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Production Of Ford’s Flexible Fuel Capable F-150s Begins


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* The first flexible fuel capable Ford F-150 pickups are rolling off the line at Ford Motor Company’s Kansas City Assembly Plant.
* Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) have been a key part of Ford’s alternative fuel strategy. Long-term, ethanol is an important step toward development of more efficient, future renewable biofuels – lessening dependence on foreign oil, addressing customer concerns over high gas prices, as well as providing environmental benefits.
* Ford and VeraSun Energy Corporation announced a first-of-a-kind partnership to promote growth of an E85 infrastructure and increase consumer awareness in 2006.

Kansas City, MO., Dec.13, 2005 - As Ford continues to drive American innovation, a new version of America’s best-selling vehicle is rolling off the line at the Kansas City Assembly Plant. Production of the first Ford F-150 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) began this month, continuing the company’s commitment to producing 250,000 FFVs in the coming year.

The flexible fuel technology is being built into the 5.4L, V-8 engine model and is available to consumers at no additional cost. FFVs can operate on gasoline or ethanol blends up to E85 – a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.

“We’re pleased to begin production of F-150 FFVs. Flexible fuel vehicles give customers the option of fueling with gasoline or the ethanol,” said Ken Ward, Kansas City Plant manager. “Customers will find that the F-150 FFV offers the same functionality as the gasoline version F-150 – including horsepower and torque.”

Made in America, ethanol is a renewable fuel that supports U.S. jobs and reduces the nation’s dependency on foreign oil. It is produced primarily from corn grown in the Midwest and is generally less expensive than regular unleaded gasoline – saving consumers money at the pump.

With approximately five million FFVs on the road today, E85 has great potential as an alternative fuel. However, only about 500 of the more than 180,000 fuel stations in the U.S. currently offer E85. Ford is committed to growing the E85 infrastructure and has announced a partnership with VeraSun Energy Corporation, the nation’s second largest ethanol producer, which will increase the number of fueling stations offering E85, particularly in Midwest markets where ethanol availability is growing. A consumer awareness campaign to promote the benefits and use of E85 is also part of the initiative.

Ford F-150 FFVs will also be manufactured at the company’s Dearborn Truck and Norfolk Assembly plants. They will begin arriving in dealer showrooms after the first of the year. Ford also offers flexible fuel technology on Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car.

Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant opened in 1953. In addition to F-150 FFVs, the plant is responsible for the production of the Mazda Tribute, F-150 Regular Cab, Super Cab and Super Crew and gasoline and hybrid versions of Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With nearly 325,000 employees and 110 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Aston Martin, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln , Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Its automotive-related services include Ford Motor Credit Company and Hertz. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.



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