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Ford Offers Incentives on Electric Rangers

2 April 1998

Ford Offers Incentives on Electric Rangers

    DEARBORN, Mich., April 2 -- Ford Motor Company
today announced a national purchase incentive of $5,000 toward the price of
its Ranger Electric Vehicles (EV) or, alternately, a national lease rate of
$633 a month.
    Both retail and fleet customers will now be able to lease the Ranger EV
with air conditioning for a 36-month closed-end lease.  The lease program
includes battery maintenance and replacement, if necessary, at no cost to the
customer throughout the 36-month lease.
    "This new leasing program is another incentive to encourage fleet owners
to purchase the electric Ranger and put them to use today," said John Wallace,
director of Ford Alternative Fuel Vehicle Programs.  "We need people to start
realizing the environmental and economic benefits associated with EVs in order
to encourage further infrastructure development."
    As an alternative to the special lease program, the 1998 Ranger EV is
eligible for a $5,000 off-invoice credit when purchased.  The purchase program
includes a 2-year battery warranty, with the second year pro-rated.
    To sell and service the Ranger EV, Ford has established a nationwide
network of dealers.  Forty-four dealers in twelve states from Washington, D.C.
to Oregon will sell, service and repair the Ranger EV.  EV dealers are being
added as more customers express interest in the Ranger EV.
    "We want our EV customers to know that they will receive the same service
and dealership knowledge they expect when they purchase any Ford vehicle,"
said Beryl Stajich, Ford fleet and AFV brand team manager.  "By combining the
solid driving performance of the Ranger EV with ease of service, we've
developed a package that really fits the needs of fleet customers."
    Ranger EVs are now being delivered to fleet customers.  The Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) accepted the keys to the first Ranger EV at the
Greater Los Angeles Auto Show in December 1997.  The vehicle will be used
primarily for mail pick-up and delivery but also may see limited duty with FAA
maintenance technicians at several airports.
    The 1998 Ranger EV includes "Best-in-class" safety and convenience
features such as an on-board conductive charger, regenerative braking, anti-
lock braking system and emergency power-off.  "This state-of-the-art vehicle
incorporates proven advanced technology developed at our world class
facilities and has been rigorously tested to guarantee it is 'Built Ford
Tough,'" said Stajich.
    "Electric vehicles are one part of Ford's overall commitment to
environmental issues," said Wallace.  "We want to take actions that have big
environmental impact right now."
    Among the advantages of electric vehicles are zero tailpipe emissions,
reduced maintenance and improved energy efficiency over the gasoline engine.
"We want people to take a second look and consider the Ford Ranger EV as a
fun-to-drive pickup truck that has the quality, reliability and durability
they have come to expect from Ford," added Stajich.
    Ford is the leader in alternative fuel vehicle technology with the
broadest variety of AFVs of any automaker.  In 1998, Ford offers vehicle
models that run on either ethanol, methanol, propane, natural gas or
electricity.  In the 1997 model year, 91 percent of all alternative fuel
vehicles sold in the United States were built by Ford.

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company