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The striking, full-size sedan, with its elegant interior, sophisticated technologies and incomparable ride, could increase commuters’ traffic tolerance considerably.

CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 9, 2008 – There’s construction on Lake Shore Drive, a lane closure in the Loop, and the Dan Ryan Expressway, as usual, is bumper to bumper. For Chicago commuters, traffic is a way of life. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Chicago has the nation’s second highest average commute times for large cities – 34 minutes. And it can be a long, frustrating trip.

Unless, of course, you’re in the Lincoln MKS.

The striking, full-size sedan, with its elegant interior, sophisticated technologies and incomparable ride, could increase commuters’ traffic tolerance considerably. For commuters faced with increasing time behind the wheel, staying connected and comfortable is an important purchase consideration. In fact, the MKS, built in the Chicago Assembly Plant, offers the largest selection of comfort and convenience technology features of any other luxury sedan in its class.

“Customers are increasingly demanding a smart, connected in-car experience,” said Pei Wen Hsu, Lincoln MKS marketing manager. “They are seeking both entertainment and information options they are accustomed to in their homes and they want information that has value for them while they travel.”

With standard features like SYNC, the award-winning, industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free communications and entertainment system developed by Ford and Microsoft, it is easy – and safe – for drivers to stay in contact with the outside world. The system fully integrates most Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle. And the Voice-Activated Navigation system with SIRIUS^® Travel Link^™ not only offers users the entertainment of an in-house jukebox, but up-to-the-minute travel-information.

“The new flagship Lincoln offers state-of-the-art technology,” said Hsu. “SIRIUS Travel Link, as part of the next-generation navigation system, can give commuters an escape plan by providing real-time traffic updates that help drivers avoid the worst Chicago traffic congestion.”

Of course, in the MKS, time on the road doesn’t have to be all about traffic. The luxury sedan is the world’s first vehicle to offer the THX II Certified 5.1 Surround sound system that allows customers to play DVD-Audio discs and DVD movies in true discrete surround sound, as well as listen to CDs, satellite radio and MP3s through a 600-watt, 16-speaker premium automotive entertainment system.

And since safety is at a premium – particularly on congested roads – the extensive array of safety features on the MKS can’t be ignored. Adaptive Cruise Control allows the driver to set the car’s speed and maintain it without using the accelerator while a radar-based system monitors the vehicle in front – up to 600 feet – and adjusts the speed to keep it a safe distance behind. Adaptive headlamps and Auto High Beams enhance nighttime visibility, and Rain-Sensing Wipers use an advanced optical sensing system to detect how hard rain or snow is falling to set the optimum wiper speed.

“The Lincoln MKS has it all,” said Hsu. “Its exceptional handling gives the driver the confidence needed to take on big-city traffic, and its expansive comfort and high-end technology make the journey far more pleasurable.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 229,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.