Ford Hybrid Patrol, Kirkland PD to 'Cite' Fuel-Efficient Drivers With Free Gas Cards

WHAT: The Kirkland Police Department is teaming up with the "Ford Hybrid Patrol" rewarding fuel-efficient, safety-conscious drivers at random in a customized Mercury Mariner Hybrid patrol SUV. Drivers will be rewarded free BP-ARCO gas cards.

It's part of Ford Motor Company's effort to promote fuel efficiency, safe- driving habits, and explain the myths and realities of hybrid technology. Jonathan Butcher, Ford Hybrid Engineer, will briefly give drivers tips about fuel economy, as well as presenting a fuel-economy clinic for the Kirkland PD.

To illustrate the impact of driving habits on fuel economy, the officers will take part in a fuel economy challenge in identical Ford Escape Hybrids. Across the country, officer mileage has varied from 32 mpg to 58 mpg.

With gas prices in the Seattle area averaging around $3.00 a gallon, fuel is consuming an increasing portion of the department's operating budget. The fuel-economy clinic will help officers improve their fuel economy, and provide insights into hybrid innovation as more governmental agencies are giving the fuel-saving hybrids a closer look.

  WHERE&   Thursday, December 1, 2005
  WHEN:    Kirkland Police Department
           112 Fifth Ave.
           Kirkland, WA 98033

           *  7:00 - 7:30 a.m. - Patrol Officer's Economy Clinic
           *  8:00 - 9:00 a.m. - Ford Hybrid Patrol in Kirkland
           *  10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Patrol Officers Driving Challenge
           *  1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Gas card giveaway in Kirkland
           *  2:30 - 4:30 p.m. - Test drives by City Staff

ALSO: The Kirkland Police Department fuel-economy clinic will include a friendly fuel-economy challenge between officers. The officer earning the best fuel economy will be entered to win a brand-new Mariner Hybrid for his/her department against other police agencies across the country. Ford will also donate $2,500 to the Special Olympics of Washington in recognition of the partnership with the Kirkland Police Department.

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 313-203-7171 or bjamieson@pcgcampbell.com to schedule one-on-one interviews/test drives with Jonathan Butcher or to cover the hybrid patrol.

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

PRNewswire -- Nov. 30