FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND PROJECT PARTNERS SHOWCASE HYDROGEN TECHNOLOGY

Ford's V-10, E-450 shuttle bus powered by hydrogen internal combustion engine.

Tallahassee, Fla., April 27, 2005 – Ford Motor Company, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), TUG Technologies Corporation, Delta Airlines and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) showcased a hydrogen fueled tow tractor outside of City Hall in downtown Tallahassee, Fla., today.

Project partners have teamed to create a one-of-a-kind product to benefit the local environment and economy. Two TUG M1 tow tractors will be placed into service with Delta Airlines as baggage carriers at the Orlando International Airport later this summer. They will be powered by a Ford 4.2-liter, V-6 industrial engine converted and calibrated to operate on gaseous hydrogen. The proof-of-concept hydrogen fueled engines will create approximately 80 horsepower at 3600 RPM - naturally aspirated. The tow tractors emit near zero tailpipe emissions, without utilizing an exhaust after-treatment system, making them an ideal solution for the airport environment where emissions levels are strictly regulated., The engine also delivers up to a 99.7 percent reduction in carbon dioxide, with the main by-product being water,.

"This project is envisioned to lead the way for other hydrogen fueled products for private, commercial and industrial use in a variety of global applications," said Jack Damron, director of Ford Power Products.

Ford Power Products, a leading supplier of Ford powertrains to the industrial market, has a long standing working relationship with TUG Technologies. TUG Technologies is a partner and valued customer of Ford which uses the company's powertrains in a variety of ground support applications. Ford's 4.2-liter engine has been a key power source to the ground support equipment market in gasoline, natural gas and liquid petroleum gas configurations. "Our existing partnerships create a natural fit for us to work with TUG and the state of Florida to introduce hydrogen internal combustion engine technology to the airline ground support industry," said John Andreas, manager engineering and programs for Ford Power Products.

Ford Motor Company is pursuing hydrogen fuel technologies as a way to reduce mobile and stationary emissions and diversify our nation's energy sources. Ford is the only automaker actively involved in developing four alternative fuel and powertrain technologies – gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesels, hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells.

In addition to the tow tractors, Ford will also produce eight V-10, E-450 shuttle buses powered by hydrogen internal combustion engines for Florida. The state will operate the shuttles in the Orlando area, including the Orlando airport, upon delivery in 2006. The Orlando airport projects will allow for real world operating experience and data gathering. They also support "H2 Florida," a statewide initiative to grow the hydrogen technology industry, spur investment and economic opportunity and safeguard the nation's natural resources.