Today’s announcement that Chrysler is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is important

Today’s announcement that Chrysler is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy is an important development during this unprecedented period for the auto industry and the global economy.

Our teams are monitoring the situation and have been working hard for months to ensure that the external environment and industry restructuring do not slow progress on our Ford transformation plan, which remains solid and unchanged.

Importantly, we share President Obama’s hope that Chrysler’s bankruptcy will be controlled and quick, while we continue planning for all contingencies as a prudent business measure. Our industry is highly interdependent, and the health of the supply base and dealer network is critical for all automakers. Ford appreciates that the U.S. Automotive Task Force is focused on the stability of the supply chain and is committed to ensuring that a healthy U.S. auto industry emerges from this difficult economic period

At this time, we do not expect any disruptions to our operations as a result of today’s news.

All of us at Ford remain absolutely committed to continuing to make progress on our transformation plan. Our greatest opportunity is to create ONE Ford, leveraging our global assets and delivering more high-quality, fuel efficient vehicles that customers want and value.

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2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Pushing Greener Standards

Scott Madaus
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid is on a journey on the east coast near Washington D.C.

Engineers and specially trained driving crews with the Ford Motor Company set a goal to reach 1000 miles on just 1 tank of gas with the Fusion Hybrid., and with 1/3 of a tank left they achieved their goal.

A Ford engineer says, "We actually, we doubled the range it should have actually received per the EPA and tank capacity."

According to Ford Motor Company not only was the goal achieved they set a world record driving 1,445 miles on just one tank.

According to Steve Nagel with Dobbs Ford in Memphis, the car the Ford teams used was a stock Fusion Hybrid just like the one sitting in his dealership.

Nagel says, "The car actually runs on batteries from 0 to 47 miles per hour it develops it charges the batteries thru kinetic energy in the brakes."

Drivers trained in mileage maximizing techniques averaged 81.5 miles per gallon on their calculated trip.

Nagel says, "And you have all the creature comforts all the upgrades extremely responsive handling its not a small car its a mid size car so it fits both sides."

While the car Nagel says is rated to get over 700-miles on one tank.

Ford says they achieved their extraordinary goal and then some by slowing down and maintaining even throttle pressure, gradually accelerating and smoothly braking.

Other "eco-driving" methods they used:

Maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and anticipating traffic conditions.
Coasting up to red lights and stop signs to avoid fuel waste and brake wear.
Minimizing use of heater and air conditioning to reduce the load on the engine.
Hitting the streets in a Ford Fusion Hybrid is a lesson in conservation. With it's special display gauges the car teaches you to drive more eco friendly, almost challenging you to make the most out of one tank of fuel.

Nagel says, "You can set it for whatever your competency level is and it will give you more techniques on how to get better fuel economy."

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