Ford CEO Pushes for Tax Incentives

Washington DC November 23, 2005; The AIADA newsletter reported that in a speech at the National Press Club, Ford Motor Co. Chairman and CEO Bill Ford urged Congress to "dramatically increase" tax credits for research and development of alternative vehicles and consider tax incentives to help American manufacturers modernize their plants, according to AP.

Suggesting that lawmakers expand the kind of incentives that offered up to $3,600 in tax credits for consumers who buy hybrid vehicles and encouraged the use of ethanol, Ford also said the government should only purchase hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles within the next few years.

"Now, more than ever, I believe we must take action," Ford said. "If we put our heads together and keep in mind our shared interest in America’s future, I’m confident that we can innovate our way toward the right solutions."

Ford was scheduled to meet with White House officials later Tuesday, as part of his effort to convene an energy summit with automakers, suppliers, energy companies, consumers and the government "to discuss our nation’s energy security and our role in helping find a solution."

Ford has launched a public campaign to describe its plans to produce 250,000 hybrids a year by 2010, 10 times the number it produces now. It currently has two hybrid sport utility vehicles on the market. It has also announced plans to produce 250,000 ethanol-capable vehicles in 2006.