FORD WELCOMES CLEANER VEHICLES TASK FORCE REPORT

BRENTWOOD-- Ford welcomed the publication of the Department of the Environment Transport and the Regions' Cleaner Vehicles Task Force Report. The Task Force co-chaired by Ian McAllister, Chairman and Managing Director of Ford of Britain, and Helen Liddell, Minister of Transport is a collaborative effort to reach consensus between industry and government. It tackles the issues associated with regulated pollutants and carbon dioxide.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Ian McAllister said: "I am proud to be part of this valuable partnership between government and industry to reduce the environmental impact of road transport.

"Following our recent leadership in Europe on a ground breaking voluntary agreement between European Vehicle Manufacturers and the European Commission to reduce CO₂ emissions by 25% from the average new car fleet by 2008, the Cleaner Vehicles Task Force enables us to continue our work here in Britain to reduce the environmental impact of road transport.

"This report shows ways in which all of us, governments, industry, and motorists, by working together can ensure that the way we use road vehicles will continue to bring benefits for future generations."

Ford is already undertaking the measures set out in the report. A bi-fuel Ford Transit was launched in June, with bi-fuel Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo models to be made available later this year. Bi-fuel means these vehicles are capable of running on petrol and LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas) or petrol and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas). On-board diagnostics to measure emissions, telematic systems to help drivers avoid congestion and Ford's research into electric and fuel cell vehicles will all contribute towards objectives set by the task force.

"It is an objective to ensure that a motorist can say 'I'm an environmentalist and a car enthusiast'." said Ian McAllister.