Ford Hybrid Patrol, South San Francisco PD to Pull Over and 'Cite' Fuel-Efficient Drivers with Free Gas Cards

WHAT: The South San Francisco Police Department is teaming up with the "Ford Hybrid Patrol" to pull over fuel-efficient drivers at random in a customized Mercury Mariner Hybrid patrol SUV (complete with flashers and bullhorn). Drivers will be rewarded free gas cards.

It's part of Ford Motor Company's and the South San Francisco Police Department's effort to promote fuel efficiency and explain the myths and realities of hybrid technology. David Cue, Escape/Mariner HEV Chief Engineer, will accompany the officers and briefly give drivers tips about maximizing fuel economy. Cue will also give a fuel-economy clinic at the South San Francisco PD for officers at roll call. With gas prices in the South San Francisco area averaging $2.39 (regular), the department's fuel budget is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

The fuel-economy clinic will help officers improve their mpg in patrol cars, and give them insights into hybrid innovation as more governmental agencies in the U.S. are giving the fuel-saving hybrids a closer look.

  WHERE &
  WHEN:    South San Francisco Police Department
           33 Arroyo Dr Ste C
           South San Francisco, California 94080

  Tuesday, November 22, 2005
  *  8 a.m. - Officers' fuel-economy challenge
  *  8:45 a.m. - Fuel Economy Clinic
  *  9:15 a.m. - Officers' fuel-economy challenge
  *  10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Hybrid Patrol's $25 Arco gas gift card distribution
                        to random drivers in the city.
  *  4 p.m. - Fuel Economy Clinic

ALSO: The South San Francisco Police Department fuel economy clinic will include a friendly fuel-economy challenge between officers. The officer earning the best fuel economy driving a Ford Escape Hybrid or Mercury Mariner Hybrid will be entered to win a brand-new Mariner Hybrid for his/her department against other police agencies across the country.

Ford will donate $2,500 to the South San Francisco Police Athletic League, an organization to expand the horizons of the youth within the City of South San Francisco, and reduce truancy, drug, and gang activity. P.A.L. also provides more opportunity for police officers to interact with the children in a positive way.

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid debuted at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. Along with the Ford Escape Hybrid, it is one of two hybrids currently manufactured by Ford in the USA, which together are the world's first hybrid SUVs. Demonstrating its commitment to hybrid innovation, more than half of the Ford, Lincoln and Mercury products will have hybrid capability by 2010.

Please contact Bill Jamieson at +1-313-203-7171 or bjamieson@pcgcampbellco.com to schedule one-on-one interviews/test drives with David Cue or to cover the hybrid patrol.

Go to http://media.ford.com/ for news releases and high-resolution photographs.

PRNewswire -- Nov. 21