• 2015 marks Ford’s seventh consecutive year as exclusive automotive sponsor of the ESSENCE Festival, which kicks off this weekend in New Orleans
• Ford will give away a chance to win keys to a Ford vehicle of choice* to festival-goers who participate in the ride-and-drive event; participants can test drive some of the most stylish and fun-to-drive vehicles on the road today
• Festival-goers who sign up to test drive a Ford vehicle at the 2015 ESSENCE Festival will receive a $750** bonus cash offer on the purchase of any new 2014 or 2015 Ford vehicle by opting-in to Ford communications
• Other activities include an initiative exclusive to the ESSENCE Festival – Ford Warriors in Pink will donate $20 for each of the first 250 test drives to Young Survival Coalition; exciting performances at the Ford Superlounge; and live SiriusXM broadcasts from the Ford booth

DEARBORN, Mich., July 1, 2015 – The 2015 ESSENCE Festival kicks off this weekend, and Ford will be on hand to help attendees celebrate and potentially walk away with keys to a brand-new Ford vehicle of their choosing* as part of its title sponsorship of the 21st anniversary of the event. The ESSENCE Festival is a cultural celebration featuring a mix of established names, promising newcomers and cherished festival favorites.

“Ford Motor Company shares in ESSENCE’s commitment to the African American community on this widely celebrated weekend of fun and empowerment,” said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford multicultural marketing. “This annual festival is something we look forward to, seeking new ways every year to engage and excite consumers. The ESSENCE Festival affords us the opportunity to demonstrate our Go Further brand promise and showcase Ford’s latest vehicle lineup.”

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to take a test drive in Ford’s newest products at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and receive a $750** cash offer on a new Ford vehicle for opting-in to Ford communications. Vehicles available for test drives include the 2015 Edge, Focus hatchback, Fusion, Mustang, Taurus, Flex, Escape, F-150 and Explorer.

The all-new Ford GT will be front and center at the Ford display. The all-new supercar serves as the pinnacle product of the new Ford Performance group, setting new standards for Ford innovation in light-weighting, aerodynamics and EcoBoost^® engine technology.

Warriors in Pink – Ford goes pink for breast cancer awareness

2015 marks Ford’s 21st year of support in the fight against breast cancer. Ford continues to tirelessly raise awareness around the disease, and festival attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of early detection. To date, Ford has donated more than $115 million to the cause. The Ford Warriors in Pink line of apparel and accessories is available exclusively at www.fordcares.com.

Ford will offer a number of additional activities in New Orleans tied to this year’s ESSENCE Festival. The Ford Superlounge at the Superdome will again bring some of the most exciting talent, including performances by Lianne La Havas, Elle Varner, Andra Day, Esperanza Spalding and others. Ford is partnering with SiriusXM to bring live interviews from the Ford booth at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center throughout the weekend, with Charlie Wilson, Avant, Raheem Devaughn, Tasha Page-Lockhart and many others on the schedule. Inspirational speaker, author and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant will also make an appearance at the Ford booth, handing out signed copies of her latest book.

Festival-goers can participate in the social conversation throughout the weekend by using the hashtags #Ford and #ESSENCEFest.

To learn more about Ford’s newest products, log on to www.ford.com.

*Any Ford vehicle with an MSRP that does not exceed $30,000.

**Test drive a Ford vehicle and receive $750 cash back on a new 2014 or 2015 Ford vehicle. May not combine with other private or commercial offers, owner loyalty and lease renewal programs. A/Z/D plan ineligible. Nontransferable out of household. Limit one per household. U.S. residents. Must redeem using original offer. Take new retail or lease delivery from dealer stock by Nov. 6, 2015. See dealer for complete details. Must be a registered attendee of The Backyard presented by ESSENCE Festival to be eligible.