Participation in the Policy-Making Process

Ford seeks to be an active participant in the political process in a manner that is transparent and related to our business interests. On issues of highest priority for us, we stay in regular contact with legislators and regulatory officials in our major markets, to share with them our interests and perspectives and offer expert input into the policy-making process. Our Government Affairs office oversees these lobbying activities.

Membership in Coalitions and Associations

Ford belongs to several partnerships and coalitions (such as the U.S. Climate Action Partnership) as well as industry and trade associations (such as the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers) that lobby in the legislative and regulatory realms on behalf of their members. Working with others in these types of organizations enables Ford to better leverage our resources on issues of importance to us and to develop and promote policies that have potentially far-reaching benefits for industry and society.

Of course, we do not always agree with each and every position taken by these organizations. In cases where we don't agree, we have to determine if, on balance, we agree with enough of the organization's positions that we should continue to engage with them. And, we always reserve the right to speak with our own voice and make our own positions clear, even when they may not align with the positions of associations to which we belong.

Ford Policy on Political Contributions

Ford Motor Company does not make contributions to political candidates or political organizations nor otherwise employ Company resources for the purpose of helping elect candidates to public office, even when permitted by law. Nor do we take positions for partisan political purposes – that is, specifically for the purpose of advancing the interest of a political party or candidate for public office. These policies remain unchanged, notwithstanding the U.S. Supreme Court's January 2010 decision that loosened restrictions on corporate independent expenditures.

With proper executive approval, Ford may contribute to support or oppose a U.S. state or local ballot proposal, if such contributions are permitted by law and if the issue is of significant interest or importance to the Company. Information with respect to contributions made in connection with ballot questions and referenda is publicly available through the appropriate local or state reporting authorities.

We do encourage employees to participate in political and governmental affairs and recognize that Company efforts and programs to encourage employee participation must respect fully the right of employees to use personal time as they choose and decide the extent and direction of their political activities. The Ford Motor Company Civic Action Fund (the "Ford PAC"), which is supported by voluntary donations from Ford employees, gives campaign contributions to national, state and local political candidates from both major political parties in the United States. The Company pays the solicitation and administrative expenses of the Fund, which are minimal, as permitted by law. All contributions made to the Ford PAC and all distributions from the Ford PAC are in compliance with Federal Election Commission (FEC) and applicable state regulations. A list of the Ford PAC's contributions made during 2009 can be found at the FEC Web site.

Political contributions by the Ford PAC are made in accordance with our business objectives that support our competitiveness in the global automotive industry. Ford PAC contributions are not made on the basis of social issues, party affiliations or political ideologies. All Ford PAC contributions in excess of $1,000 must be approved by the Ford PAC Political Contributions Committee, a cross-functional group of Ford employees representing a broad range of organizational levels.

Ford Motor Company complies fully with all laws and rules governing our employees' interactions with officials at all levels of government (federal, state and local). Furthermore, all of our contact and dealings with government officials must not only comply with all applicable laws, but also with our global corporate Policies and Code of Conduct. Note that under federal law, foreign nationals are prohibited from making contributions in connection with any U.S. election and are thus not eligible to join the Ford PAC.