K. Carrington-De'Laine, Executive Director of The Superior Sports Network becomes Finalist in Taurus Top Ten (Come With It)

ONE TOP-PERFORMING INDIVIDUAL SET TO TAKE HOME 2010 FORD TAURUS

Online Voting Now Open to the Public

- Ford has selected ten outstanding finalists for the "Taurus Top Ten" -- a competition designed to shine a spotlight on individuals that are not only on top in their respective fields, but who also make a difference in the communities around them

- One Grand Prize Winner will take home an all-new 2010 Ford Taurus, receive a $10,000 donation to a charitable organization of their choice and win a trip for two to a high-profile professional basketball experience

- Ford encourages the community to log on and vote at www.fordurban.com/taurustopten
DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Some sent in essays. Others sent in videos. But when all was said and done only 10 Top Performers could advance to the second round. After weeks of searching for outstanding individuals within the community, Ford Motor Company's "Taurus Top Ten" online competition is proud to announce their selection of ten finalists who have been chosen to compete for the title of Ford's 2010 Top Performer in America.

Just as the 2010 Taurus has ten class-exclusive features that make it a top-performing vehicle in the market, Ford chose ten outstanding individuals who are top performers in the fields of philanthropy, business, entertainment and sports whose actions are making positive impacts in the world around them.

The Top Ten Finalists are:

* Anthony Martin of Philadelphia, PA. Founder/Executive Director of the Urban Youth Racing School (UYRS) which uses innovative educational techniques to teach students science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). UYRS uses motorsports to increase students' exposure to self-directed learning, scientific inquiry and the transfer of knowledge.

* Chianti Cleggett of Trussville, AL. Cleggett founded the Young Women's Empowerment Conference (YWEC).

* Johnny Deas of Lewisville, TX. A former Marine, Deas founded GREAT IDEAS EDUTAINMENT FOUNDATION - a non-profit using entertainment to teach financial literacy and life skills in urban communities.

*Jovonna Townsend of Philadelphia, PA who is the founder of JO'NI Mentor and Model Program (JMMP), is an after school program dedicated to empowering Philadelphia's inner city youth between the ages of 14-21.

*Keith Howell of Dallas TX, who created Goals-2-Score Inc. (G2S) in 2001, a non-profit organization working with high school basketball players to earn them college basketball scholarships.

* Kevin De'Laine of Huntsville, AL. De'Laine who served in the US Navy, created the Superior Sports Network with the mission of giving HBCU student athletes a voice, exposure and connection with the world.

* Marcus Carson of Charlotte, NC. Carson is the Executive Director for Growing Kings Inc. - a non-profit organization providing mentoring programs for at-risk middle-school aged boys in Birmingham, Alabama and Charlotte, North Carolina.

* Robert Johnson of Concord, NC. Johnson represents the African American fan base of NASCAR, as the only African American, Strength Conditioning Trainer at the NEXTEL Cup level.

*Thornton Thomas Tipps of Conover, NC. Tipps founded the Carolina College Tours, a non-profit organization created to raise awareness, educate and assist with the transition from high school to college.

*William Friday of Richardmon, VA. As Treasurer for the National Organization of Concerned Black men, Friday has served in various areas of community service.

The "Taurus Top Ten" Grand Prize champion will be determined by the community at large and the winner will be announced during a high-profile professional basketball experience hosted by Famed Sportscaster James Brown . The Grand Prize win is an all-new 2010 Ford Taurus, a $10,000 donation to a charitable organization of the winner's choice and a trip for two to a high-profile professional basketball experience in Dallas, TX. Voters can log onto www.fordurban.com/topten now through January 21, 2010 to vote for their favorite candidate.

"We are extremely excited about all 10 of the individuals who have been chosen as finalists for the Taurus Top Ten Campaign," said Crystal Worthem, multicultural marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. "Each of the finalists are doing great things both in their careers and in the community and we are proud to be able to highlight them and their efforts. Giving back to the community has always and continues to be an integral component to Ford's DNA so to be able to highlight some of the everyday people who are making a difference in their respective communities, is definitely viewed as a win for us."

The 2010 Ford Taurus, starting at $25,995, the same price as the 2009 model, has been elevated considerably from even its iconic forerunners with its expressive design and class-leading technology which includes technologies like MyKey(TM), SYNC®, Multi-Contour Seats with Active Motion(TM) and a Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®).

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 201,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordurban.com