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Ford and American Taxi Partner to Build Natural Gas Taxi Fleet

6 September 1999

Ford and American Taxi Partner to Build The West Coast's First Natural Gas Taxi Fleet

    LOS ANGELES, Sept. 3 -- Ford Motor Company and
American Taxi Company announced today the delivery of the first vehicles in
what will be a fleet of over 160 natural gas-powered Ford taxis by the end of
1999.  The first 24 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Ford Crown Victorias are the
foundation of what will become one of the largest fleets of natural gas
vehicles (NGVs) in the U.S.
    The announcement came as part of the Ford LA Street Race, where American
Taxi is serving as the official taxi service, providing free transportation to
and from the race for the non-profit children's educational group, Mission
Science.  Ford is showcasing its alternative fuel technology with an
exhibition race of zero-emission electric Rangers and is providing Mission
Science children with free passes to the race as a means to educate them about
alternative fuel technologies and low emission levels.
    "The benefits of low-emission taxis are clear," says Beryl Stajich, Ford
Fleet and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Brand Manager.  "These Ford natural gas
cars are dependable, long range vehicles that also help promote clean air in
California.  Ford and American Taxi are companies committed to helping improve
air quality without sacrificing vehicle performance.  The combination is
really unbeatable."
    The Ford Crown Victoria NGV is the only factory-produced, natural-gas-
powered taxi available.  The features and capabilities of the vehicle are
almost identical to the gas-powered Crown Victoria taxi, but emissions levels
and fuel costs are much lower.  The vehicle is certified ILEV/ULEV, which
means the vehicle produces fewer carbon monoxide and greenhouse gas producing
emissions.  Additionally, the cost for natural gas can be as low as 80 cents
per equivalent gallon of gasoline.
    "This clean taxi project is exactly what Southern California needs to help
reduce our air pollution.  Taxis drive over 60,000 miles a year and when they
use low emission technology, it makes a difference," says Dr. William Burke,
Chairman of the South Coast Air Quality Management District.  "American Taxi
and Ford exemplify the kind of prioritizing of clean fuel technology that we
need in cities and high mileage fleets throughout our region."
    American Taxi is currently operating 24 CNG Ford Crown Victoria taxi cabs
in Southern California, with 141 more on order from Ford Motor Company.  The
total of 165 vehicles will make American Taxi the largest fleet of CNG taxis
in the United States.  The vehicles were purchased from Wondries Ford in
Alhambra and Theadore Robins Ford in Costa Mesa.
    "We are pleased with the CNG Crown Victorias we have in service today and
looking forward to taking delivery of the remainder of the fleet," says
American Taxi President, Rick Schorling, "They really are great vehicles --
both in performance and style."
    The Ford CNG Crown Victoria is a foundation vehicle for Ford's full-line
of Alternative Fuel Vehicles, serving as a passenger vehicle, taxi cab and
police vehicle with various enhancement packages.  Ford offers vehicles which
run on natural gas, propane, ethanol and battery electric power.  Natural gas,
which is readily available in many parts of the country, is a popular
alternative fuel for fleets concerned with emissions, economic and
environmental issues.