The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Ford Conducts Alternative Fuel Training Course

31 March 1999

Ford Conducts Alternative Fuel Training Course, Certifies SunLine Transit to Repair Electric Vehicles

    PALM SPRINGS, Calif.--March 30, 1999--Ford Motor Company today began the first of a two-day training course to certify SunLine Transit Agency as an in-house maintenance provider for various types of Ford-certified alternative fuel vehicles.
    Municipal fleet technicians from other Coachella Valley cities and neighboring counties are also participating in the training course. This program, taught through Ford's North American Fleet Training, is being held at the SunLine facility near Palm Springs.
    "Ford is continuously striving to develop the most comprehensive fleet training programs in the industry," said James Johnson, Ford's Manager of Western Fleet Training. "Although there is a basic fleet class content, each fleet has varying applications. The emphasis of Ford's training session at SunLine will be on automotive applications for alternative fuel vehicles. The goal is to provide service technicians, like those at SunLine, with access to every possible resource so they may repair vehicles correctly the first time, minimizing vehicle downtime."
    Ford Motor Company manufactures more than 97 percent of alternative fuel vehicles sold in North America. Ford leads the industry by providing 11 alternative fuel vehicles, including the zero emission Electric Ranger.
    SunLine's mission is to provide and expand innovative public transit services for the Coachella Valley with a commitment to excellence and environmental leadership. In 1994, it became the first public transit system in the nation to purchase an entire fleet of compressed natural gas-powered buses. Besides its role as an employer and transporter of people, SunLine actually spurred what has become a significant Valley industry -- improving air quality.
    Ford's alternative fuel fleet training course will ensure SunLine technicians meet requirements to repair Electric Ford Rangers. SunLine currently uses Electric Rangers as maintenance vehicles. After completing the training, SunLine will be designated as a Ford Maintnenance Service Center for electric vehicles.
    The second part of Ford's North American Fleet Service Training for alternative fuel vehicles takes place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at SunLine Transit's offices located at 32-505 Harry Oliver Trail, Thousand Palms, CA 92776. For more information, please contact Sharon O'Donnell at 760/343-3456.