* Rocsi and Terrence J, Hosts of Black Entertainment Television's video content show "106 & Park" and Best Male R&B Artist Nominee Trey Songz to be among celebrities to arrive at BET Awards in hot new 2009 Ford Flex
* Bad Boy Records Danity Kane and Basketball Star Chris Webber to be among celebrities to arrive at BET Awards in Ford Flex
* Special-Edition Ford Flex's customized by Hip Hop Guru Funkmaster Flex and Legendary Customizer Chip Foose to grip the red carpet at awards show after party
* The distinctive 2009 Ford Flex, with its signature side grooves, all-black glass area and distinct two-tone roof, is like no other vehicle on the road
* The 2009 Ford Flex is now on its way to Ford dealers across the U.S.
LOS ANGELES, June 20, 2008 - Ford's distinctive all-new vehicle - the 2009 Ford Flex - will bring some of the hottest names in Hip Hop & R&B to the red carpet Tuesday evening for events surrounding the BET Awards '08—often dubbed as the "hottest ticket on television."
The show will air live from Los Angeles' Shrine Auditorium on June 24 at 8:00 p.m. R&B Singer Trey Songz will be among the celebrities shuttled around town in the vehicle from Ford. He is nominated for Best Male R&B Artist at the Awards show. Other celebrity Flex arrivals to include Basketball Star Chris Webber, Danity Kane, Day 26, Janelle Monae, Rocsi and Terrence J of BET's "106 & Park" and Alicia Renee.
In addition to providing transportation to stars, Ford is partnering with BET on the official awards show after party and will have planted on the red carpet interpretations of the Flex designed by Celebrity Customizers Funkmaster Flex and Chip Foose. Both vehicles offer a unique interpretation of the possibilities of this distinctive new vehicle. Ford's activities will also be integrated into the official BET Awards recap show airing June 25 on BET's "Black Carpet."
As part of the sponsorship, Ford will be integrated into the BET awards microsite landing page. This will include a page takeover on BET's mobile site with selected nominee's ring tones; a Ford Flex branded online photo flipbook featuring images of celebrity arrivals at the awards show after party in addition to a mobile link within the navigation bar on the official awards page. All of these efforts will drive traffic back to www.fordurban.com, Ford's interactive lifestyle destination.
"By partnering with BET Networks on one of the most anticipated events on television, we're able to showcase this vibrant new vehicle from Ford in a way that is both unique and impactful," said Crystal Greene, Sponsorships & Diverse Markets Manager for Ford. "This vehicle has such an exciting spirit to it, which is exactly what one thinks of when you consider the caliber of talent that will be able to experience the vehicle as part of our integration. This is truly an exciting opportunity for the Flex and we can't wait to hear some of the reactions of the celebrities."
The 2009 Ford Flex offers many advanced technologies, including SYNC™, an advanced in-car system developed by Ford and Microsoft that voice-activates Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and MP3 players; a new voice-activated navigation with reverse camera system, SIRIUS Travel Link™, which provides users with a suite of data services including continuously updated fuel price information for more than 120,000 gas stations; new premium sound from Sony and innovative, surprise-and-delight features such as an integrated refrigerator between the second-row seats.
For the past seven years, the BET AWARDS has boasted unforgettable moments such as Michael Jackson's surprise appearance during James Brown's tribute; Rick James in his final duet with Teena Marie; Will Smith presenting Muhammad Ali with the first-ever Humanitarian Award; Prince onstage backing Chaka Khan; Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams and India.Arie in a powerhouse tribute to Rufus' first lady of funk; the reunion of one of hip hop's most beloved trios, The Fugees; and last year's touching opening performance with Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday and Public Enemy's tribute to James Brown.
About BET Networks
BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 87 million households according to Nielsen Media Research, and can be seen in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions.
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 228,000 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 highlights from the 2008 BET Awards and information on the 2009 Ford Flex, please visit www.fordurban.com.
