Ford Vehicles Among the Greenest, Best in Class in 2005 Consumer Magazine

By: Cheryl Eberwein | Ford Communications Network

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the first SUV to be named to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's list of most environmentally responsible vehicles on the market.

DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 21, 2005 -- According to a recent ranking of 2005 model cars and trucks from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), Ford Motor Company offers a wide selection of vehicles that boast superior environmental performance and efficiency.

The ACEEE recently designated a group of Ford Motor Company vehicles as some of the most environmentally responsible on the market today in its annual Green BookŪ online consumer guide. Ford's Escape Hybrid SUV is the first gas-electric SUV to rank among the ACEEE's top 12 environmental vehicle choices.

In addition to the Escape Hybrid, the following Ford Motor Company vehicles were recognized for excellent fuel efficiency and low tailpipe emissions: Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Focus, Ford Focus Wagon, MAZDA3, Volvo V50, Volvo V70, Ford Five Hundred, Mercury Montego, Ford E-150 Econoline, Ford Ranger, Mazda B2300, Ford F-150, Mazda Tribute and Ford Freestyle.

ACEEE annually assigns a "green score" to a passenger car, truck and SUV based on tailpipe emissions, fuel consumption, vehicle weight and emission of greenhouse gases during vehicle production. The organization's Green Book is considered a preeminent environmental buying guide and identifies the overall top environmental choices as well as top choices by class.

"Ford has a lot to be proud of this year," said Therese Langer, ACEEE's Transportation Program Director. "Not only do the Escape Hybrid, Focus Sedan and Focus Wagon make this year's Greenest Vehicles list, but several Fords are best-in-class performers as well."