Ford Zephyr Ready to Roll in 2006 Variety Bash

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ford Zephyr Ready to Roll in 2006 Variety Bash

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 9 February 2006

Ford New Zealand's 1963 Zephyr is the early favourite in the 2006 Variety Bash, which starts in Timaru next month on March 11.

During the week long annual fundraising Variety Bash heads to Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt Cook.

Over the seven days of the rally, the Bash will visit schools, numerous give-aways will be handed out to thousands of kids and ten of thousands of grants presented to recipient schools, individuals and organizations.

"2006 is the 16th year of the Bash and Ford has been involved with Variety since its inception in New Zealand in 1989. Our involvement with Variety is an integral part of our Corporate Citizenship program," said Ford New Zealand Media Relations Manager – and new Zephyr 'Rat Pack' Bash team member – Clare Ponton.

With up to 40 pre-1975 vehicles entered in the 2006 Bash, the annual event will be a demonstration of Ford vehicles, old and new. The Rat Pack's Zephyr will be joined by other older Ford Bash vehicles and all of the Variety Bash officials will be driving Fords for the duration of the Bash.

"Part of our commitment to Variety is the provision of 12 official vehicles for the Bash – this year there will be a collection of brand new BF Falcon and SY Territory, and a couple of Explorers. The new Fords make an impressive sight on the road, especially when traveling together in convoy."

A number of celebrities also participate in the Bash, and the Ford team is lucky enough to have one of New Zealand's best loved comedians as part of their crew.

"Our team is particularly spoilt this year, as we have internationally renowned comedian Ewen 'Westie' Gilmour along as a member of the Rat pack for the duration of the Bash," said Ms. Ponton.

"Ewen is obviously a very funny character, but he also has a heart of gold and epitomizes what the Bash is about. I've been told he's the first to jump out of the Zephyr to start rattling the bucket and raising money for this cause – he's an example to us all."

2006 VARIETY BASH ROUTE AND TIMINGS

DATE START LUNCH FINISH
Saturday 11 March 3.00pm

2006/ TV3 Bash Community Concert, Caroline Bay Sound Shell, Timaru

Timaru
Sunday 12 March 9.00am

Timaru 11.40am

Fairlie 4.40pm-5.00pm

Parade through Oamaru
Monday 13 March Oamaru 12.15pm

Ranfurly 4.40pm-5.00pm

Parade through Dunedin
Tuesday 14 March 9.00am

Dunedin area schools 1.20pm

Balclutha 5.00pm

Invercargill
Wednesday 15 March 9.00am

Invercargill area schools 11.30am

Splash Palace,

Invercargill Invercargill
Thursday 16 March Invercargill 1.15

Garston Queenstown
Friday 17 March Queenstown 12.15pm

Alexandra 4.45pm

Wanaka
Saturday 18 March Wanaka 12.00

Omarama 3.30pm

Grand Finish,

Glentanner

(Please note that the approximate times listed above are subject to change - depending on weather, road conditions and the like)

ENDS

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