FORD BUILDS THE BRIDGE TO HYDROGEN

SHANGHAI, Oct. 14, 2004 -- Ford Motor Company has launched the production of a new Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV), the first in a fleet of high-tech Focus FCVs that will be deployed in the U.S., Germany and Canada. The Focus FCV is part of Ford's display at this year's Challenge Bibendum here.

"The Focus FCV is the most sophisticated environmental vehicle that Ford has ever developed," said Philip D. Chizek, marketing manager, Research and Advanced Engineering. "It is critical to our long-term strategy to move toward high-volume production of hydrogen-powered cars and trucks." As part of his presentation, Chizek showcased the new Ford Escape Hybrid, the Hydrogen Hybrid Research Vehicle, a technology that could be offered for sale today, and the Focus Fuel Cell Vehicle, one of the industry's first hybridized fuel cell vehicles combining the improved range and performance of hybrid technology with the overall benefits of a fuel cell.

The Focus FCV looks and drives like other Focus sedans on the road today but appearances can be deceiving. Under the hood is a sophisticated hybrid electric powertrain. Under the floor pan is a hydrogen fuel cell and auxiliary engine system that supplies electricity to the powertrain. In the truck is a hydrogen tank that carries the car's renewable fuel. The Focus FCV uses a fuel cell powertrain supplied by Ballard Power Systems, the world leader in proton exchange membrane fuel cell technology. The only by-products produced from this system are water vapor and heat.