FORD FLEET ACCOUNT EMPLOYEE PURCHASING PROGRAM FLEET X-PLAN OVERVIEW:

The Fleet X-Plan allows New York Times Company employees and/or spouses to purchase or lease a new vehicle for only 4% over the A-Plan Price*. Ford assists by supplementing the dealer’s commission on X-Plan sales. The savings are significant.
If you are in the market for a new car, truck or minivan, Ford Motor Company is offering employees and/or spouses of New York Times Company’s who wish to purchase or lease any eligible new 2003 model year vehicle the opportunity to do so at 4% above A-Plan price.

The Program is available through September 30, 2003.

The X-Plan includes Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo vehicles. All new 2003 Model Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles (excluding Ford SVT, Excursion, and Super Duty vehicles), and all new 2003 Model Volvo vehicles and the 2003 V70 wagon are eligible for the program. The lineup for 2003 includes Mazda and Land Rover products.

Here’s How It Works

• Phone 1-877-975-2600 and identify yourself as an employee of New York Times Company.
  
• Provide the Customer Service Representative with the following to verify your identity as an employee of The New York Times Company:
  FIN (Fleet Identification Number): XD331 (which is the same as our company Fleet ID number)
  Social Security Number
  Name, Address, City, State, and Zip Code
  The Customer Service Representative will confirm your eligibility and provide you with a four Digit Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  
• Visit your participating Ford, Lincoln or Volvo dealership, and identify yourself as an X-Plan Participant. Provide the dealer with the following to confirm your eligibility:
  Social Security Number
  PIN Number Issued By Ford Motor Company
  
• The Dealership will verify it and ask you for identification as an employee of New York Times Company through a company ID card or recent pay stub.
  
• Select your vehicle.
  
• Confirm the vehicle cost (ask for a copy of the factory invoice) which identifies the A- Plan Price.
  Your purchase price will be based on the A-Plan Price, plus 4% and any applicable taxes, registration and license fees.
  
  (*A Plan Price: Dealer Net Invoice Price. A Plan Price is defined on the Factory Invoice. You may obtain a factory invoice from your dealer. Each A Plan Price is equal to the Ford Employee Discount Pricing. The customer will not pay destination delivery fees, documentation and/or administrative fees. A Special Benefit for you… Discounts on Ford Motor Company Vehicles. As a New York Times Company employee, you now have the opportunity to take advantage of the Company’s fleet discount through Ford Motor Company.)
  

FAQ’s:
Who is eligible: Active employees (salaried, hourly and contract), retirees, members and their spouses who reside within the U.S. You will be required to show proof of employment or membership by an organization or company eligible for X Plan benefits at the time you take delivery of your vehicle.

Am I eligible for this program if I recently purchased or leased an eligible vehicle?
No. This special pricing offer is only available when you identify yourself as a participant and provide your PIN prior to completing the purchase or lease transaction. The program is not retroactive.

How do I participate?
Generate your PIN on the Ford website: www.fordpartner.com.
Visit your local dealer with your PIN and immediately identify yourself as a X Plan participant.
Provide proof of employment through a pay stub, company I.D., business card, W-2, membership letter, membership card, etc.
Select your new vehicle. Request vehicle invoice from sales representative to confirm plan price. Discuss financing options. Drive home in your new set of wheels.

How many vehicles may I obtain through the X Plan Program?
Eligible employees (salaried, hourly and contract), retirees, members and their spouses may purchase or lease a total of two vehicles per calendar year through the X Plan Program. Vehicles must be titled and registered in the eligible employee, retiree, member or spouse’s name (vehicles may not be titled or registered in a company name). No other family members are eligible for X Plan pricing.

What is X Plan Pricing and how do I know if I’m getting a good deal?
X- Plan: Ford, Lincoln, Based on Ford employee price plus a premium – Price is noted Mercury & Volvo on the dealer’s copy of the invoice. See Ford Direct for Ford pricing. Your dealer will provide you with the X Plan price for the vehicle you choose. You can compare your price to the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) to calculate your total discount. Plus you are eligible for all public incentives and many incentives normally paid to the dealer.

Can I receive the special X Plan Price at any dealer?
This program is available through all participating dealers in the U.S. Dealer participation is voluntary. You should inform the dealer of your X- Plan eligibility during your first contact with your dealer. If for some reason your dealer elects not to participate, you may visit another dealer.

Which Ford Motor Company vehicles are eligible?
Virtually all Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Mazda, Volvo, and Land Rover vehicles are eligible. In addition, cash allowances are available for 2003 model year Jaguar vehicles. Ford Super Duty F450-F750, Thunderbird, Aston Martin and Mazda MPV vehicles are not included in this program. This list is subject to change.

Are any other items covered through the X-Plan?
No, dealer installed options, conversion packages, extended warranties, accessories, etc. are not covered by this program and must be agreed upon between you and the dealer.

Am I eligible for other incentives?
Yes, for most. X Plan participants are eligible for all public incentives and many incentives normally paid to the dealer. There are some special offers that are not compatible with this offer. Your dealer can best determine which incentives you are eligible for.

Can I purchase or lease my vehicle?
Yes, the only requirement with leasing is that the lease must be obtained through the respective brand’s credit source.

Can I be charged a document fee by my dealer?
No. Fees for documentation or similar administration services are not allowed.

Can I trade-in a vehicle in combination with this program?
Yes, however your trade-in will likely be valued more closely to the wholesale price as the "X-Plan" new vehicle program limits a dealership’s overall pricing opportunities.

How long is a PIN good for?
PIN’s remain active for 12 months from date of issue.

Are dealer demo models or used vehicles included in this plan?
No, used vehicles, including dealer demonstrators, are ineligible.

Are prior model year vehicles eligible?
Yes, prior model year vehicles are eligible but only through March 31st of the current year.

How can I obtain my PIN if I forget or misplaced it?
You can obtain a PIN, which was previously generated, by visiting www.fordpartner.com and clicking on PIN History. You will need to provide your name and Social Security Number for verification.

How can I locate X Plan pricing for my Ford vehicle?
To configure and price your Ford vehicle under the X Plan, you can access the Ford Direct.com web site. (Additional information on pricing and vehicle programs can be found in the "Program Overview" tab of the Home Page for this site. From the "Program Overview" tab select "the pricing" from the toolbar for details.)