Posts Tagged ‘sustainability’

Look Who’s Going ‘Green’

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
‘Go Green’ Dealership Sustainability Program

As cars and trucks become increasingly fuel efficient so should the businesses that sell them. That’s at the heart of Ford Motor Company’s new ‘Go Green’ Dealership Sustainability Program for its U.S. Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealers, which was announced at the 2010 National Automobile Dealers Association Convention this week.

The goal of the program is simple: Collaborate with dealers to implement cost-effective ways to improve the energy-efficiency of their facilities, resulting in a long-term reduction in individual dealership’s carbon footprint as well as overall operating costs. Participation in the ‘Go Green’ Dealership Sustainability Program is voluntary for dealers.

Ford has partnered with Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), an organization recognized as a leader in providing energy-efficiency solutions to businesses, communities and organizations around the world.

Getting Started
Dealers interested in participating in the ‘Go Green’ Dealership Sustainability Program will first receive a comprehensive energy assessment from sustainability experts at Ford. After the thorough assessment is completed, Ford and the dealer will collaborate on energy-saving options available and will tailor a program to meet the needs of the dealer. Solutions are wide-ranging and can be implemented for dealers with existing facilities as well as dealers who are constructing new facilities.

Dealers who participate in the program will be able to take advantage of several benefits, including guidance on available State and Federal tax credits and incentives, as well as access to technical expertise and resources to assist with selection of energy-efficient products and equipment.

Ford is finalizing details to initiate a pilot program with three dealers located in Florida, New York and Nevada.

Quotes
“In keeping with Ford’s commitment to the environment, this program is a great fit for our dealers because it provides a variety of energy-efficient improvement options regardless of the current age and design of the facility. This allows all dealers the opportunity to participate in improving the energy efficiency of their facility and gives them flexibility in making choices that are right for them and their dealership.”
– Sue Cischke, Group Vice President, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

“We applaud Ford for their ongoing energy-efficiency efforts around the world. This initiative will have a positive impact participating dealers decrease their consumption of energy. Implementing these cost-effective solutions will also improve dealer’s bottom line over the long-term.”
– Amory B. Lovins, Co-Founder, Chairman and Chief Scientist, Rocky Mountain Institute

“Through this initiative we are making available to dealers the same techniques, principles and expertise we use to reduce our energy use and contribute to a better world.”
– Sue Cischke, Group Vice President, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

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FORD’S 10TH ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

Monday, June 15th, 2009

FORD’S 10TH ANNUAL SUSTAINABILITY REPORT DETAILS PROGRESS ON BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABILITY



Field of sunflowers

Ford Motor Company’s 10th annual Sustainability Report released today provides a comprehensive look at the company’s progress on environmental and social issues over the past year.

The 2008/2009 reported entitled “Blueprint for Sustainability: Our Future Works” updates the company’s progress in key areas of climate change, fuel economy, mobility, vehicle safety and human rights.

The full report is now available online at www.ford.com/go/sustainability. In the interest of the environment and as a cost saving measure, Ford elected not to do a traditional print version of the report.

On Climate Change
Ford remains on track to reach its goal to reduce by 30 percent the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of its new U.S. and European vehicles by 2020, compared to the 2006 model year. To learn more about Ford’s commitment to its climate change strategy, click here.

On Fuel Economy
Ford is committed to make all of its new vehicles either best in class or among the best in class in fuel economy. All of its North American 2010 model year vehicles and many 2009 model year vehicles meet this commitment. To learn more about Ford’s commitment to delivering fuel efficient technologies to millions, click here.

On Electrification
Ford is accelerating the development of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV), which it will introduce in North America from 2010 to 2012. To learn more about Ford’s commitment to electric vehicles, click here.

On Mobility
With the rise of mega-cities around the world – urban areas of 5 million to 10 million people or more – Ford is working on sustainable mobility solutions that reduce personal transportation’s environmental and social impacts. To learn more about Ford’s commitment to new mobility solutions, click here.

On Human Rights
For several years Ford facilities and those of its joint-venture companies and suppliers have operated under the Ford Code of Basic Working Conditions, which requires products to be manufactured under conditions that demonstrate respect for the people who make them. To learn more about Ford’s commitment to human rights, click here.

On Vehicle Safety
Ford Motor Company holds more Top Safety Pick ratings (awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS)) than any other automaker and more U.S. government 5-star-rated vehicles than any brand. To learn more about Ford’s commitment to vehicle safety, click here.

On Sustaining Ford
Over the past several years, Ford has undertaken a fundamental restructuring of its operations that affects every part of its business, from product innovation and fuel efficiency to labor relations and its interactions with suppliers and dealers. To learn more about Ford’s plan to return to profitability, click here.

QUOTES

“Our economic and environmental goals are aligned. In fact, we believe that the best way for us to be more profitable is to make our business and products more sustainable.” – Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company

“We recognize these issues are increasingly important to our stakeholders, including our customers, investors and business partners. We want them to understand that we will continue to pursue our sustainability agenda despite very challenging economic conditions.”
– Sue Cischke, Ford group vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering

“Ford’s reporting has benefited greatly from open and honest dialogue with shareholders, environmental organizations and other key stakeholders regarding a variety of sustainability issues, including global climate change and good governance practices.” – Carol Lee Rawn, senior manager of the Transportation Program at Ceres, who led the Ceres stakeholder team that advised Ford on its Sustainability Report

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Ford honored with ‘Green Choice Award’

Wednesday, May 6th, 2009

Ford was honored with a ‘Green Choice Award’ by Natural Health Magazine for its continuous efforts toward eco-friendly alternatives



2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

Ford Motor Company recognizes the importance of working jointly with environmental stakeholders to engineer sustainable vehicles in an eco-friendly manner. Its commitment to a greener future is demonstrated on a daily basis with numerous ongoing environmental initiatives.

On Tuesday, May 6, Ford Motor Company was recognized with the esteemed ‘Green Choice Award’ by Natural Health magazine. Ford received this award for its continuous efforts towards building a greener future. The company and its products were judged in a number of different areas such as alternative energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water use, recycling, operational energy footprints, and LEED certifications. All data collected by Natural Health magazine was submitted by Ford.

The following are some highlights of Ford’s ongoing environmental initiatives:

  • Each year, Ford conserves up to 900 tons of carbon emissions and 600,000 gallons of water because Escape Hybrid seats are made with 100 per cent post-industrial recycled fabric.
  • Since 2000, Ford has cut its global energy use by nearly one third, in part by upgrading plants with more efficient equipment.
  • Ford gives employees two paid days off a year to do volunteer work—in 2008, they committed a total of 124,000 hours. At 17 of the company’s facilities, staffers have turned vacant plots of land into habitats for local plants and animals, and created walking trails to encourage nearby residents to visit.
  • Ford’s EcoBoost engine, which the company launched this year, improves vehicle fuel economy by as much as 20 per cent.


The ‘Green Choice Award’ was presented to Ford, along with nine other corporations, by renowned actor and environmental activist Ed Begley, Jr. in New York City. Accepting the award on behalf of Ford was David Berdish, Manager of Sustainable Business Development.

QUOTES:

“Ford is making a difference by creating fuel efficient technology that everyone can use.” – Alan Mulally, President and CEO, Ford Motor Company

“Ford facilities are often faced with complex environmental challenges, and every year – even in hard times – our employees rise to the challenge with innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while promoting sustainability. The Green Choice Award honors their achievements, and challenges others to take bold steps.” – David Berdish, Manager, Ford Sustainable Business Development

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FORD REVEALS NEW TOURNEO CONNECT WITH BATTERY ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN

Monday, March 2nd, 2009

At the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Ford’s Tourneo Connect BEV concept shows how commercial BEV technology could be applied to a passenger model.



Tourneo Connect BEV

Extending its aggressive global electric vehicle plan to Europe, Ford developed the fully operational BEV powertrain in collaboration with Smith Electric Vehicles. Ford’s established electrification partner is the European market’s leading battery electric specialist converter of commercial vehicles, which is part of the UK-based Tanfield Group of companies.

In the UK and select European markets, Tanfield already offers battery electric versions of the Ford Transit medium commercial vehicle to fleet customers, and expects to deliver its first Transit Connect small commercial BEVs later this year. It is this technology that has been adapted for the Tourneo Connect BEV concept.

Ford will also work with Tanfield to deliver a Transit Connect van as a full BEV in North America in 2010. The use of the now global Transit/Tourneo Connect vehicle platform showcases Ford’s ability to deliver products with worldwide marketing opportunities.

The Tourneo Connect BEV Concept features the latest level battery electric technology. Here are some vehicle highlights:


  • A 21 kWh Lithium-Ion Phosphate battery pack accumulates the energy to drive a 50 kW permanent magnet motor, while the drive torque is transmitted to the driveshafts by a single-speed transmission.


  • Using this set-up, Smith Electric Vehicles is targeting a range of up to 160 km (100 miles), and a top speed of 113 km/h (70 mph).


  • The onboard battery charger can be plugged directly into a standard mains socket.


  • A full battery charge is accomplished in 6 to 8 hours.




Quotes

"The Tourneo Connect BEV concept shows how Ford's collaboration with Tanfield is extending the company's global electric vehicle plan to Europe. The technology is already available for commercial vehicle applications, and at the 2009 Chicago Show we confirmed that we will launch, with Tanfield as our partner, the Transit Connect van as a full BEV in North America in 2010. Although conceptual for now, if there is sufficient interest, this silent, zero emission technology could be applied to the Tourneo Connect quite quickly. We think it would be an ideal solution for taxi use, as a hotel shuttle vehicle or similar inner city application."
- John Fleming, Chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe

“Offering the Ford Connect vehicle family with battery electric power represents the next logical step in our pursuit of even greater fuel economy and sustainability. We know a growing number of our fleet clients have expressed interest in electrification as a sustainable mobility solution. By leveraging our global team and asset portfolio, we’re able to bring this environmentally friendly, strong ‘silent type’ quickly to market as a van, and we believe there are enormous possibilities for a Tourneo Connect passenger model as well.”
- Derrick Kuzak, Ford’s Group Vice President of Global Product Development

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LINCOLN C CONCEPT ACHIEVES 40-PLUS MPG

Monday, January 12th, 2009

Lincoln C’s four-cylinder EcoBoost engine and dual-clutch PowerShift transmission enable fuel efficiency and performance.



Lincoln C Concept Rear

Featuring a 1.6-liter EcoBoost engine and Ford’s all-new dry, dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, Lincoln C achieves a projected 43 mpg on the highway, while offering up an estimated 180 horsepower and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque. And, it bests the Ford Focus, which currently delivers unsurpassed highway fuel economy in its segment when equipped with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, by nearly 25 percent fuel-economy improvement.

The EcoBoost engine leverages a combination of direct fuel injection technology and turbocharging to deliver significantly improved fuel economy and torque versus a larger displacement engine, while reducing emissions up to 15 percent.

The Lincoln C concept also features Ford’s dual-clutch PowerShift six-speed transmission, which compared to traditional automatic four-speed transmissions, can help reduce fuel consumption by up to 9 percent depending on the application. PowerShift, for example, contributes to an estimated 8 percent uptick in Lincoln C’s fuel efficiency when compared to the current Focus. The lean curb weight of the Lincoln C enables a dry-clutch derivative of Ford’s PowerShift transmission for added efficiency and durability.

The PowerShift offers an improved driving experience. Some of the features include:


  • Neutral coast down – The clutches will disengage when the brakes are applied, improving coasting downshifts and clutch robustness as well as reducing parasitic losses for increased fuel economy.


  • Precise clutch control in the form of a clutch slip to provide torsional damping of the engine vibration – This function improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at low engine speeds and enables lower lugging limits for improved fuel economy.


  • Low-speed driving or creep mode with integrated brake pressure – This function simulates the low-speed control drivers are accustomed to from an automatic transmission. The amount of rolling torque in Drive and Reverse is precisely controlled, gradually building as brake pressure is released.


  • Hill mode or launch assist – Prevents a vehicle from rolling back on a grade by maintaining brake pressure until the engine delivers enough torque to move the vehicle up the hill, providing improved driver confidence, comfort, safety and clutch robustness.





Quotes

“Lincoln C demonstrates that a higher degree of engine downsizing as the key to fuel economy improvement, paired with the right technologies, can deliver optimum horsepower, torque and drive-away capability. Plus, when combined with the PowerShift six-speed transmission, the impossible equation becomes perfectly possible: lower fuel consumption, increased power and smoother, more fun-to-drive performance.”
- Andreas Schamel, Chief Engine Engineer with Ford’s Powertrain Research Laboratory

“We know that a central injection system is a prerequisite for future global fuel economy upgrades such as stratified lean operation, homogeneous charge compression ignition or HCCI, and premium injection system technology if the market demands. It’s a value solution that gives us the ability to answer market trends quickly and provide broad market coverage, a key component of the EcoBoost strategy to deliver an affordable, fuel-efficient engine technology at high volumes.”
- Martin Wirth, Ford Direct Injection Gasoline Systems and Combustion technical Specialist




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Ford and Magna International

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

A strategic alliance with auto supplier Magna will allow Ford to produce battery electric vehicles.



Ford unveiled its global vehicle electrification strategy by announcing one of its key vehicle-development partnerships at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A pure BEV passenger car that doesn’t use a drop of gas will be developed jointly with Magna International, a global auto supplier headquartered in Canada.

As part of Ford’s strategy to bring BEVs, plug-in hybrids and hybrid electric vehicles to market by 2012, Magna will provide the BEV electric traction motor, transmission, motor controller, energy storage system, battery charger and related systems. Magna has approximately 80,000 employees in 243 manufacturing operations and 63 product development and engineering centers in 24 countries.

Ford chose Magna for its system development expertise that will enable Ford to deliver a world-class product. Magna will also share in the engineering responsibility to integrate the electric propulsion system and other new systems into the vehicle platform architecture.

The BEV technology is already being shown to the news media with demonstration drives of a current-model test ‘mule’ that has been road tested for the past six months. It shows that a future of vehicle electrification is promising. Ford and Magna will work together to make the vehicles a good value for customers and a good business proposition.

Quotes

“Magna is a world-class automotive component supplier that’s an ideal partner for our BEV. Our strategy absolutely depends on forging alliances with key suppliers whose expertise complements our extensive experience and global production capabilities. Developing these new technologies requires a major investment, so it’s especially important to have strong supplier alliances.”
- Nancy Gioia, Ford Director of Sustainable Mobility Technology

“We strongly believe in collaboration because it drives innovation up and keeps costs down. Bringing a fully functional electric vehicle quickly to the market that meets customer expectations in terms of cost and performance is a great testament to both our companies’ expertise and collaborative efforts.”
- Don Walker, Co-CEO of Magna International

“Quality straight out of the box is very important. Magna has exceptional knowledge of engineering for the automotive environment. We’re certain that our collaborative result will be world-class and that means we have the potential to touch millions of customers with this kind of technology.”
- Nancy Gioia, Ford Director of Sustainable Mobility Technology

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Ford Battery Electric Vehicle Test Unit

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Ford is bringing a new family of electrified vehicles to market over the next four years.



BEV

Test vehicles have already been on the road for six months as Ford’s aggressive new electrification strategy calls for the introduction of new hybrids, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles based on two new global product platforms. The plan calls for the introduction in 2011 of a pure Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) – using cutting-edge lithium-ion battery technology – as a passenger car in North America.

Ford has concealed the advanced, eco-friendly technologies in a familiar package – the test vehicles look just like a 2009 Ford Focus. But the difference lies under the hood in a new all-electric powertrain that will go into a Ford’s new-generation C-sized global vehicle platform. Electrification of two key global Ford product platforms – one for Focus-size small cars and the other for Fusion-size CD cars – means the electric vehicle powertrain uses the existing structure of the vehicle platform.

On an overnight charge, the vehicle goes for a range of more than 80 miles without a single drop of gas. Working closely with Magna International, a world-class automotive supplier with deep technology expertise, Ford is targeting a range of up to 100 miles when it is introduced to the retail market.

Key BEV facts include:

  • The BEV test vehicle features a battery pack with seven modules of 14 lithium-ion cells, giving the vehicle 23 kilowatt hours or usable energy.


  • The BEV test vehicle has a charge time of 12 hours from a 110-volt outlet. The production model will be rechargeable from 220- or 110-volt outlets, with respective charging times of 6 and 12 hours.


  • The powertrain, including the motor and gearbox, are packaged under the hood just like a gasoline powertrain, using existing powertrain mounts. This makes the electrified vehicle uncompromised in terms of robustness and low noise and vibration.






Quotes

“When we drove the test vehicle for the first time, the quality just blew us away. This really validates Ford’s strategy on electrification with BEVs playing a key role in the technology transformation. Even on a test vehicle, you can see that everything is packaged intelligently. This is the result of a true collaborative effort with a strong partner, demonstrating that we can bring a high-quality fantastic customer experience to the road quickly. Just wait until you see the finished product!”
- Lisa Drake, Chief Engineer, Ford Sustainable Mobility Technology

“Our objective was to make this test vehicle as great to drive as any Ford Focus. We’re demonstrating that with a battery electric vehicle you don’t have to give up anything. Everything you love about the Focus is still there. It’s very responsive and has great driveability.”
- Dick DeVogelaere, Magna International Chief Engineer on the Project

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Electrification Collaboration

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Ford’s new electrification strategy is a team effort to transform potential into reality.



collab

An integral piece of Ford’s overall Blueprint for Sustainability, bringing vehicle electrification to the market requires commitment by automakers as well as other key stakeholders. As a global vehicle manufacturer, Ford will leverage its worldwide product development resources and volume production capacity to design, develop and market electrified vehicles, helping reduce the cost of new battery technology that would otherwise be too expensive through sheer production volume.

The Ford electrification strategy is designed to engage a series of other important stakeholders as well, including:

Suppliers – Automotive suppliers will play a critical role as the investment levels for the development of new battery technology, power electronics, electric motors, generators, high-voltage systems and componentry are massive. However, suppliers will also reap economic benefits as well as environmental and social rewards. Ford already has formed alliances with Magna International for a future BEV passenger car and Johnson Controls-Saft for its current test fleet of PHEVs.

Utilities – The new generation of electrified vehicles require access to the electrical supply grid to charge their batteries, and electrical utilities can provide an important customer interface to optimize the electrified vehicle ownership experience. Ford is already forging relationships with key electrical utilities, starting with SoCal Edison and broadening its efforts through its new collaboration with the Electrical Power Research Institute.

Policymakers – Federal, state and local government as well as international governments also play a crucial role. Through policy changes and incentives, government has the power to encourage motorists to go electric. Ford is already involved in a four-way ‘eco-partnership’ with China’s Changan Auto Group Corporation and the cities of Chongqing, China and Denver, Colo., on projects expected to include the development of electrified vehicle technology, green city planning, efficient urban transportation and grid integration.

Universities – Ford believes universities must be part of the collaboration to foster the new skill sets and engineering specialties needed for electric vehicles. Young people can make a difference in these new technical frontiers, which represent huge opportunities for ideas.

Quotes

“We cannot do this alone. We need to build a coalition to develop this new technology, to address the infrastructure challenges, share the investment costs and encourage its use. Above all, we have to make electric vehicle technology affordable and attainable. If we make it viable for millions, we’ll reap the fullest benefits of reduced energy use and reduced CO2 emissions.”
- Nancy Gioia, Director of Sustainable Mobility Technology, Ford Motor Company

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FORD’S GREEN COMMITMENT

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Ford Manufactures More Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Than Ever Before



2010 Ford Fusion

Dedicated to best-in-segment fuel economy for every new or significantly new vehicle launched, Ford’s 2008 Ford Escape, Escape Hybrid, Focus, Flex and Expedition, Mercury Mariner, Mariner Hybrid and Lincoln Navigator all deliver unrivaled fuel efficiency. The 2010 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid are now joining that growing list. From biodegradable soy foam seats to our highly advanced Ecoboost™ technology that is designed to deliver better fuel economy and V8-like power, Ford is leading the way in green technologies.

Here are just a few ways that demonstrate Ford’s commitment to more eco-friendly vehicles:


  • Escape Hybrid and Focus get more than 34 mpg. Six of our models offer a maximum cruising range of over 500 miles.

  • In 2009, Ford will double the number and volume of hybrids, with the new Ford Escape Hybrid rated by the EPA as the most fuel-efficient SUV in the world. Also on the horizon are the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, which are expected to get at least 39 mpg, which is at least 6 mpg better than Toyota Camry hybrid.

  • Available in 2009 and 2010 models, Ford will put 50,000 Ecoboost vehicles on the road over the next five years.

  • Our SmartGauge™ with EcoGuide, available on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan hybrids, uses LCD screens on either side of the speedometer to show fuel and battery power levels, average and instant miles-per-gallon, helping to coach drivers on how to optimize fuel efficiency.

  • With its sedum-covering, our Rouge factory has the largest green manufacturing roof in the United States. In the UK, wind turbines power our Dagenham facility.

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NEW YORK TIMES INTERVIEW WITH WILLIAM C. FORD JR.

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008

Ford looks to the future with its green agenda.



In an interview with The New York Times’ Bill Vlasic, William C. Ford Jr. discusses his vision of a leaner, greener auto industry. The article covers the current financial crisis and its effect on Detroit automakers. Bill Ford outlines how he is working with President-elect Barack Obama and his economic advisory team to focus on specific, industry-wide issues such as fuel economy and energy independence. While Ford Motor Company has applied for $7 billion of the available $25 billion in low-interest loans specifically for improvements in fuel efficiency, Vlasic notes that Ford does not need an immediate infusion of government aid as the company had undergone an extensive revamping by cutting jobs, selling off three of its brands and moving toward smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles.

During the full interview, Bill Ford lays out his intentions to develop greener technologies and be a leader in fuel economy. He mentions that, in the next two years, 75 percent of Ford vehicles will qualify for the Department of Energy’s definition of advanced vehicle technology, and in five years that number is expected to be 90 percent. Throughout the interview Ford explains his strategy to redefine the future of transportation in the United States and position Ford as a global green hi-tech company.

Read the full article, “Ford Scion Looks Beyond Bailout to Green Agenda” at NYTimes.com or see some highlights below.

Quotes

Bill Ford, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ford Motor Company


“I feel we do have a great plan that’s completely in sync with where the country and the new administration would like us to go. And I’m not sure that really came out this week.”
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“I’m actually really excited by where we are because I think in times of great change there’s great opportunity. And one of the things that I feel very encouraged about is the president-elect and where he’d like to take this country in terms of energy and I completely buy into his vision. I think that, he very much would like to push for an energy policy, which I think we desperately need. He mentioned on the campaign trail electrification is something that he’s very interested in. So are we. And we’d love to work with his administration on that.”
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“…the vision that I have for this company, and this is where we’re headed, is to be a global green hi-tech company. And that’s not just a vision. We’ve got lots of concrete examples of what’s here, what’s coming, and then what’s a little bit further on the horizon.”
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“The cool thing is that vision is not ten years away; it’s now; and it’s starting to happen. Just this week, we have two new hybrids at the L.A. show which got great reviews as outdoing their Japanese competition in terms of fuel economy.”
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“And the fact that we’re bringing our small European products here – and the fact that we have a stated goal internally of being at the lead of each segment that we compete in terms of fuel economy. But that’s not something that came about this week. That’s something that we’ve been pushing internally for several years now.”
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“I very much am excited by the new administration and by the prospect of participating with them in helping to define America’s future because he clearly… I spoke to him during the campaign.”
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“…and he completely understands where he’d like this country to go and clearly would like – the domestic auto industry to be part of the solution. And, I, for one, am excited by that because I not only believe, but I passionately believe, that Ford can and should be part of that solution because that’s why I’m here. To me this isn’t a job, it’s a passion and I love this company and I love our history but I’d really love to reinterpret that history into the future.”
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“I spent some time with him just discussing, really the world of – the future world of the auto industry and the world of technology and how it’s developing and kind of where we as a country, need some help. One of the things that clearly we need to sort out as a country, is batteries and batteries in America because you’ve heard this said, we really don’t want to trade one dependency – foreign dependency –oil, for another foreign dependency, batteries, because today there are large, well-developed American battery companies. They’re starting to come on but, as a country, we’ve got to make sure that those batteries are developed and built here. So we talked about the electrification of our industry, other fuel economy approaches, not just electric, and he’s a great listener, and he’s, I think, asks all the right questions.”
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“I’ve been talking with his representatives, including Governor Granholm about – and she completely gets it in terms of Next Generation technology the need for an energy policy that is built around sort of new technology. What’s interesting is we just submitted our application to the DOE this week. And it was interesting; in the next two years 75 percent of our vehicles will qualify for their definition of advanced vehicle technology. And 90 percent within – in five years. That, to me, should show them, the government, that we’re not starting now. This is in place and we’re going like mad to get it to put it in place so it’s a vision. Again, it’s sort of the global green hi-tech vision that I feel is not only driving this company but really is exactly in line with where society would like us to go.”
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“To me, it was exceptionally important that we keep our future alive even as we were taking very, very tough restructuring decisions. And so, we kept investing in electric and hydrogen and biofuels and hybrids and – and all the variations of those whether it’s in (inaudible) hydrogen or fuel cells or whether it’s hybrid electric or pure electric. We invested in all of that, even at a time when we were going through massive restructuring. And so, we sit here today, I think, poised to really play a significant role in defining the future of transportation in this country.”
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“The passion that I have for this company is for making peoples’ life better and helping this country sort out its future. That, to me, is the passion. And so – and I feel really good about the fact that even as we restructured, we protected for that.”
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“I think we have a great opportunity to win over the American public and, ultimately, if we do that, Wall Street will come along.”
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“It’s jarring to see what’s happened to this town and to a large part of this industry. I think it’s also a time of opportunity because it’s a time that we can –thankfully our plan is, I believe, is the right one and our strategy is the right one and we have the vision to kind of – to help define the future of transportation in this country. And so if we don’t look at time of turmoil as a time of opportunity, than I think we’re missing –we’re going to miss the boat.”
[right click to download mp3]
[audio:http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/wp-content/themes/SMPR/environment/BillFord-NYTinterview/billford-nytinterview-clip013.mp3]






“The family has taken an enormous financial beating but yet we still –the family still is here and completely behind the company because this is much more than a financial investment to the family. This is a belief in what the company stands for, making a difference in peoples’ lives, and making – providing a living for a number of not just employees but suppliers and dealers as well. And so, it’s a passion for our family and it’s one that we’re very, very proud of. I think many other kind of more mercenary players would have bought and sold probably ten times in this cycle but we haven’t. We’re still here and we’re still throwing our support behind the company we’ll continue to do so.”
[right click to download mp3]
[audio:http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/wp-content/themes/SMPR/environment/BillFord-NYTinterview/billford-nytinterview-clip014.mp3]






“There is a lot of misinformation but, on the other hand, I completely understand peoples’ frustration and even some of their anger. And it’s partially because we have not done a great job of telling our story. And so it makes me upsets but, frankly, it galvanizes me to try harder because – and if I think I’d be more upset if I didn’t believe we absolutely had the right strategy and the right plan.”
[right click to download mp3]
[audio:http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/wp-content/themes/SMPR/environment/BillFord-NYTinterview/billford-nytinterview-clip015.mp3]



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Ford’s “Green Days”

Wednesday, November 19th, 2008

Ford Employees Recycle Truck Loads of Old Computers, Other Electronics



Ford's

“Tech trash.” “E-waste.” By any other name, it’s the obsolete electronic equipment that collects dust in basements and home offices across America – that is, until it’s thrown out. On average, more than 50 million PCs and over 130 million cell phones enter the U.S. waste stream every year. High tech junk in general is responsible for an estimated 70 percent of toxic heavy metals in U.S. landfills.

In an effort to keep these cast-off components out of landfills, Ford Motor Company employees recently pitched in to recycle truck-loads of the stuff.

‘Green Days’ Rocks!

Ford’s “Green Days” recycling effort took place over four events held at Ford facilities in Dearborn between August and November, with thousands of employees participating.

Approximately 80 volunteers worked at the events, filling more than a dozen 20-foot trucks with 120 pallets and 35 bins holding tons of e-waste items, including:



  • 850+ monitors


  • 900+ PC hard drives


  • 1,200+ keyboards


  • 100+ laptops


  • 2,000+ peripherals (modems, mice, routers, etc.)


  • 700+ printers


  • 550+ cell phones


  • 100+ scanners


  • 400+ ink cartridges


  • 400+ stereo components (DVD players, VCR's, receivers, etc.)


  • Other miscellaneous materials (motherboards, RAM, plastic scrap, phones, etc.)



Sustainability is a Team Effort

The “Green Days” project was a collaborative effort between Ford’s Green IT committee, Site Management, Environmental Quality Office, Ford Land Facilities Management and supplier TEK Systems.

TEK Systems erases personal data on the components in compliance with U.S. Department of Defense standards and then breaks down the components in order to recycle the individual commodities (such as plastic, ferrous and non-ferrous metals) for reuse in new products.

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Blueprint for Sustainability

Monday, July 14th, 2008

Ninth Annual Sustainability Report Released



Ford's Blueprint for Sustainability


Ford's ninth sustainability report, “Blueprint for Sustainability,” is now available at www.ford.com/go/sustainability. This is Ford’s annual report on environmental and social performance, focusing on key issues for the company, with discussion and data related to a wide range of critical topics. Some of the topics covered include:

Reducing CO2 Emissions
Ford has a plan for reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2030. It includes near-, mid- and long-term product and technology actions that incorporate fuel-saving technologies into the company’s product cycle plan and continuing research on the development of breakthrough technologies. Since 2000, Ford has reduced its global operational energy use by 30 percent and CO2 emissions from its facilities by 39 percent.

In addition, Ford of Europe has launched its ECOnetic vehicle portfolio, which will achieve class-leading CO2 emissions levels.

Improving Fuel Efficiency
As gas prices climb, Ford continues to improve the fuel efficiency of its vehicles. In fact, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) of Ford cars and trucks (U.S.) improved 5.9 percent for the 2007 model year compared to the 2006 model year.

In 2007, Ford unveiled EcoBoost, an internal combustion engine technology that uses direct injection and turbo-charging technology to improve vehicle fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Also in 2007, Ford and Southern California Edison announced a multimillion-dollar, multi-year evaluation program to advance the commercialization of Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles.

Corporate Responsibility
The sustainability report describes Ford’s new “Urban Mobility Networks”, a pilot program that is exploring how to coordinate a variety of transportation options and provide vital real-time information to individuals living in densely populated urban centers. Ford and the University of Michigan, along with other private and public partners, will launch the first pilots in Chennai and Bangalore, India and Cape Town, South Africa.

Also detailed in the report, Ford’s commitment to human rights and other important responsibilities of global companies reinforced by membership in the United Nations Global Compact in April of 2008.

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Looking for a Hydrogen Highway

Friday, March 14th, 2008

Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle featured at California Fuel Cell Partnership


Hybrid logo

When might we see a true Hydrogen Highway? That's the question the head of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration and other experts were exploring this week. Paul Brubaker was visiting the California Fuel Cell Partnership in West Sacramento, California to meet with automotive and air quality experts to talk about building a national hydrogen-fueling network. While there, he toured the facilities, took a spin in the Focus FCV, filled up at a hydrogen station and debated the future of hydrogen technology.

"What makes hydrogen fuel cell technology so exciting is the emissions from a fuel cell stack are drips of clean water," said Robert Riley, Ford Fleet Manager at the California Fuel Cell Partnership. "These are zero emissions vehicles with potential to make us less dependent on oil with less impact on the environment."

The fuel cell system converts chemical energy into electric energy using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air. The electric energy then powers the vehicle's electric drive motor, producing only water vapor and heat as byproducts.

Ford currently has 30 hydrogen powered Focus Fuel Cell vehicles in seven cities across the U.S., Canada and Germany. Those vehicles have now logged more than 720,000 miles, providing valuable data to Ford engineers on fuel cell technology. The FCVs are just one example of Ford's commitment to advance the use and development of alternative fuel technologies.

The California Fuel Cell Partnership is a collaboration of 32 organizations, including automakers, government agencies, energy and oil companies. The experts who gathered in West Sacramento this week addressed the need for a hydrogen infrastructure across the country. Without a network of filling stations, it would be difficult for automakers to scale up production of fuel cell vehicles to the levels that would be needed to make them affordable. Participants called for more federal funding for research and infrastructure and noted commercialization is still likely a decade or more away.

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BETTER CROSSOVER FUEL EFFICIENCY

Friday, January 25th, 2008

2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Feature More Powerful Engines and 6-Speed Transmissions



2009 Mercury Mariner

Ford has announced that its hot-selling compact SUVs, the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, will become more fuel-efficient, more powerful and more connected for the 2009 model year.

The new powertrains are expected to improve the 2009 Ford Escape and 2009 Mercury Mariner’s EPA estimated fuel economy by 1 mile per gallon. The all-new 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine will give customers an 11 percent increase in horsepower, to 170 horsepower and the 3.0-liter V-6 engine option receives 30 additional horsepower for a total of 230 horsepower.

The new 2.5-liter engine with intake variable cam timing (IVCT) boasts a 17-horsepower increase in output over the outgoing 2.3-liter engine. Responsive with its peak 166 ft. lb. of torque, the engine also is refined with dual-mode crankshaft damping, electronic throttle control and PowerPC engine electronic control.

The flexibility of the new, more fuel-efficient, 6-speed automatic transmission enables a longer final-drive ratio for optimal fuel economy. With the improvements, Escape and Mariner also achieve ULEV II emissions certification.

Fuel savings also come from additional design and engineering features, including:
  • Aerodynamic improvements including a new front fascia chin spoiler and rear tire spoilers.
  • A new 16-inch Michelin tire design offering improved rolling resistance, while also bringing improvements in quiet operation, steering and handling, and stopping distance.

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FULL-HYBRID ESCAPE AND MARINER

Friday, January 25th, 2008

More Refinement, Safety and Performance in 2009 Ford Hybrids



2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid introduce variable valve timing on a hybrid engine – a first for Ford Motor Company. The new 2.5-liter engine, with intake variable cam timing (IVCT), boasts a 17-horsepower increase in output over the outgoing 2.3-liter engine. Advancements in engine processor technology enable a nearly imperceptible transition from gas to electric mode.

The 2009 Escape Hybrid and Mariner Hybrid also feature standard AdvanceTrac® with RSC® - Ford’s patented stability control system that includes roll stability control. They are the only hybrid SUVs to offer such an advanced safety technology. A new brake system also provides a more seamless transition from regenerative braking to traditional braking. It incorporates a new pedal sensor that gives the driver better feedback and pedal feel similar to that of a traditional vacuum-assisted hydraulic system.

With the continuous improvements to the 2009 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the vehicles are primed to build on their sales success in the 2007 calendar year:
  • Ford Escape Hybrid recorded a 10.4 percent increase in sales versus 2006, with 21,386 units sold.
  • Mercury Mariner Hybrid sales were up 17 percent over 2006 to 3,722 units.

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FORD’S BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Saturday, January 5th, 2008

Technology migration path 2008 to 2020 and beyond


Ford Motor Company is committed to addressing the world's global warming and energy security challenges with a comprehensive strategy to accelerate and expand the use of advanced technologies across its entire product line in high volumes.


Ford's plan includes near-term, mid-term, and long-term technology implementation that benefits millions of customers without compromising their expectations for quality, safety and fuel economy. Ford begins its migration to advanced technology this year through 2012, fully implements known technology by 2020, and beyond that, Ford will be engaged in volume rollout of hybrid technologies and alternative energy sources.


Near term (2008 through 2012)


  • Launch of the EcoBoost engine technology, which combines turbocharging with direct fuel injection. The result is increased fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The 2009 Lincoln MKS will be the first vehicle with the EcoBoost engine.

  • Broader application of 6-speed transmissions, including the introduction of a new fuel-saving twin-clutch transmission that delivers the fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of an automatic.

  • Electric power-assisted steering systems which minimize parasitic losses of the engine, applied in about 90 percent of Ford vehicles.

  • Aerodynamic improvements through better design and wind tunnel optimization.

  • New hybrid models.

  • Increased unibody-construction for utility vehicles.

  • Diesel engines introduced on light-duty vehicles.

  • Mid and long-term (2012 through 2020)

  • Vehicle body weight reductions of 250-750 pounds through platform efficiencies and greater use of aluminum and high-strength steel.

  • Additional hybrid offerings.

  • Aggressive development on biofuel-capable powertrains, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell technology.


Alan Mulally, Ford president and CEO, outlines Ford's blueprint for sustainability during a keynote in Los Angeles in this audio clip


[audio:http://ford.digitalsnippets.com/wp-content/themes/SMPR/environment/mulally_la_autoshow.mp3]

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