Just after Ford declared plans to invest £1bn on environmental technologies it received a severe blow to its green image today. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in its 2006 fuel economy ratings released today, ranks Ford Motor Company near the bottom in overall fuel efficiency among major automakers.
Ford’s fleet averaged 19.7 miles per gallon (mpg), the third time it has escaped by an inch the lowest slot in fuel efficiency ratings. Fortunately, the place was taken up by Daimler Chrysler, whose vehicles averaged 19.1 mpg.
The automaker has the Jumpstart Ford Campaign started by Rainforest Action Network, Global Exchange and the Ruckus Society targeting it. The drive urges Ford to reduce oil usage by lessening the out production of gas-guzzling internal combustion engines for gasoline-optional, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or GO hybrids.
Jennifer Krill, Zero Emissions Campaign Director for Rainforest Action Network is furious:
Mr. Ford is on our air waves right now fooling America by telling us that he is committed to breaking our dependence on oil while he breaks his promise to build more hybrids and his company produces one of the most oil-addicted fleets in America. Ford Motor Company is failing America on fuel efficiency when we need them to be leading.
Mike Hudema, Independence from Oil Director with Global Exchange says:
19.7 mpg on average is less efficient than the old Model T Ford. Since we launched the campaign in 2002, we have been waiting for Ford to end its string of broken promises. With this report, it looks like we will still be waiting.
Forbes Magazine reported last week on the world’s least environmentally sustainable cars and listed Ford for producing five of the list’s seven worst vehicles.
Via: The Auto Channel
