Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is working with energy partners, the public, city and state governments, and private companies to expand hybrids and vehicles capable of running on E85 ethanol. Ford says it is launching the beginnings of a “Midwest Ethanol Corridor” — expanding E85 ethanol fuel availability by about one-third throughout Illinois and Missouri this year through the company’s ongoing partnership with VeraSun Energy, a renewable energy company. Actions to increase the availability of ethanol in neighboring states are planned, as well.
Ford also announced it is working with the city of Chicago to put hybrid vehicles into service as taxi cabs beginning in 2007.
The first phase in the creation of the Midwest ethanol corridor is to convert approximately 40 existing gasoline fuel pumps in Illinois and Missouri to E85. Ford estimates there are 50,000 owners of Ford flexible fuel vehicles in Illinois and 28,000 in Missouri. Ford will work with fuel providers and officials in other states to further develop the Midwest ethanol corridor.
With the introduction of four new 2006 models that have the E85 option – including the Ford F-150 pickup, Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car – the company will produce up to 250,000 ethanol-capable vehicles in 2006.
Said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, “Our new taxicab ordinance encourages cab companies to add hybrid vehicles.” “Ford has been an important part of Chicago’s economy for many years, and I welcome their participation in this program.”
Ford Escape Hybrid taxis are already in service in New York City and San Francisco. The Ford Escape Hybrid is rated as a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV). The two-wheel-drive version achieves 36 miles per gallon in city driving.
Ford plans to build 250,000 hybrid vehicles a year by 2010 and half of the Ford, Mercury and Lincoln lineup available as hybrids.
Ford kicked off a new integrated marketing campaign at Super Bowl XL on Feb. 5 with a commercial featuring Kermit the Frog. The campaign – which will consist of television, print, digital and outdoor advertising – showcases Ford’s commitment to technologies, like hybrids, that reduce air pollution and save families money at the pump.
The new ad featuring Kermit will appear throughout the year, including on such hit shows as American Idol (Fox), CSI: Miami (CBS) and the Barbara Walters Academy Awards Special (ABC). Print ads will appear in influential automotive-enthusiast magazines, business publications and newsweeklies. Digital advertising will appear on ESPN, MSN, America Online and the Washington Post.
VeraSun Energy Corporation is a renewable energy company, headquartered in Brookings, S.D. The company produces 230 million gallons per year of ethanol at its facilities in South Dakota and Iowa. VeraSun is the nation’s second largest ethanol producer.