Ford Hybrid Owners Head to Fuel-Economy School

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 7, 2005 -- This weekend, hybrid vehicle owners from across North America converge at Ford's Research and Innovation Laboratory here as part of a nationwide effort to teach consumers how to improve fuel economy. Beginning later this month, Ford and police officers in 10 cities will patrol the streets, issuing citations to those who demonstrate fuel-saving driving techniques.

Both efforts are part of a Ford Motor Company educational campaign on fuel economy.

"Ford is committed to improving fuel economy, and many consumers are anxious to do the same," explains Mary Ann Wright, director of Ford's Sustainable Mobility Technologies and Hybrid Programs.

Fuel efficiency experts, including Ford's environmental specialists, agree that learning to drive differently can increase fuel efficiency. The U.S. Department of Energy says that aggressive driving -- such as rapid acceleration, speeding and braking -- lowers gas mileage significantly. Even small changes to driving style, speed, engine loading and vehicle maintenance can improve fuel economy as much as 25 percent.

Ford is using the educational efforts to showcase its commitment to hybrid vehicles. In September, Ford stepped up its commitment to environmental leadership by announcing a ten-fold increase in hybrid vehicle production plans. That statement was part of a broader announcement by Ford Chairman and CEO Bill Ford, who said innovation would be the compass by which the company would chart its future direction.

Ford says it will sell approximately 250,000 units annually by 2010, and more than half of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury lineup will have hybrid capability.

"We were the first company with a hybrid SUV and the first American automaker to put a hybrid vehicle on the road. Now, we're working hard to innovate and introduce more of these kinds of advanced fuel-saving technologies in the future," Wright says.

Nearly 300 Ford hybrid owners from 24 states and Quebec and Ontario, Canada, are expected to attend this weekend's "Ford Hybrid Fuel Economy Experience" in Dearborn. The clinic is designed to teach consumers how to improve vehicle fuel economy and learn about new hybrid technology.

"Research indicates that two out of every five consumers are unfamiliar with hybrid technology and its benefits," says Wright. "This clinic ensures that our customers not only have the most current information about their hybrid, but understand how to benefit most from it."

At the clinic, participants receive advice on how to drive their hybrid for maximum fuel economy. They also receive a vehicle inspection by a technician and participate in an informal discussion with Ford's hybrid experts. Owners then put their knowledge to the test in a fuel economy driving challenge.

Consumers also can learn more about hybrid fuel economy from Ford by going online to the "Mercury Mariner MyDrive Game" at http://www.marinerhybrid.com/ . The "Mercury Mariner MyDrive" is a fun, interactive driving game that features the Mariner Hybrid in urban and suburban settings and gives consumers three levels of play to discover a variety of eco driving tips.

Ford Hybrid Patrol

On Oct. 18, Ford kicks off a 10-city tour to bring fuel-saving driving tips to local communities. Ford is partnering with local police departments to challenge consumers to drive more efficiently.

Local police officers -- who often have high fuel-consumption rates -- will patrol the streets in new Mercury Mariner Hybrids. Joined by Ford's hybrid and fuel economy experts, their mission is to find local drivers "in the act" of demonstrating fuel-saving practices with their vehicles, including hybrids. The citation will be a pre-paid $25 gasoline card from BP.

A fuel-economy clinic also will take place for the police officials in each community and include a "best-mileage competition" among officers. The most fuel efficient officer from across the country will be awarded a Mercury Mariner Hybrid for his or her department. Ford also is donating $2,500 to each local Police Athletic League to fund programs to keep children off the streets and out of trouble.

Communities included in the Ford Hybrid Patrol effort include: Cleveland (Oct. 18); Chicago (Oct. 20); Washington, D.C. (Oct. 24); Boston (Oct. 27); New York (Nov. 1); Dallas (Nov. 10); Phoenix (Nov. 15); Los Angeles (Nov. 17); San Francisco (Nov. 22) and Miami (Dec. 1).