Ford Media Center

DETROIT LIONS AND FORD MOTOR COMPANY'S QUICK LANE TIRE AND AUTO CENTER ANNOUNCE MULTIYEAR EXTENSION OF QUICK LANE BOWL

DEARBORN, Mich., Nov. 28, 2016 – The Detroit Lions announced today a multiyear-extension agreement with Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center renewing Quick Lane as title sponsor for the annual bowl game held at Ford Field. The renewal will guarantee Quick Lane naming rights of the bowl game through 2019.

The Quick Lane Bowl was established in 2014. This year’s game is scheduled for Monday, December 26 at 2:30 PM. The Quick Lane Bowl will air nationally on ESPN and is programmed to feature teams from the Big Ten and ACC conferences.

“We are so proud of this annual event which brings national attention to the city of Detroit that we are committing to another multi-year sponsorship,” said Brett Wheatley, executive director, North America, Ford Customer Service Division. “This partnership both builds awareness of the great service people can get at Quick Lane Tire and Auto centers and delivers something we know football fans appreciate; a great game!”

The 2015 game saw a victory for the University of Minnesota Gophers over the Central Michigan University Chippewas, representing the MAC conference, 21-14. The MVP of the game, UMN's QB Mitch Leidner, led a comeback in the fourth quarter running 13 yards for a touchdown with 4:26 remaining.

In the inaugural game (2014), the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights defeated the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, 40-21. Current Detroit Lions FB Michael Burton played a prominent role in the victory, helping to pave the way for 340 team rushing yards for Rutgers. Burton’s performance in the Quick Lane Bowl was a key factor in the Lions’ decision to select him in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

“We are very excited to be extending our bowl game’s title sponsor agreement with Quick Lane for an additional three years,” said Detroit Lions President Rod Wood. “Quick Lane has been a great partner as we’ve worked collaboratively to build upon the game’s success each year. We look forward to continuing our shared mission of making Detroit a college bowl destination.”

The Detroit Lions are the only NFL team to own, host and operate a college football bowl game. The team's entertainment division, DU Entertainment, has promoted multiple large-scale shows and events at Ford Field, including seven consecutive sold-out Kenny Chesney concerts, Taylor Swift, the 2003 Basketbowl, 2008 NCAA Men's Basketball Regionals, 2009 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four and the 2010 NCAA Men's Ice Hockey Frozen Four.

Tickets for the game are available for purchase at quicklanebowl.com or by calling 877.212.8898.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center

Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers routine vehicle maintenance such as oil and filter changes, light repair services including brake repair, and tire replacements on all vehicle makes and models. With its more than 800 locations, customers can visit www.quicklane.com to find a center that is closest to them, print savings coupons and review maintenance tips to keep their vehicles running at peak efficiency. This site includes information on how to spot tire wear, how to jump-start a battery and even a series of tips to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.  Quick Lane® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company.

About The Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference (NFC) in the National Football League (NFL), and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit. The team located to Detroit in 1934 and are the National Football League’s fifth oldest franchise. The Detroit Lions most recently made the NFL playoffs in 2011, when they finished with a 10-6 record. In addition to professional football, the Detroit Lions have a very visible and active community relations role in the Detroit area. With a focus on health and wellness and community revitalization, the Lions have contributed $6.2 million through philanthropic efforts since 1991. For more information visit www.Detroitlions.com.

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