Save the Date - June 27, 2006 - America's Top Teen Auto Techs Prepare to ``Start Their Engines'' for the Race to Dearborn, Michigan; $6 Million in Scholarships and Prizes Await Competitors

--AAA:

WHAT:      Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills National Finals

           This annual competition is considered by many to be the 
           Indy 500 of auto repair. Fifty state champion teams 
           representing their respective high school's automotive 
           technology program compete for the coveted national title, 
           valuable scholarships and prizes.

           How it works: At the national finals, each two-member team 
           takes a comprehensive written exam and then races against 
           the clock to diagnose and repair identically "bugged" 
           automobiles in a quest to achieve the perfect car. To 
           qualify for the national finals, each state will hold its 
           own Auto Skills competition this spring, which encompasses 
           the same criteria.

WHEN:      Tuesday, June 27, 2006
           Hands-On Repair competition: 9:15 AM to 10:45 AM EST, with
           excellent video and photo opportunities. Media are welcome 
           to interview the students, their instructors, contest 
           officials, or judges. Interview opportunities will be 
           available Monday, June 26, by request and on Tuesday, 
           June 27, before and after the competition.

           NOTE TO PRODUCERS AND EDITORS: Photos and B-Roll footage 
           can be provided on request.

WHERE:     Dearborn, Michigan

WHY:       The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the auto industry
           will need 35,000 new technicians every year through 2010. 
           Ford and AAA have joined together to assure the next 
           generation of well-trained auto technicians will be there 
           to provide service to the motoring public. The 
           competition's goal is to encourage students to continue
           their education and to pursue careers in the automotive 
           industry.

To speak to contest officials or for more information, please contact: Kristine Heine or Peter Palmieri at (202) 371-9600.

The Ford/AAA Student Auto Skills Competition is for high school juniors and seniors enrolled in secondary school automotive technology courses. The two-student teams are tested on their ability to accurately diagnose and service identically "bugged" vehicles. Every year, the top winning team from each state earns the right to compete for prizes and recognition at the national finals.