Ford Issues $1 Million Natural Gas Challenge

25 May 1999
Ford Issues $1 Million Natural Gas Challenge
    LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 24 -- Most of us have imagined what we
would do if we suddenly had the opportunity to spend $1 million.  Now, 13
North American cities have the chance to do more than imagine.
    Ford Motor Company announced today it will invest one million
dollars to promote the use of natural gas fuel in two or three cities.
    Ford is issuing the "CNG Challenge" to 13 cities in the U.S. and Canada.
The program will result in a joint marketing effort to significantly increase
the use and the visibility of natural gas in the selected cities.  The money
can be used in a variety of ways, including fuel purchases and sales
assistance, along with paying for advertising and educational programs.
    "Natural gas is not only a significantly cleaner fuel than gasoline, in
vehicles it is an environmentally-sound technology that is available right
now," said Ron Robbins, Executive Director of North American Fleet Marketing.
    The 13 cities involved are Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles,
Philadelphia, New York, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle,
Toronto and Washington, DC.
    All the cities involved are major Ford markets and are part of the
Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program.  Ford is partnering with Clean
Cities and local utilities on many efforts to break through the barriers
against the use of natural gas vehicles.  Those applying for the million
dollars are submitting official proposals to Ford this week.  The winning
cities will be announced in early June.
    "We are looking for a city to match the commitment Ford Motor Company is
showing in this effort," said Robbins.  "We want to make sure that resources
in terms of dollars and people will be made available by local utilities and
the Clean Cities group."  Proposals will be judged by resources and sales
assistance pledged, vehicles sales potential, and by the aggressiveness of the
sales, advertising, marketing and education plans.
    The end objective is to provide cleaner air and a strong business case, by
generating higher volume of natural gas vehicle sales and increased use of
natural gas fuel.
    Ford today sells more natural gas-powered vehicles than any automaker in
the world.  Those vehicles include dedicated versions of the F-250, Econoline
van and Crown Victoria sedan, and bi-fuel models of the F-250 and Contour
sedan.  Ford also is testing a fleet of 50 dedicated natural gas Expedition
sport utility vehicles across the U.S.