Flexibility Fuels Ford Concepts

Consumers are developing a stronger interest in environmental technology that translates into an increased interest in environmentally friendly products. In the auto industry, consumer attitudes are further fueled by the ups and downs of gasoline prices.

The caveat is that, on average, Americans would prefer to improve the world without changing their lifestyles. As a result, automotive companies such as Ford Motor Company are introducing an increasing number of innovative environmental technologies, including hybrid-electric and alternative-fuel vehicles.

For example, Americans can now choose from 50 vehicle models that can run on E85 fuel (85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline), and E85 fueling stations are expanding across North America. Americans bought 88,000 hybrids in 2004. A recent J.D. Power and Associates study predicts that by 2008, that number will grow to 350,000, with more than half (64 percent) of those being trucks. The Power study indicates that while people may be willing to make sacrifices when it comes to fuel-efficient powertrains, the majority won’t compromise on vehicle capability and performance.

To address these contradictory desires, Ford Motor Company has committed to building more than 250,000 hybrid-electric vehicles annually by 2010. Ford recently unveiled two very innovative concepts that demonstrate how future vehicles can incorporate environmentally friendly powertrains without compromising style, performance and capability: The F-250 Super Chief combines Ford Super Duty pickup capability with clean, renewable hydrogen; the Ford Reflex offers dynamic styling, sports-car performance, and 65 miles per gallon by combining diesel, electric and solar energy.

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