Ford Social: Going Green: Where We are and Where We’re Going

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Going Green: Where We are and Where We’re Going

7/1/2009

JUL

Wonder what makes Ford Motor Company tick when it comes to being green? Our drive to increase fuel economy? How we improve vehicle safety and promote human rights?

Ford’s 10th annual sustainability report, aptly named, “Blueprint for Sustainability: Our Future Works,” details progress on all of these topics, and tells you where we are in regards to hitting our goals.

Some highlighted topics that you can read in this year’s report include:

Ford is on track to reach its goal to reduce by 30 percent the carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions of its new U.S. and European vehicles by 2020, compared to the 2006 model year
Accelerated development of battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), which will be introduced between 2010 and 2012
Vehicle quality continues to improve, with Ford now on par with the best in the business
Improved the energy efficiency of its North American facilities by 4.5 percent in 2008, resulting in savings of approximately $16 million
Received the most Top Safety Picks from the U.S.-based Insurance Institute for Highway Safety of any automaker and introduced a range of safety innovations to its vehicles globally in 2008. In the most recent Euro NCAP assessments, the Ford Kuga, Fiesta, European Focus, Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy received best-in-class, five-star adult protection and four-star child protection ratings
Conducted human rights and working conditions training sessions in China and Mexico, in conjunction with the Automotive Industry Action Group and other automakers that reached nearly 1,000 Tier 1 suppliers and 7,700 Tier 2 suppliers and were cascaded to more than 66,000 individuals
Joined the United Nations Global Compact in April of 2008, reinforcing its commitment to human rights and other important responsibilities of global companies.

In the interest of the environment as well as cost savings, Ford has elected not to do a traditional print version of the report. The full report is available online at www.ford.com/go/sustainability.

29 COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE

Jason R. Again, how about a hybrid minivan??? 15-17 mpg city is as bad as the gas guzzling SUVs, vans, & full-sized cars out there (Lincolns, Crown Vics, etc...). I think this market is vastly underestimated!!!
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Daren Donald. I must acknowledge that I firmly beleive that anthropogenic warming is a reality, in part because I believe that most of the studies cited by the IPCC are peer reviewed and in part because some of these studies are not based on models but on ice core data, etc. However, it should be obvious as a former resident of LA that a transportation system based on petroleum is environmentally unsound regardless of the climate change issue. NOx emissions are partly responsible for acid deposition across the country, oil spills damage sensitive estuaries, freshwater lakes, and groundwater around the world, and the health effects of smog and particulate pollution resulting from buring petroleum contributes to our health care issues in this country. Anything we can do to find a more environmentally friendly transportation system is positive. Solving what most scientists agree is a real and present climate change danger is a bonus.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Jennifer Moore Ford Motor Company Communications Sam - We have long been supportive of E85 and biofuels and already have more than two million E85 capable vehicles on the road. Currently we offer several different models that are E85 capable - Fusion / Milan are available with a 3.0L E85 FFV engine the 2010 Escape and Mariner models with 3.0L 4V , one version of the F-150, Econoline, Expedition, Navigator, Grand Marquis, Crown Vic, Town Car. Ford has committed to double the production of our flexible fuel vehicles by 2010 and make half of our products FFVs by 2012 provided infrastructure to support this increase is in place. We believe biofuels do have a role to play in helping achieve energy security and look forward to progress coming in cellulosic ethanol. Jennifer Moore Ford Motor Company
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Sam Wise I would like to know about your corporate position on E85 and flex fuel vehicles. Where are your cars with flex fuel capability? When will you make your entire fleet flex fuel / ethanol capable? Why have you not supported this important technology which is good for our world and especially good for the USA? I would greatly appreciate an actual , considerate response to these questions. Thank You
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Donald Mitxhell Dear Sirs: I am offended by automatic assumptions of anthropogenic global warming. Please cite peer reviewed studies which are actually based on data rather than models. If you are to suscribe to the theory of anthropogenic global warming, electric vehicles (as well as any other vehicle) must be evaluated on their total global warming contribution. This means that the warming potential of the production of the vehicle as well as the recharging of the vehicle must be considered. Descriptions of hydrogen powered vehicles as non polluting is an obvious falsehood unless you can describe an economically feasible method for production of the hydrogen.. I am not unaware of environmental concerns. I left the Los Angles area some 40 years ago when I decided that it was not a good place to live. Give me good science and I will go along with you. Parroting a bunch of sycophants who are merely espousing that which will keep grants flowing in their direction does not give me any reason to consider you other than an enemy of rational individuals. Donald Mitchell
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Ed Mitchell Hi Neil Reed, I understand what you are saying when it seems not too many others around do. I am just about done with development of Stanley Meyer water for fuel technology. Once I convert one or more of my cars over I will approach them and see what they say. But rest assured my big plan is well past anyones ability to block the technology as they have done so far too many times in the past. It has been over 11 years since the death of Stanley Meyer and to his credit he has kept the technology to himself until now. I think it is time for change, as the new administration keeps telling us, and I will make it my mission in life to see that change does comes our way this time. This technology has no hydrogen filling stations so no infrastructure is needed, all the power is kept in the Automotive industry as it should be. Since Ford has shown they can survive hard times I think they are worthy to have a shot at this technology first.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Scott Monty Interesting thought, John. I'm out here on the test track where the BEV Focus is running and I put the question to some team members. They agreed it was a good thought, but reminded me that the regenerative system only works when the vehicle is on. We don't recommend running your vehicle while towing it. :-) Scott Monty Global Digital Communications Ford Motor Company
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

John Tarrant Self Charging Focus - can the new electric Focus be towed behind an RV? If so, will regenerative braking engage whenever the RV applies its brakes, thus charging the Focus for FREE?
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Kevin Coyman I fully agree with Neil. Hydrogen on demand is very inexpensive, has an immediate and substantial impact. I am about to create and install these on my wife's and my car. There is also a new turbine engine technology on the verge of being mass produced. It is being refined by a division of the largest company in China and in the US by the worlds leading expert on turbines as you read this. I have seen the prototype which is 30% more efficient then current engines on the road and there is plenty of room for improvement! Additionally, this engine only has one moving part, requires no oil, is air cooled, has cold start capabilities and can run on any fuel. This will be the engine in every vehicle on the road in the very near future! They also have the ability to be used from mopeds and lawn movers to energy generation to anything that needs and engine. I highly recommend Ford to check this out and get on board.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

jerry hamilton yes i think a edge in a hybird would be better then that flex any day. A tax break or rebate would help you sell more.if not why not make the escape hybird able to pul a load like the highlander hybird does?
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Mike Price Mid size-Tacoma size/F100, with small diesel to compete with Mahindra and possibably Toyota mid size. Most or at least many surburban cowboys are happy with a mid size truck evidence Tacoma sales. We need a truck with 300-350 ft lbs of torque in that size. Even an F150 with the 3.6 ltr Rover may work, perhaps a Detroit diesel, who knows. What happened to hybrid hydrolics? Far better than batteries.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Jeannie Collins I've enjoyed talking with Ford dealers and staff this year and learning more about their business. I'm looking forward to many more learning opportunities this year as we think about next steps for Community Colleges in our area. Bioethanol may be controversial; however, the facts are there to support the transition of PHEV technology. With many exciting developments for hybrids and plug in electric vehicles no doubt Ford will remain in a leadership role, pacing appropriately for the scale of their deployments.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Les Schell You missed the point all together... You were being asked about Hydrogen On Demand not storing Hydrogen in a bottle for later use. There are a number kits available that produce Hydrogen on demand that would boost power, burn cleaner and save fossil fuels by increased fuel mileage. It's something that could make a difference NOW. In the future you can then work on a Hydrogen only vehicle and the infrastructure required to support it. But right now the Hydrogen On Demand technology would ease peoples pocket books, help clean the air and give you a leading edge with higher fuel economy ratings.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

robert barr Do you have a nat gas car in the works?
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Richard Hergenroeder Hello, I'd like to replace my Ford minivan with a wagon that holds 3 adults in the back seat. and gets good mileage. At the moment only the VW Passat 4-cylinder wagon qualifies because it gets high mpg. When will a high mpg Edge, or similar vehicle that can accomodate 5 adults, be available from Ford? Hybrids are okay....but i prefer a diesel. A 4-cylinder gasoline EDGE would be okay. Thanks for your reply.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

KTaylor It would truly be nice if the car companies would use other places like maybe Indiana to release new technologies. The California and D.C. thing is getting old. The cars go there and the programs die. Try other parts of the country. Give me a fuel cell car and I'll generate the Hydrogen in my back yard.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Alan Ford delivers a plug in hybrid to our utility company 1 1/2 years ago for "testing". And it is scheduled for release in 2012? Come on Ford. If they haven't broken down in a year and a half they aren't going to, why make us wait another 3 years for a Plug in Hybrid? Why not put some pressure on Chevron to release the patents they have held on Nickel Metal Hydride batteries for the last decade? Let's call out the oil companies and let the chips fall where they may. I'll buy a PHEV today!
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Lisa White While I applaud Ford's efforts to go green, I have had the recent experience of trying to buy a Ford Escape Hybrid only to find out that there are not financing incentives available for Hybrids. This is a deterrent as more people would be willing to buy a Hybrid if they could at least get a better financing deal. It would really get people more interested. You can develop all the hybrid cars you want but you have to get people to buy them.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Brad Kaaya So glad to see an American Company moving with the times. Go green! Go Ford!
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Nancy Why don't you bring the Ford KA to the US? the mileage surpasses anything Ford has in the US. If you are serious about the environment, bring it here. It would be highly successful. It is adorable and quite economical.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Jim Herron How right you are! Corporate America has been taking advantage of the American people as well as people around the world by using their obseen profits to ensure that their interests take a front seat when it comes to creating legislation favorable to corporations. Ford has been a leader in many inovations yet failed to move on what surely could be seen as the direction to head (alternatives) after the "Arab oil embargo. Our dependence on fossil fuels coupled with the evidence of climate change should be enough to sway disbelievers, yet the .... . . .... . . . I tend to ramble, loose my train of thought, and just get depressed knowing how much we have all been taken advantage of in so many aspects from governments to corporations to even churches that use our money (tithing) for things other than it was intended. Back to Ford. Plug in Hybrid vehicles charged with solar panels on as many roofs as feasible in addition to expansion of other clean sources (geothermal, tidal, wave, wind, heat pumps), plus more conservation.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Jason R. *** ATTENTION FORD DESIGNERS !!! *** We want a hybrid MINIVAN !!! I would love to ditch my Town & Country, which gets a pathetic 15-17 mpg around town for a Ford mini-van -- but something w/ Edge-inspired lines, not that butt-ugly Wind/Freestar model. Make it cool-looking instead of homely & the buyers will come. And imagine the positive PR that would come from being the first manufacturer to release one in North America. Couple that w/ the aforementioned fact that Ford didn't need/have to take a government bailout, add in the "Cash for Clunkers" program, and you've got a recipe for success. We're a family of 5, and we need a minivan that pulls double duty as an around-the-town taxi and also the family truckster for vacations! And while we're at it, how about hybrid versions of the Taurus/Sable? Love my '05 Montego AWD & would definitely repurchase the same model a few yrs from now in hybrid form... The infrastructure of gas isn't going to be replaced anytime soon, so let's look to the future in hybrid technology.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Scott T. Wife and I own 2009 Escape XLT; love it. We downsized from an Explorer for mileage purposes. The quality inside and out make me proud to be a Ford owner! Looking forward to purchasing new Fords in the future.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

D. Santos In order for Ford to develop hydrogen-on-demand vehicles at the current moment, they would also need to have a hydrogen infrastructure in place at the current time these vehicles are released. Ford already has done work on some hydrogen vehicles and proven that they can work. But what is the purpose of having these cars released to the public when the general public could not refuel the cars. There is no doubt Ford already has these vehicles ready for deployment however the rest of the United States needs to be ready for hydrogen cars. Meaning there needs to be a way to cost effectively mass produce the hydrogen needed and also a way to transport it to the public. Until a hydrogen infrastructure is set in stone only concept test vehicles like the Honda FCX Clarity or the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Chevy Equinox will be available in specific places like Washington D.C and California.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Patrick McCoy I am the proud owner of an 08 Ford Edge AWD. I put on about 40 thousand miles per year and absolutly love the vehicle. My only wish would be to have this car in a hybred version. Can you tell me when one will be available. My wife and kids are debating who gets this one when I am done with it. Thanks, Pat
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Frank Reade I can't think of any company of this magnitude that is committed to community and family as much as Ford Motor Co. My prayers are with it's family and partners for continued success. I know these efforts Ford Motor is making in these arenas of working conditions, automotive excellence, and the 'American Spirit' cannot go unnoticed by the general public for long. I am surprised by some comments, but everybody has their own opinions. Next year I hope to see 'Best Automotive Design' in this list also, along with 'Top Manufacturer.' (I don't work for Ford either, wished I did.)
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

Dan Chance 1) You deserve credit for remaining solvent without bailout funds. Hoozah. 2) You deserve a spanking for intentional ignorance of alternative propulsion options or for stubborn refusal to incorporate them until catastrophe loomed. 3) You have begun moving but be aware that moving too slow will just prolong the agony for the country ... and for you. FIND THE BEST SOLUTIONS... THEN BE THE BEST. Give us over 200 mpg. You and I know it is possible with PHEV.
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social

neil reed Why isn't Ford developing hydrogen-on-demand devices their car engines. This basic addition to the engine intake system will cut pollution levels mega faster than any other Ford hybrid development. Ol' Henry must be spinning in his grave....
2 year(s) ago via Ford Social