FORD VEHICLES HELP FLORIDA JUMP START ITS HYDROGEN HIGHWAY
- A leader in hydrogen-powered vehicle development, Ford Motor Company is producing eight V-10, Ford E-450 shuttle buses powered by hydrogen internal combustion engines for the State of Florida.
- Ford is partnering with BP and the State of Florida to place a demonstration fleet of Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles on the road as part of a U.S. Department of Energy project.
- Ford is the only automaker actively developing four alternative-fuel vehicle technologies: gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesel, hydrogen internal combustions engines and hydrogen fuel cells.
PHOTO CAPTION: Ford Motor Co. Chairman and CEO Bill Ford and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush are shown at the groundbreaking for Florida's first hydrogen fueling station in Orlando, Friday, Feb. Feb. 18, 2005. From left, Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille, Gregory M. Vesey, ChevronTexaco, Bush, Ford, Florida Sen. Lee Constantine and Dale Oliver, Progress Energy. At rear is one of eight Ford V-10, E-450 hydrogen powered shuttle busses built by Ford.
ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 18, 2005 - Citing Ford Motor Company's commitment to creating a better world through innovation, technical excellence and alternative-fuel vehicle development, Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO Bill Ford today joined Florida Governor Jeb Bush to launch the state's Hydrogen Highway and break ground for its first hydrogen fueling station.
"Ford Motor Company is pleased to support Florida's Hydrogen Highway initiative with the production of our hydrogen-powered vehicles," Ford said. "When innovative technology is supported by forward-thinking leaders in government and private industry, great things begin to emerge."
Ford Motor Company is producing eight V-10, E-450 shuttle buses powered by hydrogen internal combustion engines for the state. In addition, Ford is partnering with BP to place a fleet of Ford Focus Fuel Cell Vehicles on Florida roads as part of a U.S. Department of Energy demonstration project. Ford is the only automaker actively developing four alternative-fuel technologies: gasoline-electric hybrids, clean diesels, hydrogen internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells.
In 2003, Governor Bush launched "H2 Florida," a statewide initiative to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen technologies. Florida became one of three national sites to demonstrate Ford's hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with fueling support by BP America. Bush is currently prosing a $15 million fiscal year 2005-2006 budget to support development of Florida's Hydrogen Highway and additional infrastructure advancement.
"Florida is spurring investment in the development and use of pollution-free hydrogen technology," said Governor Bush. "Taking this revolutionary energy technology from the lab to the road will provide the cornerstone for a healthier environment, greater energy security and a stronger economy for our state and the nation."
The Florida legislation has national significance as it will be a model for what states can do to provide incentives for hydrogen technology in contrast to regulatory mandates. The legislation includes: income tax and sales incentives for research and development, manufacturing and purchase/leasing of hydrogen fueled technologies; matching grants for demonstration projects; statewide uniform siting standard for hydrogen infrastructure; and financial incentives for utilities to demonstrate or purchase/lease hydrogen technology.
About Ford
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 318,000 employees worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo.
Its automotive-related services include Ford Credit, Quality Cars and Hertz.