Ford has dramatically reduced the tailpipe emissions of our vehicles and continues to push for further improvements. Additionally, we are dedicated to developing alternatively fueled and advanced technology vehicles that produce significantly reduced, and in some cases, zero emissions.
- Ford has voluntarily certified all of our gasoline pickups, SUVs and the Windstar minivan as low-emission vehicles (LEVs), years ahead of regulation.
- Our LEV trucks are cleaner than many cars on the road today.
- Ford offers more alternative-fuel vehicles than any other major automobile manufacturer. They include models that operate on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethanol, and electricity. We are also focusing on a variety of advanced technologies, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and fuel cell vehicles, to significantly reduce emissions while not compromising utility.
- We are launching our hybrid Escape in 2003, which draws heavily from our experience with battery electric vehicles in areas such as regenerative braking, battery management and drive train technology.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s federal Tier2 and California's LEVII emissions regulations significantly reduce the level of exhaust emissions that vehicles are allowed to emit. The standards limit the levels of several pollutants, but focus on Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) and Hydrocarbons (HC), which are believed to have the greatest impact on improving air quality. Both of these programs begin phasing-in during the 2004 model year.
- The EPA's NOx-focused Tier2 program was finalized in December 1999, and contains significantly lower emissions standards. It also requires that passenger-carrying trucks meet the same low emissions levels as cars.
- California LEV2 emissions were finalized in November 1998 and also require that trucks and cars meet the same low standards. California's program, however, is more focused on reducing hydrocarbons.
- Because the EPA's program provides greater NOx benefits-a key focus of a state's air quality requirements, we believe states should continue with the federal program vs. adopting LEVII. In addition, the federal program allows for more flexibility in regards to fuel advancements, such as improved diesel technology.
Mr. Weijian Han
Manager, Research and Technology Programs, Ford Asia Pacific
427-A1, WHQ, 1 American Road, Dearborn, Michigan 48126, USA
Tel/Fax: 1 313 594 9902
Email: whan1@ford.com
Web: http://www.ford.com
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