

IAG Research honored Ford Motor Company with the award for “Most Effective Automotive Ad—Non Luxury” for the Ford Escape Hybrid 30 second-spot that debuted during the 2006 Super Bowl. The award was accepted at a ceremony during the New York Auto Show by Barry Redler, Ford SUV group marketing manager. “The Super Bowl spot established Ford’s efforts to highlight one of its most innovative products, the Escape Hybrid,” said Redler. The ad celebrated the environmental benefits of the Ford Escape Hybrid, still the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world.
The Escape Hybrid is just one of many Ford vehicles moving in a green direction, and people are noticing. With the launch of the 2008 Ford Taurus and Mercury Sable this summer, every sedan Ford and Mercury will sell in California, New York, Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts will be available with a “green” powertrain option.
The Ford Focus, Fusion I-4 and Taurus will be PZEVs, or partial zero emissions vehicles, as will the Mercury Milan I-4 and Mercury Sable. That makes their tailpipe emissions as clean—or cleaner—than many hybrids. The Ford Crown Victoria and the Mercury Grand Marquis, meanwhile, are E-85 capable in all 50 states.
The Lincoln MKR Concept vehicle’s engine is flex-fuel capable, which means the driver has the flexibility to use gasoline, E85, or a combination of the two fuels. At Ford, development of flexible fuel vehicles, and the corresponding development of a biofuel infrastructure, is viewed as an important step toward increased use of biofuels to provide energy security and environmental benefits.
As fuel prices go up and concerns about climate change escalate, alternative fuels and engine types are on the minds of drivers and designers alike.