Ford Motor Company plans to introduce its first commercial hydrogen-powered V-10, E-450 shuttle bus

DEARBORN, Mich., March 4, 2005 – Ford Motor Company plans to introduce its first commercial hydrogen-powered V-10, E-450 shuttle bus to the airline ground support market at the 2005 Ground Support Equipment Expo, March 8-10 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Propelled by an internal combustion engine that is supercharged and inter-cooled for maximum efficiency, the 12-passenger E-450 shuttle bus is designed to run on hydrogen fuel instead of gasoline. The vehicle is equipped with a 26-gallon equivalent, 5,000 pounds-per-square-inch hydrogen fuel tank with an expected range of about 150 miles. With near-zero emissions, including carbon dioxide, the E-450 shuttle bus will meet the most stringent applicable emissions standards.

Ford Motor Company is advancing hydrogen fuel technologies as a way of reducing mobile and stationary emissions and reducing our nation's energy dependence on fossil fuels. Ford is the only automaker actively involved in all four alternative fuel technologies – gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesels, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines and fuel cells.

Ford Power Products (FPP), a division of Ford Powertrain Operations, is responsible for the sales and marketing of Ford's hydrogen internal combustion engines. Primary industrial applications for hydrogen internal combustion engine technology include airline ground support equipment (GSE) and power generation (generators – gen-sets).

Ford Power Products offers a Ford 6.8-liter V-10 industrial engine, capable of operating on natural gas (NG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The 6.8-liter hydrogen internal combustion engine has been prototyped in a gen-set application manufactured by Waukesha, Wis.-based Generac Power Systems. "The 6.8 engine is an impressive example of Ford’s rock solid design," said John Andreas, director of programs and engineering for Ford Power Products. "It creates minimal vibration, making it highly durable, with little wear on the engine or gen-set components."

In addition, a Ford 4.2-liter V-6 industrial engine has also been modified to run on hydrogen. This engine has previously been a key power source to the GSE market in gasoline, NG and LPG configurations. The hydrogen engine is being prototyped in airline ground support equipment today. Marietta, Ga.-based TUG Technologies Corporation is utilizing the engine in its model M1A airport tow tractor. The Ford hydrogen internal combustion engine is a helpful power solution within the airport environment, where emissions levels are strictly regulated.

The Ford display at the 2005 GSE Expo (booth #4096) will include the Ford V-10 hydrogen E-450 shuttle bus, Ford 6.8-liter hydrogen engine, Generac gen-set and TUG tow tractor, all operable on hydrogen. Representatives from Stuart Energy, an Ontario-based hydrogen station manufacturer, will also be at Ford's booth to provide information on the hydrogen filling station equipment needed to support these vehicles. It is the foundation of a new hydrogen infrastructure that uses only water and electricity to produce clean, pure hydrogen.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufacturers and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 318,000 employees worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Care and Hertz.

Ford Power Products is the sales and marketing office of Ford Powertrain Operations. Since 1947, FPP has supplied Ford powertrains to the industrial, marine and on-highway markets. Headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., the company also has a European office in Essex, England. For additional information, visit www.fordpowerproducts.com or call 800-833-4773.