Originally published February 26 2006
Ford unveils Escape Hybrid E85
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Ford's small sport utility is the first hybrid able to operate on blends of fuel containing up to 85 percent ethanol. General Motors has introduced its own sport utility hybrid, the Saturn Vue Green Line.
Ford, which launched a massive restructuring this week to reverse a financial crisis stemming from its market-share slide and other problems, unveiled the Escape Hybrid E85 at the Washington Auto Show.
The U.S. auto giant says the small sport-utility vehicle is the first hybrid capable of operating on blends of fuel containing up to 85 percent ethanol.
"This innovative research program could lead to breakthroughs to significantly reduce our nation's dependence on imported oil while also helping to address global climate change," Anne Stevens, Ford's chief operating officer for the Americas, said at a news conference.
American manufacturers have been late to the hybrid market as consumers have snapped up the more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly gas/electric models made by Asian manufacturers.
General Motors introduced its Saturn Vue Green Line sport-utility hybrid at the Washington auto show and launched an advertising campaign on Wednesday to trumpet nine E85 FlexFuel models, including full-size trucks, SUVs and mid-size passenger cars.
Ethanol has been around for years with modest U.S. consumer appeal, but also limited reach compared to gas-only vehicles.
The Bush administration prefers auto industry self-help and has embraced futuristic hydrogen fuel-cell technology.
The Energy Department announced on Tuesday that it will provide $100 million over four years for research projects to improve hydrogen fuel cells for running a fleet of environmentally friendly vehicles.
But U.S. vehicle makers would like tax breaks and other federally generated incentives to enhance research and update their production facilities to accommodate new designs, which they insist must appeal broadly to consumersclick me.
Auto companies also would like to see government facilitate a dramatic expansion of the infrastructure for producing alternative fuels and making them more accessible to consumers.
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