Ford alternative fuel vehicle sales up this year as automaker continues to lead the industry

• Ford AFV sales growth even outpaces industry light truck sales
• 1999 model year sees 24% sales increase

Dearborn, Mich., - Ford Motor Company announced that U.S. fleet sales of it's alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) rose more than 24 percent for the 1999 model year. To highlight the significance of these figures, Ford compared its AFV sales pace with the entire industry's sale of light trucks, which grew 7 percent over the same period.

"These figures prove that Ford is dedicated to marketing and selling vehicles that reduce smog-forming emissions and greenhouse gases," says Ron Robbins, Executive Director of North American Fleet Marketing. "While, still low volume numbers, we want to highlight the fact that customer acceptance of these vehicles continues to grow. That's why we are in the AFV market for the long-haul."

Ford currently offers more alternatives in alternative fuels than any other automaker in the world. In the U.S., Ford offers 11 alternative fuel cars and light trucks that run on natural gas, propane, ethanol or electricity. In addition to its fleet sales of alternative fuel vehicles, all Ford Ranger pickups with 3.0-liter engines sold in the U.S. are capable of running on E-85 ethanol. In Europe, Ford's AFV lineup by the end of the calendar year, will include 5 vehicles that run on either CNG or LPG.

Some Ford AFVs are offered in dedicated alternative fuel versions, while others are bi-fuel or flexible fuel. Dedicated vehicles operate only on the alternative fuel, bi-fuel vehicles are equipped with separate tanks for gasoline and the alternative fuel such as propane or natural gas, while flexible fuel vehicles run on any combination of unleaded gasoline or ethanol (E85 - 85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) in the same tank.

"Our customers have asked us to provide a range of vehicles to meet their needs for alternative fuels," says Robbins. "We have responded by giving them everything from a four-door sedan to a full-size truck and van."

These vehicles are designed to meet the requirements of various government programs. By seeking to lower emissions levels and/or reduce dependence of foreign oil and gasoline, these government programs require certain fleets to purchase vehicles designed to run on alternative fuels.

For the 2000 model year, Ford's entire line of F-Series Super Duty trucks will be available as bi-fuel propane vehicles. They are being introduced in January 2000. In addition, Ford will offer a limited demonstration program of the new Ford Excursion in a dedicated propane version. The LPG Excursion emissions are below California's most stringent standards for internal combustion engines in this class. Ford is the first company to meet the Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle SULEV standard with a propane vehicle.

Ford is also a technology leader in developing customer-driven advanced propulsion alternative fuel vehicles, such as hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicles. Ford's driveable P2000 Fuel Cell car was first introduced in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. There is also a hybrid electric version of the P2000. The goal of the overall program is to develop next generation family vehicles that provide the same performance and comfort and today's vehicles at the same basic cost.

Ford's U.S. Alternative Fuel Vehicle Lineup: