Ford goes green in report on emissions
Jeff Plungis / Detroit News Washington Bureaulater in the article...
WASHINGTON-- Ford Motor Co. released a report on global climate change Tuesday, the first time an automaker has formally addressed the business implications of greenhouse gas emissions.
Ford said the report was a response to concerns raised by a shareholder resolution in November 2004. Ford officials said the report would serve to start a dialogue about steps the auto industry and society as a whole could take to reduce emissions.
But critics said Ford was not making any meaningful commitments, especially on improving fuel economy.TRUCK OF THE YEAR: Ford improves iconic Explorer with better mileage, shiny grilleThe Sierra Club faulted Ford for adopting an image of corporate responsibility on global warming while suing to stop California's efforts to adopt state greenhouse-gas emissions regulations to address climate change.
"Ford can't have it both ways on global warming, claiming to be responsible while acting irresponsibly," said Dan Becker, director of the Sierra Club's global warming program. "Ford is a big part of the global warming problem, but they have failed to adopt more than token solutions."
The new Explorer's virtues are much more than skin deep.Okay, the Explorer is not a 2-seater getting 50 mpg and that irritates the Sierra Club. But it seems to me that reducing emissions by 74% for one engine and improving gas mileage 10% for another is not "irresponsible."
Fuel economy is up, emissions are down, and the interior is vastly better. It's always tricky replacing an icon, and Ford concentrated on improving the previous Explorer's weaknesses with the all-new 2006 model....
The new V8 engine, mated to a smooth six-speed automatic transmission, produces 53 more horsepower but 10% better fuel economy than the previous model. The base V6 engine's emissions are down an amazing 74% from the 2005 model and are certified to the same federal standard as Ford's gasoline-electric Escape hybrid SUV.