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Ford Natural Gas Vans Take on the Competition

13 May 1998

Ford Natural Gas Vans Take on the Competition; Wins SuperShuttle Phoenix Clean Vehicle Business

    PHOENIX, May 12 --  Ford Motor Company and
SuperShuttle Phoenix are teaming up to help "clear the air" in Arizona.
SuperShuttle Phoenix is adding 15 natural gas-powered Ford Econoline vans to
their fleet at the Phoenix International airport.
    "Our drivers tested the dedicated Ford vans against a competitor's natural
gas vehicles already in our fleet.  They chose the Econoline hands down,"
said Hugh Monthie, general manager of SuperShuttle Phoenix.  "Ford makes a
good, cleaner vehicle.  SuperShuttle is committed to the state's environmental
mandate and to doing what we think is right for the community."
    Ford began offering an eight-passenger dedicated natural gas Econoline van
last fall in response to customer demand from airline and other shuttle
fleets.  Phoenix International and other airports have signed up to begin
using the new vehicles immediately.
    "We're obviously delighted with SuperShuttle Phoenix's choice to move to
Ford dedicated natural gas vehicles," said Beryl Stajich, Ford's North
American Fleet brand manager.  "More and more people are realizing that
natural gas vehicles are not only a good environmental choice, but they make
good business sense as well."  Natural gas is less expensive than gasoline.
    SuperShuttle executives will visit Ford's Lorraine, Ohio plant to observe
their vehicles rolling off the assembly line.  "Ford's customer service has
been outstanding," said Monthie.  "We have special fuel tank requirements
because we need extra space for luggage storage.  Without the time and effort
Ford has put in, we probably would have gone to an aftermarket modifier."
    The Econoline already is the preferred vehicle of most airport and shuttle
operators.  "Offering a natural gas version of the passenger van is another
example of just how serious Ford is about developing a viable natural gas
vehicle market," said Beth Ardisana, Alternative Fuel Vehicle marketing
specialist.  "The shuttle van is one part of an overall strategy Ford launched
last year to develop and promote natural gas vehicles for airport use."
    Other vehicle uses include taxis and maintenance trucks.  In addition,
through its Power Products subsidiary, Ford offers a complete line of
alternative fuel engines for other airport applications such as tugs and
luggage handlers.
    Ford offers the broadest variety of NGVs of any automaker.  For 1998,
Ford's North American natural gas lineup includes six vehicle models --
dedicated F-Series pick-up trucks, Econoline vans, and Crown Victoria sedans
and bi-fuel F-Series and Contour sedans.  In addition to natural gas, Ford
offers alternative fuel vehicles that run on electricity, propane, ethanol, or
methanol.

SOURCE  Ford Motor Company