Statement re Chief of Staff

Ford Motor Co
28 February 2003


FORD'S RINTAMAKI TO RETIRE AFTER 30 YEARS

DEARBORN, Mich., February 28, 2003- Ford Motor Company today announced that John
Rintamaki, chief of staff, has decided to retire effective August 1 after 30
years with the company.  Allan Gilmour, vice chairman and chief financial
officer, will assume Rintamaki's responsibilities for Human Resources,
Government Affairs, Washington Affairs, Environmental and Safety Engineering,
and the Ford Fund. Accounting, the Controller's office, Treasury, Investor
Relations, and the General Auditor will continue to report to him. Gilmour will
report to Bill Ford, chairman and CEO.

'I want to thank John for his 30 years of service at Ford,' said Mr. Ford. 'HIS
strong leadership, coupled with his extensive experience, have been invaluable
to the Ford Motor Company during his career.'

'My goal has always been to retire at this juncture in my career,' said
Rintamaki. 'Now, with Bill Ford as chairman and CEO and a strong team supporting
him, the time is right to begin the transition.'

Public Affairs and the Office of the General Counsel will report to Mr. Ford.
He will now have five direct reports: Nick Scheele, president and chief
operating officer; Gilmour; Carl Reichardt, vice chairman; Jim Vella, vice
president of Public Affairs; and Dennis Ross, vice president and general
counsel. The new responsibilities and reporting relationships will be effective
March 31. Until his retirement on August 1, Rintamaki will be on special
assignment to Mr. Ford.

Rintamaki, 60, joined Ford in 1973 as an attorney at Philco-Ford Corp. He has
served in a variety of legal positions of increasing responsibility during his
career. He is a member of the board of directors of Ballard Power Systems and
the Hertz Corp. He had been chief of staff since 2000.

                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange