TH!NK City Makes History as First Electric Pace Car in LA Street Race
27 June 2000
TH!NK City Makes History as First Electric Pace Car in LA Street Race
LOS ANGELES, June 26 Ford Motor Company
announced today that its new electric city car, TH!NK city, will be the first-
ever electric pace car in the 4th Annual Ford LA Street Race.
Demonstrating a continuing commitment to providing clean and convenient
transportation, this zero-emission, battery electric vehicle is just one
example of the alternative transportation choices offered by Ford Motor
Company that will be showcased at the race July 15-16.
"We have over 35 years of experience in the alternative fuel vehicle
industry and are proud of where we stand right now with these programs. We
also think the debut of our new line of electric vehicles is especially
relevant right now due to the increased price of gasoline," said John Wallace,
executive director of TH!NK Group.
The TH!NK city, produced by Ford's TH!NK Group, will serve as the official
pace car for all races throughout the weekend. The racetrack is a one mile,
designated course set on the streets of downtown Los Angeles.
Ford offers a full line of environmental vehicles, including vehicles
powered by alternative fuels like propane, natural gas and ethanol and the
TH!NK Group's new zero-emission, battery electric vehicles. These
environmental vehicle groups will participate in a number of events throughout
the weekend including a charity fundraiser, prize giveaways and a vintage car
show. This event also offers people a first chance to see the new TH!NK
electric bikes which can be ordered at the race from the Ford Environmental
Vehicles Booth.
Ford supports after-school literacy program
Representatives will be selling raffle tickets in the Ford Environmental
Vehicles Booth for a chance to win a TH!NK electric bike. All proceeds will
go to LA's BEST Program, an elementary after-school program that operates in
over 70 schools within the Los Angeles Unified School District. The program
is a partnership between the school district and Los Angeles City Hall
designed to promote learning and literacy. In addition, 300 children and 30
chaperones from the program will attend the race on Sunday, July 16, courtesy
of Ford Motor Company.
Ford Environmental Vehicles Booth
The exhibit booth will be open all weekend and race-goers are invited to
stop by and learn more about the initiatives Ford is taking to advance the
environmental vehicle industry. Several vehicles will be on display
including:
TH!NK city -- This two-seat battery electric vehicle can take you where
you need to go quickly and easily. It has plenty of room for cargo such as
groceries or beach gear and can travel up to 53 miles before needing to
recharge. With a top speed of 56 miles per hour, the TH!NK city makes sure
you get where you need to be, when you need to be there. North American
demonstration programs with the TH!NK city are currently in progress.
TH!NK neighbor -- Too short a trip to pull the minivan out of the garage
but too far to walk? TH!NK neighbor is just the thing you're looking for.
It's big enough to carry two to four people, plus cargo, but is battery
powered so harmful emissions are eliminated. It may be small in size, but big
in convenience. With a top speed of 15 to 25 miles per hour and a 30-mile
range, the neighbor is perfect for travel in closed communities like resorts,
college campuses and industrial parks. Production of the vehicle is slated to
begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
TH!NK bike fun and TH!NK bike traveler -- These electric bikes offer
power-assisted pedaling and will keep going on those longer rides or steep
hills when your legs are ready to quit. The TH!NK bike fun has a range of
approximately 22 miles while the TH!NK bike traveler holds a range of about 15
miles. You can commute to work, take care of errands and enjoy a leisurely
ride at the end of the day all before needing to recharge. Order banks are
open now on-line at http://www.thinkmobility.com .
A sampling of Ford's alternative fuel vehicles powered by natural gas,
propane and ethanol will also be available for public viewing. Product
specialists will be on hand to answer questions about all of the vehicles.
TH!NK electric bike order bank opens
Orders for TH!NK's brand new line of electric bikes will be taken at the Ford
Environmental Vehicles Booth throughout the weekend. This is the first
vehicle produced by TH!NK Mobility to go on sale in North America.
Win a TH!NK electric bike
Leading up to the weekend, a local radio station will be hosting a contest
with the prize being a TH!NK electric bike. Each qualifier will receive four
tickets to the race events and on Friday, July 14, the name of one winner will
be drawn. This lucky person will be presented with a certificate and a TH!NK
bike traveler will be delivered to their door.
Vintage Car Show
From vintage to classic to hot rods, a wide variety of cars and trucks
will be at this show. Vehicles from Ford's TH!NK Group and the alternative
fuel vehicle lineup will be on display Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.