Re Agreement

Vodafone Group PLC
23 February 2001


23 February 2001



         VODAFONE AND FORD LAUNCH NEW EUROPEAN TELEMATICS PARTNERSHIP





Vodafone Group Plc today announces that two of its subsidiaries, D2 Vodafone
in Germany and Vodafone UK, have signed agreements with Ford of Europe to
bring advanced voice-driven telematic safety, security and information
services to customers across Europe.



This new service will be launched in the German market from next month, where,
through the D2 Vodafone network, it will be offered as an option on Ford
Focus.  The service will be next launched in the UK using Vodafone, with other
European markets following.



'Telematics gives us a whole new opportunity to satisfy customers,' said David
Thursfield, President and CEO, Ford of Europe, 'and with Vodafone as our
European partner, we are committed to leading the industry in bringing the
benefits of this exciting new technology to our customers.'



'We are delighted that the Focus is the first European Ford to be available
with telematic technology,' he added, 'but we anticipate that within five
years nearly all new Ford vehicles will be fitted with some type of telematics
system.  Together with Vodafone's comprehensive network coverage in Europe,
this will make advanced affordable mobile information and safety technology
accessible to all our customers.'



The system, using network services and technical capabilities provided by
Vodafone Group and its networks across the continent, will include integrated
GSM cellular and Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, via an in-built
telematics unit.  Initially featuring emergency and roadside assistance,
traffic information, dynamic re-routing as well as an operator and voice
controlled phone service, the telematics system will later be extended to
offer drivers personalised information including news, stock quotes, weather,
and messaging.



The main telematic functions are accessed via four buttons integrated into the
front panel of the stereo system in the Ford Focus.  The SOS button connects
the driver with the emergency services, who will also be automatically alerted
if the airbag is deployed.  The integrated Global Positioning System (GPS)
identifies the vehicle's location to the emergency services.  Button two
provides a direct link to the Ford Telematics Operator services, available 24
hours a day, seven days a week, providing personal information concerning
route information, tips to avoid traffic congestion or location of services
such as petrol stations, hotels or local attractions.



Other functions include automatic retrieval of localised traffic information
and an interactive voice platform enabling the driver or passenger to make
phone calls and access personalised information.  Using voice recognition and
text to speech technology, the system recognises spoken phone numbers as well
as the names of previously entered contacts.



The telematics communications and information services will be linked to a
customisable homepage that can be accessed via the Internet, enabling drivers
to personalise the information and contacts they wish to access in-car.



 'Telematics is an integral part of our strategy, delivering information and
assistance to our customers wherever they are, even in-car,' commented
Vodafone Group's Thomas Geitner, Chief Executive, Group Products and Services
designate. 'We are very excited about our partnership with Ford Europe, which
is the first international telematics system to give tangible benefits to
drivers. The technology lead that we have, along with our capability to
provide mobile access throughout Europe, gives us a head start for the early
introduction of this kind of service to help make travelling both safer and
more pleasurable for our customers.'

                                    -ends-

For further information contact:

Vodafone Group Plc
Tim Brown, Group Corporate Affairs Director
Melissa Stimpson, Head of Group Investor Relations
Jon Earl, Investor Relations Manager
Tel:  [phone]


Tavistock Communications
Lulu Bridges/ Sarah Landgrebe
Tel:  [phone]


Ford of Europe
Don Hume, European Communications Manager
Tel: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]



NOTES TO EDITORS

The Ford telematics system is available in Germany from 1 March as an option
on the Ford Focus together with the Audiosystem 5000, for an additional price
of 845 Euros (1,650 DM suggested retail price including sales tax).