Greener Taxi - Ford's Transit Connect - CNG and Propane Versions

• Ford's new Transit Connect is the ideal taxi platform as it is both big enough to accommodate CNG or Propane fuel tanks and is available with CNG or Propane engine options that from Ford - maintaining the  manufacturers warranty.

" ... Ford also said it will introduce engine prep packages on all Transit Connect models ... allowing conversion to efficient, clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) or propane (LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas) ... are popular among taxi operators because of their low cost of ownership."

" ... meeting with taxi operators ... considerable interest for vehicles that run on alternative fuels ..."

"According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, CNG is less expensive and burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Propane also burns cleaner than gasoline."“ ... they provide an overall lower emission of greenhouse gases compared to gasoline. Additionally, operating on CNG or LPG provides the operators lower fuel/operating costs ..."


Via:  Ford LINK

Ford Flex to Contain Wheat Straw Reinvforced Plastic

The 2010 Ford Flex will have a straw reinforced plastic storage bin .... that will reduce the anmount of petroleum needed and the amount of CO2 emissions.


" ... announced that it will be using a wheat-straw-reinforced plastic in the interior storage bins of the 2010 Ford Flex. ... the change to a 20% wheat-straw plastic will reduce petroleum use by 20,000 pounds per year and CO2 emissions by 30,000 pounds per year. ... wheat straw itself is a byproduct of processing the grain."

" ... Ford says it will be using the biomaterial in other places and other vehicles in the future. ... in addition to Ford’s soy-based polyurethane seat cushions and headliners, seat fabrics made from post-industrial recycled yarn, and post-consumer recycled resins for underbody covers...."




Via: GoodGreenCars LINK

Ford "Start-Stop" Fuel Efficient Technology

Many years ago I recall VW offering "Start - Stop" engines in the US. Basically the engine turned off at stop lights and fired back up when the accelerator was pushed. Automatic "Start - Stop" systems eliminate wasteful idling at lights and other stops.

Ford is bring this technology to it's fleet over the next several years.

" ... start-stop systems ... shut down the engine to prevent idling ... in the US, only hybrids have that capability ... Barb Samardzich, VP of Global Powertrain engineering stated that over the next several years all Ford vehicles will get the auto-stop capability. Currently, only the Escape, Mariner, Fusion, and Milan hybrids have it here ..."


Via: autobloggreen LINK