Ford and Philadelphia Gas Works Bring Clean-Burning Vans to the City

6 November 1997

    PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, -- When 70 new Philadelphia Gas Works
vans hit the streets, they will not only help the gas utility improve service
to customers -- they'll also help the environment.  Powered solely by natural
gas, the Ford Econoline vans emit 85 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than
most gasoline-powered vehicles on the road today.
    Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) today took delivery of the first 33 of the
70-vehicle shipment from Ford Motor Company.  The emissions of these 70
natural gas vehicles equal those of 462 gasoline-powered vehicles at base
emission levels.
    "Through the years, PGW's mission has been to provide the finest service
to our valued customers," notes Gregory Martin, executive vice president/chief
operating officer for PGW.  "With the delivery of the new natural gas
vehicles, not only will we be more efficient and responsive, but PGW also will
contribute to improving the environment and the quality of life for all
Philadelphians."
    When introduced earlier this year, Ford's natural gas Econoline van and
F-250 pickup were the first internal combustion vehicles in the world to meet
California's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) standards.
"Building on Ford's solid reputation for durability, versatility and safety,
the Econoline accounts for nearly half the full-size van sales in the United
States," says Tom Artushin, manager of small and medium truck sales for Ford
Motor Company.  "With the added benefits of natural gas, we've given customers
yet another reason to choose this vehicle."
    "Ford is very proud to be the first in the world to have attained these
emission levels," he adds.  "It's part of our on-going commitment to
developing environmentally responsible products."
    The Econoline comes equipped with a 5.4L Triton V8 engine and electronic
4-speed automatic overdrive transmission.  Ford also offers the F-Series
pickup and Crown Victoria as dedicated natural gas vehicles, and produces
bi-fuel versions of the F-Series, Econoline, and Contour.  Bi-fuel vehicles
can operate on either gasoline or natural gas.
    Philadelphia Gas Works is a natural gas utility owned by the City of
Philadelphia, supplying gas service within the city limits to more than
542,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers.

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company