FORD GOES DOWNHILL, BECOMES SPONSOR FOR SKIING SERIES

          Ford Motor Company's Ford Division has become the new
     title sponsor of the '98-99 Ford Downhill Series, formerly
     known as the Jeep King of the Mountain, making it the
     world's richest and most competitive pro downhill ski
     series.  The 6-year-old program will begin in Aspen, CO, on
     December 3 and consist of five races.  NBC and Fox will
     provide U.S. coverage of the series, with plans to
     distribute coverage to Canada and Europe.  The Series was
     established in '93 by Vail, CO-based Eclipse Television &
     Sports Marketing, and has sponsorship deals this season with
     such companies as AT&T, Charles Schwab, Columbia Sportswear
     Co., Motorola, Revo and Visa (Ford Downhill Series).