Ford Lost its Green Machines

[theoceansnerves]

On Aug. 16th, Bill Ford Jr., chief executive of Ford Motor Co. and a self-proclaimed environmentalist, wrote to California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to lobby for a veto on a bill encouraging more fuel-efficient and low-emission cars on California's highways.

The move came as a shock to industry observers who have been watching Ford rack up environmental credentials in 2004, culminating in the much anticipated (and long-delayed) release of the first American-made gas-electric hybrid vehicle, the 36 mpg Escape hybrid sport utility vehicle.

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And now, adding insult to injury, Ford is lobbying against California's latest fuel economy incentive.

The reason? It happens that the legislation, passed in both houses of the Legislature, sets a standard that no Ford vehicle currently meets, save those EVs that it's currently taking off the highways. California is offering carpool lane access to vehicles that 1) use hybrid electric technology; 2) have zero or extremely low emissions; and 3) that achieve fuel economy of at least 45 mpg. Rather than build cars that meet America's highest fuel efficiency standards and are the least polluting in the country, Ford is lobbying to change the rules. No wonder the Los Angeles Times calls Bill Ford an environmental "girlie-man."

...

http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0915-05.htm

[fortyfeetunder]

1. Escape hybrids...

I heard this from a friend, but I am hoping this is not an urban legend to be...

She found out that the Escape hybrid A/C can only run with the gas engine engaged, the electric motor alone can't power the A/C. And Ford was not recommending this vehicle be operated in hot climates. But the paradox is the hybrid has a huge waiting list in So. California.

So the "hybrid Escape" is really partially as wonderful as promoted? No wonder Bill Ford wanted this veto...