Fuel Ez

Joint Statement of Ford, Gm, Chrysler on Meeting With Pres. Bush

The Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of America’s leading Detroit-based automakers including Richard Wagoner of General Motors, Alan Mulally of Ford Motor Company, and Tom LaSorda of Chrysler Group has recently conducted a meeting with President George W. Bush to help improve the development of alternative fuel (e.g. ethanol and biodiesel fuel). The three automakers also aim to reduce the country’s dependence on petroleum based products and reduce consumption of gas.

After the meeting with President Bush, the three CEOs went outside the White House with the President and US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters to discuss some ways on how to improve the consumer’s access to alternative fuels.

Here is what the three CEOs said in a join statement regarding the meeting:

“We briefed the President about the more than 6 million FFVs on the road today and we will add over a million FFV cars and trucks in 2007 alone. We explained to the President that if all these vehicles were running on E85, they would displace more than 3.6 billion gallons of gasoline a year. And even more compelling, if all the E85 capable vehicles on the road today — along with those that GM, Ford and DaimlerChrysler have already committed to produce over the next 10 years — were to run on E85, we could displace 22 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Also, if all manufacturers made a comparable commitment to make half their annual production capable of running on biofuels, we could increase the savings to 37 billion gallons of gasoline annually in 2017.

Furthermore, we pointed out the benefits of clean diesel technology and that if all diesel vehicles today were fueled with B5 (five percent biodiesel) we could displace 1.85 billion gallons of petroleum per year; and 7.4 billion gallons per year if B20 (20 percent biodiesel) were utilized.

In order to achieve these levels of petroleum savings, we asked the President to help provide Americans with reasonable access to these fuels at a price that is competitive with gasoline. Right now there are approximately 1,100 E85 pumps in the U.S. and 1,000 biodiesel pumps, out of 170,000 gas stations. We expressed to the President that we are willing to lead the way, but we need government and fuel providers to increase infrastructure before we can make a meaningful impact.

In addition, we discussed with the President that as part of an overall national strategy to fully tap the potential of biofuels to displace petroleum, vehicle production increases must be accompanied by continuing the incentives that encourage the manufacture, distribution, and availability of biofuels and the production of flexible fuel vehicles.

We updated the President on our wide range of advanced vehicle technologies that run on alternative fuels such as E85, biodiesel, electricity and hydrogen. Plug-in hybrid vehicles can play a significant role in our transportation future. Increased funding for domestic battery research and development can help accelerate bringing these vehicles to market.

Overall, we were pleased with the exchange that we had with the President and all parties came away with an understanding of the significant, positive impact that biofuels can make on the environment and in reducing our nation’s reliance on oil.

We welcome the opportunity to continue working with President Bush, his Administration, and the Congress in a bipartisan manner and to move forward on solutions to these issues while continuing to do our part to ensure America’s long-standing leadership in manufacturing and innovation.”

This statement emphasizes that GM, Ford, and DaimlerChrysler will develop and produce vehicles with E85 capability in the next 10 years. So expect to see a Mercedes-Benz luxury super car model running on ethanol fuel pumping out on its Mercedes engine parts.

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Ford Escape Hybrid Overview

With the high interests of fuel-efficient vehicles in the car industry the Ford Motor Company finds itself in a quick race to fall into the category, however with a slightly different approach. Entering with an immediate turnover, Ford introduced a sports utility, this being the first of its kind we’ve ever seen.

Compared to with the Ford Escape which is an SUV, it’s evident that the hybrid was designed around this vehicle, maintaining that the only difference being that it uses an electric and a fuel engine in accordance which enhances the idea completely.

Being the initial SUV vehicle with hybrid technology to enter the industry, the Ford Escape Hybrid maintains a luxurious aspect to it. Developed at Ford’s factory in Kansas City, it retains many of the aspects of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid, also developed by Ford. Indifferently the Ford Escape Hybrid takes the lead as Ford’s SUV with the greater prospect of fuel-efficiency.

Because the Ford Escape Hybrid is a hardcore hybrid vehicle, it maintains the power to, without any complications and time-waste, maneuver between gasoline and electric power. Retaining the regenerative braking system found in other competing hybrids, the Ford Escape Hybrid also incorporates a system whereby the vehicle can produce both electric and fuel-emitting power simultaneously to increase and obtain highest performances possible by the car. The regenerative braking system, identically similar to that found in other hybrids uses a process to convert mechanical energy and charge the electrical motor with the simple act of the driver using the brakes to slow down when in motion.

Ford Motor has implemented many cost-saving ideas to promote the car’s reliability and worthiness, from a two-thousand dollar cash-back on certain deals, to one-thousand dollar rebates without incentive on finance-approved deals. Ford intends to keep on promoting the Ford Escape Hybrid, expecting that a sturdy and recurring rise in sales by reducing costs would standardize, if not strengthen its rise in the car sales industry, as this method is especially accustomed to North Americans.

Edmunds, which is a market research company evaluated and significantly outlines the industry’s interest in the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV. In an evaluation the vehicle proved to be cost-efficient, retaining that a buyer would be able to cover costs within 3 years – and this is due to the fuel-efficiency whereby maintaining less expenses to the average car user. The continuous rise in fuel prices admits the car further into popularity among car buyers in today’s industry.

Considering the various stats which outline the Ford Escape Hybrid in positive light, buyers would inevitably flock to experience the idea of the hybrid SUV. Titled the Truck of the Year in 2005 by the North American Auto Show, and even awarded in recognition as the eleventh greenest vehicle by the American Count for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Ford Escape Hybrid would surely impress the hybrid car market.

2010 Ford Taurus Fuel Efficiency

The Ford Taurus has been a staple of American motoring since its induction in the middle of the 1980s. The 2010 Ford Taurus is the most advanced Taurus yet. Its engine and transmission received a huge overhaul in 2009 in the form of Ford Ecoboost technology.

The Ecoboost engine works by using a turbocharger to increase power while decreasing fuel usage by 20 percent. Ford believes that turbochargers are the way of the future. This idea has won ford many awards. They have been commended for gaining the highest overall amount of fuel efficiency over the past 5 years. All 2010 Taurus’ have been fitted with the Ecoboost engine. In addition, the engines have been mated to a six-speed transmission, which further aides in fuel efficiency. Ford has also introduced a two-speed fuel pump. A two-speed pump works by pumping more fuel to the car under heavy load, and reducing the amount of fuel under light load. This addition is one of the most important additions to the Taurus’ fuel efficiency.

The 2010 Taurus gets an EPA estimated 26 miles per gallon in the city, and an EPA estimated 33 miles per gallon on the highway. However, the new Taurus has been commended for its extreme dedication to performance. With the Ecoboost engine, the Taurus is capable of reaching horsepower numbers usually reserved for larger engines. This makes for a driving experience that is economical and fun. Ford is constantly researching new technologies in order to produce quality vehicles with great fuel efficiency. The 2010 Ford Taurus is a marvel of modern engineering, and it is sure to satisfy your eyes and your wallet.

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Ford Releases World’s 1st Drivable Plug-in Fuel Cell Car in Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada for the first time saw the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive, the world’s first drivable fuel cell hybrid electric car. This was part of a trip to showcase the advanced research car together with its most technologically advanced production car, the new 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid that is selling hotly since its introduction.

Combining an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator and lithium-ion batteries, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive yields combined 5.9 L/100km (41 mpg) city/highway gasoline equivalent fuel economy rating with zero emissions. The average reaches to over 3.0L /100 km (80 mpg) for those who drive less than 80 km (50 miles) each day.

The car’s flexible power train architecture will enable Ford to use new fuel and propulsion technologies as they develop without making any changes to the car.

The new HySeries Driveâ„¢ power train featured in a Ford Edge makes use of a real-world version of the power plant foreseen in the Ford Air stream concept that was released in January at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. In the later part of its month of release, the Edge with HySeries Drive went on the road and has accumulated more than 8000 real-world km (5000 miles).

At all times, the plug-in hybrid is powered by a 336-volt lithium-ion battery pack. Each day, the vehicle drives the first 40 km (25 miles) on stored electricity alone. Then, the fuel cell begins to operate so that the battery pack is kept charged. For a total of 360 km (225 miles) with no emissions, this provides another 320 km (200 miles) of range. Those who drive modestly would need to refuel only rarely; those who drive less than 80 km (50 miles) each day will experience fuel economy well over 3.0 L /100 km (80 mpg); and those who drive longer everyday will receive lower numbers as the fuel cell must run a larger fraction of the time.

The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive can travel at a maximum speed of 136 km/h (85 mph). When a standard home outlet is available, an on–board charger (110/220 VAC) can refresh the battery pack. The hydrogen fuel cell automatically turns on and starts to generate electricity so that batteries will be recharged. This happens when the battery pack is deteriorated to approximately 40 percent. The vehicle will go until it runs out of fuel. This is made possible because of a 350-bar hydrogen tank that gives 4.5 kg of useable hydrogen.

The HySeries Drive name came from the power train’s structure. It is a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered series hybrid drive train. By more than 50 percent, this minimizes the size, weight, cost and complexity of a usual fuel cell system. It also ensures the fuel cell stack’s longer lifetime.

Its flexible power train design allows the use of new fuel and propulsion technologies. They develop and become available without requiring the vehicle and the control system’s restructuring.

The research on the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive is part of Ford’s research on hydrogen. This encompasses Ford’s overall effort to face the challenges of change in climate and independence in energy.

Maker of quality Ford Taurus performance parts , Ford is simultaneously moving ahead with an array of technology solutions including vehicles like the Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, ethanol, clean diesel and refinements to gasoline fueled engines and advanced transmissions.

Ford’s short term technological approaches include those seen in Ford’s lineup of hybrid vehicles. On the other hand, its long term approaches include hydrogen fell cells.

Since early 1990, Ford began working on hydrogen technology. Its first ever fuel cell vehicle was released in 2001 and was patterned on a lightweight aluminum sedan body, which was also used in the company’s development of its first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine.

Currently, the company is in a hurry to produce 30 hydrogen-powered Focus fuel cell vehicles as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real-world testing of fuel cell technology.

2010 Ford and GMC Trucks

In 2010, Ford upgraded its award winning F-150 line-up yet again, giving it an array of new engines capable of putting to shame any Ford Truck Engine in its past and most of the General Motors engines of previous years. This is the twelfth time the F-150 Engine line-up has been upgraded and there are some beauties available this time around.

The all new F-150 Engine offered as a base model for the new, upgraded F-150 will be a 3.7 liter V6 with 300 horsepower and 275 pounds per feet of torque. It offers E85 flex-fuel capability and an amazing acceleration rate that makes other Ford Truck Engine models blush. And that’s just the base model. Another F-150 Engine available in 2010 with the new F-150 is a 5.0 liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 380 pounds per foot of torque. This Ford Truck Engine is also flex-fuel capable. Both this engine and the 3.7 liter F-150 Engine are based on the 2011 Mustang engine, with only minor tweaking done to make them suitable for trucks. This has given them some of the most power to be found in a Ford Truck Engine. All of these engines come with a six speed automatic transmission.

Available in 2010 from General Motors is the Sierra 1500 with a heavy duty array of General Motors engines comparable to any Ford Truck Engine including the F-150 Engine. The General Motors engines available in the 2010 Sierra 1500 are the 195 horsepower, 4.3 liter V6; the 302 horsepower, 4.8 liter V8; the 315 horsepower, 5.3 liter V8; and the extremely high end 403 horsepower, 6.2 liter V8. These four General Motors engines are Vortec, as is customary with high end General Motors trucks, and all live up to the high standards of quality that General Motors is famous for providing. Even though they are technically considered pushrod engines, 6.2 liter Vortec General Motors engines also come with variable valve timing–some of the first mass produced, non-overhead cam engines to do so.

The two smaller General Motors engines, the 4.3 liter and the 4.8 liter, come with a four speed automatic transmission available with overdrive as well as a special gear for towing or hauling big loads. The two larger General Motors engines available with the Sierra 1500 in 2010, the 5.3 liter and the 6.2 liter, are paired with a six speed transmission, also automatic. Although the overdrive mode is not included with these transmissions, the towing/hauling mode is.

Once a Ford Truck Engine such as the F-150 Engine begins to wear out, the best option is to replace it with a used engine of the same type, available from a used engine dealer near you. This is the same for General Motors engines. When you replace your expired Ford Truck Engine with a used engine you not only save on money and time but also contribute greatly toward recycling and reusing of valuable resources.

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Ford Reveals New Hybrid Cars

Ford Motor Company finally took the covers off four of its new ethanol-propelled hybrids to the Missouri as well as its Kansas City Power & Light located at the Ford’s Kansas City Plant where both the Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrid vehicles are produced. The new car will help Ford to improve its technology towards building car with alternative fuels.

Among the Ford models, the E85 Escape Hybrid is the first Ford model to use the combination of 85% ethanol gas and 15% petroleum gasoline. There are only 20 Ford E85 Escape Hybrids produced and delivered to its selected customers on the six states.

Nancy Gioia, director of the Sustainable Mobility Technology of Ford Motor Company said, “As a leader in both hybrid vehicles and in vehicles capable of operating on ethanol-based fuels, Ford is the ideal company to bring both technologies together for the first time. This innovative research represents one of many projects we have at Ford to address our customers desire for a fuel efficient product that meet all of their functional needs, while working on reducing our nation’s dependence on oil imports and helping to address global climate change.”

According to the news by auotchannel.com, the new hybrid car will be used by its field design groups in order to work in the company’s service territory, as well as will be used in urban setting to test that the city can also be a good ride for these areas.

“Great Plains Energy’s environmental strategy is aggressively pursuing the use of renewables. We are pleased to be among the first to take advantage of the flexibility of a hybrid vehicle that uses E85 fuel. Our current biofuel program has already offset approximately 20 percent of our gasoline usage and these Ford vehicles will advance our long-term commitment to a diversified fleet,” said Michael Chesser the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Great Plains Energy.

Governor Matt Blunt also commented, “My administration has and will continue to strongly encourage the use of these environmentally-friendly technologies. The use of renewable fuels improves our environment and the air we breathe. With old-fashioned American ingenuity, like that displayed by the Ford Motor Company, we can become more energy independent. Our state is doing our part to look for alternative fuels to help lessen America’s dependence on foreign oil. The more clean-burning, renewable fuel Missouri produces and uses, the better off we will all be in the long-term.”

The new car from Ford produces lowered amount of greenhouse gas emission amounting to 25% fewer compared to the previous Escape Hybrid. It also runs on a renewable fuel to reduce the dependency towards imported oils.

It may not have the GMC wheel hub, but the car is filled with more Ford parts that enhance the function of its powertrain parts. This new car can cut the 3.6 billion gallons of gasoline consumed every to half. Ford also promises to build more cars that use this type of fuel in 2012.

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President Bush Visits Ford Kansas Plant

In his most recent State of the Union Address, US President George W. Bush stated that one of the goals of the current administration is “to promote energy independence” for the country. He asked the legislators to enact laws aimed at protecting the environment, and he also did propose a .2 billion fund for research on the use of hydrogen as a potential substitute to gasoline.

He also asked the nation to: “Join me in this important innovation to make our air significantly cleaner, and our country much less dependent on foreign sources of energy.” Recently, the President made a move that supports his statements earlier in the year by visiting the Ford Motor Company’s Kansas plant where hybrid and flex fuel vehicles are being developed and produced.

The Kansas City Assembly Plant by Ford with more than 300 employees welcomed the President when he toured the hybrid assembly line. He addressed the gathered employees of the plant saying: “Technology changes the way we have lived our lives and technology is going to change the way we drive our cars.” The President also commended the development undertaken by the country’s second largest car manufacturer in the development of flex fuel vehicles which can run on E85 fuel. This fuel is a combination of bio-ethanol and it is produced from agricultural products and is used as a conventional gasoline. The President said: “You’re making a new kind of automobile that is literally a part of changing America for the better.”

Ford’s top man Alan Mulally was present to welcome and tour the President around the facility. He has this to say during the President’s visit on the company’s plant: “Ford stands ready to work with the Administration and Congress to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil. At Kansas City Assembly, we are doing some exciting things. In addition to producing the nation’s first hybrid electric SUV, we are also building the best-selling pickup truck in the world – the Ford F-150 – capable of running on E85 ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two fuels.”

Ford’s president and Chief Executive Officer also highlighted the company’s other efforts in consonance with the administrations goal of energy independency by saying: “We are also developing a range of advanced technologies that improve fuel efficiency, such as clean diesel, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen internal combustion engines, hydrogen fuel cells and advanced gasoline engines. These advanced technologies will help reduce green house gas emissions and lessen our dependence on foreign petroleum.”

These technologies being developed by the Ford Motor Company will serve as a good stepping stone for the future of green cars. With these vehicles, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by their vehicles will be reduced as efficiently as a Volvo muffler reduces unwanted noise. The Ford Motor Company has already invested 0 million in the production of both the conventional and hybrid version of the Ford Escape. Ford is also the parent of Mercury brand which is the producer of the Mercury Mariner Hybrid.

Aside from these vehicles, the President was also shown the Ford Edge equipped with the HySeries Drive™ which is the first fuel cell plug in hybrid electric vehicle. In closing, Ken Ward, the plant manager of the Kansas City Assembly has this to say: “It is an extraordinary honor for us to welcome the President into our plant. Our employees had the opportunity to explain the hybrid production process and demonstrate their commitment to building the best hybrid and E85 vehicles in the world.”

Comparing the 2011 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid: Which Hybrid Car Is Right For You?

Driving a hybrid car is a great way to help the environment and save money on gas. There are now many vehicles to choose from and shopping for one can be tedious if you don’t know what to look for. In this article, we will compare two of the most popular hybrid sedans in the market today, namely the 2011 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid, and try to make that job a little easier for you.

The Toyota Prius has become almost synonymous with hybrids — so much so that it is difficult to even think of a hybrid without the Prius being the first thing that jumps into your mind. It is also hard to think about fuel efficiency without thinking of the Prius; after all, its combined fuel economy of 50 mpg is yet to be overtaken by any other hybrid sedan on the market today including the Ford Fusion Hybrid. And its status as the best selling hybrid in the world and the most fuel efficient hybrid in North America remains well intact. In comparison, the Ford Fusion Hybrid has an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 39 mpg – a respectable figure but no match for the Prius. As such, if fuel economy is what’s most important to you, I would definitely recommend the Prius over the Ford Fusion Hybrid or any other hybrid for that matter.

But aside from fuel economy, what are some other areas you should keep in mind? For starters, the Prius’s unique and futuristic styling is not for everyone. There are some who love it but others hate it. With the Ford Fusion Hybrid, however, you gain the benefits of a stylish, conventional sedan combined with the practicality of a hybrid. Apart from the hybrid badge on the vehicle, you really can’t distinguish it from a regular Fusion. It also outperforms its Prius counterpart when it comes to performance. The Fusion Hybrid comes with a more powerful 2.5 L, 156 horsepower engine compared to the Prius’s 1.8 L, 134 horsepower engine. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds whereas the Prius takes 9.2 seconds. Moreover, the fact that it can travel at 47 mph on electric power alone is quite impressive. Reports also suggest that the Fusion Hybrid offers a smoother and more comfortable ride than the Prius – sudden turns and lane changes can be a bit tricky with the Prius.

In terms of features and options, both vehicles fare quite well. The Ford Fusion Hybrid’s instrument panel is intuitive and well liked by drivers. An innovative “green motivator” featuring a vine that gains or loses leaves depending on fuel efficient driving habits is a really nice touch. On the other hand, the Prius’s dashboard has been criticized for not being arranged in the most intuitive way and does take some getting used to. The Prius is probably more high tech than its counterpart and offers many advanced features that one can opt in for including an Advanced Guidance Parking System, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision System. Lastly, the Prius’s starting base price of ,995 is well below the Fusion Hybrid’s ,100. Of course, the final price will depend on the trim and options you opt in for.

We hope you enjoyed our comparison of the 2011 Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion Hybrid and hope it helps you in your car shopping. No matter which vehicle you pick, kudos to you for considering a hybrid. Happy hunting and have a safe and enjoyable driving experience!

Additional Ford Hybrid Taxis at the Street of New York City

The announcement recently made by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg with regards to the changing of taxi policy and increasing fuel economy standards have been at the advantage of Ford—major stockholder of Mazda maker of Mazda AC compressor — since the said policy would further highlights the automaker’s leadership in the field of hybrid taxis.

The Ford Escape Hybrid together with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are the only hybrid vehicles that have been able to meet the current New York City taxi requirements not to mention the proposed new fuel economy policy.

It can be noted that it was in the year 2005 when San Francisco became the first city to feature gas-electric hybrid-powered taxi cabs. San Francisco at that time chose Ford Escape Hybrid and later that year, New York City has also added a small fleet of Escape Hybrid taxis based on the decision approved by the New York City Council in connection wit the Clean Air Taxis Act. Then in June 2006, Ford embarked again on a nationwide tour promoting the benefits of the use of Escape Hybrids as a taxi service and since then both Chicago and Austin have introduced Escape Hybrids into their taxi fleets.

The fleet of 18 Escape Hybrid taxis in New York City has been able to accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles over the past two years and has been able to record an estimated fuel savings of 0,000. Today there are already 288 Escape Hybrids in taxi service throughout the city, and drivers are reporting that the hybrids are amazingly durable and their fuel-saving advantages are simply outstanding which makes them a great choice for taxis.

Facts on Ford Escape Hybrid

* Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the world: Its EPA rating is 34 miles per gallon for city driving. The front-wheel drive Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV presently on earth and can provide drivers with 500 miles per tank of gas.

* A savings of per shift: According to Paul Gillespie, a San Francisco cab driver, driving an Escape Hybrid has helped him save up to per shift. He is working four shifts a week which saves him 0 and for a year more than ,000 on gasoline.

* Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Certified: The Escape Hybrid has significantly reduced smog-forming emissions as it meets the cleanest emissions standard available for a vehicle that make use of fossil fuels—particularly the California’s AT-PZEV standard. The Escape Hybrid driving over 100,000 miles can conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas compared to a traditional cab and at the same time preventing 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions.

* Durability and Reliability: In terms of these qualities, the Escape Hybrid has proven its strength by surviving a round-the-clock durability test in one of the most severe driving conditions that any vehicle can possibly endure. This durability of the Escape Hybrid is backed by a standard 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for unique hybrid components that includes the battery pack.

* Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrid were given high tax credits: The real world fuel economy of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids will increased for the 2008 model year and because of this the Federal income tax credits available now are ,000 for FWD models which rose by 0 and ,200 on 4WD models up by 0. Both Ford and Mercury Hybrids at present have the highest tax credit given to a hybrid vehicle. The tax credits given to Ford and Mercury have increased by 0 more than their closest competitor. For both vehicles the EPA-certified fuel economy for FWD models is 34 mpg for vcity and 30 mpg for highway while 29 mpg for city and 27 mpg highway for AWD models.

* Insurance discounts for Mercury Mariner Hybrids and Ford Escape Hybrids: Travelers which is one of the largest providers of personal insurance products in the US has offered hybrid drivers in the states of California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, and Washington discounts of up to 10 percent ion certain coverage. The company has estimated that their hybrid policy business has grown by up to 200 percent last 2006.

Ford Offers “green” Police Cruisers

The Bush’s administration’s aim to reduce gas consumption by twenty percent in the next ten years has prompted car manufacturers to develop and produce green cars. The Ford Motor Company is one of the car manufacturers leading the way in the production of alternative fuel vehicles. Recently, the Dearborn based auto manufacturer announced that they will be producing an alternative fuel powered Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor for the 2008 model year.

Currently, the Ford Motor Company is the largest manufacturer of police vehicles in the United States. More than 80 percent of police vehicle in operation today came from Ford. And this may still increase as government agencies move to increase their fleet’s fuel efficiency. To support the president’s “Twenty in Ten” goal, government fleets are subscribing to flex fuel vehicles, and the 2008 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor is one of the most promising choices.

Ford will produce a Crown Victoria which can run on gasoline or a combination of both conventional gasoline and bio-ethanol.

Gerald Koss, the Fleet Marketing Manager for Ford, has this to say: “The ability to offer an E85 capable vehicle to our police customers is significant. Many municipalities and states across the country are encouraging, if not mandating, that their police and other government fleet vehicles begin using alternative sources of fuel. We can now help our police fleet customers achieve this goal.”

The introduction of the alternative fuel police vehicle will definitely help the nation’s battle against the threat of global warming. These vehicles will reduce the amount of gasoline consumed by the fleet. The only problem faced by these vehicles is the limited number of refueling stations which provides E85 fuel for those who need it. These vehicles though can be configured to run more efficiently on gasoline with aftermarket parts such as a
Stillen cold air intake system.

Aside from the forthcoming alternative fuel police vehicle, Ford also announced that they can now sell flex fuel vehicles all around the country. Following a 50-state certification for their flex fuel vehicles, Ford is now permitted to sell their green cars on any state in the country. The certification means that the company’s alternative fuel vehicles met emission standards which have been set by the different states of the country. This means that Ford will now have a larger market for their flex fuel vehicles.

And as the demand for fuel efficient vehicles increases, this would translate to higher sales for the second largest U.S. car manufacturer. This development can help the company since they have been experiencing their worst problems in their entire history in the industry. The company’s current lineup of alternative fuel vehicles includes the Ford F-150, the Crown Victoria and the Grand Marquis under the Mercury brand.

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