Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 Will Attempt To Break World Land Speed Record

This August FoMoCo will take its Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car to the Bonneville Salt Flats in an attempt to set the world land speed record for a production-based hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicle. The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 was designed by Ford engineers and built by Roush while Ohio State students provided the design of the 770 Hp strong electric motor with Ballard supplying the hydrogen fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, will pilot the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 car on its record attempt.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 is one of two vehicles Ford's fuel cell research team is helping prepare to set world land speed records as the researchers also are working with Ohio State University student engineers on the Buckeye Bullet 2, a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a similar world record in the unlimited class category. The land speed record attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week from Aug. 10-17. -Full press release after the jump

FORD FUSION HYDROGEN 999 RACER TO ATTEMPT SPEED RECORD FOR FUEL CELL-POWERED VEHICLE

• Ford to attempt land speed record for production-based fuel cell powered vehicle at Bonneville with the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999.
• Ford, Ohio State University, Ballard and Roush are collaborating to build and engineer the hydrogen fuel cell electric powertrains.
• Ohio State University will attempt to set the land speed record for unlimited class fuel cell powered vehicle with the Buckeye Bullet 2.

DEARBORN, Mich., July 10 – Ford Motor Company will take its 10 years of hydrogen research expertise to the Bonneville Salt Flats in August in an attempt to set the world land speed record in a hydrogen fuel cell powered Ford Fusion.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 fuel cell car – a collaboratively engineered racer with Ballard, Roush and Ohio State University – is one of two vehicles Ford’s fuel cell research team is helping prepare to set world land speed records. Ford researchers also are working with Ohio State University student engineers on its Buckeye Bullet 2, a fuel cell-powered racer that will compete for a similar world record in the unlimited class category.

“Racing is part of Ford Motor Company’s DNA so it seemed only natural for us to build a fuel cell race car that runs on hydrogen, a fuel that could someday play a key role in meeting the energy needs of the transportation sector,” said Gerhard Schmidt, vice president, Research & Advanced Engineering for Ford Motor Company. “Our goal in attempting this record is to further expand our technological horizons with fuel cell powered vehicles. The collaboration with Ohio State University also affords us an opportunity to work closely with a prestigious university, which provides out-of-the-box thinking from student engineers and helps us recruit talented young people to work at Ford Motor Company.”

The land speed record attempt will take place during Bonneville Speed Week from Aug. 10-17. The attempt will be sanctioned by the Southern California Timing Association®.

The Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 land speed record vehicle was designed by Ford engineers and fabricated and built by Roush in Allen Park, Michigan. Ohio State students are providing the design of the 770 hp electric motor, while Ballard is supplying the hydrogen fuel cells. Ford retiree Rick Byrnes, a veteran Bonneville racer, will pilot the Ford Fusion Hydrogen 999 car on its record attempt.

Ohio State students have designed their unlimited class vehicle, dubbed Buckeye Bullet 2, from the ground up. Ballard donated the hydrogen fuel cells for Ohio State’s car, Roush its engineering services and Ford has provided overall project coordination and expertise in fuel cell drivetrains.

In 2004, Ohio State students set the unlimited land speed record for an electric vehicle by running 315 mph in the first Buckeye Bullet, dubbed BB1.

Hydrogen Part of a Broader Effort

Ford’s strategy for alternative fuels is built around multiple technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells. This flexible approach allows the company to meet goals for customer needs, environmental impact and shareholder interests. The strategy does not focus on one catch-all solution but includes a flexible array of options, including hybrids, E85 ethanol, clean diesels, bio-diesels, advanced engine and transmission technologies and hydrogen fuel cells.

The company already has a fleet of 30 hydrogen powered Focus fuel cell vehicles on the road as part of a worldwide, seven-city program to conduct real world testing of fuel cell technology. The 30-car fleet has accumulated more than 540,000 miles since its inception in 2005.

Ford also is conducting tests with the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the Ford Edge with HySeries Drive. The Ford Edge with HySeries Drive uses a series electric drivetrain with an onboard hydrogen fuel cell generator to give the vehicle a range of 225 miles with zero emissions.

Currently, Ford offers gasoline-electric hybrids including the Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid. The company will also offer hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan in 2008.

Ford Fiesta ST On Two Wheels!

The Ford Fiesta ST is one of the most poised and enjoyable mini GTi's in Europe. That is when it’s on its four wheels but what happens when someone decides just for kicks to try out the mini ST’s capabilities out on two-wheels? Follow the jump to find out.

2008 Ford Focus Facelift - Will It Be This Dramatic?

See the above CGI, well according to Autoexpress this is how the facelifted Focus will look like when it’s presented later on the year. While we’ll validate the fact that Ford will unveil a revised version of the Focus at the Frankfurt Show –not possibly as Autoexpress notes but definitely as our Ford source told us, we seriously doubt that the car is set for such a dramatic mid-life makeover.

Despite its relatively lacklustre looks, the Focus is selling like hotcakes in Europe. According to JD Power (see chart after the jump), Ford’s C-Segment hatch has found nearly 192.000 new owners in the first five months of 2007, placing it in the second place overall. Also, don’t forget that the third-generation is just two to three years away. What’s the point in proceeding to such a costly makeover if you’re only going to keep it in production for half-a-cycle? Maybe a few changes here and there along with a new set of engines, but nothing more in our humble opinion.

Pic via: Autoexpress , Sales Chart: JD Power

Shelby’s 725Hp GT500 Super-Snake Images Slither Into The Net

If any of you happen to attend the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet in Tulsa this weekend, take a good look at these photos because this is what Ford has in store for you: the 2008 Shelby GT500 Super-Snake. While we were kind of chilled out when we learned that the Super-Snake package which will boost your GT500’s output to either 600 or 725Hp will also inflate your bank account by $28.000 / €20.700 (excluding the cost of buying a GT500) we have to admit that it looks scorching hot. -Click “Read More…” below for more photos

Via: Jalopnik , Source: MustangEvolution

Fifth Gear Test The 2008 Ford Mondeo

The folks over at Fifth Gear took the all-new Ford Mondeo for a spin and they absolutely loved it. Having driven the 2008 Mondeo ourselves, can’t say that we blame them. Ford managed to create a mid-size sedan with a premium feel and a sub-premium price tag. However, we would like to state that, we aren’t so enthusiastic with the third-generation Mondeo’s exterior looks. Don’t get us wrong, it’s a billion times better looking than its predecessor, but having seen the stunning IOSIS concept, we were expecting something with a bit more character. But as an associate of mine says, when it comes to design, opinions are like aooooles; everybody has one…

2008 Ford Shelby GT Coupe & Convertible - Official

Another day, another version; a cliché phrase that fits Mustangs like a glove. Today we have the 2008 Shelby GT that succeeds the 2007 Shelby GT (retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe). Unlike the ‘07 GT that was offered exclusively with a coupe body, the 2008 model will also be available as a convertible. Apart from that, the only other significant difference has to do with the exterior paint job. While the ’07 GTs were offered in Performance White or Black the ‘08 versions will be available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes.

There are no changes under the hood as the ’08 GT continues using the tweaked 319Hp 4.6 V8. Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built -a number significantly lower than the 6.000 units of the ’07 model, with sales staring this August. Prices will be announced at a later date. -Click “Read More…” for the press release and the image gallery

Via: Motorpasion , Source Ford

FORD SHELBY GT DROPS ITS TOP FOR 2008 MODEL YEAR

• New convertible version of the Ford Shelby GT available beginning this summer
• New signature Vista Blue exterior with Shelby GT Silver stripes
• Production of 2008 Shelby GT aimed at 2,300 to assure exclusivity for collectors
• Ford Mustang is America’s top-selling convertible

DEARBORN, Mich., June 13, 2007 – The magic duo of Ford Mustang and Carroll Shelby bring open-air excitement to the road for the 2008 model year as the Ford Shelby GT returns with a new convertible body style and a new standard color combination. Like all Shelby Mustang models, production will be limited to assure exclusivity for collectors. The 2008 Shelby GT will be available in coupe and convertible from select Ford dealers beginning in August 2007.

The 2008 Ford Shelby GT convertible will be formally introduced to Shelby and Ford enthusiasts at the Mid-America Ford Performance and Shelby Meet, which opens today in Tulsa, Okla.

“The Shelby GT was engineered for people that put performance first,” said Carroll Shelby. “Working with Ford Racing, we created this Shelby to be an everyday driver that’s tuned for fun at the track. Those who value a well-balanced package will appreciate it. Those who don’t will be left behind staring at its tailpipes.”

In 2007, Ford Division, Carroll Shelby and Ford Racing joined forces to create a retail version of The Hertz Corporation Shelby GT-H coupe called the Shelby GT. Fewer than 6,000 total 2007 Shelby GTs were built and were only available in Performance White or Black.

For 2008, the highly-coveted Shelby GT is available in a new paint combination of Vista Blue with Silver stripes and the choice of two body styles, coupe or convertible.

“The Mustang convertible is the number one selling convertible in the U.S.,” states Robert Parker, Ford Division Car Marketing Manager. “Since t he Mustang program never stands still, we wanted to continue offering consumers what they want, and they told us it was a Ford Mustang Shelby GT convertible. ”

Shelby GT models begin life as a specially-equipped Mustang GT assembled at the AutoAlliance International assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The cars are then shipped to the Shelby Automobiles facility in Las Vegas for transformation before delivery to Ford dealerships nationwide.

“The birth of the Ford Shelby GT was so well received last year, especially by young enthusiasts, that we brought the car back for the 2008 model year,” said Amy Boylan, President of Shelby Automobiles. “The enormous response to the Shelby GT-H convertible convinced us to offer a drop top Shelby GT. And we had so many requests for blue that we decided to make it our signature color in 2008.”

Every Shelby GT is built to perform and is the result of extensive development. Aerodynamics were key to sculpting t he powerful, unique front fascia with aggressive lower air dam. The hood scoop comes directly from the famed Shelby Cobra roadster while unique side scoops are positioned just before the rear wheel arches. The rear fascia frames dual exhaust tips and a Shelby badge is on the trunk lid.

“The partnership between Ford Racing and Shelby demonstrates our ability to work together to deliver some of the most exciting Mustang’s ever built,” said Jamie Allison, manager of the Ford Racing Performance Group. “Ford Racing has a full line of performance parts for Mustang enthusiasts. The Shelby GT convertible is another example of how working together, Shelby and Ford Racing are developing, producing and delivering niche performance Mustangs directly to the customer.”

Under the hood, the engine is upgraded with a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Package to increase output of the 4.6-liter V-8 to 319 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque. A high-flow exhaust system with X-pipe crossover offers better power delivery and a throaty V-8 exhaust note. Shelby GT comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission featuring a Hurst short-throw shifter for precise shift action. A five-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The balanced package includes a Ford Racing Handling Pack with special-tuned dampers, unique sway bars and a 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly for improved off-the-line acceleration. The overall ride height was dropped to reduce body roll while a front strut-tower brace adds additional strength to the chassis structure.

The 2008 models will sport 18-inch polished wheels with high-performance P235/50ZR18 BF Goodrich gForce tires to maximize the upgrades. Like all Mustang convertibles, each drop top will have supplemental bracing to give the car additional stiffness and the Shelby team will add a stylish light bar.

“The Shelby GT is for drivers,” says Boylan. “We enhanced the motor, the chassis and other bits to make it a fun, balanced car that is equally at home on the street or track. It’s easy to drive, very fast and offers great value for the price.”

Approximately 2,300 2008 Shelby GT coupes and convertibles will be built, available with manual or automatic transmission. Each car will feature an authentication plate on the center dashboard, as well as a matching tag under the hood for documentation in a forthcoming registry. Shelby Automobiles production is scheduled to begin in August 2007.

For(d) Sale: Land Rover & Jaguar

A couple of days ago we learned about the secret talks between Ford and Fiat for the possible sale of Jaguar and Land Rover that were called off after several months of negotiations. While Ford denied commenting on the talks, the US automaker did confirmed recent reports that have been spreading like a wildfire on the internet that it’s discussing the sale of its Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

Yesterday (Tuesday June 12, 2007) Ford’s spokesperson, John Gardiner, told the Free Press that the US carmaker has been reviewing the operations of both British luxury brands for a year. “Ford Motor Co. has been assessing a number of strategic options for all of our operations. That review is continuing and Ford is actively investigating its options. We’re not ruling anything in or anything out and we are working with our financial advisers to determine the best future for Jaguar and Land Rover.”

Bloomberg among others is reporting that Ford has gone one-step further by hiring Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Morgan Stanley to arrange the sale of European-based Jaguar, Land Rover and Volvo luxury brands. Practically we’re talking about the end of Ford’s PAG (Premium Automotive Group) that started with the sale of Aston Martin back in March to a British-led group of investors for the equivalent of about $924 million. Funny thing is that with the exclusion of Jaguar that’s been economically bleeding Ford for the past 17 years, Volvo, Land Rover and Aston Martin are all profitable. But who’d buy Jaguar by itself?

Via: Freep & Bloomberg

Fiat Considered buying Jaguar and Land Rover!

Now we’ve heard them all; if BMW’s alleged interest in Volvo raised an eyebrow or two what would you say if we Fiat Group was dead serious in buying Land Rover and Jaguar from Ford Motor Company? Citing sources familiar with the matter, Automotive News is reporting that Ford's talks with Fiat started in February and ended in late May. They involved Fiat group CEO Sergio Marchionne and Ford of Europe boss Lewis Booth, who also heads Premier Automotive Group. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below

While neither company confirmed the talks Ford spokesman John Gardiner told AN, "Ford Motor Company is continuing to assess a number of strategic options for all of its operations. We're not specifying what they are and what we're evaluating." In other words, you got the dough; we’ve got the will to sell.

Wondering why the hell would Fiat risk buying a sinking ship -aka, Jaguar, and the so and so Land Rover -especially since the Italian carmaker is just recovering? Well, while Fiat must have only been interested in Land Rover, Ford seriously want’s to get rid of Jaguar since its been loosing $500 million to $1 billion a year since 2001, and the only way to achieve that is to sell Jaguar with the more prosperous Land Rover. Back to Fiat, the Italians seem to have wanted Land Rover mainly for two reasons: increased global SUV/Crossover sales and Land Rover's U.S. dealership network that would seriously help Alfa Romeo’s US relaunch in 2009. "Land Rover is a brand many carmakers would love to add to their portfolios - particularly Fiat group, whose five brands are still almost nonexistent in the growing global SUV market," a Turin source said to AN.

So what happened in the end and Fiat bailed out of the talks? According to AN sources, the Italian carmaker halted discussions with Ford because of concern over the potential adverse effect of the acquisition on the Italian carmaker's credit rating.

Source: Automotive News

Technorati: Fiat, Jaguar, Ford, Land+Rover, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

Ford Focus WRC-S: Special Version Limited To 666 Units

We know what your thinking, and the answer is no, we haven’t a devils clue to as why Ford decided limit production to exactly 666 units. What we do know though is that the special edition WRC-S was unveiled by Ford’s WRC driver, Marcus Gronholm, at the Barcelona Motor Show (June 6-19) and it’ll be available (for the time being) solely to the Spanish market. Based on the 3door, 136Hp Focus 2.0 TDCi, the diesel powered sport hatch is equipped with the same bodykit as the 225Hp Focus 2.5T ST along with 18-inch rims. The only difference is that it also receives eye popping WRC decoration stickers on both sides along with the production number.

Inside, the WRC-S gets a set of new sporty black colored seats with white lineation and matching floor mats, aluminium pedals and, well that’s about it. No 3-spoke steering wheel by the way. The Focus WRC-S has a base price of €21.595 ($29.000) in Spain, which means it’s €1.430 ($1.925) more expensive than your next-door neighbor’s Focus 2.0 TDCi. -Click “Read More…” below for more pictures

Technorati: Ford, Ford+Focus+WRC-S, cars, autos, vehicles

2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake – Details Released

Another day, another iteration of the Mustang. This time it’s Shelby who has released the first official details on the GT500 Super Snake. Based on the Shelby GT500 the Super Snake package adds a heap of stuff on the Stang including a Shelby Supercharger that pushes the 5.4L V8’s output from the stock 500Hp to 600Hp, 6-piston caliper brakes, a Shleby short throw shifter, Eibach coil over suspension, a Super Snake Hood and Carbonfiber mirror covers and rocker panels.

As you’d expect, nothing comes for free. Once you buy a stock Shelby GT500 ($40.930 /€30.300 if the dealer sticks with the official price-list…) you’ll need to extract another $28.000 / €20.700 off your bank account for the Super Snake package. That’s a total of $68.930 / €51.000 in the best case scenario that you pay $40.930 for the GT500. Mmm, think we’ll pass on this one. -Click “Read More…” below for the Super Snake Package details

Via: Autoblog.com

2008 Shelby GT500 Super Snake Package Parts

Performance
Shelby Supercharger Upgrade 600- 725+
Cold Air intake
Shelby/Baer 6 piston caliper bake system
Shelby short throw shifter
Shelby/Eibach coil over suspension
Shelby/Eibach sway bars
Borla cat-back exhaust system

Exterior

• Shelby Super Snake Hood
• Carbon fiber front fascia splitter
• Carbon fiber mirror covers
• Carbon fiber rocker panels
• Shelby deck lid letter kit
• Super Snake badging on front grille and front fenders
• Sequential tail lights
• Super Snake striping
• Front brake duct kit
• Rear brake duct kit

Interior

• CSM consecutively numbered dash plaque
• CSM consecutively numbered plaque in engine compartment
• Super Snake door sill plates with CSM number
• Light bar with solenoid activated brake light (Convertible)
• Shelby floor mats
• Aesthetic engine kit with billet fluid caps and dip stick handle
• Center gauge cluster with Autometer Carroll Shelby Signature Carbon Fiber faced gauges (boost,fuel pressure,oil pressure)
• Aluminum Shelby map light accent
• Satin door lock knobs

Tires and Wheels

• 20″ Shelby Alcoa wheels (bright silver finish 20X9 front 20X10 rear)
• Pirelli P-Zero Nero 255/35ZR20 front 275/35ZR20 rear

Technorati: Ford, Shelby, Shelby+GT500+Super+Snake, Ford+Mustang, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Ford Focus Coupe 2009

Here’s an interesting proposition for the next generation Ford Focus; a coupe look for the 3door version. But wait, hasn’t Ford already done this? Well, maybe in the US with the redesigned 2008 US Focus, but not in Europe. US Focus similarities aside, we kinda dig Infomotori’s idea (but not the execution), for a coupe-like replacement for the third generation Focus 3d hatch. Although Infomotori suggests that the new Focus is due for a 2008 presentation, we doubt that Ford will change a model four years after its initial debut (2004 Paris Show). Keep in mind that the previous Focus stayed in production for 6 years, so a 2009/2010 date sounds more reasonable to us. Via: Infomotori

Technorati: Ford, Ford+Focus, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Ford X-MAX -or- How Ford’s Getting Ready To Mess Up Its Iosis-X Concept

Wow, check out that cool concept”. How many times have you said those words? Obviously as many times as, “how did the hell did they manage to …uck it up”, once you saw the production version. And from the looks of things, that’s going to be the case with the production version of Ford’s 2006 Paris Show study, the Iosis-X that’ll aim at rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Before you say that’s just a rendering from Autoexpress (left pic)), check out the camouflaged image of Ford’s upcoming compact crossover caught by Autozeitung (right pic). Compare the CGI with the actual spy pic and you’ll discover that Autoexpress folks did an impressively accurate job. Compare both with the Iosis-X concept and you’ll see a lost chance from Ford’s behalf. -Continued: Click "Read More..." below

Key phrase here is “retaining the Iosis-X’s design cues”. Remember that cause you’re definitely going be hearing a lot of it when the X-MAX or whatever its name’s is, goes on sale in 2008. Letdown aesthetics aside, the X-MAX (well call it X-MAX for the sake of the conversation) will be loosely based on the Ford Focus/ Volvo S40-V50/ Mazda3 platform and it will be most probably be offered in 2WD and 4WD versions. The latter will use Volvo’s simpler 4wheel-drive system rather than the complex 4WD system from the more expensive Freelander 2. While Autoexpress claims that it’ll be fitted with the same engine range as the current Focus, inside tipsters have told us it’ll feature a new array of motors that’ll also equip the facelifted Focus (premier in Frankfurt this September).

Pics Via: Autoexpress & Autozeitung

Technorati: Ford+X-MAX, Ford+Iosis-X, Ford, SUV, Carscoop, blogs, automotive, vehicles

Ford Denies Talks With BMW Aiming At Volvo Sale

"Ford Motor Company is not in discussions with BMW or any other company regarding an interest in the Volvo Car Corporation. We have seen this kind of speculation for the past year, as Ford Motor Company has been assessing our operations and portfolio -- as any good business does and we will continue to do."

A Ford spokesman issued this denial statement following several media reports that BMW was in talks with FoMoCo aiming at a sale of Volvo. The rumors started out from an article posted on Autocar magazine a few weeks ago and climaxed last week with reports from Swedish newspaper Goteborgs Posten and the Financial Times.

Theoretically and according to Merrill Lynch analyst John Murphy, Ford could raise around $8 billion for Volvo which is FoMoCo’s strongest asset in the PAG Group after the sale of Aston Martin for $925 million back in March, 2007. Comparatively, Murphy estimated that a combined sale of both could bring back to Ford around $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion. So, is it a case of “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” or simply a case of creative imagination on the behalf of journos? Guess we wont find out... Via: Reuters

Technorati: Ford, BMW, Volvo, cars, Carscoop, cars, autos, vehicles

2007 Australian Annual Cost Of Vehicle Ownership Survey

An Australian survey concerning vehicle ownership cost? As strange as it may seem, not only do we like knowing that Lexus is Japanese and Land Rover is British (…), but we also find interesting totally useless stuff like how many bucks will an Aussie block pay to own his 6cylinder Commodore or Falcon. For the record, your average Mike will pay 233.40 & 229.13 AUD par week respectively that translates to €142.1 & 139.5 and $191.2 & 187.7 again, respectively.

The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria’s (RACV) conducted this particular survey and the calculations include the cost of financing the vehicle, depreciation (hence the high numbers we mentioned above), as well as operating costs including scheduled services, registration, insurance, fuel, tyres, etc. We don’t know why, but the Aussies only included Australian and Japanese carmakers along with a couple of Kia’s and Hyundai’s. Follow the jump (click "Read More...") to check out analytical ownership costs per vehicle category.

Key to the tables

Standing costs include those incurred on a periodical basis, such as depreciation in the value of the vehicle, interest on the loan, registration, driver’s license and RACV roadside assistance membership.

Running costs include those that result primarily from usage of the vehicle, such as fuel, tyre replacement, service and repairs.

Total Costs combine both Standing and Running costs. They are calculated as an average, based on costs incurred over the first five years of ownership and 15,000 km annual travel distance.

Via: RACV

Ford’s Hydrogen Powered E-450 Shuttle Buses Arrive In Orlando

Next time you’re in Orlando keep an eye open for these funky blue shuttle buses as FoMoCo and the State of Florida announced today, May 23, that they’re putting together a fleet of eight hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses, four of which will be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA) and the Orlando Convention Central District.

The Ford E-450 shuttle bus is powered by a 6.8-liter V-10 engine that has been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. The first batch of Ford’s hydrogen powered buses had been delivered to Canada in late 2006 (three in Ottawa and two in Vancouver). In all, Ford will deliver 30 buses to customers across North America by the end of 2007. -More pics and the press release after the jump

FORD DELIVERS FIRST ULTRA CLEAN HYDROGEN POWERED BUSES TO U.S. CUSTOMERS

• Ford is the world’s first automaker to deliver commercial vehicles, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.
• The buses will be used as passenger shuttles at the Greater Orlando Airport Authority in Florida, as well as at the Orlando Convention Central District.
• Ford is the only automaker with gasoline hybrid-electric vehicles, hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles, clean diesel, ethanol and hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles on the road today.

ORLANDO, Fla. May 23, 2007 - Ford Motor Company and the State of Florida today announced that they are putting a fleet of hydrogen-fueled Ford E-450 buses on the road in Orlando, the first U.S. city to take delivery of these ultra clean vehicles.

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist marked the occasion at a Chevron Hydrogen station that will provide fuel for eight buses, powered by internal combustion engines that are fueled exclusively with hydrogen.

“These buses represent part of Ford Motor Company's strategy to deliver transportation solutions that emit less CO2 and reduce our dependence on oil,” said Sue Cischke, Ford senior vice president. Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering. “We are pleased to partner with the State of Florida, Progress Energy and Chevron Hydrogen to place these buses into service so that Central Florida residents will be able to experience this unique form of clean transportation.”

“Today’s event demonstrates the incredible level of support hydrogen technology is receiving from our nation’s distinguished business leaders,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “ Florida is excited to be a part of these revolutionary advancements and we are embracing the challenges that lie ahead. We are committed as state to be a leader in both the policies and projects that protect our economy and our environment.”

Power for the Ford E-450 shuttle buses is provided by a 6.8-liter V-10 engine that has been supercharged and modified to run exclusively on hydrogen fuel. Of these eight vehicles – the first to be operated in the United States – two will be used by the Greater Orlando Airport Authority (GOAA), and two by the Orlando Convention Central District. The remaining four will be delivered to customers in Florida at a later date. Ford delivered five buses to Canada, three in Ottawa and two in Vancouver in late 2006. In all, Ford will deliver 30 buses to customers across North America by year’s end.

The Ford E-450 shuttle buses in Florida are part of the state’s broader plan to move toward a greater use of alternative fuels. Last year, Ford delivered five hybrid hydrogen Ford Focus Fuel Cell vehicles as part of separate effort with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Progress Energy to gain feedback on hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Technology

Ford Motor Company believes hydrogen internal combustion engine technology can serve as a bridge to enabling hydrogen to become a viable alternative fuel. Hydrogen fueled internal combustion engines have many advantages, including high efficiency, all-weather capability, and near zero emissions of regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases (CO 2). They also can be hybridized for further gains in fuel efficiency.

While these hydrogen internal combustion engine shuttle buses will provide valuable real-world experience, Ford also is conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection to enhance power and fuel economy.