DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- This weekend, hybrid
vehicle owners from across North America converge at Ford's Research and
Innovation Laboratory here as part of a nationwide effort to teach consumers
how to improve fuel economy. Beginning later this month, Ford and police
officers in 10 cities will patrol the streets, issuing citations to those who
demonstrate fuel-saving driving techniques.
Both efforts are part of a Ford Motor Company educational campaign on fuel
economy.
"Ford is committed to improving fuel economy, and many consumers are
anxious to do the same," explains Mary Ann Wright, director of Ford's
Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs.
Fuel efficiency experts, including Ford's environmental specialists, agree
that learning to drive differently can increase fuel efficiency. The U.S.
Department of Energy says that aggressive driving -- such as rapid
acceleration, speeding and braking -- lowers gas mileage significantly. Even
small changes to driving style, speed, engine loading and vehicle maintenance
can improve fuel economy as much as 25 percent.
Ford is using the educational efforts to showcase its commitment to hybrid
vehicles. In September, Ford stepped up its commitment to environmental
leadership by announcing a ten-fold increase in hybrid vehicle production
plans. That statement was part of a broader announcement by Ford Chairman and
CEO Bill Ford, who said innovation would be the compass by which the company
would chart its future direction.
Ford says it will sell approximately 250,000 units annually by 2010, and
more than half of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup will have hybrid
capability.
"We were the first company with a hybrid SUV and the first American
automaker to put a hybrid vehicle on the road. Now, we're working hard to
innovate and introduce more of these kinds of advanced fuel-saving
technologies in the future," Wright says.
Nearly 300 Ford hybrid owners from 24 states and Quebec and Ontario,
Canada, are expected to attend this weekend's "Ford Hybrid Fuel Economy
Experience" in Dearborn. The clinic is designed to teach consumers how to
improve vehicle fuel economy and learn about new hybrid technology.
"Research indicates that two out of every five consumers are unfamiliar
with hybrid technology and its benefits," says Wright. "This clinic ensures
that our customers not only have the most current information about their
hybrid, but understand how to benefit most from it."
At the clinic, participants receive advice on how to drive their hybrid
for maximum fuel economy. They also receive a vehicle inspection by a
technician and participate in an informal discussion with Ford's hybrid
experts. Owners then put their knowledge to the test in a fuel economy
driving challenge.
Consumers also can learn more about hybrid fuel economy from Ford by going
online to the "Mercury Mariner MyDrive Game" at http://www.marinerhybrid.com .
The "Mercury Mariner MyDrive" is a fun, interactive driving game that features
the Mariner Hybrid in urban and suburban settings and gives consumers three
levels of play to discover a variety of eco driving tips.
Ford Hybrid Patrol
On Oct. 18, Ford kicks off a 10-city tour to bring fuel-saving driving
tips to local communities. Ford is partnering with local police departments
to challenge consumers to drive more efficiently.
Local police officers -- who often have high fuel-consumption rates --
will patrol the streets in new Mercury Mariner Hybrids. Joined by Ford's
hybrid and fuel economy experts, their mission is to find local drivers "in
the act" of demonstrating fuel-saving practices with their vehicles, including
hybrids. The citation will be a pre-paid $25 gasoline card from BP.
A fuel-economy clinic also will take place for the police officials in
each community and include a "best-mileage competition" among officers. The
most fuel efficient officer from across the country will be awarded a Mercury
Mariner Hybrid for his or her department. Ford (NYSE: F) also is donating
$2,500 to each local Police Athletic League to fund programs to keep children
off the streets and out of trouble.
Communities included in the Ford Hybrid Patrol effort include: Cleveland
(Oct. 18); Chicago (Oct. 20); Washington, D.C. (Oct. 24); Boston (Oct. 27);
New York (Nov. 1); Dallas (Nov. 10); Phoenix (Nov. 15); Los Angeles (Nov. 17);
San Francisco (Nov. 22) and Miami (Dec. 1).
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