tradition has it, Microsoft led last night with a keynote speech by Steve Ballmer who has picked up the lead at Microsoft after Bill Gates' retirement last year. His speech continued on Microsoft's commitment to bringing together the PC, the phone and the television with seamless integration. In addition, for the third year in a row, Microsoft mentioned the powerful partnership with Ford and how SYNC has moved connectivity in the vehicle to a new level. He also referenced our latest release, which includes Traffic, Directions and Information services that will launch in the spring.

It was exciting to hear the exact same strategies like seamless connectivity, applications in the "cloud," Human Machine Interface and more references that align exactly with the Ford strategy. In addition, the positive feedback received while talking to our current suppliers, consumer electronics executives, media and just the folks here in Las Vegas is really uplifting and we should all be proud of our ONE Ford plan and the future it's going to bring our customers, employees and shareholders. Nearly all believe we have a good plan and are "out in front."

Today's events start with a Keynote speech from Sir Howard Stringer of Sony, followed by a tour of some key exhibits on the show floor. This afternoon at 4:30 p.m. PST, Alan Mulally will host the Ford Keynote speech and I'm sure you'll hear the "buzz" by the time you wake-up Friday morning.

That's all for now,

Jim Buczkowski