Ford Launches Natural Gas Marketing Strategy in Salt Lake City

10 September 1997
Ford Launches Natural Gas Marketing Strategy in Salt Lake City

    SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 10 -- Ford Motor Company
launched an aggressive, six-city program in Salt Lake City today to expand the
nation's markets for natural gas vehicles (NGVs).
    "Ford is serious about developing alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) as a
business and this highly-focused effort is one of many actions we're taking,"
said Beth Ardisana, a marketing specialist for Ford Alternative Fuel Vehicles.
"We want customers to recognize that natural gas vehicles and other AFVs are a
viable alternative that could have a positive impact on the environment."
    Ford announced its "Focus Market Development Program" at an industry
conference in Salt Lake City where Utah officials took delivery of 12 natural
gas trucks and vans recently purchased for use in state fleets.
    In addition to Salt Lake City, focus cities are Atlanta, Chicago, Denver,
Los Angeles and New York.  In each city, Ford will concentrate marketing
efforts on how natural gas vehicles can best be used at airports and other
locations as taxicabs and shuttle, delivery and service vehicles.
    The NGV Focus Market Development program is one part of an overall
strategy at Ford to increase demand -- and ultimately sales -- of natural gas
vehicles around the country.  "The program hopes to build on successful
efforts already underway," said Ardisana.  "By focusing on one fuel at a time,
in this case natural gas, we can get greater support and involvement from
industry stakeholders."
    The cities chosen for the program were selected based on several factors
including available refueling infrastructure, an existing market for natural
gas vehicles, and strong government and utility interest.  Ford will partner
with the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition and the Gas Research Institute on the
effort, as well as utilities and governments.
    "Salt Lake City is a focus city because of its existing strong support of
natural gas vehicles," said Ardisana.  "There are 46 private and public
refueling stations in Salt Lake, more than any other city in America, and at
Salt Lake International Airport, there are over 100 natural gas vehicles in
use."
    The state of Utah has taken its commitment to cleaner vehicles even
further by agreeing to purchase 47 Ford Taurus Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs)
that run on 85 percent methanol, unleaded gasoline, or any combination of the
two.
    Besides natural gas and methanol, Ford also offers AFVs that run on
propane, ethanol or electricity.  Ford is the industry's leading producer of
natural gas vehicles.  For the 1998 model year, Ford is offering six NGVs --
dedicated F-Series pickup, Econoline vans and Crown Victoria sedans and
bi-fuel F-Series, Econoline and Contour sedans.
    Customers who want more information on Ford's AFVs can call
1-800-ALT-FUEL.

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company